Key documents 2016 - 2025

• GEO Strategic Plan 2016-2025 Implementing GEOSS
• GEO Strategic Plan 2016-2025 Implementing GEOSS: Reference Document
• Engagement Strategy
• Rules of Procedure

Archived reference documents 2005-2015

• GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan
• GEOSS 10-Year Plan Reference Document
• GEO Work plan 2012 2015
• GEOSS Strategic Targets

see also GEOSS Information page

Publications

Stocktaking Overview of the Global Agricultural Monitoring initiative (2018)

This publication presents the progress made by the Global Agricultural Monitoring Initiative (GEOGLAM) since its 2011 inception until February 2018.

A GEO Flagship Initiative, GEOGLAM increases market transparency and improve food security by producing and disseminating relevant, timely, and actionable information on agricultural conditions and outlooks on production at national, regional, and global scales.

Download this publication here

GEO Highlights 2016-2017: Insight for a Changing World

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is a truly unique partnership of national governments and international organizations aimed at ensuring that the information about our planet necessary to address global challenges is available to all. With over 100 government Members plus the European Commission, and over 100 Participating Organizations, GEO is a confirmation of the willingness to share Earth observation data for the benefit of humankind.

Download the report here

2017 AfriGEOSS brochure

AfriGEOSS is helping identify user needs, tools using Earth observations as well as increasing capacity and supporting data infrastructures, for a healthy environment for all. AfriGEOSS is strengthening the African Space Policy and Strategy to advance the uptake and use of Earth observations for decision-making in Africa through the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) to ensure we deliver the information required to support policy and effective decision making.

Download the brochure here

Earth observations and geospatial information: supporting official statistics in monitoring and achieving the 2030 agenda (April 2017)

The Global Indicator Framework captures the interlinked, multifaceted and ambitious aspirations for the continued development of nations and societies. Effective reporting of progress toward these Indicators requires the use of multiple types of data, what we have in hand - traditional national accounts, household surveys and routine administrative data – as well as new sources of data, namely Earth observations, geospatial information, citizen science, and Big Data.

Read details in this four pager flyer.

EO Supports Sustainable Development (March 2017)

GEO convenes effective partnerships for societal benefit through use of free and open Earth observation (EO) data. The GEO Initiative ‘Earth Observations in Service of the 2030 Agenda’, together with the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) have issued a new report to highlight case studies of how EO responds to sustainable development, whether for health, disaster risk reduction or environmental protection.

Read related article here

GEO 4 page flyer (February 2017)

No one country has the resources needed to collect the Earth observations data required for addressing the major global environmental issues of today. A global system of systems approach leverages the existing infrastructures used for Earth observations. This approach both fosters the continuity of observations and improves access to data, information, and services.

GEO is an Intergovernmental Organization working to improve the availability, access and use of Earth observations. Our vision for the future is a world where decisions and actions are enhanced by coordinated, comprehensive and sustained Earth observations and information, for the benefit of society.

The Value of Open Data Sharing (November 2015)

The Members and Participating Organizations of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) make their Earth observation and environmental data available through the GEO Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS) portal. The preferred approach of the organization is to provide open access and unrestricted use to those data through the GEOSS Data-CORE (Collection of Open Resources for Everyone). This approach has not been adopted by all the GEO participants, despite the call for even greater openness that is promoted by the revised GEO Data Sharing Principles for next decade.

The report was produced by CODATA specifically at the request of the GEO Secretariat in order to summarise arguments in favour of broad and open data sharing.

Ad Hoc GEO documents

News Items

2014 Geneva Summit documents (17 January 2014)

• Geneva Declaration (as adopted 17 January 2014)
• Report on Progress

Statements

2010 Beijing Summit documents (5 November 2010)

• Beijing Declaration (as adopted 5 November 2010)
• Report on Progress

Statements

2007 Cape Town Summit documents (30 November 2007)

• Cape Town Declaration (as adopted 30 November 2007)
• Report on Progress
• Annex of Early Achievements to the Report on Progress

Statements

EOS Summits documents

Videos

GEO Branding

Download here the GEO Branding Guidelines and GEO background language.

Below you can find GEO branding elements for download. Right click the format of your choice and choose "save as"

GEO logo

high resolution download

low resolution download

high resolution download

low resolution download

GEOSS logo

high resolution download

low resolution download

high resolution download

low resolution download

World with SBA icons

low resolution download

GEOSS climate graphic

high resolution download

low resolution download

GEO Background Language

GEO is a partnership of governments and organizations that envisions “a future wherein decisions and actions for the benefit of humankind are informed by coordinated, comprehensive and sustained Earth observations”. GEO membership includes 104 Member governments and 109 Participating Organizations comprised of international bodies with a mandate in, and/or use of Earth observations. Together, the GEO community is creating a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) that will link Earth observation resources world-wide across multiple Societal Benefit Areas - Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sustainability; Disaster Resilience; Energy and Mineral Resources Management; Food Security; Infrastructure & Transportation Management; Public Health Surveillance; Sustainable Urban Development; and Water Resources Management - and make those resources available for informed decision-making.

Below are links to several documents and resources that provide a brief overview of GEO and its activities. As GEO begins its second decade we are looking to deepen our engagement with decision makers in the government, science/research and private sectors, explore the potential value of Earth observations to these sectors, and identify existing gaps in important Earth observation data and information.

GEO Homepage - provides access to detailed information about GEO's eight Societal Benefit Areas and the GEOSS Portal (access to 400-million plus resources provided by GEO's partners).

GEO Strategic Plan 2016-2025: Implementing GEOSS - adopted by the GEO-XII Plenary and Ministerial in Mexico City in November 2015, this document articulates GEO's vision and objectives for its second decade. Other key documents can be found here.

How to Participate in GEO

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is a voluntary organization and depends on the interest and energy of the international Earth observations and geospatial communities to reach its goals. There are many ways in which nations, organizations and individuals can contribute to the success of GEO and the establishment and implementation of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS):

Become a GEO Member

Membership in GEO is open to all member States of the United Nations and to the European Commission. Membership in GEO is contingent upon formal endorsement of the GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan. All members belong to a regional caucus.

The regional caucuses nominate members of the Executive Committee. Many of the caucuses also hold regional consultations or organize symposia and other events focused on the regional implementation of GEOSS. The five regional caucuses and their members are listed here. Membership in GEO does not require compulsory annual dues. Members are encouraged to contribute financial resources, to the greatest extent possible, in addition to the human, intellectual and programmatic resources needed to fully implement GEOSS.

To become a Member of GEO, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org

Become a Participating Organization (PO)

GEO's Member governments welcome the engagement of Participating Organizations (PO). The participation of intergovernmental, international, and regional organizations with a mandate in Earth observation or related activities is essential to the success of GEO and GEOSS. Participation in GEO is contingent upon formal endorsement of the GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan and approval by GEO Members meeting in Plenary.

Currently, there are 77 Participating Organizations in GEO, which are listed here.

For more information about becoming a Participating Organization, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

Become/Provide a Secondee to the GEO Secretariat

Members and Participating Organizations are asked to consider providing secondments to the GEO Secretariat, to work under the direction and guidance of the GEO Secretariat Director. These individuals make a significant impact realizing the objectives of GEO and further development and acceleration of GEOSS implementation through the 2012-2015 Work Plan. Secondees also help develop the next generation of technical, programmatic and/or organizational leaders and advocates of GEO when they complete their tenure in Geneva and return to their home country and/or organization. Length of time for secondments is ideally two years.

For more information about providing a secondment or becoming a secondee, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

Become a Member of an Implementation Board

The GEO Plenary has established several Implementation Boards to assess progress toward completion of the GEOSS 10 Year Implementation Plan. The Boards identify issues, gaps, and Target objectives that require additional support from the GEO community and design and conduct actions for addressing these issues and gaps. The Boards report each year to the GEO Plenary. Members are expected to make a steady but manageable investment of time, energy and thought into the work of their respective Board. Implementation Board membership is open to individuals serving as Member or Participating Organization Representatives.

Information on current Boards and their mandates can be found here. (link)

For more information about becoming a member of an Implementation Board, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

Become a Member of a Working Group

The GEO Plenary establishes Working Groups to address aspects of GEOSS implementation and provide a mechanism for members of the GEO community to engage full in the work of GEO. Working groups provide high-level review, advice, recommendations and support in the ongoing development and implementation of the GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan. Working groups also actively promote the implementation of GEOSS activities described in the annual Work Plan.

Information on current Working Groups and their mandates can be found here.

For more information about becoming a member of a Working Group, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

Become Task Coordinator

Task Coordinators are individuals drawn from the Component Leads (see below) involved in a specific Task in the GEO Work Plan. Task Coordinators plan and set the approach for the Task to meet relevant GEOSS 2015 Strategic Targets in collaboration with the Task Team and Component Leads and foster interaction across Components. Task Coordinators look for synergies with other Work Plan Tasks, ensure that Communities of Practice are engaged in relevant Task Components, and represent the Task to the Implementations Boards.

For more information about becoming a Task Coordinator, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

Become a Component Point of Contact

A Component Point of Contact (PoC) serves as the single point of contact for all those involved and interested in a Task Component. The PoC facilitates the development of the Component's approach and delivery of results, and reports on progress to the GEO community. The PoC supports coordination of Components at the Task level in collaboration with the Task Coordinator and serves as a liaison with Communities of Practice.

For more information about becoming a Component Point of Contact, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

Become a Component Lead

Component Leads work in close collaboration with Component Points of Contact (see below), other Component Leads and contributors to identify key outputs and milestones to help implement GEOSS. Component Leads monitor and deliver progress toward those outputs and milestones, support contributors, and identify gaps and skills needed to support the Component and encourage additional contributions to address these needs. Component Leads communicate with the Component Point of Contact regarding progress made and impediments to implementation of the Component.

For more information about becoming a Component Lead, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

Become a Component Contributor

Component Contributors support the implementation of a Task Component through selected activities and projects by providing financial or in-kind resources. Component Contributors assist in recruiting additional Members or Participating Organizations to support the Component, particularly in their own region or discipline, actively engage user communities, and provide advice and information to Component Leads on user requirements and best practices.

For more information about becoming a Component Contributor, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

Become a Member of a Community of Practice

Communities of Practice include representatives from GEO Members, Participating Organizations and any other stakeholders that have similar interests or objectives - working closely together as a GEO forum for intelligence and advice for the successful implementation of GEOSS. Each Community of Practice will have slightly different objectives, however common objectives include: identify, gather, and seek agreement on particular user community requirements; provide a forum for cooperation of activities where GEOSS adds value to existing initiatives; identify linkages and opportunities for collaborative strategic and technical projects; and coordinate the delivery of GEOSS Targets to enable the realization of societal benefits.

For more information about becoming a member of a Community of Practice, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.

RECENT GEO ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

MEMBERS AND PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

UPCOMING MEETINGS

GEO OPPORTUNITIES

GEO-XII Plenary Documents, Statements & Presentations

Documents

• GEO-XII draft report
• Agenda (Plenary Document 1)
• Recognition and Statements from New Members (Plenary Document 2)
• Review of Applications for Observer Status (Plenary Document 3)
• Approval of the Draft GEO-XI Report (Plenary Document 4)
• Summary Assessment of Progress – Targets and Tasks (Plenary Document 5)
• Report of the Sixth and Summative Evaluation of GEOSS Implementation (Plenary Document 6)
• Monitoring and Evaluation (Plenary Document 7)
• Implementation Boards Considerations (Plenary Document 8)
• The Value of Open Data Sharing (Plenary Document 9)
• Data Management Principles Implementation Guidelines (Plenary Document 10)
• Presentation by theImplementation Plan Working Group (IPWG) of the GEO Strategic Plan 2016-2025: Implementing GEOSS (Ministerial Document 4) and Reference Document (Plenary Document 11)
• Transition Plan (Plenary Document 12)
• Appointment of the Programme Board (Plenary Document 13)
• Revised Criteria for Observers, Participating Organizations and Moratorium (Plenary Document 14)
• 2016 Work Programme (Plenary Document 15)
• Proposed 2016 Budget (Plenary Document 16)
• Updates to Rules of Procedure (Plenary Document 17)
• 2015 Report of the Executive Committee (Plenary Document 18)
• 2014 Financial Statements and Report of the External Auditor (Plenary Document 19)
• Interim Report on Income and Expenditure (Plenary Document 20)
• Mexico City Declaration (Ministerial Document 3)
• Mexico City Ministerial Programme (Ministerial Document 1)
• Mexico City Ministerial Summit Agenda (Ministerial Document 2)
• GEO Strategic Plan 2016-2025 as approved at GEO-XII (Ministerial Document 4)

Press release - Mexico City, 13 November, 2015: GEO Commits to unleash the power of open data to address global challenges

Statements by Member Countries and Participating Organizations:

A combination of all GEO-XII statements can be downloaded here for quick searches on a specific topic

Presentations

Presentations can be downloaded from here

Mexico City Ministerial Summit Documents

Documents

• Mexico City Declaration (Ministerial Document 3)
• Mexico City Ministerial Programme (Ministerial Document 1)
• Mexico City Ministerial Summit Agenda (Ministerial Document 2)
• GEO Strategic Plan 2016-2025 as approved at GEO-XII (Ministerial Document 4)

Opening Remarks by Carlos Moedas - Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, European Commission

Opening Remarks and Closing Remarks of GEO Co-Chair Cao Jianlin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology, People's Republic of China

Press release - Mexico City, 13 November, 2015: GEO Commits to unleash the power of open data to address global challenges

Statements by Member Countries and Participating Organizations:

see GEO-XIII outcomes pages

see GEO Week 2017 outcomes pages