Future Strategy and Structure for IODE Group of Experts: Report to IODE XIX by Chairs of Group of Experts

Abstract

The Chairs of the 3 Groups of Experts recalled that a major IODE review had been commissioned and undertaken previous to IODE XVIII. IODE-XVI had tasked the IODE Officers (and, as required, some consultants) to undertake a comprehensive review of the IODE system, and to report to the 21st Session of the IOC Assembly. However, due to the many actions that were undertaken by IODE since IODE-XVI, many of which impacted strongly on the ‘nature’ of IODE, it was felt that a review during this critical phase of changes (2001-2002) would result in an incomplete and possibly even incorrect representation of “the state and future of IODE”. In addition, the IOC Executive Council, during its 35th Session (4- 14 June 2002) adopted Resolution EC-XXXV.2 entitled “IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management”. The Resolution called for the development of “an IOC Strategic Plan with clearly defined roles for each of its observational and data management elements, for oceanographic data and information management, embracing the requirements, capabilities and infrastructures of its Member States, as well as the needs of their user communities”. The IODE Review Panel was composed on 23 October 2003 and included six members. The composition was selected carefully, taking into consideration geographic balance.