The Symposium, held in Tokyo from 26 to 28 May, considered how Asia-Pacific societies are currently benefiting, and could benefit further in the next decade, from the GEOSS.
The Tokyo Statement welcomes, among other things, the initiative – led by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with GEO participation – to integrate Earth observations with other data and information towards addressing the complexities of monitoring in the water sector. It also acknowledges the agreement to establish a “GEOSS Asia-Pacific ocean data networking system” to accelerate data sharing in order to mitigate weather and climate related disasters in the region.
The Symposium further discussed how GEOSS could contribute to monitoring the implementation of international agreements currently in discussion, such as the set of Sustainable Development Goals to be adopted for the post 2015 period, as well as trans-disciplinary research initiatives such as Future Earth. A special “Trans-Disciplinary Approach to Solving Environmental Issues” session focused on the application and integration of Earth observations, modelling and other information for informed decision-making in Cambodia, in areas such as water, climate and agriculture.
Barbara J. Ryan re-appointed
The GEO Executive Committee re-appointed, without competition, Barbara J. Ryan to a second term as its Secretariat Director in July.
