Decisions

Recalling Recommendation IODE-XXII.18 (Establishment of the IODE Quality Management Framework Project), to ensure accreditation of NODCs according to agreed criteria in order to bring all NODCs to a minimum agreed level, and recallingDecision IODE-XXIV.1, which revised the Terms of Reference of the IODE QMF project to accommodate ADUs.

Referring to the responsibilities and requirements of an NODC as defined in chapters 3 and 4 of the second revision of IOC Manuals and Guides No. 5 (Guide for Establishing a National Oceanographic Data Centre) published in May 2008.

Noting that so far 15% of NODCs are accredited and only 50% provided national reports to IODE-XXV.

Decides to establish an inter-sessional working group on the review of NODC health status within the IODE network, with the Terms of Reference as attached in Annex A to this Decision.

Annex A to Decision IODE-XXV.3.2.4

Terms of Reference of the Inter-sessional working group on the review of NODC health status within the IODE network

Objectives

This working group will:

propose metrics and processes for determining the health status of NODCs in the IODE network;
propose a process to assist NODCs for improving their health status;
recommend updates to the IOC Manuals and Guides No. 5 as appropriate;
submit an intermediate report to the 2020 meeting of the IODE Management Group;
implement a provisional health status check of all NODCs;
submit its final report including the provisional health check report to IODE-XXVI.

Membership

The membership will include Canada (Mr. M. Ouellet), India (Mr Patthabi Rama Rao), IODE Co-Chairs, SeaDataNet (Ms Michèle Fichaut).

Decision IODE-XXV.5.1

THE IODE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,

Recalling decision IODE-XXIV.2 to replace the IODE Officers with the IODE Management Group (IODE-MG),

Noting the proposed membership of the IODE-MG included one expert on data management (IODE-DM) and one expert on information management (IODE-IM),

Recognizing the difficulty to identify or designate appropriate individuals for the roles IODE-DM and IODE-IM who would be able and willing to represent all aspects of IODE,

Decides to amend the current terms of reference of the IODE-MG with the terms of reference described in Annex A of this Decision.

Annex A to Decision IODE-XXV.1

Revised Terms of Reference of the IODE Management Group (IODE-MG)

Objectives

The IODE-MG will have the following terms of reference:

Be responsible for reviewing progress of the work plan and budget approved by the IODE Committee and adjusting them as required,
Oversee the assessment of IODE projects and activities and recommend their endorsements when these meet the agreed evaluation criteria,
Evaluate for efficacy any existing IODE groups formed by the IODE Committee.

Membership

The membership of IODE-MG will comprise the following Executive and Non-executive members, bearing in mind that, ideally, both data and marine information management should be represented:

Executive members

The current two IODE Co-Chairs,
One or both past IODE Co-Chairs (to be agreed by past Co-chairs), (1)
IODE Secretariat members (non-voting member)(2)

Non-executive members

Current (Co-)Chair(s) of IODE (data and information) project steering groups or their designee, or IODE project leaders where no SG exists,
Additional experts as needed(3)

(1) The inclusion of one or both the past IODE co-chairs will provide continuity from the preceding intersessional period.
(2) Members of the Secretariat are responsible for the administrative and financial implementation of projects and the MG will require their guidance and support on these matters.

(3) The IODE-MG may seek the advice of subject matter experts and others as appropriate to help formulate its decisions and recommendations.

The IODE-MG will reach decisions by consensus of its voting members (executive + non-executive). IODE-MG members should not participate in decisions that relate to a project on which there may a perceived conflict of interest.

The full IODE-MG should meet once every three months (by email or video conference) or as appropriate.

The Executive members of the IODE-MG should meet face-to-face once during the intersessional period to review the status of the approved workplan and budget.

Decision IODE-XXV.5.2.3

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTER-SESSIONAL WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS FOR THE IOC OCEAN DATA AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,

Recalling Decision IODE-XXIV.4 on the Ocean Data and Information System which established the “Inter-sessional working group to develop a concept paper for the Ocean Data and Information System” (IWG-ODIS),

Noting the need for IODE and external collaborators to work together to effectively address the challenges of developing a universal view of the marine data and information landscape,

Taking into account, and building upon, the work carried out by the IWG-ODIS, the JCOMM/IODE ETDMP and the IODE Ocean Data Portal,

Recognizing there is a major component of the ocean data and information system landscape not linked to the IOC and there is a need to collaborate with those communities/systems in order to achieve improved accessibility, unrestricted use and interoperability of data and information

Decides that IODE will work with existing stakeholders, linked and not linked to the IOC, to improve the accessibility and interoperability of existing data and information, and to contribute to the development of a global ocean data and information system, to be referred to as the IOC Ocean Data and Information System, leveraging established solutions where possible,

Decides further to establish an inter-sessional working group to develop the implementation plan and cost-benefit analysis for the IOC Ocean Data and Information System, with the Terms of Reference attached in Annex A to this Decision.

Annex A to Decision IODE-XXV.5.2.3

Terms of Reference of the Inter-sessional Working Group to develop the implementation plan and cost-benefit analysis for the Ocean Data and Information System (IWG-ODIS-IPCB)

Objectives

The Group will:

Prepare the draft implementation plan and related cost-benefit analysis of the Ocean Data and Information System, detailing the proposed services that will be offered by ODIS, using the list included in agenda item 5.2.2 of Document IOC/IODE-XXV/2;
Prepare a work plan including an initial set of services that will be developed during 2019-2021;
Submit (i) and (ii) above to the 30^thSession of the IOC Assembly, for its consideration.

Membership

In addition to representatives from IODE, the group should include representatives from IOC Programmes and JCOMM. Additional experts will also be invited to contribute to IWG-ODIS-IPCB. The IWG-ODIS-IPCB will carry out its work electronically.

Representatives from IODE will include, IODE Co-Chair(s), Russian Federation (Nick Mikhailov), Italy (Alessandra Giorgetti), Chair ETDMP Task Team for ODIS (Mr Tobias Spears), Belgium (Serge Scory, Francisco Hernandez), United States (Hernan Garcia), ODISCat project manager, JCOMM Co-President (Nadia Pinardi), EMODNET (Patrick Gorringe), Poland (Marcin Wichorowski), JCOMM OCG (Kevin O’Brien), WDS (tbd), Ireland (Adam Leadbetter).

Decision IODE-XXV.5.4

ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTER-SESSIONAL WORKING GROUP TO REVISE THE IOC STRATEGIC PLAN FOR OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,

Recalling that the “IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management(2017-2021)” was adopted by the IOC Assembly at its 29th Session (2017) through Decision IOC-XXIX/Dec. 6.2.2,

Noting that the IOC Data and Information Management system resulting from this strategy will deliver:

assembled, quality controlled and archived data on a diverse range of variables according to scientifically sound and well-documented standards and formats,
timely dissemination of data on a diverse range of variables (observations and model outputs) both on real-time and delayed modes depending on the needs of user groups and their technical capabilities (automatic dissemination as well as “on demand”), and
easy discovery and access to data and information on a diverse range of variables and derived products (including forecasts, alerts and warnings) by users who have a broad range of capabilities.

Decides to establish an inter-sessional working group to update the Strategic Plan, with the Terms of Reference as attached in Annex A to this Decision.

Annex A to Decision IODE-XXV.5.4

Terms of Reference of the Inter-sessional working group to revise the IOC strategic plan for oceanographic data and information exchange

Objectives

This working group will review and update the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management (2017-2021). The revised version of the Strategic Plan (2022-2026) will be presented to IODE-XXVI for endorsement and the IODE Co-chairs will formally submit the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, on behalf of the IODE Committee, to the 31st Session of the IOC Assembly. The working group will carry out its work electronically.

Membership

The initial membership will include Mr Hernan Garcia (USA), Mr Graham Allen (UK), IODE Co-Chairs, Ms Lenore Bajona (OTN), Ms Alessandra Giorgetti (Italy), Ms Paula Sierra (Colombia, INVEMAR), Ms Pauline Simpson (OBPS Project), Ms Champika Gallage (WMO), Mr Eduardo Klein (Co-Chair SG-OBIS). The Group will designate its (Co-)Chair(s) and may invite additional members as necessary.

DRAFT DECISIONS FOR IOC-XXX

Draft Decision of the 30^thSession of the IOC Assembly
(Assembly agenda item 7.2.1)
(IODE-XXV item 5.6)

REVISION OF THE IOC OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA EXCHANGE POLICY

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission,

Recallingthe IOC Assembly during its twenty-second session adopted Resolution IOC-XXII-6 entitled the IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy;

Recognizing the need for free and open access to oceanographic data for the global common good;

Notingthe World Data System (WDS) has superseded the World Data Centres (WDC);

Further notingthe Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) is a global open-access data and information clearing-house on ocean biodiversity for science, conservation and sustainable development;

Decides to revise Clause 5 of Annex to Resolution XXII-6 (IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy) to the revision attached in Annex A of this Decision;

Invitesall Member States to contribute their oceanographic data to the IODE network of data centres, the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), the World Ocean Database or the World Data System.

Annex A

Annex to Decision IOC-XXX.xxx

IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy

Clause 5 (Use of IODE system)

Member States shall, to the best practicable degree, use data centres linked to the World Data System (WDS) and IODE’s NODCs, such as the World Ocean Database (WOD) and the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), as long-term repositories for oceanographic data and associated metadata.

Draft Decision of the 30^thSession of the IOC Assembly

(Assembly Agenda item 7.2.1)
(IODE-XXV item 7.1.1)

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IOC OCEAN BEST PRACTICES SYSTEM PROJECT (OBPS)

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission,

Recalling Recommendation IODE-XXII.19 for the establishment of the IODE Clearing House Service for Data/Information Management Practices Project, which replaced the JCOMM Catalogue of Best Practices;

Recognizing that:

thedissemination and use of rigorously tested best practice methods in ocean observing promote and facilitate activity within and across disciplinary boundaries of ocean science;
IODE has successfullyestablished a permanent repository offering the scientific community a platform to publish their ocean-related best practices and find practices of others using innovative search and access technology, a peer review journal publishing outlet and community forum, and a training resource leveraging community capabilities;
IOC and JCOMM have established close, efficient and effective collaboration in ocean best practices;

Noting that the Ocean Best Practices System Repository (OBPS-R) of best practices will support all IOC programmes and contribute to the UN Decade of the Ocean and UN Sustainable Development Goals by a providing permanent curated archive of best practices in ocean sciences;

Noting furtherthat within the context of the project, a best practice is defined[1]as a methodology that has repeatedly produced superior results relative to other methodologies with the same objective; to be fully elevated to a best practice, a promising method will have been adopted and employed by multiple organizations.

Noting furtherthat best practices can be in many forms including standard operating procedures, manuals, etc.

Decides to:

establish the IOC Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS) project with the terms of reference as attached in Annex A of this Decision;
establish the IOC Steering Group for the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS) project with the terms of reference as attached in Annex B of this Decision;

Urges member states to actively participate in the OBPS projectby submitting relevant community practices on ocean observation, data management, products and services, and by promoting the use of practices contained in the OBPS at the national, regional and global level.

Invitesrelevant stakeholders to contribute community practices and collaborate with the OBPS;

Annex A to Decision IOC-XXX.[xxx]

Terms of Reference of the IOC Ocean Best Practices System Project (OBPS)

Objectives

The objectives of this project are to:

Increase efficiency, reproducibility and interoperability of the entire ocean observing value chain by providing the community with a unified, sustained and readily accessible knowledge base of interdisciplinary best practices;
Provide coordinated and sustained global access to best practices in ocean observing to foster innovation and excellence by developing a system and engaging ocean observing communities in a joint and coordinated effort in producing, reviewing and sustaining best practice documents.

Annex B to Decision IOC-XXX.[xxx]

Terms of Reference of the IOC Steering Group for the
Ocean Best Practices System (SG-OBPS)

Objectives

The SG-OBPS will have the following Terms of Reference:

Propose the vision, strategy, work plan and timetable for the Ocean Best Practices System Project;
Advise on technical aspects such as user interface, back office, etc. to the project technical task team;
Report to the IOC and to other partners on the progress of the Ocean Best Practices System Project;
Provide guidance to the project manager and project technical manager;
Identify funding sources to further develop the OBPS.

Membership

The Steering Group will be composed, inter alia, of:

Representatives from IOC Programmes and JCOMM;
Project Manager/Chief Editor;
Project Technical Manager;
Invited Experts from the ocean observing community;
Representative of the IODE Secretariat.

IODE-XXV RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation IODE-XXV.3.2.2

JCOMM/IODE GLOBAL DATA ASSEMBLY CENTRES (GDACs)

The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,

Acknowledging the importance of close collaboration between IODE and JCOMM,

Recalling the Recommendation IODE-XXII.13 that established GDACs as a structural element of IODE,

Recalling the establishment of the Marine Climate Data System (MCDS) by JCOMM-4, through Recommendation 2 (JCOMM-4), to address the WMO and IOC applications requirements for appropriate marine-meteorological and oceanographic climatological data (met-ocean climate data), and particularly address those for long term climate monitoring (GCOS), seasonal to inter-annual climate forecasts, for the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), and ocean climate requirements of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS),

Noting the recommendation of the JCOMM/IODE Expert Team on Data Management Practices Sixth Session (ETDMP-VI) to establish joint GDACs, to avoid duplication of effort, with revised the Terms of Reference,

Acknowledging the effort made by ETMC in revising MCDS GDACs Term of Reference to align with IODE GDAC Term of Reference,

Recommends that the Terms of Reference for GDACs be amended to:

receive and assemble marine meteorological and/or oceanographic data (real-time or delayed-mode) and metadata from the appropriate data streams and check they are consistent;
identify duplicates and if possible resolve by keeping the best copy of a dataset;
make sure that the data are quality controlled according to the international standards and methods established by IODE, WMO or JCOMM as appropriate;
provide feedback to the sources on data quality issues;
make data accessible through IODE/ODIS;
make discovery metadata available to IODE/ODIS and WIS;
forward data and metadata to the appropriate CMOC(s) in agreed format(s) within defined timescales;
contribute to WMO and IOC Applications by collecting and processing worldwide marine-meteorological and/or oceanographic data and metadata using practices documented in appropriate WMO and IOC publications;
report to the IODE and JCOMM on its data management status and activities,
clearly identify real-time and delayed-mode data, flag differences when both streams exist.

Invites the IODE structural elements, either individually or jointly, to apply to become a GDAC.

Recommendation IOC/IODE-XXV/3.4.1

REVISION OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCES OF THE JCOMM/IODE EXPERT TEAM ON DATA MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (ETDMP)

The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,

Noting the Resolution 4 at JCOMM-I (2000) establishing ETDMP as a JCOMM subsidiary body,

Further Noting the Recommendation IODE- XVII.3, Merging the IODE Group of Experts on the Technical Aspects of Data Exchange (GETADE) with the JCOMM Expert Team on Data Management Practices,

Recalling that JCOMM-V and subsequently IODE MG decided to approve the JCOMM/IODE ETDMP Terms of References as detailed in the Summary Report of the 2018 Session of the IODE Management Group IOC/IODE-MG-2018/3 (https://jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID=21195),

Noting further that the JCOMM/IODE ETDMP Terms of Reference were modified by JCOMM MAN (JCOMM Meeting Report No. 141, 2018, Annex V) as in the following:

The JCOMM/IODE Expert Team on Data Management Practices, in close collaboration with JCOMM Programme Areas, Commission for Basic Systems subsidiary bodies, IODE Management Group and related experts, shall:

(a) Manage the process of adopting and documenting standards and best practices to be used in IODE-JCOMM data management by complementing the Ocean Data Standards and Best Practices (ODSBP) Process with the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS);

(b) Assist in the further integration of the IODE Ocean Data Portal with other IODE projects (OBIS, GODAR/WDC, GTSPP, GOSUD, OBPS), with IODE GDACs, NODCs, ADUs and with other ocean data systems (e.g. SeaDataNet, IMOS, EOOS, EMODnet), their interoperability with the IOC Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) with JCOMM OCG associated data activities and the WMO Information System (WIS), and their capacity development activities to ensure full participation of Members/Member States;

(c) ) In close cooperation with the Expert Team on Marine Climatology (ETMC), assist with the development, review and update of the Marine Climate Data System (MCDS) strategy, implementation plan and performance indicators,in the next two years, for achieving the Vision for a new MCDS

(d) In concurrence with the co-presidents of JCOMM, the chairperson of the JCOMM Data Management Coordination Group (DMCG) and IODE Management Group, establish task teams and pilot projects, as necessary, to undertake the work of the Expert Team on Data Management Practices;

(e) Direct and coordinate the activities of the task teams and pilot projects referred to under (d)

(f) Provide advice to the IODE and the Data Management Coordination Group (DMCG) and other groups of JCOMM, as required;

(g) Liaise and collaborate with other groups as needed, to ensure access to required expertise, appropriate coordination and to avoid duplication.

Acknowledging the benefits of cooperation with JCOMM through the ETDMP,

Recommends revising the terms of reference of the JCOMM/IODE Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP) as provided in the Annex of this Recommendation

Annex toRecommendation IOC/IODE-XXV/3.4.1

(a)Manage the process of adopting and documenting standards and best practices to be used in IODE-JCOMM data management by complementing the Ocean Data Standards and Best Practices (ODSBP) Process with the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS);

(b)Assist in the further integration of the IODE Ocean Data Portal with other IODE projects (OBIS, GODAR/WDC, GTSPP, GOSUD, OBP-S), with IODE GDACs, NODCs, ADUs and with other ocean data systems (e.g. SeaDataNet, IMOS, EOOS, EMODnet), their interoperability with the IOC Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) with JCOMM OCG associated data activities and the WMO Information System (WIS), and their capacity development activities to ensure full participation of Members/Member States;

(c)) In close cooperation with the Expert Team on Marine Climatology (ETMC), assist with the development, review and update of the Marine Climate Data System (MCDS) strategy, implementation plan and performance indicators, in the next two years, for achieving the Vision for a new MCDS

(d)In concurrence with the co-presidents of JCOMM, the chairperson of the JCOMM Data Management Coordination Group (DMCG) and IODE Management Group, establish task teams and pilot projects, as necessary, to undertake the work of the Expert Team on Data Management Practices;

(e) Direct and coordinate the activities of the task teams and pilot projects referred to under (d) above;

(f) Provide advice to the IODE and the Data Management Coordination Group (DMCG) and other groups of JCOMM, as required;

(g)Liaise and collaborate with other groups as needed, to ensure access to required expertise, appropriate coordination and to avoid duplication.

Recommendation IOC/IODE-XXV/5.2.1

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IOC OCEAN DATA AND INFORMATION SYSTEM CATALOGUE OF SOURCES PROJECT (ODISCat)

The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,

Recalling Decision IODE-XXIV.4 on the Ocean Data and Information System

Recalling that the IOC decided that IODE will work with existing stakeholders, linked and not linked to the IOC, to improve the accessibility and interoperability of existing data and information, and to contribute to the development of a global ocean data and information system, to be referred to as the IOC Ocean Data and Information System, leveraging established solutions where possible,

Recommends the establishment of the IOC Ocean Data and Information System Catalogue of Sources (ODISCat) with the terms of reference as attached in Annex A, and terms of reference of the Steering Group as attached in Annex B to this recommendation,

Invites all IOC programmes, IOC regional subsidiary bodies and partner organizations to collaborate by mobilizing their stakeholder communities to enter information into the ODIS-Cat system,

Annex A to Recommendation IODE-XXV/5.2.1

Terms of Reference of the IOC Ocean Data and Information System Catalogue of Sources (ODISCat)

Objectives

The ODIS "Catalogue of Sources" aims to be an online browsable and searchable catalogue of existing ocean related web-based sources/systems of data and information as well as products and services. It will also provide information on products and visualize the landscape (entities and their connections) of ocean data and information sources.

It will contribute to the objectives of the Agenda 2030, and in particular the UN Decade for Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

ODISCat will (initially) describe a variety of source types such as (i) bibliographic infobases, (ii) code lists and vocabularies, (iii) data catalogues (metadata), (iv) data products, (v) data systems/portals (that allow downloading of data sets), (vi) education and training materials,(vii) information on platforms, (viii) information on experts and institutions, (ix) information on projects, (x) information on vessels, (xi) journals (open source and commercial), (xii) manuals, guidelines, standards and best practices; (xiii) maps and atlases; (xiv) multimedia content; (xv) real-time observing systems; and (xvi) software (ocean related).

Annex B to Recommendation IODE-XXV/5.2.1

Terms of Reference of the IODE Steering Group for the IOC Ocean Data and Information System Catalogue of Sources (ODISCat) Project (SG-ODISCat)

Objectives

The IODE Steering Group for the IOC Ocean Data and Information System Catalogue of Sources (ODISCat) Project (SG-ODISCat) will have the following terms of reference:

Propose the vision, strategy, work plan and timetable of the ODISCat project;
Advise on technical aspects of the ODISCat web application;
Report to the IODE Committee and IOC Assembly on the progress of the Project;
Provide guidance to the ODISCat manager/editor and ODISCat technical manager;
Develop a communication strategy to promote the use of ODISCat, taking into account the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

Membership

IODE Steering Group for the IOC Ocean Data and Information System Catalogue of Sources (ODISCat) Project (SG-ODISCat) will have the following (initial) membership:

Project manager/editor;
Project technical manager;
IODE Co-Chair(s);
Representatives of IOC programmes and regional subsidiary bodies;
Representative of the IODE Secretariat;
Representative of the JCOMM/IODE ETDMP;
Representatives from IOC Member States;
Representatives from other Organizations;
Other members may be invited by the Steering Group as needed.

Notes:

The Steering Group will designate the Project manager/editor during its first Session from (iv) to (ix).
The Project technical manager will be Mr Arno Lambert (while ODISCat is being hosted and developed by the IOC Project Office for IODE). Additional expertise may be called for by the SG.

Recommendation IODE-XXV.5.3

ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTER-SESSIONAL WORKING GROUP TO PROPOSE A STRATEGY ON OCEAN DATA AND INFORMATION STEWARDSHIP FOR THE UN OCEAN DECADE (IWG-SODIS)

The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,

Recalling the proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at its 72nd session regarding the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), through Resolution A/RES/72/73, therein the Decade, and stating that the Decade could benefit from making scientific data and information freely and openly available in accordance with the applicable legal framework,

Further recalling the invitation made by the UNGA to the IOC to prepare an implementation plan for the Decade in consultation with Member States, specialized agencies, funds, programmes and bodies of the United Nations, as well as other intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and relevant stakeholders,

Noting the establishment of an expert advisory body to the IOC governing bodies, referred to as an Executive Planning Group (EPG) to support the preparation of the implementation plan,

Noting further the establishment of the IOC Ocean Data and Information System Catalogue of Sources (ODISCat) Project (Recommendation IOC/IODE-XXV/5.2.1) and that IODE has taken initial steps towards the establishment of an ocean data and information system (ODIS), which aims to contribute to the objectives of the Agenda 2030, and in particular the Decade,

Referring to IOC Resolution EC-LI.1 requesting that IOC subsidiary bodies engage in the work of the Decade and identify potential contributions during the next intersessional period,

Recommends to establish an inter-sessional working group to propose a strategy on ocean data and information stewardship for the UN ocean decade (IWG-SODIS), with the Terms of Reference as attached in Annex A to this Recommendation.

Annex A to Recommendation IODE-XXV.5.3

Terms of Reference of the Inter-sessional working group to propose a strategy on ocean data and information stewardship for the UN ocean decade
(IWG-SODIS)

Objectives

This working group will:

Explore through UN-Oceans the interest of relevant UN bodies to develop a joint data and information system under the Decade and to start assessing respective data and information guidelines and policies and identify relevant data and information access and repositories that may contribute to such a system,
Investigate the future scope of scientific data and information stewardship activities of the Decade, including and not limited to:

Agreement on common data contributions, flow, latency, discovery, access, and re/use principles,
Documenting data and information requirements and best practices,
Agreement on data and information protocols and metadata content and structure,
Agreement on science-based quality control/quality assurance requirements and procedures for all data types,
Agreement on modalities for contribution and dissemination of data and information,
Agreement on modalities and establish a strategy for the long-term preservation of Decade data for future use,
Agreement on access and use of potential data synthesis and tailored data products derived from the Decade,
Develop and update data and information management capacity,
Identify and review potential data and information management infrastructure that could be established during the implementation phase (2021-2030) to coordinate data management activities,

Prepare a proposed Ocean Data and Information Stewardship Strategy including a work plan, timetable, and required resources to be submitted to the Executive Planning Group (EPG) before its Second EPG meeting (November 2020) for their consideration and inclusion in the preparatory process and the Science Plan of the Decade.
Identify a group of subject matter experts that may continue providing advice and expertise on scientific data stewardship during the operational phase of the UN decade.

Modalities

The IWG-SODIS aims to have at least 2 meetings (second half 2019 and first half 2020). Members of the IWG-SODIS are invited to submit proposals (including coverage of expenses) to host IWG-SODIS meetings to the IOC secretariat before 1 September 2019. The group may also meet via online services as appropriate.

Membership

Recommended membership will include experts from UN-Oceans members (including IOC programmes), other organizations, networks or projects that have an interest in contributing to the data and information aspects of the UN Decade.

Membership will also be discussed with the EPG.

The IWG-SODIS will designate 2 co-chairs. The IWG-SODIS may compose writing groups or other task teams as necessary.

The IOC Secretariat will issue invitations to the above-mentioned potential participating entities. Expressions of interest for membership should be sent to the IOC secretariat before 1 September 2019. The IWG-SODIS will reach decisions on its recommendations by consensus of its members. The group may seek the advice of subject matter experts and others across UN and international organizations as appropriate to help formulate sound recommendations.

Reporting:

IWG-SODIS will report regularly to the UN Ocean Decade EPG and the 26th session of IODE (2021).

Recommendation IODE-XXV.7.3

IODE WORK PLAN AND BUDGET FOR 2019-2020

The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange,

Having reviewed its programme implementation requirements for the period 2019-2020,

Being aware of the continuing financial crisis faced by UNESCO and its IOC,

Re-emphasizing the importance of high-quality oceanographic data and information, products and services for scientific, observation and ocean-based disaster warning and mitigation programmes of the Commission, for Member States, the private sector and other users,

Noting the important role of IODE in JCOMM and the growing collaboration with, and contribution to other IOC Programmes and activities, demonstrated by joint development of products and services as well as capacity development activities, responding to the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management,

Expressing great appreciation to the Government of Flanders (Kingdom of Belgium) for hosting and supporting the IOC Project Office for IODE and for its continuing and increasing financial support to IODE, the Russian Federation for its support through the hosting of the Partnership Centre for the IODE Ocean Data Portal in Obninsk, as well as to other donors and Member States who are providing financial and in-kind support for IODE,

Appreciating the in-kind support for the IODE Programme provided by Member States through establishing and maintaining IODE Data Centres, OBIS nodes and Associate Data Units, Associate Information Units, provision of experts, through the provision of valuable ocean data and information products and services, and through financial and in-kind contributions to IOC,

Requested the IOC Executive Secretary to prepare the documentation to the UNESCO Director-General to create a regular programme post for the OBIS Data Manager at the earliest opportunity, and preferably within the 40C/5 (2020-2021), in order to the secure the continuation of OBIS beyond 2019,

Calls on Member States to provide financial support to the IOC Special Account, earmarked for IODE and OBIS, or in-kind support through the secondment of experts to the IOC Project Office for IODE or to the IODE and OBIS secretariat;

Requests that the IODE Co-Chairs bring to the attention of the next Session of the IOC Assembly, the IODE Programme and Budget for the period 2019-2020, as attached in the Annex to this Recommendation.

Annex A to Recommendation IODE-XXV.7.3

					ALLOCATED FUNDING		ALLOCATED FUNDING
BUDGET	REQUESTED FUNDING		TOTAL		RP	PO	RP	PO
	2019	2020	2019-20		2019		2020
IODE projects
Ocean Biogeographic Information System
- 50K requested, no activity or year specified	25,000	25,000	50,000		20,000		15,000
Global Oceanographic Data Archaeology and Rescue Project (GODAR)
- data digitization program (IMARPE)	7,000	8,000	15,000		5,600		4,800
World Ocean Database (WOD)	0	0	0
Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme (GTSPP)
- steering group meetings (2019,2020)	30,000	20,000	50,000			30,000		20,000
Global Ocean Surface Underway Data Project (GOSUD)	0	0	0
International Coastal Atlas Network project (ICAN)
- steering group 2020, expert travel in support of UN Decade of Ocean Science	5,000	25,000	30,000		4,000		15,000
International Quality Controlled Database project (IQuOD)
- autoQC programming/benchmarking (2K), SG-IQuOD-IV (10K)	12,000	0	12,000		9,600
IODE OceanDataPortal
- regional ODP training (15K), attending meeting (5K)	5,000	15,000	20,000			15,000	3,000
IODE Ocean Best Practices System
- SG meetings (5K+10K), advocacy (10K+8K), translation (2K), audit (1K)	17,000	19,000	36,000		13,600		5,400	10,000
IODE OceanDocs
- SG meeting (12K), software contract (15K), travel (3K), workshop (3k)	9,000	21,000	30,000		15,600		900	12,000
IAMSLIC
- travel					4,000		3,000
IODE OceanExpert
- SG meetings	3,000	3,000	6,000		2,400		1,800
ODIS
- SG Meeting (ODIS,OBIS,WOD)						20,000
IODE OceanKnowledge Platform Pilot Project	0	0	0
IODE OpenScienceDirectory	0	0	0
IODE Quality Management Framework project (QMF)	0	0	0
UN Decade
- SG meeting
Joint Activities
JCOMM/IODE ETDMP, DMCG, IPET-MOIS, other
- ETDMP session	12,000	12,000	24,000			12,000		12,000
Ocean Data Standards and Best Practices	0	0	0
SPINCAM-3	0	0	0
LME:Learn	0	0	0
ODINAFRICA (NO WP submitted)	0	0	0
- ODIP (10k), ACMA (20K), OBIS (10K)					16,000		15,000
ODINBLACKSEA
- SG meetings (5K2), ODP training (20K), expert assistance (20K2)	25,000	45,000	70,000	OTGA	4,000	20,000	3,000
ODINCARSA-LA
- expert visits (4.5K*2), IAMSLIC membership ($300)	4,800	4,500	9,300		3,600		2,700
ODINCINDIO
- 3 data workshops, expert visits	15,000	15,000	30,000	OTGA	12,000		9,000
ODINECET
- not specified	6,000	6,000	12,000				3,600
ODINWESTPAC
- steering group meeting (20K), D&IM training (20K)	20,000	40,000	60,000	OTGA			24,000
Capacity Development
OTGA	0	0	0
Other
Performance review of Project Office
IODE STAFF/OFFICERS TRAVEL	20,000	20,000	40,000		16,000		12,000
IODE MG meeting 2020	0	20,000	20,000					20,000
IODE prep meeting IODE-XXVI	0	10,000	10,000				6,000

TOTAL (USD)	215,800	308,500	524,300		126,400	97,000	124,200	74,000

Revenue UNESCO RP	117,000	117,000	234,000		117,000	117,000	117,000	117,000
Revenue Flanders PO	100,000	100,000	200,000		100,000	100,000	100,000	100,000

DEFICIT RP	1,200	91,500	90,300		9,400		7,200
DEFICIT PO					3,000		26,000

[1]Following a review of the literature by OBPWG, a definition of best practices was agreed by consensus of ocean observing community participants at the Evolving and Sustaining Ocean Best Practices Workshop in November 2017 See: Simpson, P., Pearlman, F. and Pearlman J. (eds) (2018) Evolving and Sustaining Ocean Best Practices Workshop, 15–17 November 2017, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Paris, France: Proceedings. AtlantOS/ODIP/OORCN Ocean Best Practices Working Group (OBPWG), 74pp .DOI: 10.25607/OBP-3

Details: Created on: Tuesday, 05 March 2019 15:19; Last Updated on: Tuesday, 05 March 2019 15:31