CHAPTER 5 - MILESTONES FOR DEVELOPING A MATURE SYSTEM

5.1 General implementation issues

Throughout this document we have identified issues that can act as foci for the development of C-GTOS, variables or indicators addressing these phenomena, some initial sources for the information and potential products. We have described frameworks that integrate the phenomena into broader contexts and identified potential users who are expected to provide more information on what products may aid them best.

C-GTOS will be established in two phases. In phase 1 TEMS will be enhanced and used to develop several discrete products. The mature observing system will come in a second phase, requiring further consideration. We expect a limited second round of efforts, in association with the IGOS coastal theme and C-GOOS, to extend the strategic design for the mature C-GTOS into implementation. We expect the mature system to be well integrated into other coastal initiatives and GTOS components.

Implementation has a number of components. Each of the components of the observing system has proposed milestones and timelines. Beyond these are several programmatic considerations. First, an assessment of feasibility involves evaluation of all of the following: existing and needed capacity and training, information management (TEMS), informatics and modelling tools, and a GTOS Web site for education and outreach (TEMS). Second, C-GTOS must establish a number of components essential to effective implementation of a GTOS module, including a user advisory group, the ability to perform measurements, an information management structure, training and capacity building, product delivery, linkages outside C-GTOS and funding. Third, the activities of C-GTOS must be integrated into policy and management support (see Figure 1). Finally, a process of review and assessment of outcome measures and performance indicators must be established to maintain quality over the extended length of time of the programme.

This section describes milestones for several aspects of system development requiring implementation. These include milestones for user identification and involvement, frameworks, observations, variables and data acquisition and management priority products.

5.2 Milestones for user identification and involvement

• Distribute an implementation plan to potential users, requesting evaluation of issues and priority proposals of interest (Year 1).

• Organize a workshop of selected users focused on an issue and priority proposal with high interest to initiate implementation (Year 1).

• Link to activities of GEO (Years 1-2).

• Participate in IGOS Coastal Theme process, including the establishment of CODAE (Year 1 on).

• Establish an advisory committee with user representation to foster maturation of C-GTOS and integration with C-GOOS (Year 2 on).

5.3 Milestones for frameworks

The frameworks provide organization for instituting C-GTOS. There is no need to develop frameworks out of context of other activities. Thus, their development will be associated with milestones described in other sections (see Table 19). Of note, however, is the importance of DPSIR in the establishment of socio-economic variables and indicators and functional typology for the priority proposal on deltaic systems.

5.4 Milestones for observations, variables and data acquisition and management

• Evaluate extent of coverage, specificity to the coastal zone and reliability of indicators and variables within TEMS for issues of concern (1-2 years).

• Evaluate extent of coverage, specificity to the coastal zone and reliability of indicators and variables for issues of concern within other Web sites (1-3 years).

• Coordinate with C-GOOS on establishing relevant socio-economic indicators (1-2 years).

• Produce priority products to serve as examples of the capability of C-GTOS (2-10 years).

• Establish reliable data collection on initially selected issues (10 years).

• Establish reliable data collection on all issues (20 years).

5.5 Milestones for phase 1 implementation products

The implementation products described in Table 19 represent the first series of results that will directly meet user needs. Each proposed product has a timeline that includes demonstrable accomplishments within 1 year of initiation, as well as longer-term goals and products (Table 19).

These proposals can be initiated independently. Thus, milestones for each are dependent on the conditions and timing of its initiation. We do expect, however, that at least one or two of the proposals will begin within the first year of the programme.

TABLE 19
Summary of C-GTOS priority products milestones