Coastal developments

2 April 2004

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Coastal Panel of GTOS

The Coastal Module of GTOS (C-GTOS) is putting finishing touches on its implementation plan. The plan was developed through a series of three workshops by a panel of experts beginning in fall 2002. Support has come from U.S. Global Climate Observing System Programme of NOAA/NESDIS and FAO. A draft plan is currently out for review, and final editing will take place in early May. We are expecting a broad release of the plan in summer 2004.

The primary goal of C-GTOS is to detect, assess and predict global and large-scale regional change associated with land-based, wetland and freshwater ecosystems along coasts. It complements the ongoing activities of the Coastal Ocean Observations Panel of GOOS and the Coastal Theme of IGOS. The plan focuses on a group of specific issues of global concern along the coast and identifies priority products that relate to these issues and can be used as proofs of concept. Particular attention is given expansion of the capabilities of TEMS, its representation with coastal sites and the application of socio-economic variables.

For further details of GTOS projects and activities please to contact the GTOS Secretariat (gtos@fao.org).

© FAO   ::   Global Terrestrial Observing System - GTOS   ::   2 April 2004