Leads Group

The Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) is guided by a Leads Group that functions as a quasi-board for the initiative. They consult frequently with one another and make decisions by consensus.

Specifically, the Leads Group undertakes the following activities:

  • set the strategic vision for the GFOI;
  • identify, consider and endorse collaborative activities under the initiative;
  • facilitate resource availability for collaborative activities;
  • ensure the activities of their home agencies are coordinated to the greatest extent possible;
  • monitor progress and ensure that GFOI support is targeting country priorities, helping to accelerate progress and deliver efficiencies; and
  • conduct other management and oversight controls over the GFOI as required.

The Leads Group currently is composed of representatives from the governments of Australia, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as the international Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the World Bank.

Each member of the Leads Group is responsible for ensuring that their organization actively participates in the coordination activities of the initiative and seeks to harmonize its support to tropical countries with other partners. The group meets once a month by teleconference and periodically for in person meetings.

Membership of the Leads Group is based on significant financial or in-kind contributions and/or efforts to coordinate large-scale activities through the initiative. The group is open to new members that meet these criteria.

The Leads Group is supported administratively by the GFOI Office.