Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks. The need for well coordinated and sustained international arctic observing networks that meet scientific and societal needs has been identified by the Arctic Council, as well as by a large number of scientific meetings and reports. During the International Polar Year (IPY), many new observing activities will be undertaken. A newly defined IPY activity will address the foundations for future sustained arctic observation networks and their linkages to societal needs in a series of three workshops.

The first workshop will be 12-14 Novembere in Stockholm Sweden to address the question:
“Are current data collection and information management activities concerning the Arctic environment sufficient to meet user needs?”

Plenary sessions will focus on user needs in the areas of:
» Climate and Weather
» Human Health and Well-being
» Biodiversity and Ecosystems
» Social and Economic Development
» Data and Information Management (I will be speaking here)

There will also be thematic break out groups.

Attendance is open to all interested representatives for organisations with an interest in sustained Arctic observations. The maximum number of participants will be limited to 150. Speakers will be selected by invitation.
Voluntary contributions are welcomed as posters. Abstracts (maximum 500 words) for the posters will be part of the workshop documentation.

Abstracts are due 15 September

Registration deadline is 1 October

See http://www.arcticobserving.org for more info.

-m.