Arctic Observing Systems

Summary and Expectations

Arctic Observing System: Best practices for developing multi-scale, integrated Arctic observing systems using stakeholder engagement and societal benefit areas

Rapid warming in the Arctic is driving profound environmental and socio-economic change impacting immediate response tactics and long-term planning and policy strategies. Engaging with stakeholders and identifying societal benefit areas can be used to help design integrated observing systems, identify new technologies, and assess their performance across multiple scales. This session will focus on lessons learned, best practices and emerging technologies from existing Arctic systems that can be used elsewhere in the Arctic, as well as other regions of the global ocean to ensure that observing systems are meeting identified needs.

Expected Outcomes/Recommendations

• By 2029 the Arctic should prominently demonstrate it has a fully developed, implemented and sustained ocean observing system that meets – at a minimum, earth system prediction needs – but also meets other critical Arctic societal benefits.
• Development of an Arctic node or regional alliance under the umbrella of a global observing framework such as GOOS should be given serious consideration by the Arctic community.
• Arctic observing planning and implementation should draw on the principles of co-production, co-design and co-management of observing systems, with inclusion of Indigenous and local communities from the outset.