G6.09

G6.09   Responsibility for observations in developing countries (Africa - Asia - S America)

Gap Detailed Description

It is evident that non-satellite data are missing in developing countries, mainly in Central Africa and South America, and to a lesser extent in South-east Asia, despite the fact that the availability of data in these regions is crucial for satellite and model validation and in the context of global changes. Many existing observations have been realised on the basis of fortuitous bilateral agreements.

Since 2007 there has been the GMES-Africa initiative, now ‘Copernicus-Africa cooperation’ in the wider context of the Europe-Africa partnership, but little has been realised as to the development and maintenance of a non-satellite observations infrastructure for atmospheric observations. In October 2015 a new funding support was approved by the European Commission for the new phase of the European-African initiative. In the initial implementation phase of the initiative (2016 – 2020) three priority topics will be addressed: long term management of natural resources, marine and coastal areas monitoring and water resources management. Nevertheless, non-satellite atmospheric observations are urgently needed in Africa and arrangements must be made to overcome the political and economic barriers.

Activities within GAIA-CLIM related to this gap

WP1 can address the observations gap in Africa (and other developing countries) more explicitly.

Gap Remedy / Remedies

Specific remedy proposed:                   

Add in-situ atmospheric observations in Africa among the priority topics in the Copernicus-Africa work programme 2016-2020

Measurable outcome of success:          

Report to the EU about the existing observations in Africa to highlight the gaps, including priority setting for filling the gaps. Sustainable infrastructure for atmospheric observations set up in Africa.

Indicative cost estimate:                      

Not estimated.

Relevance:                                          

Better validation of satellite and model data above the African continent.

Time bounds:                                     

Long-term, beyond GAIA-CLIM timeframe.

Gap Risks to Non-Resolution

 

Identified future risk / impact

Probability of occurrence if gap not remedied

Downstream impacts on ability to deliver high quality services to science / industry / society

 

Large areas without any data for validation of satellites and models

 High

Negative impact on ability to establish science-based climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in Africa and other developing countries