The Group on Earth Observations Oceans and Society: Blue Planet Initiative (GEO Blue Planet) is seeking nominations of ocean and coastal observing experts and ocean and coastal-related service users, ocean and coastal social science and policy experts, industry representatives, non-governmental organization representatives, non-profit organization representatives and intergovernmental organization representatives to serve on the Initiative’s Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee is the main decision-making body of GEO Blue Planet and is responsible for coordinating GEO Blue Planet’s activities. Serving on the Steering Committee will provide an opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders in ocean observing, ocean management, ocean policy and sustainable development, and to identify priorities and projects that link ocean observation providers with users.

The Steering Committee meets every other month via teleconference. Steering Committee members serve a 3- year term with the potential for two one-year extensions. The expected time commitment is 5 to 10 hours per month. This call seeks nominations of ocean and coastal observing experts and ocean and coastal social science and policy experts, industry representatives, non-governmental organization representatives, non-profit organization representatives, and intergovernmental organization representatives to serve on the GEO Blue Planet Steering Committee.

Selected nominees will receive invitations to serve on the Steering Committee from the Steering Committee co-chairs. New members will be requested to attend a strategy meeting at the end of March 2021 (dates and times TBC).

Selection will be based on qualifications and the need to strengthen Steering Committee diversity (expertise, institutional background, gender and geographical balance).

Preference will be given to: 

• candidates from geographic areas that are currently underrepresented on the committee including the Pacific Islands, Asia, East Africa and South America;

• female candidates; and

• candidates who represent or provide ties to users of ocean and coastal observations.