IOC Project Office for IODE

The IODE Programme must now meet the new challenges related to ocean data and information management. The IODE community has to lead the way in coordinating access to marine data and information to support the broad needs of the scientists, policy makers, marine resources managers, commercial sector and the general public. Whereas in the past IODE data centres focused mainly on delayed-mode, physical oceanography data, the IODE Programme now gives attention to all ocean related data including physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic data, and to operational data streams in addition to delayed mode data. IODE now closely collaborates with, and services the needs of the other IOC and related programmes such as Ocean Sciences, Global Ocean Observing System, Joint Commission on Oceanography and Marine Meteorology, and others. In order to respond to these challenges, an IODE Project Office has been established now in Oostende, Belgium, with the following objectives: (i) to provide a creative environment facilitating the further development and maintenance of IODE Projects, services and products with emphasis on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the data and product/service stream between the stage of sampling and the user; and (ii) to assist in strengthening the capacity of Member States to manage oceanographic data and information (with special attention to the developing countries) and to provide ocean data and information products and services required by users. To achieve these objectives the IODE Project Office will: further develop, strengthen and maintain IOC/IODE ocean data and information management training programmes and training tools; provide an environment (‘think tank’) where ocean data and information experts and students can work, meet and discuss; • develop, host and maintain IOC/IODE’s ocean information systems and related public awareness tools; promote collaboration between all expert levels active in ocean data (and data product) and information management, including scientists, data managers and users. host specialized short-term training courses in ocean data and information management; and provide a laboratory environment for the development and beta testing of ocean data and information management technology. The 17th Session of the IODE Committee, in March 2003, received a formal offer from the Government of Flanders (Kingdom of Belgium) to host the IODE Project Office in Oostende, Belgium. In this offer, the Government of Flanders will cover the cost of rental office space with an approximate floor space of 1100 m2 including basic infrastructure (value €40,000/year), the cost of all utilities (value approx. €10,000/year) and the cost of provision of the Internet connection (value approx. €10,000/year). The Government of Flanders will host the IODE Project Office for a period of 3 years (renewable) and will provide through the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) the equivalent of one full time support staff for the Project Office. Following the decision of the IOC Assembly to establish the Office and the acceptance of the offer extended by the Government of Flanders and City of Oostende, the Executive Secretary IOC will establish a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant Flemish and Federal Belgian authorities as well as other administrative arrangements. The Project Office is housed in the former ‘Oostende Vismijn’ located 5 minutes north of the city of Oostende, Belgium. VLIZ is housed in the same block of buildings back-to-back with the Project Office. VLIZ hosts the NODC for Flanders, and participates in IODE activities through membership of GEBICH and the ETDMP pilot projects. Proximity will enable close collaboration between the two organizations. VLIZ will provide internet connectivity for the IODE Project Office and will also provide secretarial and technical support. The oceanographic research vessel, Zeeleeuw, operated by VLIZ can serve as a test-bed for on-board technologies developed by the Project Office. It is expected that renovation works of the building will be finished in April 2005 and official inauguration of the Project Office will be held on 25 April 2005. The first ODINAFRICA training course on the oceanographic data management began in the Office on April 11 2005.

Supported by IOC/IODE

Document available in English

Project Office