Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON)
The need for a well coordinated and sustained Arctic Observing Network that meets scientific and societal needs has been identified in numerous high profile reports and at a variety of workshops and conferences. In November 2006, the Arctic Council (AC) urged all member nations to maintain and extend long-term monitoring of change in the Arctic, with a view to building a lasting legacy of the International Polar Year (IPY). Further, the AC requested that its working group the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) work with other AC working groups, the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and other partners in efforts to create a coordinated Arctic Observing Network that meets identified societal needs.
SAON is a process that was undertaken to stimulate multinational engagement in developing sustained and coordinated pan-arctic observing and data sharing systems that serve societal needs, particularly as they relate to environmental system and socio-economic change. The Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks – Initiating Group (SAON-IG), consisting to-day of 13 international organizations, was formed in January 2007 to address this charge. Three international workshops and two regional meetings have been held and the SAON IG anticipates making a report of its findings in December 2008.
In January 2009, the SAON IG forwarded its report ('Observing the Arctic') and the draft ToR to the AC for their consideration.