The overall objective of INTAROS is to develop an integrated Arctic Observation System (iAOS) by extending, improving and unifying existing systems in the different regions of the Arctic. INTAROS will have a strong multidisciplinary focus, with tools for integration of data from atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and terrestrial sciences, provided by institutions in Europe, North America and Asia. Satellite earth observation data plays an increasingly important role in such observing systems, because the amount of EO data for observing the global climate and environment grows year by year. In situ observing systems are much more limited due to logistical constraints and cost limitations. The sparseness of in situ data is therefore the largest gap in the overall observing system. INTAROS will assess strengths and weaknesses of existing observing systems and contribute with innovative solutions to fill some of the critical gaps in the in situ observing network. INTAROS will develop a platform, iAOS, to search for and access data from distributed databases. The evolution into a sustainable Arctic observing system requires coordination, mobilization and cooperation between the existing European and international infrastructures (in-situ and remote including space-based), the modeling communities and relevant stakeholder groups. INTAROS will include development of community-based observing systems, where local knowledge is merged with scientific data. An integrated Arctic Observation System will enable better-informed decisions and better-documented processes within key sectors (e.g. local communities, shipping, tourism, fisheries), in order to strengthen the societal and economic role of the Arctic region and support the EU strategy for the Arctic and related maritime and environmental policies.

Arctic PASSION will address the urgent need for coordinated and accessible Earth observation and information services for the Arctic region. Despite significant international effort in the past, elements of the current pan-Arctic observing network still remain fragmented, disconnected, or have other critical shortcomings. Our aim is to overcome these shortcomings and to advance towards a fully integrated pan-Arctic Observing System of Systems (pan-AOSS). Working under the SAON framework and in partnership with rights-and stakeholders, Arctic PASSION will strengthen international scientific observations, community-based monitoring, and Indigenous knowledge and local knowledge within an observing system. We will co-create an innovative pan-AOSS that truly represents the diverse range of needs of the different user-groups and decision makers. The resultant pan-AOSS will provide its users with unrestricted access to the latest-available Arctic observations, including better access to Copernicus Arctic products. It will empower Arctic communities, policy makers and industries to make knowledge-based decisions. These will benefit society and support the adaptation and sustainability of the objectives of the UNFCCC, the IPCC and associated protocols. Arctic PASSION will also fill critical gaps in observations and improve the archiving, handling and interoperability of Arctic data systems. It will use these improvements to develop and implement eight new EuroGEO Pilot Services that will support emergency preparedness, food security, and responses to climate and socio-economic changes in the Arctic. The combination of the work performed by Arctic PASSION will provide compelling evidence to GEO to update Arctic GEOSS’ Community activity’ to the higher level of GEO ‘Regional Initiative’. Our legacy will be a stronger European voice in Arctic observing, and a more inclusive pan-Arctic observing system that supports a prosperous, sustainable and environmentally secure Arctic.