Beyond Arctic PASSION

Beyond Arctic PASSION is an international project that is a major European contribution towards an Arctic Observing System of Systems (AOSS). Building on decades of effort to create data archives, infrastructures and knowledge networks, Beyond Arctic PASSION will strengthen data coverage, governance, Indigenous participation. It will improve collection, usability, accessibility, and interoperability of data while strengthening predictive modelling, supporting digital twins, and enhancing Copernicus services and ESA projects.

As a part of this project, the European Polar Board co-Leads Work Package 1 on “Governance and long-term sustainability of the AOSS”, ensuring coordination, organisation, sharing, and sustainability, of the AOOS. This Work Package includes supporting and enhancing international Arctic science coordination, strengthening the international AOSS framework, and supporting Indigenous research governance.

EPB is also responsible for implementation of the components of the project where Beyond Arctic PASSION contributes to the implementation of the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO) workplan, including delivery of an Arctic observing stakeholder map, coordination of the project’s activities within the EU Polar Cluster, and maintenance of the Polar Catalyst Platform.

The six objectives of Beyond Arctic PASSION as stated in the grant agreement are:

“SO1: Major contributions to improved AOSS coordination, governance, sustainability, and resilience: Co-develop improved long-term coordination strategies and applications for AOSS governance, sustainability, and resilience.

SO2: Enhance usability, accessibility, effectiveness, interoperability of the AOSS: Through active participation of rightsholders and stakeholders, establish governance ensuring FAIR, CARE, TRUST of Arctic Data Systems and Services (with Indigenous data sovereignty guidance) that is useful for end users at multiple levels.

SO3: Support sustainable management and decision-making processes in the Arctic: Through meaningful co-production with rightsholders and stakeholders, co-develop observations, CBM and tools for adaptation and ecosystem management.

SO4: Optimise and coordinate marine/cryosphere observing systems: Strengthen marine and cryosphere observing systems through optimisation, integration, and robust governance.

SO5: Co-develop products and services needed for adapting to the changing Arctic: Create strategies, methodologies to co-develop adaptation tools/services with rightsholders and stakeholders to drive sustainable management and informed decision-making. Combine IK, LK and scientific knowledge to tailor products maximise their relevance, usability and impact. Utilise Copernicus Services, technologies and AI to enhance AOSS.

SO6: Maximise impact through dialogues, outreach and capacity sharing, and develop a pathway for continued implementation of an improved and integrated AOSS: Create mutual learning and capacity building opportunities alongside outreach activities. Maximise impact through targeted dialogues with key stakeholders and rightsholders, and foster inclusivity and equitable engagement within and beyond our project’s activities. Develop a vision and strategies to ensure the improvement, integration, sustainability and usefulness of the AOSS based on local, regional, national and international user requirements.”

For more information on Beyond Arctic PASSION please visit: https://beyond.arcticpassion.eu/