This report presents the concept, aims, proposed outcomes, structure and benefits of the new UK-Environmental Observation Framework (UK-EOF).
The framework has been developed by the ERFF in response to recommendations from an ERFF commissioned study and workshop on 'Strategic Analysis of UK Environmental Monitoring Activity'.
The aim of the UK-EOF is to:
Facilitate the ongoing environmental evidence required to understand the changing natural environment, thus guiding current and future environmental management, policy, science and innovation priorities for economic benefit and quality of life.
By 2013, such facilitation will lead to the following outcomes:
- Development of a holistic picture of what the overall evidence needs are and the role of observations in providing this information.
- Sharing of knowledge and information on observation plans and programmes. We will therefore know what environmental parameters are being monitored by or for the UK, by whom, how, why and at what cost.
- Understanding a) the range of assessments that use observation data and b) the tools for effective knowledge transfer of information into decision making processes.
- Enable funding for observation programmes to be effective, transparent and capable of supporting the long-term information needs of the UK and the role of the UK in a global perspective.
- Build a strong community providing evidence in the most efficient and effective manner and sharing both data and expertise with decision makers who understand the value of, own, and use the information.
The work of the UK-EOF will be organised into a series of workstreams, which are discussed within the report. The 5-year programme is supported by 13 of the major funders and initiators of UK environmental observations. They will work together and with other stakeholders to implement the framework.
More detailed information on the workstreams and how the framework will be delivered can be found in the Delivery Plan, a working document of the UK-EOF Management Group. The Delivery Plan will be available to download from this site soon.