As a respons to the Arctic Council Tromsø Declaration, the SAON process has now begun a second phase. The continuing process is lead by a steering group (SAON SG) consisting of representatives of the eight Arctic countries, permanent participants in the Arctic Council, and Arctic Council working groups. With the inclusion of representatives from IASC and WMO, the SAON SG is also connected to the Arctic science, observing and data management activities and interests of the non-Arctic countries, as well as to global observing systems.

The SAON SG relies on information and advice from those who use observing data and information, those who operate observing sites, systems and networks, and those who provide data and information management services. The SAON SG will work with users, providers and operators to promote communication, cooperation and coordination, and with governments to advocate for the resources necessary to sustain and increase Arctic observing activities, and to encourage inter-governmental cooperation in Arctic observing.

The SAON SG is currently developing a work plan and setting priorities for its activities between now and April 2011, when the Arctic Council Ministers meet in Greenland.

The SAON report 'Observing the Arctic' was distributed and presented at the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Tromsø April 2009. Conclusions of the report have developed during a series of workshops involving 350 Arctic researchers, representatives of inter-governmental, national and subnational government agencies, representatives of indigenous peoples organizations, and residents of the Arctic. This first phase of the SAON-process was initiated as a response to the request from Arctic Council ministers at their meeting in Salekhard, Russia in November 2006. The report was drafted by the SAON Initiating Group and is directed to organizations, agencies, governments, networks and programs involved in all aspects of Arctic observing.

Download the SAON Report 'Observing the Arctic'

Hard copies of Observing the Arctic can be ordered from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it