Opportunities and challenges of establishing coastal observing systems

摘要

Some of the challenges to establishing and sustaining environmental monitoring are potentially overcome under the framework of global observing systems. Observing systems go beyond monitoring by enabling links between user needs and observations and by providing valued information products to user groups at appropriate spatial and temporal scales. The United Nations established three global observing systems; for climate, oceans, and land and freshwater. Initiatives have also begun to address important issues within coastal ecosystems. Recent socio-political awareness and technical advances have imporoved the opportunities for establishing these observing systems and ensuring their sustainability. Awareness and current technology alone are not enough, and ongoing implementation of these systems is still stymied by a variety of factors. We make several recommendations to promote their success now and in the future.