ad hoc Haiti Geospatial Cooperation Task Group

At the UNGIWG 10th Plenary Meeting which took place in Bonn, Germany from 19- 21 October 2009 it was agreed that UNGIWG activities would be carried out through Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and time-bound ad hoc Task Groups, and that these would focus on specific actions that need to be carried out collectively. The earthquake that hit Haiti on 12 January 2010 has mobilised the entire UN as well a number of supporting partners. The geospatial community has been mobilised taking advantage of the support provided by satellite operators and other providers of geospatial data and technologies. Closer cooperation among organisations working to support Haiti will contribute to increasing the sharing of information on the activities being carried out, the easier access to primary data as well as value added products, and the possibility to work together to ensure there are no gaps in data availability. This ad hoc Haiti Geospatial Cooperation Task Group focuses on ensuring a closer cooperation through an increased sharing of information and data. UNOOSA, OCHA, and WFP are together leading this effort. Membership is open to all UNGIWG members and to partners working with the UN in supporting the Haiti efforts. Those interested in joining should send an e-mail to david.stevens@unoosa.org.