Documents

SCAR XXXII WP16: Final Report of Antarctica in the Global Climate System (AGCS)

Executive Summary

Title: Antarctica in the Global Climate System (AGCS)

Authors: AGCS Steering Committee

Introduction/ Background: AGCS is a cross-disciplinary science programme that focuses on the atmospheric, oceanic and cryospheric linkages between the Antarctic and the rest of the Earth system. It uses a very wide range of observations from the Antarctic continent and the Southern Ocean to investigate natural climate variability and possible anthropogenic signatures of change. The in situ meteorological and oceanic observations provide high quality data for recent decades, but these are supplements with proxy data from deep and shallow ice cores that extend the records back into the pre-instrumental period. The programme also uses a range of satellite data and the output of climate and numerical weather prediction models to investigate the mechanisms of change and how climate signals are transferred to and from mid-latitudes and the tropics to the Antarctic. Our focus is on climate change over roughly the last 10,000 years, although we work closely with the ACE programme, which is looking deeper into the past.

Important Issues or Factors: AGCS has produced several important scientific highlights in the last two years (see this document), ranging from major advances in the understanding of Antarctic clouds to significant new insights into how turbulent flows shape the climatically key Southern Ocean overturning circulation. AGCS has produced regular annual updates to the ACCE report. In June 2011, AGCS organized a 3-day symposium in Melbourne to review our current state of understanding of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean climate system, to identify the major gaps in present knowledge, and to lay out the scientific issues that a future climate-focussed SRP must address to maximize scientific progress and societal impact. AGCS has continued to strongly support symposia and data management activities focused on Antarctic climate science.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: AGCS is coming to an end in 2012. We ask the Delegates to consider supporting the AGCS-sparked proposal of a new climate-related SRP (AntClim21) focussed on the understanding and prediction of how the Antarctic environment will change over the 21^st century.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  The adoption of AGCS’s recommendation will lead to improved projections and mechanistic understanding of the magnitude and patterns of change to Antarctica’s physical environment and of the likely consequences for biological ecosystems over the next century (see AntClim21 SRP proposal for further details).

Partners: In its final year, AGCS will continue to work (often in a leading role) with the SSGs and several other SRPs, the Southern Ocean Observing System Steering Committee, and the CLIVAR / CliC / SCAR Southern Ocean Implementation Panel, amongst others, to ensure that AGCS-sponsored research and associated activities are carried out to a successful conclusion. AGCS will continue to support the development of the next generation of Antarctic scientists via its close association with APECS.

Budget Implications: No support is requested further to the present allocation for 2012.

SCAR XXXII WP17: Report of Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic (EBA)

Working Paper 17

Title: SCAR SRP ‘Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic’

Authors: P. Convey, G. di Prisco (EBA Co-Chairs), J. Xavier, M. Rajanahally (EBA Co-Secretaries)

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: www.eba.aq

Introduction/ Background: EBA is one of five current approved Science Research Programmes of SCAR, and the only one representing the interests of the very large and diverse biological sciences research community with interests in Antarctica. The Programme has a planned lifetime of 2005-2013. Assuming approval of the two new SCAR biology programme proposals to commence in January 2013, we anticipate EBA being wound up somewhat early in funding terms, not requesting funds for 2013, although extending the time period for use of its existing 2012 funds to the next SCAR Biology Symposium (Barcelona, mid-2013), as a timely and high profile ‘wind up’ event for the programme. Work under the auspices of EBA is divided into five ‘workpackages’, each working in both the marine and terrestrial environments of Antarctica.

Important Issues or Factors: Since the Programme’s last Report to Delegates, it has continued to be very active in its primary coordination role, and in particular recently contributing to the development of robust scientific advice central to informing the CEP and hence ATCM on issues relating to human impacts on the ecosystems of Antarctica, and conservation planning and governance issues. EBA is now in its final year of operation. Major delivery aims in this period are (1) for the programme leaders to deliver a themed mini-symposium documenting the ‘state of the art’ and major future challenges in the programme’s science fields at the 2012 SCAR OSC, where overview presentations of progress under each work package, and for the programme overall, will be given, ideally to be accompanied by appropriate publication outputs; (2) to complete the delivery of planned research workshops or meetings in the remainder of 2012; (3) to play an active and central role in the transition to successor SCAR biological and cross-disciplinary research programmes.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: (1) to note and approve of EBA actions and progress to date; (2) to confirm support for EBA’s outline plans for the remaining life of the programme [1 provides an indication that Delegates recognise that EBA continues to deliver to SCAR as planned, 2 provides the programme security for its remaining life].

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Continued significant publication output (both content and numbers), outreach delivery, advice to stakeholders, enhancement of SCAR profile.

Partners: Various outputs involve interactions with CEP, COMNAP, SCAR Expert and Action Groups, IPCC

Budget Implications: No further budgetary approval is required for EBA itself, unless SCAR Delegates fail to approve the two new biological SRP proposals, in which case we would request continuation to the original planned end date of the Programme.

SCAR XXXII WP18: Report of Astronomy and Astrophysics in Antarctica (AAA)

Executive Summary

Title: Astronomy and Astrophysics from Antarctica (AAA)

Authors: John Storey (Chief Officer) and the AAA Steering Committee

Introduction/ Background:

Broadly stated, the objectives of Astronomy & Astrophysics from Antarctica are to coordinate astronomical activities in Antarctica in a way that ensures the best possible outcomes from international investment in Antarctic astronomy, and maximizes the opportunities for productive interaction with other disciplines.

The SCAR AAA SRP Planning Group was proposed at the Hobart XXIX SCAR in 2006.  Creation of the AAA SRP was approved at the Moscow XXX SCAR Delegates meeting in 2008. AAA held its first formal meeting as a Scientific Research Program in August 2010 in Buenos Aires, followed by a kick-off meeting in Sydney in June 2011.

Important Issues or Factors: At this stage, AAA is functioning well and is putting in place the structures and processes outlined in the implementation plan. There have been no significant problems.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  No action required.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  The AAA SRP will continue implement the structures and processes previously advised.

Partners: No formal partners, although the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is a Union Member of SCAR

Budget Implications: Continuing funding is requested at the approved level.

SCAR XXXII WP19: Report of the Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS)

Executive Summary

Title: The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS)

Authors: M Sparrow, L Newman

Introduction/ Background: The Southern Ocean is a fundamental part of the Earth system. It forms a vital connection between the major ocean basins and the upper and lower layers of the global ocean. The Southern Ocean strongly influences global climate, biogeochemical cycles and the functioning of the ecosystem. The rapid changes being experienced by the Southern Ocean have profound ramifications for the future of the planet. These changes include large-scale warming that exceeds global averages, including several “hotspots” of regional warming. The upper and lower limbs of Southern Ocean overturning have freshened due to changes in hydrological cycles and ice melt. The rate at which the Southern Ocean draws down anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has likely weakened. Acidification is underway with far reaching implications for marine species and populations. The climatic changes are already impacting Southern Ocean ecosystems. There is a critical need to observe and understand the Southern Ocean as it remains one of the most under-studied regions of the world. Sustained observations will be needed to detect, interpret and understand the on-going physical, chemical and biological changes and to predict what the future holds.

Important Issues or Factors: The SOOS was launched in August 2011 with the mission to coordinate and expand the efforts of all nations that gather data from the Southern Ocean. A SOOS International Project Office is supported by IMAS in Australia and a SOOS Scientific Steering Committee has been formed.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  Delegates are asked to note progress with the SOOS and approve the introduction of a separate budget line for this activity.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  The development of a coherent and efficient observing system that will deliver the observations required to address key scientific and societal challenges, with SCAR as a leader (along with SCOR) of this effort.

Partners: The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) provides matching funds to support the SOOS. The SOOS is also endorsed by the Partnership for Observations of the Global Ocean (POGO), and the Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR) and Climate and Cryosphere (CliC) projects of the World Climate Research Programme. The IPO is supported by the Australian Antarctic Division with additional support from Antarctica New Zealand and the Integrated Marine Observing System

Budget Implications: $8,000 a year to support the meetings of the SOOS Steering Committee and related activities (matching funds with SCOR)

SCAR XXXII WP20: Report of the Social Sciences Action Group

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the SCAR Social Sciences Action Group

Authors: D. Liggett, G. Steel, J. Salazar & K. Bastmeijer, P. Berkman, S. Chaturvedi, E. del Acebo Ibañéz, A. Hemmings, M. Lamers, E. Leane, E. Stewart & other members of the steering group of the SCAR Social Sciences Action Group

Introduction/Background: The costs of human activities in Antarctica, not merely from an economic perspective but also from environmental, social and cultural points of view, are increasingly acknowledged. In light of the coverage (in the media and in policy discussions) of the many aspects of human endeavour in the Antarctic, policy-makers, educators, scientists and the wider public are asked to weigh multiple costs and benefits (that is to say, values) against one another. Understanding the extent and nature of the values that human beings place on Antarctica has large-scale and very serious implications for human engagement with and activity in the Antarctic in the future.

Important Issues or Factors: Social scientists and humanities researchers have the expertise and tools to lead an academic assessment of Antarctic values.  The Social Sciences AG (hereon referred to as “the group”) was established to carry out research targeted at understanding and cataloguing the range of values underpinning human engagement with the Antarctic.  As this report and the list of research outputs (in the appendices) show, this research effort has progressed considerably.  At the same time, it has become clear that a thorough exploration of human values associated with Antarctica is a complex task that requires more time and continued efforts.  However, this research project promises considerable benefits in the long run, especially with regard to understanding decision-making in an Antarctic context and developing alternative strategies for environmental management.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: We request that the group’s term be extended to 2014 to maintain the momentum established through the Antarctic values research project and to enable a thorough examination of the complexities associated with Antarctic values and their implications.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The group will continue to raise the profile of SCAR in the public realm and in social science and humanities research communities by demonstrating that SCAR supports research outside the realm of the natural sciences and that it encourages multi-disciplinary research efforts.  Facilitating an examination of Antarctic values through this group will also help SCAR to provide policy advice that is rooted in a thorough understanding of the drivers of human engagement with the Antarctic.  Finally, a range of academic publications resulting from this research effort will bolster SCAR’s scholarly record.

Partners: The group has regular communication with the SCAR History EG and with the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) and has established contact with representatives of the IASC Social and Human Sciences Working Group. Endeavours are underway to establish close collaborations with researchers working on Arctic social science and humanities topics in order to expand the reach of Antarctic social science and humanities research.

Budget Implications: The group would like to continue operating with the current budget of $3000 per year.

SCAR XXXII WP21: Report of the History Expert Group

Executive Summary

Title: History Expert Group

Author: Cornelia Lüdecke

Introduction/Background:

The Expert Group was founded as an Action Group in 2004 [??], with 24 individuals present at the first meeting in Germany in 2005. Since then the Group has flourished and membership of the Expert Group has steadily increased, as has the geographical and disciplinary diversity of the participants. The Group’s meetings continue to serve as a valuable discussion space for junior and senior members alike. Meetings have been held across four continents, permitting the core group of academic historians to be joined by local researchers who would likely not otherwise have joined the Group. The forthcoming meeting in Portland will be the largest and most diverse yet – a sign of our ongoing vitality. The SCAR Expert Group provides a unique and irreplaceable site for scholars to exchange ideas and develop historical research related to the Antarctic, rather than just passively sharing their findings, evidenced by collaborative research projects undertaken by group members.

Important Issues or Factors:

Previously rare early published sources are becoming globally available, and members of the Expert Group are contributing to their publication through forums such as the South African National Antarctic Program’s online database;

More and more documents held in restricted archives are being released, including in the former Soviet Union, but also from national archives elsewhere;

New methods of social and archaeological investigation are being developed and resources created;

Opportunities for collaboration between historians and scientists are increasing.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

We wish to continue the SCAR History Expert Group in its current form.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:

The current high level of publication by Group members will continue, both individually and through collective forums such as special journal issues and a planned edited volume.

Partners:

The SCAR Social Science Action Group, other research programs specified in the main text, as well as the history group of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC).

Budget Implications: US$3000 to support the annual workshop of the Group.

SCAR XXXII WP22: Report of the Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management (SCADM)

Executive Summary

Title: SCADM Report

Authors: T De Bruin

Introduction/ Background: The Antarctic Treaty (section III.1.c) says, “Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available.”

The Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management (SC-ADM) helps facilitate co-operation between scientists and nations with regard to scientific data. It advises on the development of the Antarctic Data Directory System and played a major role in the International Polar Year data system (IPYDIS).

Members of SC-ADM are usually managers of the National Antarctic Data Centres or a relevant national contact.

Important Issues or Factors: SC-ADM’s responsibilities include:

• Promotion of Antarctic data management
• Providing guidance to the Antarctic Master Directory host
• Establishing Antarctic data management policies and priorities
• The recruitment of National Antarctic Data Centres (NADCs)
• Encouraging scientists to submit metadata to the Antarctic Master Directory

Reporting to SCAR on Antarctic data management issues

Partners: SCAGI, WDS, all SCAR SSGs, SCs etc.

Budget Implications: $5000 a year for SCADM and $10000 a year for the Global Change Master Directory

SCAR XXXII WP23: Report of the Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information (SCAGI)

Executive Summary

Title: Report of SCAR Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information (SCAGI)

Authors: Adrian Fox and Jean-Yves Pirlot, SCAGI co-Chief Officers

Relevant URLs or references to other reports:
Introduction/ Background: All work in Antarctica relies on a consistent geographic framework, and the main function of the Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information (SCAGI) is to manage and improve the geographic framework not only for Antarctic scientific research but also for other activities including operations, environmental management and tourism. SCAGI continues to deliver, and actively develop, a range of Geographic Information products through its various projects. These products include: the SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA), the SCAR Antarctic Digital Database (ADD), the SCAR Map Catalogue and SCAR Feature Catalogue. SCAGI integrates topographic and names information received from national Antarctic programmes into the SCAR ADD and SCAR CGA. In keeping with Article III.1.c of the Treaty that Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available, SCAGI promotes an open standards approach to support free and unrestricted data access and develops the respective specifications.

Important Issues or Factors:
Most of the effort in SCAGI comes from a few committed members. To ensure maximum effectiveness for SCAR, SCAGI is focusing its limited resources on delivering the three main SCAR-SCAGI products: Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA), Antarctic Digital Database (ADD), SCAR Map Catalogue (MapCat).

The SCAR products can only be as good as the data that are in them. It is critical for the continued relevance and utility of the SCAR-SCAGI products that SCAR members contribute all new maps, topographic data, and place-names information to the ADD, MapCat and CGA in a timely manner.

Geographic Information and place-names in Antarctica sit within a range of organisational settings in different countries, including National Mapping, military, research centre and university agencies. Some of these organisational settings do not have strong links to SCAR, and it would be extremely helpful to gain commitment from National Delegates from all the countries in SCAR to encourage engagement with SCAR-SCAGI by their relevant agency.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: 
Delegates should ensure that they are familiar with the work that SCAGI does and encourage their national representatives to become involved with and contribute all new data to SCAGI products. Delegates should ensure that retiring national representatives are replaced with a successor national representative and that the SCAGI co-Chairs are informed of this change.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: 
Wider engagement by the Antarctic community would help SCAGI to continue to develop, and deliver effectively, reliable relevant Geographic Information Services to the Antarctic science and operations communities. Maintaining the position of SCAR as the source of Geographic Information Services such as the ADD and CGA supports the SCAR Strategic Plan objective of an international leadership role for SCAR.

Partners: SCADM, SCAR member countries, other organizations with an interest in Antarctic geographic Information such as COMNAP, CCAMLR, Antarctic Treaty System, IHO, NASA, Google.

Budget Implications:
For the SCAR CGA and SCAR ADD to be improved, it requires that, either SCAGI members take on the necessary work or the work is outsourced. Continuation of $4k a year allocation.

SCAR XXXII WP24: The Bipolar Action Group (BiPAG II) and Relationship with IASC

Executive Summary

Title: The Bipolar Action Group (BiPAG II)

Authors: M Sparrow, V Rachold, C Ellis-Evans

Introduction/ Background: The Executive Committees of SCAR and IASC created a SCAR-IASC Bipolar Action Group (BipAG) that operated for two years (2008-2010) followed by a second BipAG for 2011 to 2012. The existence of a BipAG ensures that there is a group looking at opportunities for bipolar science, with the purpose of providing annual reports to the SCAR and IASC Executive Committees and recommending which bipolar activities should be adopted by the organisations. The recommendations include not only science ideas but also opportunities for developing the next generation of polar scientists, suggestions for more effective science coordination and data management and ideas for better communicating the importance of the Polar Regions for Planet Earth. The BipAG reports are published on both SCAR and IASC websites.

Important Issues or Factors: The focus of BipAG II is to “to advise the SCAR and IASC Executive Committees on the development of instruments such as workshops, programmes and networks to address bipolar issues”. 

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  Individual Recommendations are outlined in the report.

With regards to the group itself that the SCAR/IASC Bipolar Action Group continues but in a more advisory role, with no more than one face-to-face meeting every other year and utilising teleconferencing and email in between to facilitate communication (see also WP 29).

Expected Benefits/Outcomes:  Closer collaboration between polar communities and more efficient use of resources.

Partners: IASC (but also APECS and CliC)

Budget Implications: None for 2012; consider $5000 for 2013.

SCAR XXXII WP25: Report of the Standing Committee on the ATS, including the Antarctic Conservation in the 21st Century Initiative and CCAMLR

Executive Summary

Title: Report of the SCAR Delegation to CEP XV and XXXV ATCM in Hobart, Australia June 11-20th 2012

Authors: M Sparrow, S L Chown, M C Kennicutt, P O’Brien, L Newman, A Terauds

Introduction/ Background: SCAR provides objective and independent scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and other organizations on issues affecting the conservation and management of Antarctica.

Important Issues or Factors: The XXXV Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and XV Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) took place in Hobart, Australia, from June 10-20th 2012. SCAR provided five Working Papers (WPs), seven Information Papers (IPs) and one Background Paper (BP) on subjects such as: Outcomes from the Aliens in Antarctica Project (also the subject of the SCAR lecture by Aleks Terauds), Tsunami risks, Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions, Anthropogenic sound in the Southern Ocean, the SCAR Products, the Southern Ocean Observing System, an ACCE update and a paper on communicating climate change. Many were submitted jointly with other Parties, Observers and Experts.

Budget Implications: $20k per year for SC-ATS. Funds are also budgeted so the SCAR Delegation can attend the Antarctic Treaty Meetings

SCAR XXXII WP26: Capacity Building, Education and Training: Future Plans

Executive Summary

Title: Capacity Building, Education and Training: Future Plans

Authors: D. Eerkes-Medrano, Rasik Ravindra, Renuka Badhe

Relevant URLs or references to other reports (note: links updated from those in report)

https://www.scar.org/capacity-building/capacity-building

Report_27

https://www.scar.org/awards/fellowships/overview

Introduction/ Background: SCAR is committed to developing scientific capacity among all the SCAR member countries, assisting students, early career scientists, underrepresented groups and emerging programs to participate in Antarctic research. SCAR promotes and facilitates the incorporation of Antarctic science into all levels of education.

Important activities:  The CBET committee reconstituted from time to time has been actively working on mandated activities. Its main activities are managing SCAR fellowship program, Visiting Professor scheme (if approved for launch in 2012), supporting APECS and assisting the committee on Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  Continued support of both SCAR and CBET activities be encouraged by all SCAR members to achieve the objectives.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Increased Capacity in SCAR Member countries, developing Antarctic Programs and early career scientists and students.

Partners: Association of Early Career Scientists, International Arctic Science Committee, International Polar Foundation, ICSU, COMNAP and others.

Budget Implications:

Fellowships = $30,000 a year (supplemented with voluntary contributions)

SCAR Visiting Professor Scheme = $10,000 for 2012 (supported by a voluntary contribution from India)

Early careers scientist support and general = $4,000 – $5,000 a year

SCAR has been successful in obtaining external grants to support CBET activities, e.g. ICSU grants, management of the Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica from the Tinker Foundation.

SCAR XXXII WP28: Report from the Action Group on SCAR Meetings and Related Activities (AG-MRA)

Introduction

SCAR supports, manages, and participates in a wide range of meetings and related activities that serve various scientific, administrative, and advisory purposes.   SCAR offers venues for the presentation of the latest scientific findings promoting cross-disciplinary communication such as the Open Science Conference, Symposia (Biology, Earth sciences, and Glaciology), and workshops. SCAR conducts biennial meetings where much of the organization’s administrative and financial business is conducted. SCAR presents scientific advice at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings/Committee on Environmental Protection and CCAMLR. There is a range of scientific meetings managed by others that have sessions on Antarctic and Southern Ocean science (e.g. AGU and EGU). In some cases the outcomes of one meeting inform the discussions of other meetings requiring coordination. This complex array of meetings and the activities necessary to plan and support them can create conflicts in scheduling and challenges for participation. A harmonized, strategic approach to meetings would improve impact and participation and serve as a management and advertising tool for SCAR.

To develop a strategic framework for SCAR meetings and related activities, an Action Group of experts, experienced in planning and managing meetings, was assembled with the following Terms of Reference (membership attached):

• Compile a comprehensive list and description of SCAR meetings, meetings that SCAR has an official role in, meetings that SCAR has an interest in or that serve the SCAR community, and other meetings/activities where a SCAR presence is warranted or desired.
• Map out a 10-year schedule for the meetings identified above.
• Assess the timing, aims, and internal structure of the SCAR biennial meetings (satellite meetings, business meetings, Open Science Conference, and Delegates Meeting). Recommend an optimal schedule and structure for these two weeks of meetings.
• Consider, in totality, SCAR’s scientific meetings and related activities including: conferences, symposia, workshops, and other meetings and develop an optimal strategic plan for timing of these meetings over the next 10 years that creates the greatest synergy, minimizes duplication and conflicts in scheduling with other important non-SCAR meetings, and creates a coordinated and integrated portfolio of meetings that best serves the aims of all involved and produces the greatest impact and highest level of participation.

A 1 ½ day meeting of AG-MRA was convened by M Kennicutt at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, March 15, 2012 in Kings College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. M Kennicutt welcomed committee members, asked each member to give a short introduction of their background, reviewed the Group’s Terms of Reference and asked for volunteer rapporteurs to assist R Badhe in recording the discussions. S Marenssii (AM 3/15), M Siegert (PM, 3/15) and B Storey (AM, 3/16) were appointed rapporteurs and R Badhe was charged with keeping a list of recommendations.

SCAR XXXII WP28b: Future Directions in Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science: Horizon Scanning

Executive Summary

Title: Future Directions in Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science: Horizon Scanning

Author: MC Kennicutt II

Introduction/ Background: The SCAR Strategic Plan 2011-2016 calls for a “Horizon Scanning” activity every 4 or 5 years to support SCAR’s leadership role in Antarctic science and to assist the organization in planning future directions and resource allocations.

Important Issues or Factors: The Horizon Scanning effort must be coordinated with the Antarctic Conservation Strategy process and scheduled to inform preparation of the next Strategic Plan for SCAR.

Recommendations/Actions:  Form an Action Group to begin planning and fund raising for a “Horizon Scanning” activity to be tentatively held in 2014 coinciding with the SCAR biennial meetings in New Zealand.

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: The activity will enhance SCAR’s position as a leader in international Antarctic and Southern Ocean science. The outcomes from this process will support development of SCAR’s next Strategic Plan.

Partners: Organizations with a polar mission and/or a global mission with a polar aspect should be engaged in the activity. Experts in strategic planning and “futures” predictions outside the polar community should be engaged.

Budget Implications: The AG requests $5,000 each year in 2013/2014 for preparations for the activity and planning meetings. Funds for the activity itself will be raised from external organizations and is expected to be in the range of $200,000 to $250,000.

SCAR XXXII WP29: SCAR Organisation: Advisory Groups

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Organisation: Advisory Groups

Authors: SCAR Secretariat

Introduction/ Background: This paper suggests formation of an “Advisory Group” to take into account current (and possible future) groups with an advisory (to the SCAR Delegates) role that do not fit well under the current structure. Examples are the current ACCE Expert Group, the CBET group and the BiPAG II group.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:  To approve formation of a SCAR “Advisory Group”

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Improved organizational structure to the SCAR groups.

Budget Implications: None.

SCAR XXXII WP30: The SCAR Development Council

Executive Summary

Title: SCAR Development Council – Update July 2012

Authors: MC Kennicutt II, SDC Chair

Introduction/ Background: SCAR’s Strategic Plan calls for the creation of a Development Council to manage and facilitate external fund raising for SCAR.

Important Issues or Factors: The SCAR Development Council has been formed and conducted initial consideration of its Terms of Reference. SDC discussions have been conducted electronically.

Recommendations: 

Recommendation 1 –   Solicit volunteers and appoint a new Chair to the SDC.

On a go forward basis instruct the SDC to:

Recommendation 2 – Further consider the model for SDC membership as it enters its active solicitation phase and decide on an optimal model for membership. Revise SDC membership in accordance with any changes in the model.

Recommendation 3 – Identify a limited number of high priority SCAR activities and develop the types of promotional material needed for fund raising based on these activities over the next biennium. These activities should be carefully matched with organizations and/or individuals for direct solicitation that have the highest likelihood of successful outcomes

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Supplemental funds to support SCAR’s mission.

Partners: Partnerships are to be explored as one aspect of a strategy for external fund raising. Partners will vary depending on the target and topic for fund raising

Budget Implications: Funds are requested for a face-to-face meeting in the 2013-2014 timeframe. Total request: $5000

SCAR XXXII WP31a: SCAR 2010 Financial Statement – Summary

SCAR XXXII WP31b: SCAR 2010 Financial Statement – Full

SCAR XXXII WP32a: SCAR 2011 Financial Statement – Summary

SCAR XXXII WP32b: SCAR 2011 Financial Statement – Full

SCAR XXXII WP34: Revised Budget for 2012