supporters

Over the years, the OBPS has benefited from sponsorship through government-funded research projects, including support from the European Commission funds of  Ocean Data Interoperability Platform, AtlantOS: Optimising and Enhancing the Integrated Atlantic Ocean Observing Systems , and the National Science Foundation’s  OceanObs Research Coordination Network .

The OBPS Steering Group members are volunteers with substantial support from their home organizations.

Additional support for the continuing evolution of the OBPS and its technology comes through participation in funded research grants such as those listed below:


This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101094227 Project Coordinator – CNR, Trust IT, MARIS et al. The information and views of this website lie entirely with the authors. The  European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

Blue-Cloud 2026  aims to expand a pilot ecosystem into a Federated European Ecosystem to deliver FAIR and Open data and analytical services, instrumental for deepening research of oceans, EU seas, coastal and inland waters. Blue-Cloud 2026 is a collaborative project that leverages Europe’s expertise in aquatic environmental observation and data handling. Building on existing infrastructures like Copernicus and EMODnet, Blue-Cloud will use a web-based platform to offer simplified access to multidisciplinary datasets, analytical services, and computing facilities.


This project has received funding from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme under grant agreements No 871153 and 951799. Project coordinator: IFREMER, France. The information and views of this website lie entirely with the authors. The  European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

JERICO-S3 (Joint European Research Infrastructure of Coastal Observatories for Science, Service, Sustainability)  is an EU Horizon H2020 project dedicated to enhancing observations and comprehension of European Coastal Seas. With a focus on providing cutting-edge research infrastructure, high-quality data, and expert support, it aims to facilitate world-class research and innovation. This initiative also develops a virtual research environment (VRE) to support scientists and users, and it collaborates closely with the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS) to optimize best practices in coastal observations and data management. UNESCO/IOC contributes to the project by enhancing access to data and information repositories.                                 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement 101037643. Project Coordinator – Intrasoft International. The information and views of this website lie entirely with the authors. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains 

Iliad   (Integrated Digital Framework for Comprehensive Maritime Data and Information Services) is an EU-funded initiative with the goal of creating an interoperable, data-rich, and cost-effective Digital Twin of the Ocean. Building on decades of investments in blue economy policies and infrastructures, Iliad leverages new data from various Earth observation sources and cutting-edge technologies to tackle Earth data challenges. The Iliad Digital Twin of the Ocean integrates diverse data in a semantically rich, data-agnostic way, facilitating seamless communication with real-world systems and models and enabling intuitive discovery of information and knowledge.


The   Ocean Observation Research Coordination Network (RCN)   enhances connections between observation networks, modelling, and operational users to improve the delivery of vital information to stakeholders. This network serves as a platform for discussions on regional and global ocean observation, contributing to the broader global observing system. The RCN emphasizes interoperability across ocean observations and the importance of consolidating best practices. The RCN has played a crucial role in the evolution of the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS) and has supported workshops and forums to foster collaboration and convergence of observing methods.


COMPLETED PROJECTS


This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement 869673.  Project Coordinator – Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center. The information and views of this website lie entirely with the authors. The  European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

CAPARDUS   (Capacity-building in Arctic Standardisation Development) [COMPLETED]  was an EU Horizon H2020 that aimed to build capacity for the development of guidelines, standards, and best practices in the Arctic. By studying case studies in various Arctic regions, it explored how social-environmental systems impact Arctic communities and the driving forces behind these changes. CAPARDUS is also creating a pilot repository for Arctic practices of the indigenous people, industry and governance that will be operated as an integral part of  the OBPS with a separate portal focused on Arctic interests.


This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 862626. Project Coordinator – GEOMAR.  The information and views of this website lie entirely with the authors. The  European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

EuroSea   [ COMPLETED DEC 2023 was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme and unites experts in ocean observation and forecasting with users of ocean data. Aligned with the G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans Flagship Initiative, EuroSea enhances operational services, ocean health, and climate understanding. It addresses gaps in ocean observing and forecasting systems, promotes European collaboration for sustainable ocean observations, and works with the OBPS to identify and document best practices for ocean data and observations. EuroSea is dedicated to advancing ocean science and responsible resource management.