he principal objectives of the Integrated Global Observing Strategy are to address how well user requirements are being met by the existing mix of observations, including those of the global observing systems, and how they could be met in the future through better integration and optimization of remote-sensing (especially space-based) and in situ systems.

The Integrated Global Observing Strategy serves as guidance to those responsible for defining and implementing individual observing systems. Implementation of the Strategy, i.e. the establishment and maintenance of the components of an integrated global observing system, remains with those governments and organizations that have made relevant commitments, for example, within the governing councils of the observing systems' sponsors.

The "Theme" approach is a step-wise internal process based on perceived priorities towards the development of the integrated global observing strategy.

The IGOS Partnership brings together the efforts of a number of international bodies concerned with the observational component of global environmental issues, both from a research and a long-term operational programme perspective.

Major Groups:
Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) ()
Global Atmosphere Watch of WMO ()
Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) ()
Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) ()
Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) ()
Int'l Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP) ()
International Council for Science (ICSU) ()
World Climate Research Prog (WCRP) ()

UN System:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (France)
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) (France)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (Kenya)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ()

Other intergovernmental organizations:
European Space Agency (ESA) (France)

Other:
IGFA ()