GEO is a partnership of more than 100 national governments and in excess of 100 Participating Organizations that envisions a future where decisions and actions for the benefit of humankind are informed by coordinated, comprehensive and sustained Earth observations.
GEO is a unique global network connecting government institutions, academic and research institutions, data providers, businesses, engineers, scientists and experts to create innovative solutions to global challenges at a time of exponential data growth, human development and climate change that transcend national and disciplinary boundaries. The unprecedented global collaboration of experts helps identify gaps and reduce duplication in the areas of sustainable development and sound environmental management.
POGO attended the very first meeting of GEO in Washington DC in 2003, during which it was recognised as a contributing organisation with a unique role to play, particularly with regard to representing in situ ocean observing. Since then POGO has been a Participating Organisation in GEO and instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of the ocean realm within GEO, which led to the creation of GEO Blue Planet.