The intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations recently initiated a mid-term evaluation of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).
GEOSS was initiated in 2005 with a vision to realize a future wherein decisions and actions for the benefit of humankind are informed by coordinated, comprehensive and sustained Earth observations and information. GEOSS implementation is half-way through the first 10-year plan and an Evaluation Team has undertaken the task of developing the first progress assessment.
Direct feedback from the diverse and widely dispersed communities of stakeholders, users, and intended beneficiaries of GEOSS is vital to the evaluation. To that end, we have opened an electronic survey and are working to distribute it as widely as possible via the GEOSS community. However, we recognize the potentially limited reach of distribution solely through GEOSS, which is why we would like your assistance in inviting and encouraging broad participation from the relevant portions of your membership at the Natural Science Collections Alliance.  Any assistance your organization could provide such as an announcement, link on your website or a notice in a regular communication to your membership would be greatly appreciated.
The GEOSS Evaluation Survey (http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22A7JHFECU4/?source=society) is currently available and will remain and will remain open through the end of March. The survey is designed for all potential and actual stakeholders, contributors and beneficiaries of GEOSS; prior experience with the Group on Earth Observations and Global Earth Observation System of Systems is not a requirement. We anticipate the survey should take an average of 20 minutes, but may last longer depending on your previous involvement with GEO/GEOSS and the depth of your responses.
Thank you,
The GEOSS Evaluation Team