Endorsement

The IG^3IS methodology links bottom-up flux information with atmospheric observations and modelling. Together, these provide the best possible estimates of GHG emissions and removals and can help decision-makers better manage emissions and removals. This methodology is based on existing and successful measurement and analysis methods and use-cases for which the scientific and technical skill is proven or emerging. 

The foundational IG³IS principles that will enable the achievement of objectives are:
•    The ultimate success criterion is that the IG³IS information is “used”; helping build confidence and skill in using atmospheric composition measurements as an essential part of climate solutions.
•    IG³IS will provide a common platform, co-developed with stakeholders, for establishing benchmarks, good practices utilizing diverse measurement and analysis approaches inside a reliable framework.
•    IG³IS will take a unified approach that combines and analyses atmospheric concentration measurements together with socioeconomic data and information on natural fluxes to better quantify and attribute GHG emissions and sinks as well as their trends. 

The IG³IS Steering Committee  endorses projects, programmes and initiatives that aim to contribute to the objectives of the IG³IS. The applications process is ongoing. Reviews are on a quarterly basis, with the cut-off days for each review period of 15 February, 15 May, 15 August and 15November each year.

Activities seeking endorsement through IG³IS may be either already funded or in the process of seeking funding. 

Endorsement of a proposal means endorsement of the activity only if it is funded as proposed. If it is not funded, or if it is substantially modified during the funding process, the endorsement no longer applies

Benefits of IG3IS endorsement:

• Demonstrate the high standards, quality and appropriateness of the activities or proposed activities for quantification of GHG emissions and removals and capability of linking these to stakeholder outcomes. 
• Increase the visibility and international recognition of the proposed activity through the inclusion of links to the activity websites in the IG3IS website and e-newsletter; invitations to present in IG3IS webinars, conferences, stakeholder summits and other forums; inclusion in IG3IS communications and activities.
• Leverage additional support or funding for the activity.
• Contribute to the scaling up or adaptation of IG3IS methodologies, including development of good practice guidelines.
• Enhance networking and communication between the activity partners, other researchers and stakeholders, and the IG3IS community.
• Provide a forum for discussion of the robustness of scientific results.

Grows the community of researchers and stakeholders developing and disseminating GHG information.

IG³IS endorsement criteria

Scope of the IG³IS endorsed activity

• Promote the use of atmospheric information for GHG emissions and removals quantification. 
• The activity endorsed should be on a decision-relevant spatial scale, for example national or sub-national scale (including regions, states, cities and local governments, or facilities.
• The activity should clearly link research outcomes to users and stakeholders.

Demonstrations of applications of IG³IS methodologies

• Explain the methodology being used in the activity.
• Demonstrate how the activity utilizes or contributes to IG3IS good practices.
• Describe how the activity will meet user/stakeholder needs and promote stakeholder interactions.
• Describe how the observational and modeling data will be shared (WMO follows an open data policy).
• Describe how capacity building will be addressed (mobilizing local knowledge, engaging with early career scientists, scientists from developing countries).
• Encourage social inclusion and gender balance to the extent feasible. 
• Outline the financial sustainability of the activity and how long term outputs will be achieved.
• Describe the main elements of the workplan.

Process for IG³IS endorsement of a project/activity

1. A summary of the activity to be endorsed should be submitted to the WMO Secretariat, including the following information: 
   1. Title of the proposed activity 
   2. Contact information
   3. Description of the activity using IG³IS Endorsement Criteria outlined above
   4. Institutions involved in the implementation & other initiatives the project will contribute to
   5. Any funding application or other deadlines
   6. The written application to IG³IS should be submitted as a PDF and no more than 10 pages; we encourage shorter applications. 
   7. You may include additional documentation such as an associated funding proposal, letters of support, etc. All the documents should be submitted as PDFs.
   8. The subject line of the email sent to the WMO Secretariat should be – WMO-IG³IS Endorsement: Title of the Proposed Activity
2. Please indicate in your application or through follow-up communications if you would like IG³IS to: 
   1. Provide programmatic suggestions (leadership, membership, etc.); 
   2. Link the activity to and help seek out collaborations with other international organizations; 
   3. Provide guidance for events (meetings, workshops, conferences, etc.) related to the activity; 
   4. Supply letters of support for the activity; and
   5. Provide support for accessing international funding mechanisms.
3. The IG³IS SC will review the proposal for the endorsement, and unless further clarification is needed, a decision shall be sent within 3 months from the time the application is received.
4. If the activity is endorsed, the IG³IS SC holds the right to review the endorsement of the activity on a yearly basis. Additional reviews on the endorsement can be conducted if major changes affect the project development. 
5. Once endorsed, activities will be displayed on the IG³IS website project section. The endorsed activity is recommended to use the IG³IS logo in its publications and other relevant materials with prior authorization from the WMO. 
6. Endorsed activities will be invited to participate at the Steering Committee (SC) meetings as observers and exchange information on the progress with the project implementation, including soliciting SC advise towards implementation.
7. IG³IS endorsed activities are expected to provide annual updates to the IG³IS Steering Committee, in a form convenient to the activity. The options include materials generated for other reporting purposes, presenting in the IG3IS webinar series or at an IG³IS conference or related meetings, progress report to funding agencies; providing scientific publications to IG³IS; providing highlights for inclusion in quarterly IG³IS e-newsletters.
8. Endorsement does not imply any direct funding from IG³IS for the activity.