Any international organization, professional union, association or data centre that is actively involved in cryosphere activities, that has a willingness to contribute tangibly to the implementation of the WMO GCW initiative, and that is active internationally in structure and membership, is invited and encouraged to become an “International Partner” of GCW.
A formal statement of intent to be a GCW International Partner should be sent to the WMO GCW Secretariat for consideration by the WMO GCW Steering Group. The statement should address how the organization will contribute to GCW implementation and to GCW Team activities. Requests are reviewed and endorsed formally. In accepting Partner status, special attention will be given to the following criteria:
Extensive global networks of members or partners or a high global presence or visibility, through regional or country offices, on measurement, research, product generation, or data archival and distribution activities;
Specific expertise with a strong emphasis on cryosphere issues in their organizational mandate;
The Partner organization should appoint one focal point and one alternate as principal contact persons for GCW. The full contact information of the focal point and the alternate should be provided to the WMO GCW Secretariat. The focal point (or alternate of the Partner) is eligible to participate in GCW Steering Group meetings.
After clearance through the GCW Secretariat, each Partner may display GCW visual identifier(s) and link to the GCW website on its own website. Each Partner will have their logo on the GCW website with a link to the Partner’s website. Partners will have an opportunity to display information on the GCW website, but only if it is directly related to activities that are part of the agreed GCW Implementation Plan and Task Team activities.
A Partner may only use the GCW visual identifier(s) in relation to activities that are part of GCW activities.
Each Partner should provide, on an annual basis, a short assessment on their Partner status with the Global Cryosphere Watch and how they are engaged in activities with GCW.
A Partner may at any time withdraw from the Partner status by giving notice to that effect to the GCW Secretariat.
Partnerships will be re-evaluated every four years. Ineffective partnerships will be terminated.
National and Regional Partners:
Organizations with a single country or regional cryosphere focus will be considered for “National Partner” or “Regional Partner” status. Requirements for this status is as outlined for an international partner, but at the national or regional level.
Partner status will not normally be granted to any state or government agency.
NMHSs and their national collaborators in cryosphere initiatives who make tangible or in-kind contributions to the development, implementation, and operation of GCW contribute to GCW as a Member of WMO and will be considered “contributors” rather than partners.
