OES Earthzine operates under the auspices of the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society (OES) and is funded by it.

Previously, Earthzine was largely funded by grants through NASA as a contribution to GEO by the United States.

Founded in 2005, the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) is an international collaboration between nations and organizations whose mission is to make Earth observation data readily accessible in a standard form. The main goal of this endeavor is the production of a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), through which all information garnered from Earth observation efforts would be collated into a form that was universally understandable.

GEO’s goals in establishing the free exchange of Earth observation information are outlined in the organization’s eight Societal Benefit Areas: biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, disaster resilience, energy and mineral resource Management, food security and sustainable agriculture, infrastructure and transportation management, public health service, sustainable urban development, and water resource management. These areas align with and will aid in accomplishing the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Earth observation provides information that can be used to preserve the natural environment, protect human lives, and allow for more harmonious relationships between human society and the world as a whole. As stated in the GEO Strategic Plan 2016-2015, “Earth Observations are an indispensable component to measure and monitor our progress towards addressing societal challenges.”

GEO/GEOSS News