Download legacy PDF

IPY will, we hope, have many legacies, large and small. On the large side we anticipate improved and expanded observational networks, on-going data exchange practices and systems, and continued international polar science collaboration. On the smaller side we might find many informal networks and practical activities, including the IPY web site and other activities coordinated by the IPO, by Project Coordinators of various IPY Projects, and by IPY National Committees.

Small legacies may prove useful to the on-going success of the larger legacies. For the most valuable small legacies, IPO hopes to identify willing partners to accept responsibility for their continuation. Other supporting or coordinating activities will end as the IPO and IPY Projects end but may need recording or archiving. For large and small legacies, IPO advocates a timely, deliberate and active identification and decision process to develop optimal partnerships and to prevent unintended loss of any parts or records. To start the process of identifying important small legacies, we have produced this short 'Small Legacies' document.