eLTER ENRICH: BRIDGING PHASES TOWARDS INTEGRATED EUROPEAN LONG-TERM ECOSYSTEM, CRITICAL-ZONE AND SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE

eLTER EnRich aims at closing the gap between the preparatory and operational phase of the eLTER ESFRI process, which was severely constrained by several adversarial force majeure factors since the two major supporting eLTER projects started in 2020. While continuous risk evaluations and scenario-based mitigation measures have enabled significant achievements that includes the establishment of the eLTER Interim Council (IC) with 19 countries providing political support, a thorough self-evaluation of all sub-processes revealed the gaps we could not compensate for. The objectives of EnRich to close the most critical gaps are: 1. Implement a model-based systems engineering approach to (1) better manage the complexity of the distributed RI System Architecture (SA) design and (2) support agile management and decision-making in a phased approach now imposed by the uncertain framework conditions; 2. Streamline the overall design in order to implement a ´skeleton RI´ with minimal delays, i.e., a baseline RI with firmly hosted initial key services in support of core user groups. It is a starting point for extensions during the operational phase as specifications proceed and adequate funding can be expanded; 3. Ensure the establishment of essential cyberinfrastructure components, while planning for and launching a phased approach to extend the service capabilities in close cooperation with European ENV-RIs; 4. Strengthen the formalisation efforts in response to the increased complexity since spring 2020, in particular due to the transition to a phased approach (i.e., iterative planning and negotiations in several distinct phases) 5. Achieve solid and sustainable commitment from service hosts and future ERIC Members despite current global uncertainties; 6. Guarantee the seamless linkages of eLTER projects to eLTER ERIC operations, capacity building in expertise and human resources, and strengthen the user engagement in the RI; transition the interfacing with the eLTER IC by the end of eLTER PPP.