Activities the Region

The Eleven sessions of the RA I Working Group on Hydrology was presented with an overview of the general UN system and the anchorage of WMO in relation to other bodies and organs of the system. The structures of WMO and its constituent bodies and their functions were explained to the session and further informed of the role of WMO in the field of Hydrology and Water Resources which is derived from the WMO convention article 2 (e): “to promote activities in operational hydrology and close co-operation between Meteorological and Hydrological Services”.

WMO activities related to the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme:

The Program is implemented through four mutually supporting components namely:

  • Basic Systems in Hydrology,
  • Hydrological Forecasting and Water Resources Management,
  • Capacity Building in Hydrology and Water Resources
  • Management, and Cooperation in Water-related Issues.

1. Basic systems in Hydrology

  • The program provides guidance to and support for NHSS in the development and maintenance of their activities for the provision of data and products with an emphasis on quality assurance.
  • It coordinates and supports a global World Hydrological Observing System (WHYCOS) for improving basic observation activities and strengthening international cooperation and data exchange.
  • It undertakes standardization and regulatory activities through issuance of operational manuals.

2. Hydrological forecasting and water resources management

  • The program supports application of hydrological modelling and forecasting techniques; risk assessment and management approaches to the risk reduction of water- related disasters; and advocacy and support for adopting Integrated Flood Management approaches; as well as a better understanding of the implications of climate variability and change on water resources management.
  • All WMO flood forecasting initiatives such as Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS), the Associated Program on Flood Management (APFM) and activities related to Extended Hydrological Prediction (EHP) and the development of Hydrological Outlooks are also supported under this program.

3. Capacity building in Hydrology and Water Resources Management

  • The program facilitates rational development and operation of NHSs including staff training and education and creates public awareness of the importance of hydrological work and provision of support through technical cooperation activities.
  • It implements a capacity building strategy based on a demand-driven approach, cost effectiveness (short duration courses, train the trainers, roving seminars, etc.),
  • Promotion of distance learning activities and support to the establishment of new WMO RTCs with a special focus in hydrology and water resources and promotion of partnerships.

4. Cooperation with other bodies and international organizations

  • This activity is aimed at increasing the effectiveness and visibility of activities of NHSs through inter-organizational collaboration in the field of water.
  • WMO has working arrangements with UNESCO, UNEP, Global Water Partnership (GWP), AMCOW, IGAD, SADC, IAHR, IAHS and with Global Data Centres such as GRDC, IGRAC, HYDROLARE, as well as, with River Basin Organisations including Niger Basin Authority and Volta Basin Authority.