WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA)

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE

ELEVENTH SESSION

Asuncion, 22-30 September 1993

WMO-No.797

Secretariat of the World :Meteorological Organization - Geneva - Switzerland 1994

© 1994, World Meteorological Organization

ISBN 92-63-10797-1

NOTE

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

CONTENTS

Page

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION .............................. ...................................... ..................................... 1

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION ............ ............. ................. ........ .......... ............... .......... ........... 2 2.1 Consideration of the report on credentials ...... ........................ .............. ...... ........ .................. 2 2.2 Adoption of the agenda ....... ................ ............... ........... ................ ..... ...... ....... ............... ........ 2 2.3 Establishment of committees ................. ............... ................... .................... ........ ......... ......... 2 2.4 Other organizational matters . ............ ......... ........ ......... ................. ....... ............. .......... ...... ..... 2

3. REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION .......... .......... ...... ...... .............. ........ .............. 2

4. WORLD WEATHER WATCH PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS .............................................. 2 4.1 WWW status of implementation ........................................................................................... 2 4.2 Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme ...... ..... 4 4.3 Data-processing system .......................................................................................................... 6 4.4 Telecommunication system .................................................................................................... 7 4.5 Data management, including matters related to codes ......................................................... 8 4.6 WWW System Support Activities ........................................................................................... 9 4.7 WMO satellite activities ......................................................................................................... 10

5. WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS .............................................................. 10 5.1 World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (WCDMP) ................................................ 10 5.2 World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP) ........................................... 11 5.3 World Climate Impact Assessment and Response Strategies Programme (WCIRP) ............... 11 5.4 World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) ........................................................................ 12 5.5 Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) ............................................................................ 13 5.6 Coordination of the World Climate Programme ................................................................... 13

6. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS .. ................ 14 6.1 Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) ......................................................................................... 14 6.2 Weather Prediction Research Programmes ............................................................................. 14 6.3 Tropical Meteorology Research Programme ........................................................................... 14 6.4 Programme on the Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Weather Modification

Research .................................................................................................................................. 15

7. ApPLICATIONS OF METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS ..................................... 15 7.1 Public Weather Services Programme ...................................................................................... 15 7.2 Agricultural Meteorology Programme ......................... ........................................................... 15 7.3 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme .................................................................................. 16 7.4 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities Programme ...... ................... 17

8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS .............................. 20

9. EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS ............................................... 26

10. TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS ................................................ 28

11. PUBLIC INFORMATION - REGIONAL ASPECTS ............................................................................ 29

12. LONG-TERM PLANNING - REGIONAL ASPECTS ........................................................................... 30

13. THE WMO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE AMERICAS .............. .................................. .................. 31

14. COMMERCIALIZATION OF METEOROLOGICAL DATA AND PRODUCTS ........ ..................... ................ 32

15. OTHER IMPORTANT REGIONAL ACTIVITIES ................................................................................ 32 15.1 Internal matters of the Association ........................................................................................ 32

IV CONTENTS

Page

15.2 Regional aspects of relations with other related organizations, programmes and activities ... ......... ................ ... ............. .... ..... .... ................. ..... ........ ...... ... ......... ... ..... ..... ........... 33

15.2.1 United Nations Conference on Envirof\~ent and Development (UNCED) .......................... 33 15.2.2 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) ............................................. 33 15.2.3 Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) ......................................................... 34

16. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS .... ..... .............................. ......... ............... ..................... 34

17. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND

OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS .•.• ................ ......................... ............... .......... 34

18. ELECTION OF OFFICERS ............. ..... ...................... ..... .................. ....... ............................ .......... 34

19. DATE AND PLACE OF THE TWELFTH SESSION ............................................................................. 34

20. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION ............. ....... ......... ............... ......... .............. ............. .............. ........... 34

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Final Session No. No.

1 4.1/1 Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in Region III ........... :............................................................................................... 36

2 4.2/1 New calibration factors for standard pyrheliometers ........................................ 39

3 4.2/2 Continuous evaluation of UV radiation ...................... ........ ...... ........................ 40

4 4.2/3 Working Group on Solar Radiation ...... ........... ..................... ..... ........ ................ 40

5 4.2/5 Regional Basic Synoptic Network ...................................................................... 41

6 5.2/1 Rapporteur on Climatic Atlas for Region III .... ..... ....... .......... ...... ...................... 4S

7 5.6/1 Working Group on the World Climate Programme .... ..... ................ ....... .......... 46

8 7.2/1 Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology ................................................... 47

9 7.4/1 Working Group on Regional Marine Meteorological Services ......... ....... .......... 49

10 7.4/2 Use of INMARSAT for the collection of ships' meteorological and oceanographic reports .... ...... ....... ...... ... ............. ..... ........ .......... .... .... ...... ...... ..... 49

11 7.4/3 Participation in the Joint IOC/WMO Integrated Global Ocean Services System (IGOSS) . .... ..... .......... ... ......... ..... ..... ......... ...... .......... .... ...... ....... ... .... ....... 50

12 8/1 Working Group on Hydrology ....... .................................................. ................. 51

13 9/1 Working Group on Education and Training ....... ..... ................ ......................... 52

14 10/1 "Iberoamerican climate" project ....................................................................... 53

15 17/1 Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the Association ....... 54

ANNEX

Annex to paragraph 4.6.4 of the general summary: Project for the automation of NMCs in South America ................. ................... .................. ........ ........ .............. ......... ..... ........ ........... 58

APPENDICES

A. B. C.

List of persons attending the session .................................................................................... . Agenda ........................ ; .......................................................................................................... . List of documents .................................................................................................................. . 1. "DOC" series ..................................................................................................................... . II. "PINK" series ..................................................................................................................... .

61 .62

64 64 67

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION (agenda item 1) 1.1 At the kind invitation of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay, the eleventh session of Regional Association III was held in the Sal6n Rojo of the Hotel Guarani in Asunci6n, Paraguay, from 22 to 30 September 1993. 1.2 The official opening ceremony took place at 6.30 p.m. on 22 September 1993. The first speaker, Mr Wilfrido Castro Wrede, Permanent Representative of Paraguay with WMO, said that, as Director of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service of the National Civil Aeronautics Administration (DINAC), he was fully aware of the challenges which daily confronted the Region's Meteorological and Hydrological Services, in the form of such regional problems as ozone layer deple­tion, climate change and the EI Nino phenomenon, and of their relationship with the various regional programmes, such as the World Weather Watch, the World Climate Programme, the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme, the Education and Training Programme and the Technical Cooperation Programme, as well as with meteorological applications such as agri­cultural meteorology and aeronautical meteorology, not to mention the Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme. He concluded by extending to the parti­cipants a most cordial welcome. 1.3 Col Guillermo Palacios Aguirre, acting president of RA III, expressed pleasure at the fact that Paraguay had agreed to host the Association's eleventh session and gratitude for the many splendid facilities which had been put at the Association's disposal. He expressed particular thanks to the presidents and vice-presidents who had preceded him during the period since the Quito session. He highlighted the rapid technological development and the extreme meteorological situations which made it essential to engage in a joint effort to strengthen the Region's Meteorological and Hydrological Services. He also affirmed that since taking over the presidency he had sought to familiarize himself with the problems confronting each individual Member, to which end he had planned visits to all of them. Unfortunately, however, he had been unable to fulfil that aim in its entirety owing to time constraints. He went on to say that, together with his colleagues from the Region, efforts had been made to form a common front to tackle the problems facing the Association, particularly the issue of the commercialization of meteorological data and products - the importance which the Secretariat had accorded to that matter being a good example of team­work. He thanked donor countries, especially Canada, Finland and the USA and highlighted the support given by the South American Desk of the World Centre in Washington, where various professionals from the

Region had received training. He concluded by thanking Professor G. O. P. Obasi for his valuable support, as well as the Technical Cooperation Department and the Regional Office for the Americas. 1.4 Professor G. O. P. Obasi, delivering part of his address in Spanish and part in English, began by saying that it was a great honour and privilege to be once again in the city of Asunci6n and to address the eleventh session of Regional Association III. Speaking both personally and on behalf of WMO, he thanked Col Ram6n Guerra Benitez, president of DINAC, for hosting the meeting. He also thanked Mr Wilfrido Castro and his staff for the efforts they had deployed to ensure that the event was a success. He further thanked Col Guillermo Palacios and Col Luis Acosta, as well as the former preSidents of the Association, Col Carlos Grezzi and Mr Jorge Ivan Valencia, for the outstanding work they had accomplished during their respective terms of office. He affirmed that since the Quito meeting WMO had faced major challenges, such as sustainable development, climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, fresh water availability, natural disaster reduction and other environmental concerns. He went on to mention WMO's participation in post-UNCED activities which had included setting up a follow-up working group. WMO had hosted the secretariat for the International Conference on Water and the Environment and plans had been developed at the request of the World Bank for a World Hydrological Cycle Observing System. Professor Obasi also made reference to WMO's many activities at the international level in connection with environmental and climate matters, natural disasters a.nd the designation by the United Nations of the 1990s as the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. WMO was seeking new ways in which to provide support within the frame­work of technical cooperation, to which end a Resource Mobilization Unit had been established within the Secretariat. He made reference to the South American and Tropical Desks at the World Meteorological Centre in Washington and the issue of the commercialization of meteorological data and products, in which connection he reported that the Executive Council had examined the proposals put forward by the corresponding working group and had adopted a set of guidelines for their exchange. He also reported that the Executive Council had approved the construction of the new WMO Headquarters building, which was expected to be ready by 1997. He deSignated Mr Gerardo Lizano V., Regional Director, as his representative during the session, adding that a number of scientific officers from the Secretariat would also be assist­ing. In conclusion, Professor Obasi once again expressed his gratitude to Col Ram6n Guerra Benitez for his presence at the opening ceremony and wished the participants an excellent and fruitful session.

2 GENERAL SUMMARY

1.5 Col Ramon Guerra Benitez, President of the Board of Directors of DINAC, stated that it was an honour to address such a distinguished audience. He was sure that the participants would identify the means for improving and developing meteorological and hydro­logical activities in the Region and that this development would, likewise, be beneficial for the international meteorological community. He expressed his conviction that the decision-making process would be enhanced by a thorough knowledge of natural phenomena making it possible to optimize or take preventive action - and guide the public - with a view to reducing the costly and disastrous effects of such phenomena. He also said that the Government of Paraguay was aware of the need to invest in infrastructure development in the field of meteorological observations and telecommunications as well as in training and research supported by the higher education sector. Finally, he declared the eleventh session of the RA III officially open.

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (agenda item 2) 2.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT ON CREDENTIALS

(agenda item 2.1) In accordance with the General Regulations, the

representative of the Secretary-General examined and submitted a report on all the credentials received from Members of RA III. The list was accepted as a preliminary report on credentials. Further reports were submitted to the Association in later plenary sessions. The Association decided not to establish a Credentials Committee, leaving this task to the Secretariat in accordance with Regula­tion 22 of the General Regulations. The Association expressed its satisfaction and gratitude for the presence of representatives from Canada, Mexico, Spain and USA as well as for the participation of the president of RA IV.

2.2 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (agenda item 2.2) By decision of the Association, the provisional

agenda was modified in order to emphasize the subject of commercialization of meteorological data and products. With this amendment, the agenda was unanimously adopted and is given in Appendix B to this report.

2.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES (agenda item 2.3) 2.3.1 In the course of the session the following committees were established:

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

2.3.2 In accordance with Regulation 24 of the General Regulations, the session established a Nomination Committee comprising the principal delegates of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

WORKING COMMITTEES

2.3.3 Two working committees were established to consider the various agenda items: (a) Committee A was assigned agenda items 4, 6, 7.1,

7.3, 7.4, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.2.3. Commodore Salvador Alaimo (Argentina) was elected chairmanj

(b) Committee B was assigned agenda items 5, 7.2, 8, 9, 10, 15.2.1 and 15.2.2. Mr Carlos Maria Serrentino (Uruguay) was elected chairman.

Mr Wilfrido Castro Wrede (Paraguay) was appointed vice­chairman of both working committees.

COORDINATION COMMITTEE

2.3.4 A Coordination Committee comprising the president of RA III, the chairmen and vice-chairman of the working committees, the representative of the Secretary-General and the Conference Officer, was estab­lished in accordance with WMO General Regulations 24 and 28.

2.4 OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS (agenda item 2.4) Under this item, the Paraguayan delegation was

appointed to review previous resolutions and recommen­dations. The Association established the working hours of the session. It also decided that the Secretariat would prepare the minutes of the plenary meetings and author­ized the president of the Association, in accordance with WMO General Regulation 113, to approve those minutes which could not be approved during the session, in consultation with the participants.

3. REpORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE

ASSOCIATION (agenda item 3) The acting president of the Association

presented his report to the session detailing the work carried out during his brief term of office. He praised the work done by the Region's permanent representatives and by the chairmen and members of the regional working groups and rapporteurs. He stated the need for a clear definition of the tasks and role of the vice-president of the Association so that he could work in close collaboration with the president and expressed his gratitude to the WMO Secretariat for their constant support. The Association expressed its satisfaction at the report presented, agreed with him on the need to define the role of the officers of the Regional Association more clearly and congratulated the president for the work accomplished in spite of his brief term in office. The various technical matters mentioned were considered in detail under the relevant agenda items.

4. WORLD WEATHER WATCH PROGRAMME -

REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 4) 4.1 WWW STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION (agenda

item 4.1) 4.1.1 The Association noted with appreciation the report of the Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in Region III, chaired by Mr R. A. Sonzini (Argentina), which held its first session from 26 to 30 April 1993 in Santiago, Chile. 4.1.2 Stressing the regional responsibility in the plan­ning and implementation of the WWW and recognizing that the basic systems should provide adequate support to other WMO and international programmes, the Association decided to establish a Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in Region III (WGjPIW). Taking into consideration the continuous close coordination required for the implementation, operation and further development of the WWW systems in the Region, the Association decided that the

GENERAL SUMMARY 3

working group should include Rapporteurs on Regional Aspects of the Global Observing System (GOS), the Global Data-processing System (GDPS), the Global Telecommunication System (GTS), Data Management (DM), and meteorological codes. The specific terms of reference and the proposed composition of the working group were contained in Resolution 1 (XI-RA III) as adopted by the Association. 4.1.3 The Association expressed concern that having a session once in four years would make it very difficult for the Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW to fulfil its role in meeting the challenges for a rapid development of WWW systems. Realizing the financial implications, it felt that flexible arrangements, such as small expert meetings, coordination meetings between a few focal experts, jOint meetings of experts on GOS, GTS, GDPS, DM, as appropriate, held during or back to back with the session of the working group if possible, would be necessary. 4.1.4 The Association noted that seven centres located in Region III had provided results of the annual global monitoring carried out from 1 to 15 October 1992, none on magnetic media (floppy disks). The Association noted with appreciation the efforts and experience gained by the WMO Secretariat in the use of electronic media to carry out more timely and detailed analysis of the monitoring results. The session encouraged the participation of centres in Region III in the exchange of monitoring results on magnetic media and also stressed that all WWW centres should make every effort to parti­cipate in the monitoring exercises. 4.1.5 The global monitoring results indicated that the availability of observational data from Region III remained one ·of the lowest of all WMO Regions. The availability of SYNOP reports from RA III at Main Telecommunication Network (MTN) centres was quite low, on average 42 per cent of the Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN). The daily average of SYNOP reports received at MTN centres had decreased from 631 in 1990 and 678 in 1991 to 616 in 1992. The availability of TEMP reports remained unchanged. 4.1.6 The situation was the most critical in the north­ern part of South America from where only 29 per cent of SYNOP reports were available at MTN centres. The Association particularly noted that the availability of SYNOP reports from Colombia, Guyana, Peru and Suriname was lower than 20 per cent and that the 33 TEMP reports received at MTN centres represented only 28 per cent of the number of reports required daily from the RBSN. The Association identified deficiencies of the Regional Telecommunication Network (e.g. the circuit Bogota-Maracay) as one of the reasons for the low avail­ability of observations. The number of silent stations, reaching 14 per cent of the RBSN for SYNOP reports and 17 per cent of the RBSN for TEMP reports, reveals serious shortcomings in observing programmes apd/or telecom­munication facilities in some countries. The availability of CLiMAT TEMP reports from RA III at MTN centres increased from 12 per cent to 32 per cent of the reports expected as indicated in Volume A. The number of silent

stations decreased to 15 stations from 37 stations in 1991. 4.1.7 The Association noted some discrepancies in the availability of data at National Meteorological Centres (NMCs), Regional Telecommunication Hubs (RTHs) and MTN centres. The Association strongly urged Members to inform WMO of modifications to the list of stations contained in WMO Publication No.9, Volume A.

FOLLOW-UP OF UNCED 4.1.8 The Association recognized the implications of both Agenda 21 and the Framework Convention on Climate Change for the regional WWW systems, espe­cially the observing system as regards an increased reliability in the generation and exchange of observa­tions, and the complete and unrestricted exchange of data. It also recognized the importance of the role of the national Meteorological and Hydrological Services in implementing the results of UNCED at the local and regional levels, and urged them to give due consideration to the implications of UNCED on the regional develop­ment of the WWW.

SUPPORT TO OTHER INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES

4.1.9 The Association recalled that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria, had developed two international conventions applicable in this area: (a) Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear

Accidentj (b) Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear

Accident or Radiological Emergency. 4.1.10 According to the information provided by IAEA to the WMO Secretariat, many countries of RA III have acceded to one or both of the above conventions. The Association recommended that the hydrometeorological services concerned liaise with their governments as to the coordination that may be required at the national level regarding the support expected from NMCs. Within the framework of the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, IAEA published in May 1992 a brochure called Guidance on international exchange of information and data following a major nuclear accident or radiological emergency which was designed to help Member States of IAEA in managing information and data exchange in an orderly and effective manner. 4.1.11 The Association underlined the requirement for specialized transport/dispersion/deposition model prod­ucts to be made available to Members on request and noted that EC-XLV had endorsed the recommendations of CBS-X on the designation of the GDPS centres Toulouse, Bracknell, Washington and Montreal as Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) with activity specialization for the provision of transport model products.

GCOS AND GOOS

4.1.12 The Association noted that the new Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) and the Global Ocean Observing System (GO OS) should be based on strength­ening existing systems. It emphasized that close

4 GENERAL SUMMARY

coordination should be maintained at the regional level between the WWW and GCOS and GOOS, with a view to taking full benefit from joint efforts.

4.2 OBSERVING SYSTEM, INCLUDING INSTRUMENTS AND

METHODS OF OBSERVATION PROGRAMME (agenda item 4.2)

INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF OBSERVATION PROGRAMME

4.2.1 The Association stressed the importance of the standardization of sensors and instruments used at surface-based meteorological stations and fully supported Resolution 6 (EC-XLII) that adopted the corresponding recommendations of the tenth session of CIMO. 4.2.2 The Association underscored the importance of the information published in the Instruments and Observing Methods Reports series that were regularly distributed to all Members. These reports provided valuable guidance on measurement and observing techniques and were, in addition, a very useful means for the transfer of knowledge to developing countries. 4.2.3 The Association appreciated the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the Technical Conference (TECO-92), held in Vienna, Austria in May 1992. Such conferences were helpful in obtaining information on the present status and the future development of instrumentation and methods of observation and should also be used for educational purposes. The Association referred again to the need for improved extended training and retraining of observers, station inspectors and instrument technicians. The Association emphasized the usefulness of workshops and training seminars in that connection and was pleased to note that a Workshop for Instrument Specialists of RA III/RA IV would be held in October 1993 in Buenos Aires. 4.2.4 It was stressed that continuous efforts were necessary to enhance the quality of observations made. Members were therefore urged to carry out inspections of their networks of stations at regular intervals to ensure the correct functioning of instruments and their proper calibration according to the procedures contained in the WMO Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation (WMO-No. 8). Special attention should be directed to the regular calibration of operationally used barometers. Considering the results of the WMO Digital Barometer Comparison (published in WMO/TD-No.474), the Association advised its Members that digital baro­meters with an improved long-term stability were very suitable for use as travelling standards. 4.2.5 The Association also discussed the establishment of Regional Instrument Centres (RIC) and confirmed their value for proper calibration of instruments and for organizing training courses for instrument operators within RA III. It appreCiated the invitation by Argentina to make use of the facilities at its RIC whenever these facilities were able to meet Members' requirements for the repair and calibration of meteorolOgical instruments. It was noted that special customs arrangements allowed rapid duty-free entry and exit of instruments in transit to or from the RIC. Members were also invited to make use of the RIC's personnel training facilities in the form of refresher courses

for meteorological instrument technicians; the courses usually lasted eight months. The Association agreed to expand and intensify the use of the RIC Buenos Aires for the benefit of the entire Region. 4.2.6 The Association noted with appreciation the report of the chairman of the RA III Working Group on Solar Radiation, Mr Ovidio Simbaqueva Fonseca (Colombia), and congratulated him and the members of the group on the work accomplished. 4.2.7 Work was under way to update the Radiation Measurement Inventory of the Region as a result of a survey conducted by the working group. 4.2.8 The Association expressed its appreciation to Argentina for carrying out the Second WMO Regional Comparison of National Standard Pyrheliometers (RPC-RA III) at the Regional Radiation Centre in Buenos Aires in 1991. The aim of this comparison was to calibrate the national standard pyrheliometers against regional standard instruments and a pyrheliometer of the World Standard Group of the World Radiation Centre, Davos, Switzerland. It was recommended that such calibration be carried out at five-yearly intervals. Radiation experts from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay compared ten pyrheliometers and five pyranometers during that event. The final report containing the calibration factors for the national standard instruments had been sent to WMO for publication. The Association approved the application of the new calibration factors in the Region by adopting Resolution 2 (XI-RA III). 4.2.9 The Association recognized the urgent need for obtaining ultraviolet (UV) radiation data and noted with interest the various activities carried out in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay and Venezuela which were directed to measuring and monitoring UV radiation, and in some countries also ozone concentrations and/or greenhouse gases. In full awareness of the high priority these issues received from the general public, the Association adopted Resolution 3 (XI-RA III) with the intent to promote and support the establishment of national radiation networks in Member countries, together with associated training activities. The Association expressed its appreciation to Canada for organizing a conjoint RA III/RA IV Workshop on UV Radiation to be held in 1994 and for identifying means of financial support for the event. It was agreed that the regular maintenance and calibration of operational radiation instruments was of great importance for high quality and homogeneous radiation data. The Members of RA III were urged to promote permanent programmes for field radiometer calibration using travelling standard pyranometers. The Association stated that well-trained operators were necessary to obtain reliable radiation data of high accuracy. The use of satellite-derived irradiances was recommended when studying solar radiation provided that ground-truth data were available. For that purpose, the organization of a Training Seminar on Solar Radiation Measurements was recommended to increase knowledge of the techniques for obtaining irradiance data using geostationary· satellites.

GENERAL SUMMARY 5

4.2.10 In recognizing the increased importance of solar radiation data for research in global climate change, agri­culture, food production and energy sources the Association agreed to re-establish the Working Group on Solar Radiation and adopted Resolution 4 (XI-RA III).

REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK (RBSN)

4.2.11 The Regional Basic Synoptic Network for the Region, as adopted in Resolution 2 (X-RA III), included a total of 338 surface stations and 60 upper-air stations. The level of implementation of the network in the Region, based on the information given by Members, ranged from 90 per cent at 1200 and 1800 UTC to 47 per cent at 0300 UTC for surface stations, and for radiosonde stations from 73 per cent at 1200 to 20 per cent at 0000 UTC, The Association requested its Members to keep up to date the information on the Regional Basic Synoptic Network. 4.2.12 A truer guide might be the result of the annual monitoring which showed that only 42 per cent of surface reports and 28 per cent of upper-air reports required from the Region reach centres on the GTS. This, however, did not distinguish between deficiencies in observing programmes and those in telecommunica­tions. Monitoring of data availability carried out by the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) in February 1993 confirmed the low availabil­ity of reports from surface stations and large gaps in the upper-air data coverage in the central part of South America. Operational and financial difficulties were the cause of the rather poor availability of observational data reflected in the monitoring results. 4.2.13 When reviewing the distribution of stations over the Region, the Association felt that the network had evolved gradually on the basis of national programmes and plans rather than in a coordinated manner on a regional scale. To cover the land area of Region III which was just under 18 million km2, a total of about 300 stations would be required at a spacing of 250 km as recommended in the WMO Long-term Plan for the composite global observing system. It was recog­nized, however, that the requirements of individual areas might call for a much denser network and that this was not possible in the remote areas of the Region where the distance between stations might be 500 km or more; but, as the total of 338 stations in the RBSN was more than the total required, and over 300 of these had actually been established, there might be a concentration of stations in the more populated areas. In adopting Resolution 5 (XI-RA III) with the revised Regional Basic Synoptic Network, the Association agreed that a new coordinated approach was needed to improve attainment of the recommended spacing. 4.2.14 Taking into account the requirements of the World Weather Watch given in the Third Long-term Plan as well as new requirements emerging fr.om the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the Association agreed upon the need to restructure the RBSN with a view to assisting Members concerned in operating exist­ing stations, modernizing outdated infrastructure,

establishing new stations, and providing training for observers and technicians. The Association further stressed the importance of the establishment of a high­quality archive of WWW observational data in South America required for climate research. 4.2.15 The Association entrusted its WG/PIW with the task of redesigning the RBSN and requested the Secretary­General to organize a regional expert meeting on the RBSN to assist the WG/PIW, The terms of reference of the expert meeting on the RBSN in RA III as given in the annex to Resolution 1 (XI-RA III) were approved. 4.2.16 In this context, the Association was informed of the latest status of Argentina's observing system. The Association noted in particular the information provided by Argentina on its contribution to the RBSN, and the list of CLiMAT and CLiMAT TEMP stations as well as the Reference Climatological Network and the network of automated stations. Furthermore, Brazil and Chile informed the session that they had started work to restructure their national observing systems. The Association invited its Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in Region III to take the information provided by these three countries into due account when embarking on the task of redesigning the RBSN.

OTHER NETWORKS

4.2.17 The total number of ships recruited by Members of the Association was now 400, most of them under Brazilian flag. This represented somewhat more than five per cent of the global total number of Voluntary Observing Ships from which about 2 500 reports were received daily at GTS centres. As regards upper-air reports from ships, automated systems (ASAP) had been installed in 13 ships currently operating in the North Atlantic. These provided on average two reports per day from the six to eight ships which were actually at sea at anyone time. 4.2.18 While the number of AIREP reports received on a world-wide basis and transmitted on the GTS remained at around 3 000 there had been a relatively recent steep increase in the data available from a variety of automated systems installed on commercial aircraft. This increase had been due to the implementation of reporting via: (i) VHF by both Australian and USA registered aircraft; and (ii) geostationary meteorological satellite by ASDAR equipped aircraft. Eight ASDAR aircraft were in service, five more were in the process of implementation, and a further ten were being procured, for a total of 23 systems. Automated reporting from aircraft offered an excellent opportunity to provide data over many data-sparse areas.

CLiMAT AND CLiMAT TEMP REPORTING STATIONS

4.2.19 The Association reiterated the need for Members to continue to examine the possibilities of expanding the network by designating more of the existing synoptic stations as CLiMAT and CLiMAT TEMP reporting stations. It was recognized that much remained to be done to achieve a reasonably homogeneous density within the Region. Little change had been experienced in the network which, according to information provided by

6 GENERAL SUMMARY

Members, now had 332 CLiMAT and 38 CLiMAT TEMP reporting stations. It was known, however, that a higher number of the latter existed than that listed in Volume A of WMO Publication No.9. The requirement was for up to ten CLiMAT stations per 250000 km2 which would mean up to a total of some 720 stations. Clearly, this was not pOSSible, but 360 reporting stations, or five per 250 000 km2 would be a reasonable target in Region III provided that the distribution was reasonably even.

SPACE-BASED SUB-SYSTEM 4.2.20 The two main components of the space-based sub-system of the GOS (polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites) continued to provide standard services to WMO Members of RA III.

POLAR-ORBITING SATELLITES

4.2.21 The USA polar-orbiting satellites NOAA-9 and NOAA-lO were in standby mode. NOAA-ll was opera­tional as an afternoon (pm) satellite and NOAA-12 was the primary operational morning (am) satellite. The following future launches were scheduled: NOAA-] (am) in 1993, NOAA-K (pm) in 1995, NOAA-L (am) in 1996 and NOAA-M (pm) in 1997. The Russian Federation operated two polar-orbiting satellites: METEOR-2 N19 and METEOR-2 N20, both launched in 1990. It was expected that these space-craft would remain operational for several more months and, depending on their per­formance, would be put in a standby mode. Therefore, the METEOR-2 system, would be fully replaced by the METEOR-3 system composed of two satellites METEOR-3 N6 and METEOR-3 N5, both launched in 1991. 4.2.22 These satellites continued to be the main opera­tional satellites providing global data on the distribution of clouds, snow and ice in visible and infrared bands, atmospheric temperature sounding data, cloud top heights and sea-surface temperature and radiation fluxes data. NASA's Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) was flown on METEOR-3 N5 proViding global ozone levels in the Earth's atmosphere. At present, a new gen­eration of satellites of METEOR-3M series was under construction. An enhancement was expected to this series so that it would be able to provide a direct broad­cast similar to HRPT. The expected date for the implementation of this system was 1995. 4.2.23 The People's Republic of China flew two experi­mental polar-orbiting satellites each providing HRPT compatible data, but both satellites were presently not transmitting.

GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITES

4.2.24 The Region continued to be served by the METEOSAT-3 geostationary satellite, operated by EUMET­SAT, which was currently located close to 75°W to support the Atlantic Data Coverage mission. It provided pre-processed image and time multiplexed digital image data from the central ground segment at Darmstadt and WEFAX transmissions from the facilities at Lannion (France). METEOSAT-4 was launched in 1989 and METEOSAT-5 in 1991. They provided high and low-

resolution visible and infrared imagery as well as infor­mation on upper-air winds based on cloud movements. With the launch of the METEOSAT Operational Programme (MOP) satellite, an operational Meteoro­logical Data Distribution (MDD) service began in February 1992, after a pre-operational phase since early 1990. The MDD comprised two uplink stations at Bracknell and Rome and a third uplink station to be soon implemented at Toulouse. EUMETSAT planned to implement a METEOSAT Second Generation (MSG) Programme in the second half of the 1990s. 4.2.25 The USA geostationary satellite GOES-6 was launched in 1983. GOES-6 and NOAA DCS-WEFAX and the Space Environmental Monitor (SEM) were still opera­tional. GOES-7 was launched in 1987. VISSR/VAS, SEM/SAR, Data Collection Platform Interrogation and Report and East WEFAX broadcast were still operational. The following GOES launches were scheduled: GOES-I in 1994j GOES-] in 1995j GOES-K in 1998j GOES-L in 1999 and GOES-M in 200l. 4.2.26 The Association noted the plans of meteoro­logical satellite operators to change, by the end of this decade, the format of transmission of low resolution imagery from the polar orbit and geostationary satellite services, called Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) and Weather Facsimile (WEFAX), respectively. Although the mentioned changes would only occur in several years time, the Association requested the WMO Secretariat to provide information as soon as possible to Members of the Region in order to guide NMHSs in the acquisition of equipment and in order to avoid gaps in the reception capabilities after the planned overlap period between analogue and digital transmissions.

OTHER SATELLITES

4.2.27 The Federal Republic of Brazil had successfully launched a low-orbit satellite (SCD-l) with a near­equatorial track dedicated to the collection and retransmission of environmental data from Data Collection Platforms (DCP) in the Region. The system was compatible with ARGOS and, though experimental, would be continued through another accompanying satellite (SCD-2) to be launched in 1995 and two satellites (CIBERS) which were being developed in collaboration with the People's Republic of China and which were planned to be launched in 1996 and 1998. All these satellites would carry the same type of transponder in order to guarantee the operation of the entire system up to and beyond the year 2000. Brazil had offered the use of this satellite to all Members of WMO Region III, Central America and the Caribbean countries.

.4.3 DATA-PROCESSING SYSTEM (agenda item 4.3) MONITORING THE QUALITY OF VARIOUS KINDS OF OBSERVATIONS 4.3.1 The Association noted with appreciation the work to monitor the quality of observations on a global scale carried out by the designated lead centres RSMC Bracknell for marine surface observations, RSMC ECMWF for radiosonde and pilot observations and WMC Washington for aircraft and satellite observations. It noted that, given

GENERAL SUMMARY 7

the volume and frequency of land observations, the task of quality monitoring of land surface observations could only be accomplished on a regional scale. 4.3.2 The quality control of observational data was very important because the quality of data strongly affected all analysis and numerical forecasting activities. To this end the Association discussed the possibility of applying, at observing sites or NMCs equipped with PCs, the automated and semi-automated algorithms used in quality control but felt that more precise guidance was needed from CBS on that matter. 4.3.3. The Association noted the complexity of the tasks and the associated computer requirements for monitoring the quality of land surface observations in RA III, and decided to recommend that the RSMCs Brasilia and Buenos Aires should look into the possibility of sharing the responsibility as lead centres in RA III. 4.3.4 The Association noted the guidance provided by CBS on the development of specifications of minimum requirements for real-time data processing facilities at NMCs and concluded that the proposed draft project for the automation of the NMCs of the Region (see agenda item 4.6) largely complied with the relevant CBS recom­mendations.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF OPERATIONAL WEATHER

FORECASTING

4.3.5 The Association recognized the need to improve further numerical weather prediction (NWP) models for tropical areas in terms of quality of their output and availability of products. It agreed on the need to intensify GDPS training activities, in particular on software devel­opment relating to data decoding in both character and binary codes, model output interpretation and graphics representation. The Association welcomed the Canadian offer to create a South American desk at the Canadian Meteorological Centre in Montreal. The Montreal South American Desk would be a considerable expansion of the training activities already offered by the International Desks at WMC Washington. The Association expressed its sincere gratitude to both Canada and the USA for the support they were providing in this connection. 4.3.6 The Association agreed on the need for closer coordination between centres in order to meet increasing requirements of Members for NWP products while, at the same time, ensuring thatGTS circuits were not over­loaded. Centres developing regional models should enter into bilateral agreements with centres running global or hemispheric models for the supply of time-dependent boundary conditions. The Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in Region III was requested to study these matters further. 4.3.7 The Association noted the CBS recommenda­tion that NWP output from GDPS centres for use in tropical regions should be improved to meet needs of NMCs, in particular: (a) A resolution of at least 2.5 0 x 2.5 0 should be

achieved; (b) Forecasts for precipitation accumulation and vertical

velocity should be made available.

4.3.8 The Association noted with pleasure the information on recent developments and products provided by Argentina in the field of numerical weather prediction and requested RSMC Buenos Aires to make these products available to the Region.

4.4 TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM (agenda item 4.4) GENERAL

4.4.1 The Association noted the recommendations of CBS-X related to telecommunications and invited RA III Members to take the necessary implementation action with respect to: (a) The establishment of a database for the catalogue

of meteorological bulletins, with the expected involvement of one RTH per Region. The Association invited RTH Buenos Aires to consider its participation in this project for RA III (see also paragraph 4.5.7);

(b) The exchange of routeing catalogues of RTHs on floppy disk;

(c) The storage of messages at GTS centres (RTHs) for a period of 24 hours;

(d) The new procedure for addressed messages, includ­ing request-reply messages, facilitating the automatic routeing of these messages over the GTS;

(e) The dissemination over the GTS of climatological products.

4.4.2 The Association noted the decisions of the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC-92) regarding frequency bands for meteorological activities and voiced concern as regards the increasing pressure put on frequency bands allocated to meteorological activities, and in particular to the meteorological satellite services. It welcomed the active involvement of the WMO Secretariat in the relevant lTU IRadiocommunication Sector working groups and the action agreed upon by CBS-X. The Association strongly urged all RA III Members to register all meteorological radio communication stations and frequencies used with their national telecommunication administration with a view to: (a) Safeguarding the allocation of frequencies to

meteorological services; (b) Obtaining protection against possible harmful inter­

ferences from other radio communication services.

FuRTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE RMTN AND CENTRES

4.4.3 When reviewing the status of implementation of the RMTN the Association noted that the following low­speed circuits were operating with serious deficiencies: (a) Buenos Aires - Santiago; (b) Buenos Aires - Lima; (c) Buenos Aires - Maracay; (d) Maracay - Quito; (e) Maracay - Paramaribo; (f) Maracay - Bogota. 4.4.4 The Association also noted that, despite mul­tiple efforts by countries, such as France, after the last meeting of the Association, the following circuits had not been implemented: (a) Maracay - Cayenne; (b) Maracay - Georgetown;

8 GENERAL SUMMARY

(c) Maracay - Limaj (d) Porto Alegre - Montevideo. 4.4.5 The Association expressed its concern about the shortcomings in the RMTN, in particular in the northern part of the Region. It urged all Members to take remedial action and requested the Secretary-General to consider providing necessary support for assisting the upgrading of the GTS circuits and centres concerned. 4.4.6 The Association also noted that Guyana and French Guiana had requested their inclusion in the new RA IV RMTN based on two-way multipoint tele­communication services via satellite. It agreed to the connection of the two centres to the RA IV tele­communication network as inter-regional circuits. The Association noted with interest the report given by Argentina on a national project for the implementation of a two-way point-to-multipoint satellite telecommun­ication system. 4.4.7 The Association recognized that the RMTN had been designed many years ago and that structural changes were now needed in order to fulfil the present and future demanding requirements of Members. It agreed that a comprehensive modernization plan of the Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Network was necessary and that this plan should include the following elements: (a) Upgrading the RMTN, to transform the present low­

speed network into an efficient data communication network, which would use higher speeds and more advanced bit-oriented protocols, in parallel with the automation of the National Meteorological Centresj

(b) The use of two-way, point-to-multipoint telecom­munication services via satellitesj

(c) Upgrading Regional Telecommunication Hubsj (d) Education and training, to prepare local personnel

to operate the new systems efficiently, take full benefit of all the system's capabilities, maintain the system and even develop their own applications.

4.4.8 The Association agreed on the following priority items in the plan to improve the Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Network: (a) Automation of the National Meteorological Centres

(see paragraphs 4.6.2 to 4.6.6)j (b) Upgrading of the circuits Brasilia - Buenos Aires,

Brasilia - Maracay and Buenos Aires - Maracay to 9600 bit/s using the X.25 protocol and logical chan­nels as necessary and technically feasible. (The Association noted that the circuit Brasilia - Maracay operated at present at 4800 bit/s)j

(c) Upgrading of the circuits connecting the NMCs to the three RTHs to 1200 bits/s or more up to 9600 bits/s where technically and economically feasible. Implementation of the X.25 protocol was highly desirable with a view to enabling NMCs to receive GRIB dataj

(d) Upgrading of the RTHs Brasilia, Buenos Aires and Maracay, which had been automated with techno­logy that was now about 10 years oldj

(e) Introduction of packet switching techniques at the three RTHs to improve the efficient use of the main

regional circuits, including enhanced re-routeing capabilities in case of failure of centres or circuits.

4.4.9 The Association invited its Members to increase efforts to improve telecommunication circuits, using new communication techniques to increase the quality of error checks and achieve faster transfer rates, with the ultimate objective of bringing about faster and more reli­able data availability in RA III. It emphasized that steps should be taken to ensure that planning, coordination and operation of the WWW was undertaken by the meteorological authorities in each Member country, through their respective permanent representatives with WMO. The greatest possible efforts should be taken to ensure that links with RTH Maracay were successfully implemented. The triangle formed by Maracay, Brasilia and Buenos Aires was considered of great importance in ensuring reliable alternative routeings. 4.4.10 The Association asked its Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in Region III to develop a fully coordinated implementation plan which should also take into account the use of satellite­based telecommunication systems within the Region and coordination aspects with the World Area Forecast System. The Association stressed in this connection the terms of reference of the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the GTS and the need to organize an imple­mentation/coordination meeting on the RMTN (see Resolution 1(XI-RA III)).

4.5 DATA MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING MATTERS RELATED

TO CODES (agenda item 4.5) DATA REPRESENTATION

4.5.1 The traditional forms of alpha-numeric data representation were as compact as possible while still being humanly readable. However, they were incon­venient for computer-based communication and data­processing systems. Binary forms of data representation, BUFR and GRIB, had three major benefits - universality, flexibility, and compactness - and were therefore espe­cially suitable for computer processing. Universality meant a single format could describe virtually any type of observational data (BUFR), observational metadata (BUFR), and gridded data (GRIB) imaginable. Flexibility meant the binary formats did not change when new vari­ables were added - the accompanying tables were simply augmented. Furthermore, the binary decoding software itself should not need to be changed when new variables were sent - only the tables that the software used. 4.5.2 The Association was convinced that there would always be a need for a meteorologist to read and interpret information received from individual observing stations. This called for a data representation form which was besides being universal and flexible also humanly read­able. The Association requested CBS to pursue the development of a global solution for such a data repres­entation format, as a matter of urgency. The Association stressed that the new data representation requirements did not involve aeronautical meteorological codes (METAR and TAF). These codes were designed in coordina-

GENERAL SUMMARY 9

tion with ICAO for meteorological experts as well as for non-meteorological users, such as air and ground staff of the aviation community.

DATA EXCHANGE

4.5.3 The Association noted that, beyond the capabil­ity to transmit from an RTH any bulletin that was originally exchanged within the past 24 hours, require­ments for request/reply capabilities on the GTS might arise within the WWW and also from other programmes, such as WCP and GCOS. The Association welcomed the development and testing of some of the mechanisms needed for such capabilities at inter-regional level which aimed to ensure, in particular, an easy access to opera­tional information contained in a much more accurate and up-to-date version of WMO Publication No.9, Volumes A and C.

CBS SOFfWARE REGISTRY

4.5.4 The Association was informed of the status of the CBS software exchange in the Region. The Secretariat had carried out a new survey in order to update the CBS software registry and the 1992 edition had been published containing 194 offered programs and 265 requested programs. Members were encouraged to parti­cipate actively in the exchange of meteorological application software, in particular with a view to obtain­ing computer programs from other Members. This was seen as a very economical means to make good use of PCs which were today available at many NMCs in the Region.

GUIDE ON WMO DATA MANAGEMENT

4.5.5 The Association was informed that a Guide on Data Management was adopted by CBS-X for publication in English, French, Russian and Spanish. CBS would keep the Guide under review and updates or supplements would be developed, as and when necessary. The Guide would be presented to other technical commissions of WMO with a view to developing jointly one compre­hensive WMO Guide on Data Management which should contain all related requirements, concepts and policies of the commissions under the coordinating leadership of CBS.

DISTRIBUTED DATABASES (DDBs) CONCEPT

4.5.6 The Association noted with appreciation that since the principal endorsement by CBS-IX (1988L considerable progress had been achieved in the develop­ment of the WWW Distributed Databases concept. Requirements for new databases were being identified and prototype implementation, on a trial basis, would be developed which should provide centres with access to new data and metadata. The information contained in WMO Publication No.9, Volumes A and C might be particularly suitable for a DDB trial. In this connection, Members were once more encouraged to review and update their input to this publication in order to ensure the best possible accuracy when the data were moved to a database. 4.5.7 The Association was informed of Argentina's data-management system implemented at the RSMC

Buenos Aires and felt that appropriate centres of the Region should be closely integrated in this implementa­tion strategy and that the Region should be involved at an early stage in the process of developing the concept of DDBs in a pilot centre of RA III. It agreed to deSignate the RTH/RSMC Buenos Aires to participate in the trial on the DDBs which was envisaged to be implemented in 1994. The Association also felt that all Members of the Region should be kept informed of the results of the trial and strongly recommended convening an RA III or RA III/ RA IV seminar on data management in the Region in 1994.

4.6 WWW SYSTEM SUPPORT ACTIVITIES (agenda item 4.6)

4.6.1 The Association recalled that the objective of the WWW Systems Support Activities (SSA) was to ensure that all Members, particularly developing countries, had at least the minimum necessary eqUipment and technical know-how to meet national needs and to allow them to fulfil their agreed responsibilities within the WWW system. The WWW System Support Activities included projects for automating key facilities of that programme which were carried out in close relationship with the Technical Cooperation Programme. In this connection the Association welcomed the I( Guidelines for technical cooperation projects providing computer-based systems for the implementation of the WWW components and facilities" developed by CBS-X and requested that these guidelines be fully taken into account in the realization of the RA III technical cooperation projects.

AUTOMATION OF NMCs

4.6.2 The Association noted that the WG/PIW had thoroughly reviewed the situation of NMCs in the Region. It concluded that, as a result of the automation of the three RTHs and the upgrading of the two MTN circuits, NMCs in RA III had potential access to the data and NWP products from advanced GDPS centres which was available at RTHs. However, only a few centres could actually use them, because the others lacked adequate computer systems to receive, handle and display such products. 4.6.3 Based on the guidance of CBS, the Association agreed that a relatively simple, inexpensive personal computer together with suitable software could provide for the automation of basic functions which would enable the NMCs to receive and use these products effec­tively. By means of a relatively small investment the national Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) could attain a significant improvement in their operational capabilities. In fact, several NMHSs in the Region were already using PC-based systems for some of their activities. Software elements enabling NMCs to fulfil their basic requirements had been developed in Argentina and Brazil. The Association appreciated the willingness of both countries to support technical coop­eration activities in the Region. 4.6.4 The Association endorsed the project for automation of NMCs (see annex to this paragraph) and requested the Secretary-General to assist in identifying

10 GENERAL SUMMARY

financial resources for it, as its Implementation was considered an urgent step to be taken by the regional association to enable centres to take advantage of the progress already achieved and the intellectual resources available in the Region. 4.6.5 The Association noted the strategy for the project which had been devised by the working group with a view to expediting its execution. It agreed that, benefiting from the location of the WMO Regional Office, NMC Asuncion should be selected as the site for the first installation, as a test bed for the system to verify its functionality and performance. The Association also requested the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the GDPS to circulate a questionnaire to all target NMCs in order to collect pertinent information in order to assess the full financial implications and to establish an adequate implementation plan. 4.6.6 The Association emphasized the training reqUirements associated with this project as regards the operation and maintenance of the system.

WWW OPERATIONAL INFORMATION SERVICE 4.6.7 The Association noted with appreciation the measures agreed by CBS-X towards the provision of the operational information in WMO Publication No.9, in particular Volume A - Observing Stations and Volume C -Transmissions (Catalogue of Meteorological Bulletins), including the list of stations in the RBSN, on floppy disks in a form of presentation that ensured easy handling and access to the data on a PC. The Association invited the Secretariat to proceed with the implementation these measures, which would considerably facilitate the effi­cient use of up-to-date operational information, needed to fully benefit from and contribute to the WWW system, at WWW centres.

4.7 WMO SATELLITE ACTIVITIES (agenda item 4.7) 4.7.1 The Association noted the status report concern­ing the conversion of analogue APT/WEFAX to digital LRPT/LRIT scheduled to occur at the end of this decade. It was pleased to note that it was being kept well informed sufficiently in advance to allow a smooth transition to digital low-resolution satellite image trans­missions scheduled to occur at the end of the decade. It requested that it continued to be appraised as further developments occurred and that CBS continue its efforts in this area. Members wished to receive technical docu­mentation on the new format standards in order to assess the impact this new transmission technology might have on their ground equipment as early as possible. 4.7.2 The Association noted with great interest the offer made by Brazil concerning the use of its low-orbit Data Collection Satellite (SCD-1) for the collection and retransmission of meteorological and hydrological data and decided to encourage its Members to work with Brazil and the WMO Secretariat on the planning and installation of a network of 15 to 20 DCPs including the appropriate sensors, as offered by Brazil through the National Institute for Space Research (lNPE) of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT).

4.7.3 The appropriate WMO and Brazilian agencies (e.g. the WMO Secretariat, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and INPE) should be involved in the plan­ning and drafting an appropriate agreement between the parties involved, taking into account experience gained with the deployment and operation of similar systems in the framework of the WWW and other relevant WMO programmes.

5. WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 5)

5.1 WORLD CLIMATE DATA AND MONITORING PROGRAMME (WCDMP) (agenda item 5.1)

5.1.1 The Association reviewed the WCDMP activities carried out since its last session and expressed, in general, its satisfaction with the progress made in the Region under this component of the WCP. 5.1.2 The establishment of the Climate Change Detection Project and the initiatives taken to implement the project were noted with appreciation. In this connec­tion the Association commended, in particular, the work done by the World Data Centre-A for Meteorology (the National Climatic Data Center of the USA) aimed at the production of several components of the global baseline data sets, including the Global Historical Climate Network (GHCN), the Comprehensive Aerological Reference Data Set (CARDS) and the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS). The Association stressed the need for the careful investigation of the homogeneity of data and for the collection of compre­hensive sets of metada in constructing global and regional baseline data sets. 5.1.3 The Association welcomed the plans proposed by CCl-XI for the further development of the Reference Climatological Stations (RCSs) network, and in particular that a lead institution(s) such as the World Data Centre(s) should be identified to organize the work and, eventu­ally, to prepare a proposal for international agreement on the RCSs network. The Association urged its Members to cooperate fully in this section of the CCDP. 5.1.4 In respect to the Climate System Monitoring project, the Association was pleased to note the publica­tion of the fourth biennial review of the Global Climate System, covering the period December 1988 to May 1991. It was pOinted out that the biennial reviews had gained wide international and scientific acceptance as a source of information on the global climate system. 5.1.5 The Association noted with satisfaction the development by CBS of procedures for the operational distribution and tracking of climate monitoring products via the GTS and the adoption by the Commission of amendments to the CLiMAT code which would result in a substantial increase of the data content of CLiMAT reports. The Association urged its Members to take all necessary action to implement the decisions made by CBS. 5.1.6 The Association emphasized the importance of WMO (or WMO-sponsored) publications containing climatological data, such as the planed volume of clima­tological standard normals 1961-1990 and the World

GENERAL SUMMARY 11

Weather Records 1981-1990 series. The Association invited its Members to make their contributions to these publications as and when requested. 5.1.7 The Association noted that many of its Members were now equipped with CLICOM systems. It also noted with satisfaction the successful development of the new version 3.0 of the CLICOM software and expressed its thanks to the USA for its decisive contribu­tion to this achievement. The Association stressed, however, that a number of difficulties continued to be experienced by Members, regarding suggested training, equipment maintenance, updating software and hard­ware. The Association suggested that the provision of necessary assistance to upgrade the hardware and soft­ware and regular professional training should also be considered when CLICOM systems are installed. 5.1.8 The Association highlighted the importance of promoting action towards the definite implementation of the Data Rescue (DARE) Project in Region III. Action should be continued with a view to obtaining the required funding for the project so that existing informa­tion was duly protected and all climatological data archives available at the national level were exhaustively explored.

5.2 WORLD CLIMATE ApPLICATIONS AND SERVICES

PROGRAMME (WCASP) (agenda item 5.2) 5.2.1 The Association noted that Eleventh Congress had emphasized the service aspect of the World Climate Applications Programme and decided to rename the programme the World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP). 5.2.2 The Association noted with appreciation the activities carried out under the WCASP since its last session. It expressed satisfaction at the successful holding of a number of meetings relating to climate applications and services, where participation from the Region had been assured, such as the International Conference on Urban Climate, Planning and Building (Kyoto, Japan, November 1989), the Technical Conference on the Economic Benefits of Meteorological and Hydrological Services in Latin America and the Caribbean (Santiago, Chile, November 1989), the WMO Technical Conference on Economic and Social Benefits of Meteorological and Hydrological Services (Geneva, March 1990) and the WMO Technical Conference on Tropical Urban Climates (TeCTUC) (Dhaka, Bangladesh, March-April 1993). 5.2.3 The Association noted the progress made in developing the Tropical Urban Climate Experiment (TRUCE). It noted with appreciation that some of the TRUCE activities might be proposed for RA III, e.g. as part of a planned major urban climate study in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In this connection the close relation between the methods used in climate applications and those used in impact studies was emphasized as well as the relation of TRUCE to both climate change and the activities under the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) .. 5.2.4 The Association noted the plans for the further development of CLICOM-compatible special applications

and urged Members to contribute to this development. CLICOM was a major vehicle for the development of climate applications and had benefited from the close cooperation between the WCDMP and WCASP as well as other programmes in WMO. Most CLICOM installations had access to the INSTAT package which provided oppor­tunities for implementing a wide range of applications based on statistical products. The Association noted the progress made in the development of a rational routine for updating and disseminating CARS and emphasized the urgent need to update existing CARS in the areas of energy, food and desertification as well as the need to expand CARS into other areas. In this connection the close coordination of the WCP-Foodcomponent and the Agricultural Meteorology Programme was noted as well as the coordination of the WCP-Water component with activities under the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme. 5.2.5 The Association noted the progress made in the development of systematic methods for applying climate information and know-how in the energy sector. The methods developed and tested under the UNDP European inter-country project "Meteorological informa­tion for development of renewable energy" should also find general applicability in many Member countries of Region III. In particular the methods used for assessment of potential solar- and wind-energy resources and the systems used for implementing these as CLICOM­compatible special application components were noted. 5.2.6 The Association noted the updated information provided by Members and the Secretariat on activities of Members of RA III in climate applications and services. Members were encouraged to submit relevant informa­tion when requested to help maintain the database up-to-date in order to facilitate planning and further development of climate applications and services. Members were also encouraged to develop their climate application services further, paying due attention to specialized training and the promotion of increased interaction between users and producers of climate infor­mation and products. 5.2.7 The Association noted with appreciation the report of the Rapporteur on the Climatic Atlas for Region III, Dr J. A. J. Hoffmann (Argentina). It recognized the substantial work undertaken by the rapporteur with the continuous support provided to him by his country. The Association also recognized that an essential effort would still be needed to complete the preparation of the RA III Climatic Atlas and urged WMO and Members in Region III to provide support to this effort, as appropri­ate. The Association decided to re-appoint Dr Hoffmann as the Rapporteur on Climatic Atlas for Region III. Resolution 6 (XI-RA III) was adopted.

5.3 WORLD CLIMATE IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND

RESPONSE STRATEGIES PROGRAMME (WCIRP)

(agenda item 5.3) 5.3.1 The Association noted with satisfaction the activities carried out by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the World Climate Impact

12 GENERAL SUMMARY

Assessment and Response Strategies Programme in collaboration with other relevant organizations, in partic­ular the World Meteorological Organization. It was noted that the WCIRP activities related to the following main subject areas: (a) Greenhouse gases and climate change; (b) Coordination of activities in climate impact studies; (c) Methodology of climate impact assessments; (d) Monitoring; (e) Response strategies; (f) Information, education and training. 5.3.2 The UNEP activities in coordinating and supporting national studies under the WCIRP were noted with appreciation. The Association expressed its particu­lar interest in the country studies on climate-related impact assessment, on the preparation of inventories of sources and sinks of greenhouse gases and on the cost of greenhouse gas abatement. The Association also expressed interest in continuing the practice of organiz­ing roving seminars on climate impact assessment methodology and emphasized the need for such semi­nars in Region III. 5.3.3 The support given by UNEP to the Inter­governmental Panel on Climate Change and to the organization of seminars, training courses and symposia on subjects relating to WCIRP was acknowledged with appreciation. Some Members expressed their wish to undertake translation into Spanish of public information materials produced within the WCIRP. 5.3.4 The Association took note of the development, through the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) for the WCIRP, of plans for the programme implementation in the coming years. It was also noted that to achieve the objectives recommended by the Second World Climate Conference, coordination with other WCP components would be strengthened. 5.3.5 The Association noted the concern expressed by the forty-fifth session of the WMO Executive Council regarding future support by UNEP of the WMO projects within WCP. It wished to share this concern, particularly in view of possible implications on the regional activities, and requested its president to convey the Association's view to the Executive Director of UNEP.

5.4 WORLD CLIMATE RESEARCH PROGRAMME

(WCRP) (agenda item 5.4) 5.4.1 The Association noted with satisfaction the substantial progress made under the World Climate Research Programme since its previous session. The Association urged Members to continue to cooperate in the realization of the WCRP projects. 5.4.2 The Association was encouraged by the advances in modelling the coupled ocean-atmosphere system which had led to useful forecasts of Pacific Ocean temperature anomalies that characterize El Nii'io/ Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events up to one year ahead. It welcomed the proposal for an International Research Institute for Climate Prediction (IRICP) and expressed strong interest in participating in the develop­ment of IRICP through the national Meteorological

Services of its Members. The Association noted that the proposal for the establishment of IRICP as a multi­national endeavour emerged from successful results, within the TOGA programme, on modelling and predict­ing climate variations, especially in the Pacific. The Association considered that this proposal constituted a great opportunity for those countries in the Region which were most affected by ENSO events. The Association noted with appreciation that, through the related pilot project, seven persons from countries in the Region (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay) were participating in a nine-month long intensive course on theoretical and practical aspects of seasonal-to-inter­annual climate forecasts and ENSO-related impacts, with special funds from NOAA. 5.4.3 The Association noted the developing plans for the international experiment, Large-scale Atmospheric Moisture Balance of Amazonia using Data Assimilation (LAMBADA), which would set in place radiosonde, precipitation, hydrographic and surface meteorological networks within the basin, and a multi-diSCiplinary satel­lite remote-sensing programme. Another interlinked experiment, the Biosphere-Atmosphere Transfers and Ecological Research in situ Studies in Amazonia (BATER­ISTA), was a coordinated set of process studies aimed at better understanding the micrometeorological, ecological and biochemical constraints on the exchanges of energy, moisture, trace gas and momentum between the atmo­sphere and the vegetated land surface. The Association stressed that the success of such a comprehenSive experi­mental programme would depend on the involvement of scientists from countries in the Region. The Association supported the concept of a large-scale international research programme in the Amazon basin and invited Members to collaborate in the development of this project and participate actively in its implementation. The results of these experiments would further the objec­tives of GEWEX and other related WCRP projects. The Association considered that the experiments constituted a great research opportunity, mainly for countries around the Amazon basin. 5.4.4 The Association noted favourably the inception of the CLIVAR programme as a major new activity in the WCRP. Building on TOGA studies of ENSO and WOCE investigations of the global ocean circulation, CLIVAR was designed to describe, model and predict global climate variations on seasonal, interannual and up to multi­decadal time scales. CLIVAR would study the natural variability of the climate system as well as the response of climate to changes in external forcing. The programme would start in 1995 and continue for a IS-year period. The Association welcomed the CLIVAR initiative and encour­aged the development of corresponding national programmes that would contribute to it. 5.4.5 The Association asked Members to continue to participate in the completion of the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE), designed to study the role of the world ocean circulation in climate and to develop ocean models suitable for predicting climate changes that could result from natural or anthropogenic causes.

GENERAL SUMMARY 13

5.4.6 The Association encouraged Members to assist in the implementation of the WCRP Global Precipitation Climatology Project, that combined raingauge measure­ments and total rainfall estimates deduced from satellite observations. 5.4.7 The Association emphasized the importance of the International Programme for Antarctic Buoys and urged Members to assist in provision or deployment of ice-resistant drifting buoys in the Antarctic sea-ice zone, in order to define meteorological conditions better and to understand large-scale air/sea-ice interactions in the Antarctic. 5.4.8 The Association encouraged Members to main­tain TOGA observing, data management and modelling activities until the end of the TOGA programme in December 1994. In order to consolidate the progress made in TOGA and to exploit these scientific advances for the prediction of ENSO events, the Association stressed that most TOGA observing and data systems would need to be maintained after the end of 1994. For these reasons, the Association requested Members to continue their contribution to the existing TOGA observ­ing, data management and modelling activities after 1994.

5.5 GLOBAL CLIMATE OBSERVING SYSTEM (GCOS)

(agenda item 5.5) 5.5.1 The Association noted with appreciation a report on the status of GCOS which had been established by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by WMO, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commis­sion (lOC) of UNESCO, UNEP, and the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU). The MOU provided guidance for G~OS, and established a management struc­ture including a Joint Scientific and Technical Committee (JSTC) and the Joint Planning Office (JPO). The Association noted the priorities for GCOS developed at the first two sessions of the JSTC. 5.5.2 The Association noted with appreciation the Joint GCOS/Drifting Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) initiative to organize an International South Atlantic Buoy Programme (ISABP), and that a meeting had been scheduled in Buenos Aires in late 1993 to examine how to overcome the lack of oceanic data in particular surface atmospheric pressure data in the South Atlantic. 5.5.3 As encouraged by the forty-fifth session of the Executive Council, the Association agreed to initiate arrangements for coordinating the implementation of GCOS at the regional level and to work in concert with regional bodies of IOC and UNEP.

5.6 COORDINATION OF THE WORLD CLIMATE

PROGRAMME (agenda item 5.6) 5.6.1 The Association was informed of a number of important developments and events related to the climate change issue and the overall coordination of the World Climate Programme which had taken place since X-RA III (October 1989), in particular: (a) The activities of the Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change established by WMO and UNEP at the end of 1988;

(b) The Second World Climate Conference (1990); (c) The decisions made by Cg-XI (1991); (d) The United Nations Conference on Environment

and Development (UNCED) (Rio de Janeiro, June 1992) and the decisions made by EC-XLIV on the follow-up of UNCED;

(e) The Intergovernmental Meeting on the World Climate Programme (Geneva, 14-16 April 1993);

(f) The decisions made by EC-XLV aune 1993). 5.6.2 The Association noted that the intergovern­mental meeting had emphasized the importance of the WCP and its associated activities continuing to make an effective contribution to the implementation of Agenda 21, the FCCC, the work of the Commission on Sustainable Development and of the IPCC as well as to the socio-economic development of nations. The Association noted that the WMO Executive Council had approved the four main thrusts of the WCP and its asso­ciated activities, namely: (i) climate services for sustainable development; (ii) new frontiers in climate science and prediction; (iii) dedicated observations of the climate system; and (iv) studies of climate impact assess­ments and response strategies to reduce vulnerability. 5.6.3 The Association further noted that the meetings' recommendations concerning the need for strengthening national climate activities, in particular through establishing National Climate Programmes, had been endorsed by the WMO Executive Council. Such national activities represented the fundamental building blocks for the WCP without which the IPCC and the INC/ Conference of the Parties of the FCCC could not have undertaken their respective roles. The Association recalled that, for a number of years, WMO had been promoting the establishment of National Climate Programmes and respective national climate coordination bodies. 5.6.4 The Association urged Members to develop their national climate-related activities in support of sustain­able development. It requested WMO to continue to assist Members, especially developing countries, in this endeavour. In this respect the Association recognized that the design, maintenance and upgrading of existing observing systems which provided the basic climate data should be given special priority. 5.6.5 The Association noted the Executive Council's decision on the preparation of an integrated proposal that would be presented to governments on the climate­related parts of the respective programmes of the international organizations concerned with the WCP, along the lines of the four identified new thrusts. The Association recognized the essential leadership role that WMO must play in the preparation of this integrated proposal and expressed its support for WMO's action in this regard. 5.6.6 The Association considered that the work of the RA III Working Group on the World Climate Programme was useful for coordinating regional activities related to the WCP. The Association wished to thank members of the working group and its chairman, Mr E. Palacios (Ecuador), for their efforts and decided to re-establish the working group. Resolution 7 (RA III) was adopted accordingly.

14 GENERAL SUMMARY

6. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 6)

WMO RESEARCH AWARD FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS The Association encouraged Members to submit

nominations for the award and expressed the hope that another young scientist from the Region would soon be successful in winning the award.

6.1 GLOBAL ATMOSPHERE WATCH (agenda item 6.1) 6.1.1 The Regional Association welcomed the infor­mation that many activities were being carried out in the Region under the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW), and took special note of two projects: (a) Scientific GAW stations; and (b) Network for monitoring and analysing ozone and

greenhouse gases over countries in southern South America.

6.1.2 The Association congratulated the Government of Argentina on the considerable efforts it had made to implement the scientific GAW station located to the south of the city of Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego). It was noted that implementation of the project would bring the following benefits to the Region: (a) Modern instruments and equipment to back obser­

vation and research programmes; (b) Advanced technological resources that could not

otherwise be procured; (c) Access to specialized staff training; (d) Active participation in the largest world-wide

environmental science project to date; (e) Access to reference data covering a vast part of the

southern hemisphere. The resulting information would be of immense value in monitoring and studying the state of the ozone layer and phenom­ena associated with global warming. The strategic location of the station would also allow the Antarctic ozone hole to be studied at its historically southernmost edge.

6.1.3 It was also noted from the information provided by Brazil that another station with similar characteristics would also be implemented in Natal, in the near future. 6.1.4 As regards the MOnitoring and Research Network for Greenhouse Gases and Ozone, gratitude was expressed to the participating countries, namely Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, for their efforts in imple­menting the project, and it was noted that the Paraguayan station would be located at San Lorenzo. 6.1.5 As this project developed, it would bring the following benefits to the Region: (a) The Southern Cone of South America would have

access to a regular supply of ozone and UV radiation data, with sufficient frequency and density to allow scientifically based studies in this field;

(b) The assignment to the Regional Radiation Centre -Buenos Aires of the task of data collection and distri­bution would facilitate access to data from both the network and the World Data Centres;

(c) With the designation of the Regional Radiation Centre - Buenos Aires as training centre for ozone

and UV radiation, staff in the Region would have access, through the Buenos Aires RMTC, to Spanish­language courses that were closely matched to the requirements and practices of RA III countries;

(d) Thanks to the instrumentation provided by WMO under the GEF project, the Region would obtain valuable technology and training possibilities that it would not otherwise have been able to acquire;

(e) The Region would acquire the ability to meet the requirements of diverse studies on all aspects of the environment as the Meteorological Services of the countries concerned gained access to reference data on phenomena concerning UV radiation, ozone and global atmospheric pollution.

6.1.6 Members which were not involved in the project were invited to examine possible uses for the information to be provided by the new stations, through national or regional projects, and to take note of the capabilities of the Regional Radiation Centre - Buenos Aires regarding acquisition of the data prepared at vari­ous world research centres. 6.1.7 The funding provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for augmenting the GAW network was noted with appreciation. 6.1.8 The Association recognized the need for train­ing in environmental pollution and atmospheriC chemistry diSCiplines and encouraged all Members main­taining GAW stations to be represented at the forthcoming regional training course to be conducted during 1994. 6.1.9 It was recognized that quality assurance and quality control of data from GAW were essential and it was hoped that plans to establish a Quality Control Science Activity Centre (QC SAC) in the Region would proceed without delay or difficulty.

6.2 WEATHER PREDICTION RESEARCH PROGRAMMES (agenda item 6.2) The Association noted with satisfaction the

active contributions of Members to the implementation of the Short-, Medium- and Long-range Weather Prediction Research Programmes by participating in WMO meetings and workshops, and by contributing to the annual Numerical Weather Prediction progress reports. The Association encouraged the continued support from Members to the Weather Prediction Research Programmes.

6.3 TROPICAL METEOROLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAMME (agenda item 6.3)

6.3.1 The Association was informed of on-going meteorological research activities on tropical droughts in the Region and encouraged Members to continue these efforts. 6.3.2 The Association stressed the important role of limited-area modelling for regional forecasting and the necessity of using PCs as a cost-effective tool. Members were encouraged to be actively involved in relevant workshops with training aspects. 6.3.3 The Association noted with satisfaction the publication of national reports on tropical meteorology

GENERAL SUMMARY 15

research and encouraged Members to further promote research activity on the interaction between tropical and extra-tropical weather systems, including cold front intrusion into low-latitudes. 6.3.4 The Association invited Members to participate in the Third International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones (IWTC-III) as an important activity for the IDNDR.

6.4 PROGRAMME ON THE PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF

CLOUDS AND WEATHER MODIFICATION RESEARCH

(agenda item 6.4) 6.4.1 The Association took note of the re-orientation of this programme, which placed greater emphasis on the study of physics and chemistry and their application to atmospheric chemistry and weather modification research. 6.4.2 The Association likewise took note of the Revised Guidelines for Advice and Assistance Related to the Planning of Weather Modification Activities and the new WMO Statement on the Status of Weather Modification which had been approved by the Executive Council. Members considered that it was necessary to have documentation on this subject because it would be useful for providing advice to government institutions and other users, in general.

7. ApPLICATIONS OF METEOROLOGY

PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 7)

7.1 PUBLIC WEATHER SERVICES PROGRAMME (agenda item 7.1)

7.1.1 The Association reviewed the Public Weather Services (PWS) Programme activities and fully agreed that one of the most important obligations of national Meteorological Services was the provision of services to the general public. It was through such services that the national Services were most visible and were judged not only by the general public but also by national decision­making authorities. There was also recognition that while the major input to PWS came from the basic systems, the Services had applications to a wide range of economic and social activities which would call for coordination and consultation between the PWS Programme and other programmes of WMO such as the public information programme dealt with under agenda item 11. 7.1.2 The Association agreed with the three broad projects that had been identified by CBS-Ext.(90) and approved by Congress namely: formulation and content of forecasts and warnings; presentation and dissemina­tion techniques, public understanding, public information and education; and exchange and coordina­tion of hazardous weather information among neighbouring countries. It also agreed that one of the primary objectives should be the production of a "Guide on Public Weather Service Practices" which would be based on the collection and assessment of mechanisms, methods and techniques presently used. 7.1.3 The Association was informed that several experts were being enlisted to develop further the projects listed in paragraph 7.1.2 above and the proposed

Guide on Public Weather Service Practices. A meeting of experts was planned in early 1994 to consider the projects developed by the experts and to synthesize the individual projects into a proposed programme plan. 7.1.4 The Association felt that several important aspects of the programme should be taken into account in its further development and implementation. These induded: (a) The effect of social and cultural differences between

countries and Regions; (b) The differences in capabilities and available facilities

from country to country; (c) The need for a broader perspective of what was

meant by Public Weather Services and what they could provide;

(d) The crucial importance of public education on the understanding and use of PWS and the scope for relevant information exchange between Members;

(e) Assessments of the impact of PWS on personal injury and safety of life and economic benefits, even though difficult to do accurately.

7.2 AGRICULTURAL METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME

(agenda item 7.2) 7.2.1 The Association complimented the Secretary­General and the Commission for Agricultural Meteoro­logy on the progress made in the field of agricultural meteorology, induding the publication of a large number of technical notes and CAgM reports. The Association noted with great appreciation that several Members from the Region were translating into the Spanish language CAgM reports of interest to Members. 7.2.2 The Association noted with appreciation the theme adopted by the Commission, "Agrometeorology for sustainable agricultural development", and stressed the need to increase the awareness of users to the economic benefits of the application of meteorological, climatological and hydrological information to agriculture to improve quality and quantity of products and to reduce losses due to pests and diseases, transport and storage of produce. The Association considered the theme to be of extreme importance to the Region. It noted with interest the intersessional activities of the Commission for Agricultural Meteorology and agreed that they would contribute greatly to economic development, especially of developing countries. 7.2.3 The Association noted with satisfaction the training events held in the Region and strongly supported the continued organization of such events, for the benefit of participants from the Region. The Association agreed that training in agricultural meteoro­logy should receive high priority consideration for the meaningful application of meteorological information to agricultural activities. 7.2.4 The Association noted the WMO activities on desertification and urged Members to participate actively in the intergovernmental negotiations and also in the implementation of the Convention on Desertification. The Association also noted that the Secretary-General

16 GENERAL SUMMARY

had provided appropriate guidelines to Members in this regard. The Association further urged Members to consider desertification as the fifth priority focal area under Global Environment Facility (GEF) in order to benefit from GEF support. 7.2.5 The Association noted that the joint meeting of the RAs III/IV Working Groups on Agricultural Meteoro­logy was held in Guatemala, in February 1993. Following the recommendation of CAgM and those of the Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology and taking into account the activities of importance to the Region, the Association established a Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology with renewed terms of reference (see Resolution 8 (XI-RA III)). With respect to future activities of the working group, the Association considered that questionnaires distributed to Members in Regions III and IV should be uniform as far as possible to facilitate summarizing of national activities. 7.2.6 The Association noted the publication in English and Spanish of the proceedings of the Symposium on Plant Protection held in Paraguay in April 1992 and endorsed the recommendations adopted, in particular the suggestion that each country should try to prepare quantitative information on the meteorological conditions affecting the pests of crops. The Association expressed its approval of the work undertaken to compile a manual on meteorology and frost protection and expressed the wish that this manual should be published as soon as possible. The Association suggested that the Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology should consider co-opting scientists for the compilation of a similar manual on meteorology and protection of crops against pests and diseases. 7.2.7 The Association expressed its great appreciation for the activities of the Bibliographic Centre in Lima, Peru, and agreed that its activities should include subject areas relating to operational applications of agrometeoro­logical information, and meteorology and plant protection. The Association requested its president to seek financial support from Congress for strengthening this centre on a permanent basis. 7.2.8 The Association noted that a workshop on the use of agroclimatic software had been held, and approved the suggestion that agroclimatic information published as a result of the use of this software should be included in the bibliographic summaries of the centre in Lima, Peru. The Association requested the WMO Secretariat to investigate whether a regional support centre for INSTAT (a general purpose interactive statistical package devel­oped by the University of Reading Statistical Services Centre for use in conjunction with CLICOM, etc.) activ­ities could be organized, and to report the results of this investigation to the president. 7.2.9 The Association approved the recommendation of the Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology that a workshop on meteorology and forest fires and another workshop on meteorology and desertification control should be held, funds permitting. Other priority topiCS such as agrometeorology with emphasis on pest and disease control should also be considered.

7.2.10 The Association emphasized that continuity should be ensured in the organization of agrometeoro· logical data banks, at national and regional levels, to supply information to agriculture in each country.

7.3 AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME

(agenda item 7.3) 7.3.1 The Association welcomed the emphasis put by Eleventh Congress on the importance of an expanded and vigorous Aeronautical Meteorology Programme in view of the expected world-wide doubling of air transport by the year 2000. It endorsed the call to all Members to actively support the implementation of the programme. 7.3.2 The representative of the USA informed the Association of the status of the project for the distribu­tion of WAFS data and products via satellite broadcast for RA III and RA IV. He reported that the broadcast was planned to begin in the summer of 1994 with a transmis­sion speed of 19.2 kbps. During a transition period of about 12 months the current distribution system would be operated in parallel with the new satellite broadcast. The participating countries in RA III would have to install two different pieces of ground equipment at each site for the reception of the broadcast and the handling of the information received: (a) VSAT earth station for the reception of the data

stream (cost: approximately US $10 000); this equip­ment would have to be purchased from the satellite operator who was awarded the contract by the US authorities in the framework of a competitive procurement process; the decision was expected in spring 1994;

(b) Meteorological User Terminal for the handling and visualization/presentation of the data received (cost: approximately US $20000 for a DOS-based PC system); the US National Weather Service had undertaken to improve an existing software package called PC-GRIDDS and would make it available at no cost to RA III and RA IV countries upon request; a set of technical and functional specifications for the user terminal was developed by a meeting of experts in October 1992 and could be obtained from the NWS or the WMO Secretariat; this terminal would be connected to the VSAT station but was not deter­mined by the satellite operator as the VSAT station itself.

A similar system for the distribution of WAFS data and products would be implemented for the Pacific region in 1995. 7.3.3 It was emphasized that the fundamental change in the distribution system and the modernization of data and products and their formats and representation forms needed to be prepared for and accompanied by sufficient training for the meteorological staff and possibly technicians. The Association requested the Secretary­General to develop, in cooperation with the USA and ICAO, a plan for the necessary training support and to identify financial resources to carry out the training required in a timely manner. The Association noted with gratitude that Canada had already identified substantial

GENERAL SUMMARY 17

funds to support the training and that the USA was studying VCP requests for ground equipment and training support. 7.3.4 The Association discussed the potential impact of ICAO's decision to focus in the future on only two World Area Forecast Centres (WAFCs) leaving no speci­fied role for Regional Area Forecast Centres (RAFCs). Members expressed their serious concern that many years of effort and significant investment generated by them to develop the capabilities of their RAFCs in RA III might be lost. Members expressed the opinion that reliable and safe meteorological support to the aviation community would always depend on the NMSs which in turn would have to rely on functioning RAFCs to obtain the neces­sary meteorological input on a regional scale. 7.3.5 In this context the representative of the USA explained that at present the satellite broadcast was organized in such a way that the Significant Weather Charts (SIGWX) produced by the RAFCs would have to be transmitted to WAFC Washington in order to be re­transmitted in their original form via the satellite. 7.3.6 Argentina reported on a meeting of ICAO (Buenos Aires, September 1993) during which the need to provide forecast/warning services on the dispersion of ash in the atmosphere in case of a volcanic eruption was identified. The meeting pOinted out that such phenom­ena would have to be dealt with at regional level. A similar result was reported by the WMO Secretariat from an International Workshop on User Requirements for the Provision of Transport Model Products (Montreal, September 1993) at which ICAO stated a similar require­ment. The Association thought it prudent at this time to await the outcome of ICAO's deliberations on this matter before conclusions could be drawn concerning the pos­sible role of the RAFCs in the Region. 7.3.7 Satisfaction was expressed with the number of automated AIREPS being provided through both VHF data links and Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Relay (ASDAR) units. The Association noted that the inclusion of these accurate and timely air reports in numerical aviation forecast models improved the forecast of jet streams, maximum winds and lateral wind-shears, which were important for flight planning. It endorsed the view of the Executive Council that the use of such extensive data would be of immense benefit to the aviation community. 7.3.8 The progress of the WMO/ICAO study on the possible use of a joint satellite-based distribution system to meet both GTS and WAFS data requirements was noted and much interest was expressed on the imple­mentation of the joint pilot project in Region IV to assess the feasibility of combining the WMO and ICAO systems. The Association agreed that if the results of this pilot project showed merit, steps should be taken to implement such a project in other Regions such as Region III. 7.3.9 The Association re-affirmed th~ importance it attached to training in aeronautical meteorology and noted with pleasure the request of Eleventh Congress that high priority should continue to be given to train­ing. The Association noted with satisfaction that since its

last session a number of important global and regional training events had been held with active participation from countries of the Region. These included the American Meteorological Society's (AMS) Fourth and Fifth International Conferences on Aviation Weather Systems in 1991 and 1993 held in collaboration with WMO, the WMO Technical Conference on Tropical Aeronautical Meteorology (TECTAM-92) in 1992 and the WMO/USA Training Seminar on Aeronautical Meteoro­logy with Emphasis on Radar Meteorology and the Regional Seminar on New Aeronautical Meteorological Codes in 1993. 7.3.10 Argentina provided information on its auto­matic system for display of aeronautical meteorological information (SAVIMA) and the Association was pleased to learn that Argentina offered the software of this system to all countries of RA III under the Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP).

7.4 MARINE METEOROLOGY AND ASSOCIATED

OCEANOGRAPIDC ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME

(agenda item 7.4) 7.4.1 The Association noted with interest that Eleventh Congress had approved the Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities Programme as part of the Third WMO Long-term Plan, which provided overall objectives as well as detailed guidelines for Members, regional associations and WMO in the field of marine meteorology and associated oceanographic activities for the coming decade. In the context of the TLTP, Cg-XI had also given more specific policy guidance for the marine meteorology programme for the period 1992-1995 and, in particular, had stressed the high priority that should be given to the continued development of marine meteorological services to meet the requirements of users during this period. 7.4.2 With regard to the implementation of marine meteorological services specifically in Region III, the Association noted with appreCiation the report of the chairman of the Working Group on Marine Meteorological Services, Mr K. Kubschmann (Venezuela). Action taken on various points raised in this report are recorded in subse­quent paragraphs. The Association agreed that the implementation of marine meteorological services in certain parts of the Region could be further improved. At the same time, it recognized the need to participate in the new CMM Working Group on Education, Training and Implementation Support. It therefore decided to establish a Working Group on Regional Marine Meteorological Services and adopted Resolution 9 (XI-RA III).

GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM

(GMDSS)

7.4.3 The Association noted with interest that the new WMO system for the preparation and dissemination of meteorological forecasts and warnings for the high seas, within the context of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System of IMO, had been approved by the President of WMO for provisional implementation as from 1 February 1992. By mid-1993 a basic level of broadcast coverage, through the INMARSAT SafetyNET

18 GENERAL SUMMARY

Service, of the majority of the sixteen MET AREAS defined under the new system had been assured, including in particular the six areas covering RA III. While agreeing that the new system provided an excellent basis for the provi­sion of high-quality meteorological services for shipping into the 21st century, the Association nevertheless con­sidered that there might remain certain minor questions to be resolved within RA III. It therefore instructed its Working Group on Regional Marine Meteorological Services to liaise closely with the Members concerned, as well as with the CMM Working Group on Marine Meteorological Services, to ensure that these questions were fully resolved during the transition period for the GMDSS, lFebruary 1992 to 1 February 1999. The Association expressed its appreciation to its Members which had accepted responsibilities as Preparation or Issuing Services under the new system and was informed that Argentina had established the link with this system as of March 1993. At the same time, it noted that this system of responsibilities defined a minimum level of service required to ensure global coverage. Any other Members which wished to provide broadcasts through INMARSAT SafetyNET for national purposes might do so, provided only that they were formally registered for this purpose with IMO, through the WMO Secretariat.

MARINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS FOR DATA COLLECTION

7.4.4 The Association noted that, in addition to and because of its application for the dissemination of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) to shipping under the GMDSS, the INMARSAT system, in particular the INMARSAT-C facility, was rapidly becoming a major medium for the transmission to shore of ships' meteoro­logical and oceanographic reports. In 1993, already more than 40 per cent of the Voluntary Observing Ships (VOS) were equipped with INMARSAT-A or INMARSAT-C facil­ities and this would certainly increase to more than 80 per cent with INMARSAT-C by the year 2000. The Association noted with appreciation the project now under way, supported by the Netherlands and the WMO Secretariat, to disseminate to all VOS equipped with INMARSAT-C a small software package for the encoding and transmission of ships' meteorological reports through INMARSAT-C, which would lead to substantial savings in the costs of collecting such reports to national Meteorological Services concerned. 7.4.5 In the light of these developments, the Association agreed that the INMARSAT system was likely to become, within the next decade, the major, and most cost-effective and efficient, means for the collection of meteorological and oceanographic reports from ships at sea. The Association therefore: (a) Urged Members in the Region with INMARSAT

Coast Earth Stations (CES) to make arrangements with those CES to receive ships' meteorological and oceanographic reports, free of charge to the ships;

(b) Urged Members operating VOS to make every effort to distribute the new INMARSAT-C software package to their ships, to ensure the efficient and cost­effective compilation and transmission of reports;

(c) Urged Members reCeIVIng reports through INMARSAT to ensure their prompt insertion onto the GTS, so that those Members most interested in the data could receive them as quickly as possible;

(d) Urged Members requiring VOS data to ensure that they have requested receipt of relevant bulletins via the GTS.

Resolution 10 (XI-RA III) on this subject was adopted. The Association was informed that Brazil has made provi­sion for the implementation of four CES.

METEOROLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR MARINE POLLUTION EMER­

GENCY RESPONSE OPERATIONS ON THE ruGH SEAS

7.4.6 The Association noted with interest that a global WMO system for the provision of meteorological support for marine pollution emergency response opera­tions on the high seas was being prepared, in response to a proposal made by CMM-X. Operations at sea in response to marine pollution emergencies were funda­mentally dependent on the support of meteorological services. Such support included basic forecasts and warn­ings, but would also generally involve more specialized services covering variables such as waves, currents, sea/air temperatures, rainfall, etc. Meteorological services might also be involved in the operation of special pollution transport/dispersion models. Therefore, the Association requested that the WMO Secretary-General give priority to the system proposed and urged Members to develop their working arrangements with the relevant authorities in charge of the response operations so as to provide the necessary services as specified under the system. 7.4.7 Marine pollution emergency events outside waters under national jurisdiction were essentially inter­national in character and, until now, no coordinated system existed for the provision of the meteorological support required for operations in response to such events. As a result CMM, through its Working Group on Marine Meteorological Services (MMS), had developed a Marine Pollution Emergency Response Support System (MPERSS). This was adopted by CMM-XI (Lisbon, April 1993) and approved by EC-XLV (Geneva, June 1993) for implementation on a trial basis as from 1 January 1994. 7.4.8 It was expected that the trial MPERSS would be further developed over the next four years in the light of experience to be gained, and that a revised version would be available for consideration by CMM-XII. At that time, the Commission might also wish to consider the designation of at least some of the responsible centres under the MPERSS (e.g. the Area Meteorological Coordinators) as RSMCs with both geographical and activity specialization. The procedures necessary for such designation had yet to be developed. 7.4.9 The Association agreed that marine pollution emergencies could be a major potential problem, and that a coordinated system for meteorological support, such as the one recently developed, had an important role to play in any response operations taken by relevant authorities. Brazil informed the session that the Brazilian Hydrographic Division would actively contribute to this system. The Association requested that the Secretary-

GENERAL SUMMARY 19

General give priority to the system proposed and urged Members to develop their working arrangements with the relevant authorities in charge of the response opera­tions so as to provide the necessary services as specified under the system.

MARINE OBSERVING SYSTEMS

7.4.10 The Association noted that Cg-XI had agreed that WMO should cooperate closely with IOC in the development of a comprehensive Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), involving physical, chemical and biological ocean variables, in particular in the context of ocean services and ocean data for operational meteorology and global climate studies. Subsequently, the Executive Council had accepted the invitation of IOC for WMO to become a full co-sponsor of all aspects of GOOS development and implementation. GOOS would be expected to provide the ocean component of the Global Climate Observing System, and would be built largely on existing ocean observing components such as the VOS, IGOSS and drifting buoy programmes. 7.4.11 The Association agreed that the GOOS concept was an important development, which should help to improve the availability of essential marine meteorologi­cal and oceanographic data in support of operational meteorology, ocean services and global climate studies. It encouraged Members to make every effort to contribute to GOOS development, at the same time urging that this development should take place as far as possible through strengthening the VOS system (including the Port Meteorological Officer (PMO) network), the drifting buoy network and IGOSS. 7.4.12 With regard to the VOS, the Association noted with interest the results of the VOS Special Observing Project North Atlantic (VSOP-NA), which had clearly demonstrated the value of ships' meteorological and oceanographic observations in the computation of air-sea fluxes for climate study purposes, and at the same time generated recommendations for improvements in ship­board instrumentation and observing practices which would further enhance the quality and value of such observations. The Association urged its Members to make every effort to implement those recommendations, as well as to recruit additional VOS, in view of the considerable value of VOS reports to climate studies as well as to opera­tional meteorology. The Association further noted the comprehensive report on the collection of marine data and the provision of marine services in the southern hemi­sphere, prepared by Mr A. Moran (Uruguay). It urged Members to endeavour to implement also the recom­mendations contained in that report, where applicable. 7.4.13 The Association was pleased to note the contin­uing success of the Drifting Buoy Cooperation Panel, in particular working through its technical coordinator, in further enhancing the quality and quantity of buoy data on the GTS. It commended the panel for the new real­time buoy data quality-control procedures which had recently been implemented, as well as for its support for the development of a new low-cost pressure drifter. The Association strongly urged as many of its Members as

possible to become involved in buoy programmes and to contribute to the work of the panel and to support its technical coordinator. The Association also urged its Members to participate actively in the proposed new International South Atlantic Buoy Programme, initiated by the panel, which would further strengthen the marine observing system through a better coverage of the data­sparse area of the South Atlantic and thus support not only the WWW but also GOOS and GCOS.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

7.4.14 The Association noted with interest the status of plans towards the implementation of a post-graduate diploma course in marine meteorology and physical oceanography at RMTC NairobL Such long-term training would be of great value to many Members, including those of RA III, in the further implementation of marine meteorological services and was directly relevant to the implementation of UNCED Agenda 21. It agreed that specialized training courses of this type were essential if Members were to have the skilled manpower necessary for the further development of marine meteorological and oceanographic services. It therefore urged that consideration be given to the possible inclusion of some students from RA III in the Nairobi course, once estab­lished, and also to the future development of a similar course within RA III. 7.4.15 The Association noted with appreciation that Cg-XI had approved a proposal for an international semi­nar/workshop for PMOs, and that the event had taken place in September 1993, at IMO in London. Participants included a number of PMOs from Members of RA III. In addition, a seminar on marine meteorological services had been held in Buenos Aires in November 1989, with the participation of six Members from RA III. In this connection the Association was pleased to learn that the Port Meteorological Office in Montevideo, Uruguay, had recently commenced operations. The Association stressed the role of the Port Meteorological Officers who provided guidance and assistance in equipping VOS with meteoro­logical and oceanographic instrumentation, helped with the maintenance and calibration of on-board instru­ments and instructed ships' crews in observational procedures and practices. The PMO provided a major contribution to the marine observing system, in general, and to improvement of the availability and the quality of the observations from VOS, in particular. 7.4.16 The Association also noted with appreciation the continuing support provided to Members in the Region for the implementation and development of their marine meteorological services. The Association urged Members to make as much use as possible of existing support mechanisms, such as the VCp, in order to expand their marine programmes for the benefit of all users.

INTEGRATED GLOBAL OCEAN SERVICES SYSTEM (IGOSS)

7.4.17 The Association noted with satisfaction the substantial advances made in the IGOSS programme during the past intersessional period, including the estab­~ishment of the Global Temperature/Salinity Pilot Project; Improved monitoring of IGOSS data flow and associated

20 GENERAL SUMMARY

follow-up action; the work of the Task Team on Quality Control; the initiation of an IGOSS Products Bulletin; and the continuing success of the IGOSS Sea Level Project in the Pacific. It expressed its appreciation to all Members contributing to IGOSS, which was recognized as a primary mechanism for implementation of opera­tional elements of GOOS, as well as for the collection and management of the sub-surface ocean data required under GCOS. At the same time, the Association recog­nized that the level of IGOSS data flow (BATHY, TESAC, TRACKOB) was still very inadequate from many ocean areas, and it therefore urged Members to expand their participation in and contributions to IGOSS. Resolu­tion 11 (XI-RA III) on this subjectwas adopted. 7.4.18 The Association noted with appreciation that a very successful Seminar/Workshop on IGOSS Products had taken place in Tokyo, April 1991, hosted by the Japan MeteorolOgical Agenc~ in which scientists from RA III had participated. This seminar/workshop had resulted in a number of important recommendations for improvements to the IGOSS Observing System, as well as in the prepara­tion ofthe first issue of the IGOSS Products Bulletin (IPB). The Association urged Members to implement the work­shop recommendations, as well as to continue to contribute products for publication in the IPB.

8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES

PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 8)

8.1 The Association noted with appreciation the report of the chairman of the Working Group on Hydrology (WGH), Mr Tabare Palas (Uruguay). It noted the progress made in carrying out studies on aspects of particular concern to Members through its ten rappor­teurs. In particular, it noted with interest the technical reports on:

Title

Sediment transport in RA III

Hydrological activities in the countries of RA III

Assessment of the application of WMO's Technical Regulations for hydrological forecasting

Basic Hydrological Network Assessment Project (BNAP)

Water quality in Member countries of RA III

Hydrological aspects of the El Ni110 phenomenon

Rapporteur

G. Arduino (Uruguay) D. Perez (Venezuela)

B. Denis (Paraguay)

M. Giachino (Argentina)

H. Peiia (Chile) F. Vidal (Chile)

J. E. Ruiz (Colombia)

J. Yerren (Peru)

In addition to the above, technical reports on (i) the application of HOMS in RA III by Mr V. Benavides and Mr U. Medeiros (Brazil), and (ii) the subregional study on preCipitation frequencies by Mr L. Rodriguez (Ecuador) were currently being finalized. 8.2 The Association noted that almost all countries of RA III had contributed, with data and information, to

the different studies carried out, and indicated that it looked forward to receiving the final results of the vari­ous surveys conducted. It requested that the technical reports prepared by the group, once finalized, be forwarded to the Commission for Hydrology (CHy) so as to constitute a possible inp4t to the activities of CHy. It further recommended that those technical reports which were of more than just regional interest then be published or reproduced and circulated as technical documents of WMO, as agreed by Congress. 8.3 The Association expressed its appreciation to the rapporteurs for the technical reports prepared, and congratulated the chairman of the group on the signifi­cant results achieved. 8.4 The Association endorsed the programme of future activities in the field of hydrology and water resources by the group. It noted that the proposed activ­ities took into account: (i) the status and results of the implementation of its current terms of reference; (ii) WMO's Third Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 5, Hydrology and Water Resources Programme (HWRP), as adopted by Cg-XI; (iii) the projects identified by CHy for implementation at regional level; and (iv) the national and regional concerns identified at the sixth session of the WGH (MonteVideo and Salto, May 1993). 8.5 On the basis of the recommendations of the working group and taking into account the decisions of Cg-XI and the-recommendations of CHy, the Association adopted Resolution 12 (XI-RA III) re-establishing the WGH, open to all Members of the Region, with a core of ten rapporteurs who were to undertake specific work on different aspects of the group's terms of reference. With respect to the group's membership, the Association requested its Members to ensure an adequate representa­tion of the Hydrological Services of RA III. It was also of the view that the RA III/WGH should remain multidisci­plinary and become a faster means of communication between the national Services. This could be achieved to the extent that multilateral programmes were promoted. 8.6 The Association requested that at least one session of the group be arranged during the next interses­sional period and that financial assistance be provided by WMO to the core rapporteurs to attend the session. It also recommended that arrangements be made, within available budgetary resources, for an additional inter­mediate meeting of the group's rapporteurs, pOSSibly in conjunction with other meetings on the subject of water.

WMO LONG-TERM PLAN

8.7 The future needs of the Hydrological Services of the Region proposed by the RA III WGH were examined by the Association. It agreed that the following issues should have priority attention in the preparation of the Fourth Long-term Plan (4LTP) of WMO for the HWRP: • Strengthening and expanding the ability of national

Hydrological Services to assess, predict and manage their fresh water;

• The need for mechanisms to optimize and maintain minimal operation of the station network so as to ensure a good level of information quality;

GENERAL SUMMARY 21

• Creation of a global hydrological network in accord­ance with the objectives established in the "Statement of CHy-IX";

• The importance of international coordination in basins shared by various countries, in which WMO had a role to play.

8.8 The Association also considered the national and regional concerns of RA III countries in the field of hydrology and water resources identified by the working group. The fragmented nature of institutional arrange­ments for delivery of hydrological services and the need for upgrading staff capabilities were seen as major impediments for the provision of adequate services and reversing the deteriorating data network trend in some parts of the Region. It agreed that the following were of particular importance to the Region:

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

(a) Strengthening water quality control and sediment transport programmes;

(b) Establishment or strengthening of flood warning systems in the Region;

(c) Studies on snow and ice hydrology; (d) Establishment of systems to improve services to

users; (e) Application of hydrology to environmental aspects

and natural disasters; (f) Major river hydrology; (g) Improvement and application of water legislation; (h) Development of human resources at the profes-

sional and technical levels and the retention of trained staff;

INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS

(i) With a view to favouring sustained development, the Hydrological Services should cover wider areas, including the use of compiled data in interpreting the most complex environmental problems. This would require staff with multidisciplinary capabil­ities and links with other sectors;

(j) The Hydrological Services would also have to adapt to changes and to institutional reorganization, including possible privatization, thereby demon­strating their ability to continue to play an important part in water-resource assessment activities.

INSTITUTIONAL COOPERATION BETWEEN NATIONAL

HYDROLOGICAL SERVICES AND BETWEEN HYDROLOGICAL

AND METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

8.9 The Association noted the increased participa­tion and involvement of national hydrological agencies in many hydrological activities of WMO. It recognized the important roles of hydrological advisers to the permanent representatives with WMO, of members of CHy and of the regional working groups in planning and implementing the HWRP and the derived benefits at the national level. In particular, it agreed that the hydro­logical advisers could be instrumental in the coordination of the work of all the national experts involved in the hydrological activities of WMO.

8.10 The Association noted the report by the chairman of the RA III WGH on the activities under­taken by him in the capacity of regional hydrological adviser. It considered it appropriate to continue promoting the participation of WGH members in CHy meetings. 8.11 In accordance with WMO General Regulation 167 (b), the Association designated the regional hydro­logical adviser by its Resolution 12 (XI-RA III).

DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION FOR

HYDROLOGY CONCERNING REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

8.12 The Association noted that the ninth session of CHy (Geneva, January 1993) had again, among others: (i) reviewed ways for further strengthening cooperation and links between CHy and its bodies and the RAs' WGH; and (ii) considered actions that would further enhance the role of the RAs' WGH in the HWRP. It noted that of the 27 experts who were nominated by CHy-IX as members of the Commission's working group or as rapporteurs, two were from RA III. 8.13 The Association was informed that the Commission had considered a number of problems which were affecting the performance and output of some of the RAs' WGH. One of the most common was the long delay observed in the nomination and approval of members of the RAs' WGH by individual countries, preventing the initiation of activities of the groups and thus causing irretrievably wasted time, in cases exceeding more than one year. This delay, coupled with communi­cation breakdowns and associated lack of responses, vast land areas, and the lack of, or unavailable expertise at national level, made the implementation of programmes very difficult and slow. The economic situation of countries in various Regions was also contributing to the non-implementation of some of the projects. Recognizing that some of the above issues were also affecting the RA III WGH, the Association endorsed the recommendation by CHy to overcome the problem by means of a request to countries that the list of candidates proposed as rapporteurs for working groups of the regional associations be accompanied by the correspond­ing curricula vitae and a commitment to provide institutional support to the rapporteurs. 8.14 Concern was also expressed that, at the previous session of the regional association and the recent session of CHy, the number of representatives of Hydrological Services of RA III forming part of Member delegations had, in general, been very low. It was difficult for several reasons, in particular financial restrictions, for hydro­logical agencies to be represented at such sessions. Nevertheless, a larger participation of hydrologists would probably strengthen CHy's and the regional association's possibilities as fora for the discussion of water-related problems in Region III. It was consequently recom­mended that mechanisms should be sought to achieve better participation. 8.15 With respect to the approved working proced­ure developed to ensure effective communication and coordinated links between the RAs' WGH and the CHy

22 GENERAL SUMMARY

Advisory Working Group, the Association recommended that the chairman take all the necessary measures to set that procedure in motion.

OPERATIONAL HYDROLOGY PROGRAMME (OHP) - BASIC

SYSTEMS

8.16 The Association was pleased to note that its WGH had made significant inputs to the activities within the OHP. The items reported below were discussed in detail.

HYDROLOGICAL INFORMATION REFERRAL SERVICE

(INFOHYDRO) 8.17 The Association was informed of work on the updating of the Referral Service and the preparation of the second edition of the INFOHYDRO Manual (WMO-No. 683). While ten countries in RA III had supplied updated information, there were two countries that had either not provided data since 1976 or not at all. The Association requested Members to support fully and cooperate with the Secretary-General in his efforts to keep the INFOHYDRO Manual complete and up-to-date. In particular it urged those Members which had not provided any data to respond to the request for information.

HYDROLOGICAL NETWORKS

8.18 The Association was informed of the activities regarding network analysis which all RAs' WGH of WMO had been assigned to carry out, in close coordina­tion and collaboration with CHy. It noted the plans for implementation and the status of the WMO Basic Hydrological Network Assessment Project (BNAP), which was aimed at improving the guidance material on network design. The Association was pleased to learn that eight countries in RA III had responded to the BNAP questionnaire and urged that the remainder also contribute to the project. The data and guidelines for analysis were sent to all RAs' WGH Rapporteurs on Networks, so as to provide a common basis for the analy­sis and preparation of the summary report for each Region. The results for each Region were discussed during the International Workshop on Network Design Practices in November 1991 in Koblenz, Germany, to which the regional rapporteurs on the subject had been invited to participate. 8.19 On the basis of the responses received, the RA III WGH rapporteur on the subject had prepared a preliminary analysis of the hydrological networks in RA III. The Association noted that although data of only six countries had finally been used for the analysis, their added surface covered about 80 per cent of the total area of RA III. Thus the results could be considered as repres­entative, namely that a significant percentage of the existing networks in the Region did not meet minimum density requirements. The Association, recognizing the scale of the efforts already undertaken, recommended that a new attempt be made to compile the incomplete or pending information, so as to enable the rapporteur to complete his report. Once completed, the report would be sent to the corresponding CHy rapporteur for a global analysis of the networks.

8.20 As regards the project on intercomparison of operational network design techniques (HYNET), the Association expressed the wish that, in addition to Venezuela, other countries of the Region would also be able to contribute to the project.

WMO STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES IN

HYDROLOGY

8.21 The Association noted that important new additions to the WMO Technical Regulations would require an updated evaluation of the degree of com­pliance of RA III Members. In this context, the RA III WGH rapporteur on the subject had prepared a report on the survey on the applications of the regulations contained in Chapter D.1.3 - Hydrological Forecasting and Warning, based on responses from ten countries of the Region. The Association supported the rapporteur's recommendation that the survey be expanded with a view to obtaining a complete panorama of the application of the Technical Regulations.

HOMS 8.22 The Association was briefed on recent develop­ments in HOMS and was pleased to note that, pursuant to a Cg-XI decision, HOMS was now a permanent feature of the OHP, with a change of the name to "Hydrological Operational Multipurpose System". It was also advised about the adoption by CHy-IX of the implementation plan for HOMS (1992-1996). It noted the support that RA III Members were giving to HOMS, with 12 of the 13 Member countries of RA III having established a HOMS National Reference Centre (HNRC). Three countries of the Region had contributed a total of 11 components to HOMS. The Association expressed the hope that more countries of the Region would also consider contributing components to HOMS, preferably in the Spanish language. Regarding the transfer of components since the last session of the Association (1989), it was noted that HNRCs in the Region had requested 85 and supplied eight components. 8.23 The Association stressed the importance of the availability of HOMS documentation in Spanish. It noted that the second edition of the HOMS Reference Manual (HRM) and Supplements 9 to 11 had been trans­lated into Spanish. In that connection, the Association noted with appreciation the offer by the participants from Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela to translate, within their own HNRCs, Supplements 12 to 14, respec­tively. A survey had also been conducted to discover which components were available in languages other than English and the results had been published in the HRM. In this context the Association was informed about recent agreements between the HNRC's of Belgium and Canada with those of Venezuela and Dominican Republic, respectively, to undertake the translation of relevant HOMS components contributed by the former. The Association recommended that the HNRCs from the Region be invited to establish agreements of a similar nature, particularly in relation to those components for which there was a large demand in the Region, reflecting regional interest.

GENERAL SUMMARY 23

8.24 As regards the preliminary report by the rappor­teur on the subject, based on responses to a survey aimed at identifying the techniques and procedures available on a routine basis in the Hydrological Services of RA III Members in order to assess their possible inclusion in HOMS, the Association observed that the HOMS poten­tial was currently not fully utilized in the Region. It pOinted out that increasing the awareness of HOMS would probably result in a greater utilization. The organ­ization of workshops was seen as an important contributor to increased awareness. In that connection, the Association noted with interest the recent holding, in Caracas, of a training workshop on the use of Belgian HOMS components in Spanish for database manage­ment. It recommended that the HRM on diskette be distributed to all the countries of the Region, considering that that would facilitate updating of the Manual when required. 8.25 The Association noted the plans for the possible establishment of a Regional HOMS Centre in Paraguay. It observed that it would be necessary, prior to the estab­lishment of a Regional Centre, to carry out an assessment of the necessary technical, financial and organizational arrangements to ensure its successful operation. To that end, the need was emphasized to conduct those studies within the framework of a regional HOMS project in support of the HNRCs in RA III. Bearing in mind that a draft proposal on that project had already been prepared, it was recommended that this be updated and distributed to all interested HNRCs for subsequent submission to WMO.

WATER QUALITY

8.26 The A~sociation noted that the rapporteur on the subject had prepared a report on specific water­quality issues in the Region, based on the responses by 11 countries to a survey. As an overall finding all countries had reported that surface and groundwater pollution was becoming a matter of main concern. The Association recommended that the report be supplemented during the forthcoming intersessional period with additional information, particularly that relating to Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. It also supported the rapporteur's recom­mendation on the need to prepare maps including the most important variables defining water-quality charac­teristics in RA III. As regards the proposed intercalibration of water-quality laboratories, the Association recom­mended that that matter be referred to CHy for its consideration.

SEDIMENT TRANSPORT

8.27 The Association was informed about the tasks undertaken by the rapporteurs on the subject for the survey and preparation of a detailed report on specific problems in monitoring sediment transport (bed load and in suspension) in the Region, based on responses from 12 Members of the Region. It noted that, while there was full coincidence of samplers used within the Region, there was also a huge diversity of laboratory tech­niques and standards. The Association recommended that the report be supplemented with the information

that was lacking and called on the countries of the Region to endeavour to adopt measurement techniques and equipment that were standard within RA III.

HYDROLOGY IN RA III 8.28 The Association was informed that members of the RA III WGH had prepared national reports for all the countries of RA III describing activities in the field of operational hydrology carried out at national level. These reports had served to identify the national and regional concerns in the field of hydrology and water resources. Furthermore, they had helped to determine needs for technical assistance and fields in which it was required. Recognizing that the proposed compilation of the national and technical reports prepared by the RA III WGH, supplemented by relevant information on INFO­HYDRO, could provide a comprehensive panorama of the status of hydrology in South America, the Association recommended that the reports be distributed and that, as part of its future activities, the information for the period 1989-1993 be updated and evaluated.

OPERATIONAL HYDROLOGY PROGRAMME - ApPLICATIONS

AND ENVIRONMENT

8.29 The Association noted the increasing involve­ment of its working group in matters concerning applications and services to water-resources development and management, in particular to hydrological forecast­ing and on the impact of variations in climate.

WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME (WCP-WATER)

8.30 The interaction between the RA III WGH and WCP-Water was also considered to be a positive develop­ment. The Association noted that nine of its Members had contributed data to the Global Runoff Data Centre at the Institute of Hydrology (Koblenz, Germany). Those Members were encouraged to continue supplying such data. The Association called upon Members which had not yet supplied data to give the matter their serious consideration and to make contributions. It was recog­nized that the more comprehensive the coverage of South America, the more successful were likely to be the studies and models of the climatological and hydrologi­cal regimes, which were of great potential value to all countries in the Region. 8.31 Another project under WCP-Water of interest to the Association was that on the analysis of long-time series of hydrological data. A large number of time series from the Region were analysed under the project, but a wider geographical spread was needed, and more coun­tries of the Region with long records (at least 30 years) were urged to contribute data. 8.32 A third project on the teleconnexion of the El Nino phenomenon foresaw the participation of national hydrological agencies with the coordination of the RA III WGH. 8.33 The Association noted that the Rapporteur on WCP-Water had prepared a summary report which reviewed the results of the fifth planning meeting on WCP-Water and provided useful advice to RA III Members. The Association also considered the report

24 GENERAL SUMMARY

prepared by the rapporteur on EI Nino based on the responses received from eight countries of the Region. It noted with interest the results, which showed that the event of 1983 had been the most severe, with an extra­ordinary abundance of water in some parts of the Region and extreme drought in others. The Association, recog­nizing the importance of such a study, particularly in the light of other similar studies, considered that it would be preferable to increase the coverage of the data envisaged for Chile, Colombia and Ecuador. Furthermore, attempts should be made to obtain information on at least some representative basins in Bolivia, Brazil and Guyana.

HYDROLOGICAL FORECASTING SYSTEMS

8.34 The Association noted that this assignment of its working group comprised the compilation and description of case studies on operational hydrological forecasting systems in countries of the Region, including technical and pertinent socia-economic aspects. An outline for such case studies" had been prepared by the rapporteurs on the subject. Recognizing the importance of these studies as guidance for RA III countries, the Association recommended that those activities be contin­ued during the forthcoming intersessional period. 8.35 The Association noted that a Management Overview of Flood Forecasting Systems (MOFFS) was developed to facilitate the assessment of performance of individual flood forecasting systems by Members of the WMO regional tropical cyclone bodies. Noting that one country of the Region had deSignated forecasting systems to be monitored, it encouraged other RA III Members to play an active role in applying MOFFS.

OTHER WATER-RELATED ISSUES

8.36 The Association noted that WMO had con­tinued its cooperation with other international organizations and that, at the international level, WMO's closest links concerning hydrology and water resources were with UNESCO. A handbook for the national evalu­ation of water-resource assessment activities had been prepared jointly by the two organizations. The handbook was published in English in 1988 and the French and Spanish versions were in press. The Association was advised of the future plans to hold a workshop on the promotion of the use of the manual in RAs III and IV. 8.37 One very substantial outcome of interagency cooperation was the WMO/UNESCO Report on Water Resource Assessment - Progress in the Implementation of the Mar del Plata Action Plan and a Strategy for the 1990s, which had been published in time for its consideration by ECOSOC in April 1991. The report had also served as one of the basic inputs to the International Conference on Water and the Environment held in Dublin in January 1992 and reported on below. Another cooperative effort was the publication in 1992 of the second edition of the WMO/UNESCO International Glossary of Hydrology. 8.38 Mr C. Fernandez Jauregui, regional hydrologist from UNESCO's Regional Office for Science and Technology for Latin American and Caribbean submitted a detailed report on the projects and activities carried out by his organization in South America. That report

included a description of a number of ongoing or completed projects in different countries of the Region relating to the evaluation, management and conserva­tion of water resources, such as surface water balances, hydrogeological maps, evaluation of water-resource activ­ities and the comprehensive environmental assessment of water-resources development. As regards hydrological processes and techniques, he provided information on projects such as humid tropical hydrology, snow and ice hydrology, urban hydrology and other specific areas. He likewise mentioned the developmental projects in water sciences carried out with extra-budgetary funds, and provided information on the Latin American and Caribbean Hydrological Cycle Observing System (LACHYCOS) and the plans for its implementation. 8.39 The Association also noted with interest the outcome of the Fourth Joint UNESCO/WMO/ICSU Conference on Hydrology, held in Paris during March 1993. The-Conference had approved a "Paris Statement" which, inter alia, called for the establishment of closeT cooperation at the national and international levels between the programmes of both organizations. It specif­ically recommended that steps be taken:

(i) To increase awareness of the value of water and information about water, on the part of decision-makers and the communitYi

(ii) To improve the contribution of hydrology and. related water sciences, by promoting interdisciplinary research focused on well defined projects of importance to society, by improving understanding of the hydrological cycle and providing a scientific basis for the sustainable management of wateri

(iii) To increase the effectiveness of operational hydrology, by better identifying and addressing users' needs, adopting modern management practices such. as quality management, assessing and planning human resources requirements and by close coordination between scientific and operational hydrology programmes and those of otper related dlsciplinesi

(iv) To further enhance the acquisition and transfer of technology and knowledge, by sustaining research and educational programmes and capacity building in developing countries, effective use of international training courses, and developing and disseminating appropriate technology.

8.40 The Association noted with satisfaction the close links between the UNESCO and WMO programmes in the Region and acknowledged the complementary nature of the activities of both organizations. 8.41 The Association noted the special projects for the IDNDR under the HWRP: "Comprehensive Risk Assessment" (CRASH) and the "System for Technology Exchange for Natural Disasters" (STEND). The Association also noted that, as a contribution to the IDNDR, the WGH rapporteur on the subject was under­taking a sub-regional study on precipitation frequencies.

GENERAL SUMMARY 25

Recognizing the importance of such studies, the Association recommended that they be extended to other countries of the Region which expressed an interest. Information was provided under agenda item 15.2.2 on the CRASH and STEND projects. 8.42 The Association was informed of the Inter­national Conference on Water and the Environment, which had been held in Dublin, Ireland, during January 1992. It had been convened by WMO on behalf of the 24 agencies within the UN system with programmes in fresh water. It had been attended by more than 500 experts from 115 countries, nearly 50 non-governmental organ­izations and some 30 member organizations of the UN family. The Conference had adopted the Dublin Statement and a report of its proceedings. The Conference had highlighted the many and complex freshwater issues facing the world and had called for fundamental new approaches to the assessment, develop­ment and management of these resources. 8.43 The Dublin Conference had provided the major input on freshwater issues to the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), which had been held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 4 to 14 June 1992. The Association was informed of the outcome of UNCED under agenda item 15.2.1. 8.44 . The Association noted that a report recently prepared had analysed the outputs of ICWE and Chapter 18 (on fresh water) of Agenda 21 of UNCED, especially as they relate to WMO's activities in hydrology and water resources. The reporthad identified areas that might require future strengthening, as well as key issues to be considered by WMO in developing strategies for the follow-up ofICWE and UNCED. CHy-IX had also consid­ered the output of ICWE and UNCED. The Commission had adopted a "Statement of CHy-IX" on improvements required for water-resources assessment activities. The

. Association noted that the recent forty-fifth session of EC had approved the statement and had recommended its wide distribution. 8.45 The Association noted with interest the recent approval by the UN General Assembly for the celebration of the "World Day for Water" on 22 March of every year. In the relevant resolution Members were being requested to undertake special water-related activ­ities on that day, and the UN agencies were asked to take all measures to ensure the success of the commemorative events.

TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND TRAINING

8.46 The Association noted that efforts had been made during the last intersessional period to train hydro­logical personnel in RA III and that technical cooperation activities in the field of hydrology had been actively pursued by WMO in the Region. It noted that UNDP­supported sectoral advisory assistance in hydrology had also been provided. Furthermore, WMO's Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP) had been extended so that it now provided support to activities in hydrology and water resources. Hydrological Services had conse­quently been invited to formulate proposals for

assistance in this field. Further details on these activities were reported under agenda items 9 and 10. 8.47 The Association took note of a number of pro­posals relating to regional technical assistance projects for which it had not yet been possible to obtain the necessary funds, such as: (i) Water balance of the Amazon basin (integration); (li) Improvement of the hydrometeorological warning and alert systems for the El Nino phenomenon; (iii) Hydrometeorological warnings and alerts for con­trolling adverse phenomena (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru); (iv) Expansion of activities in the field of hydrological fore­casting and alert in the Plata basin; (v) Regional HOMS project; (vi) Time-space distribution of suspended sedi­ment in the Rio Pilcomayo basin (Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina); (vii) Bi-national measurement campaign in the River Orinoco (Colombia, Venezuela). The Association recognized the importance of those projects and requested WMO to study possible sources of financing. 8.48 The Association was informed about the promo­tion by WMO, with support of the World Bank and other agencies, of the concept of a World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS). Through WHYCOS the aim was to build up a collection of high quality data for the main rivers. This would involve the creation of a system for the operation and maintenance of stations collecting hydrometeorological data (up to 15 variables) by satellite for transmission to international and national centres. This system would not only upgrade water­resources assessment, but would contribute to the understanding of global climate. The Association, noting that the project was currently being developed for Africa, considered that the extension of this concept to other continents, as was envisaged for Latin America under the LA~HYCOS/UNESCO project, would make it possible to have a world-wide system for obtaining the global hydro­logical cycle data that was vital in order to economize on water resources throughout the world. 8.49 The Association noted with interest the plans by Venezuela to hold a regional course on operational hydrology for professionals from RAs III and IV at the Regional Meteorological Training Centre at the Central University in Caracas. It recommended that WMO co­sponsor the event, to be held on a periodiC basis, and that it assist in obtaining the necessary support from other countries and agencies, such as UNESCO.

REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE AMERICAS

8.50 The Association was informed of the recent engagement for a period of two months of a consultant in hydrology to assist in the promotion of activities in that field in the Region and to provide support as neces­sary to the Hydrological Services in carrying out their work and in the development of possible technical assis­tance projects. The Association, recognizing the importance of strengthening the regional office in the field of hydrology and water resources, recommended that consideration be given to the possibility of engaging on a more permanent basis an official in that field. 8.51 Detailed information concerning the regional office is to be found under agenda item 13.

26 GENERAL SUMMARY

9. EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME -

REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 9) GENERAL

9.1 The Association examined with interest the information on the implementation of the Education and Training Programme in the Region since its last session. In noting with appreciation the progress achieved and the assistance provided to Members in developing their training manpower resources, the Association reaffirmed that education and training continued to be of great importance to Members in meet­ing their increasing responsibilities under the various programmes of the Organization. 9.2 The Association was pleased to note Volume 6 of Part II of the Third WMO Long-term Plan which contained the description of the Education and Training Programme for 1992-2001 as adopted by Eleventh Congress and urged its Members to carry out the roles which were defined for their execution under the various tasks and projects of the plan.

EC PANEL OF EXPERTS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING

9.3 The Association noted the views and recom­mendations of the EC Panel of Experts on Education and Training on the activities of WMO regional associations in education and training. 9.4 The Association encouraged active coordination and collaboration between the Association, its working groups and rapporteurs, on the one hand, and the panel, on the other, in relevant activities in the field of educa­tion and training. Accordingly, it recommended that proposals of its working groups and rapporteurs relating to education and training aspects be closely coordinated with the panel before consideration by the Association.

MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT

9.5 The Association emphaSIzed the importance of the manpower development programme, in particular to devel­oping countries, and further stressed the need for a strategic approach to the implementation of such a programme. With respect to the next global survey of Members' training requirements, the Association recommended that: (a) Members should draw up national plans for

manpower development in their Services so that they could SUitably respond to the global survey questionnaires based on those plans;

(b) Members should arrange to complete the survey questionnaire and provide all the requested infor­mation.

NATIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES

9.6 The Association expressed its gratitude to those of its Members, as well as to Members from other Regions, which had made their national training facilities available for the training of meteorological and opera­tional hydrological personnel in RA III. It noted that Eleventh Congress had stressed the need for the intensi­fication of cooperation and coordination of education and training activities at the regional level and accord­ingly urged its Members, in particular those hosting Regional Meteorological Training Centres (RMTCs), to

make every effort towards the introduction of new train­ing programmes and specialized courses based on the results of the survey of Members' training requirements and taking into account technological innovations and developments. 9.7 As regards the facilities available to Members for staff development outside the Region, the Association noted with satisfaction: (a) The Canadian proposal to establish a Training Office

at the Montreal RMTC on the use of NWP models and their applications to climate prediction. The training would be carried out in accordance with the VCP rules and procedures for fellowships, and could commence in January 1994;

(b) The continuing and successful operation of the South American Desk at the Washington WMC. The Association also expressed its gratitude to the USA for the inauguration, in November 1992, of the Tropical Desk, which provided similar opportunities for visiting meteorologists from the tropical zones of Regions III and IV. Many Members emphasized the importance of this training opportunity and expressed the wish that it should continue. The Association further thanked the USA for having supplied an informative summary on the organiza­tion and operation of the South American and Tropical Desks, which together were known as the International Desks;

(c) The continuation. of the Class II courses which were provided by the Government of Spain through that country's National Meteorological Institute, (!nd particularly the fact that measures had been taken to harmonize them with the other Class II courses which were held in Regions III and IV and the fact that a new course was to be started in the near future.

9.8 The Association noted with interestthat WMO's mandatory publication No. 240 - Compendium of train­ing facilities for meteorology and operational hydrology -had been revised and a new loose-leaf edition of the publication would be issued in the near future. It also noted that the information contained in the publication was computerized and the database was available on diskettes. Members were accordingly urged to take advantage of the information in this publication and, at the same time, submit new information on their training programmes to the WMO Secretariat to enable the pub­lication to be kept up to date. 9.9 The Association noted with interest the estab­lishment of the Standing Conference of Heads of Training Institutions of National Meteorological Services and recognized the value of the establishment of this body's working groups dealing with the application of up-to-date scientific and technical issues to the education and training processes. The Association urged its Members to make their own inputs and hoped that all Members would benefit from these new activities.

REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL TRAINING CENTRES

9.10 The Association was pleased to note that the WMO RMTCs in RAs III and IV were in general function-

GENERAL SUMMARY 27

ing satisfactorily and contributed significantly to the training of personnel from the Region. In urging its Members to make the maximum use of the training programmes offered by the RMTCs, the Association agreed with the need, stressed by Eleventh Congress, for more emphasis to be placed by RMTCs on regional train­ing requirements for specialized courses in various subject areas. 9.11 The Association accordingly requested its Members to assist RMTCs in organizing courses, using ways and means such as the provision of instructors for short-term assignments and the provision of relevant training materials, aids and other assistance under TCDC or other bilateral and multilateral arrangements. 9.12 In reviewing the RMTC training programmes for 1993 and 1994, the Association urged its Members to make maximum use of the courses being organized by the centres. It also requested all Members hosting RMTCs to provide information to the Secretariat on the training courses of the centres on an annual basis and well in advance of the beginning of the courses. The Association noted the information supplied by Venezuela concerning its training centre.

RESULTS OF THE SURVEY OF MEMBERS TRAINING

REQUIREMENTS

9.13 The Association noted the availability of the results of the global survey of Members' training require­ments which was carried out during 1989. It also urged its Members to use those results to execute the action indicated under the manpower development sub­programme 61.1 in Table A of Volume 6 of the Third Long-term Plan.

TRAINING ACTIVITIES

9.14 The Association noted that, since its last session, WMO had organized, or had been a joint organizer of, a total of 12 training events in the Region of interest to the Association. RA III Members had also been able to benefit from another 49 training events on a wide range of topics organized and hosted by WMO Members or national institutions in which WMO was involved. However, the Association indicated that the requirements in that regard had not yet been fully covered, and expressed the wish that the forthcoming WMO Congress assign more resources to those activities. As regards the activities carried out jointly by WMO and IOC, the session requested that they be extended, in the field of professional training, to the post-graduate levels in aspects related to ocean-atmosphere interaction processes, with the aim of strengthening research on El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomena in the Region. 9.15 The Association further noted the list of training events that had been approved by the Executive Council for implementation during the remainder of 1993 and urged Mel1.lbers to take advantage of those training opportunities. For the training events which were to be organized during the biennium 1994-1995, the Association indicated the following priority subject areas:

• Instruments, observation methods and data process­ing corresponding to the Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme;

• Natural disaster prevention (forest fires, volcanic ash, droughts, etc.);

• Instructor training; • Adaptation of numeric models to regional require-

ments; • Computer-assisted learning. 9.16 While noting with appreCiation Members' important and valuable help in providing financial and other assistance for the organization of training events, the Association urged its Members to continue such support, in particular through hosting training events, financially supporting the participation of their accepted candidates and by providing lecturers or instructors. The Association recognized that such support was essential to the success of the Education and Training Programme. 9.17 The Association noted with pleasure the training publications that had been prepared, translated and issued by the Organization since the last session. It also noted that they were being used extensively at national and regional training centres. While requesting the Secretary-General to continue the preparation, translation and publication of training materials, the Association took into account the limited budgetary provisions for the purpose and urged Members to provide assistance for these activities as far as possible. 9.18 The Association was informed that, since its last session, the stock of materials available in the Training Library had been increased and that the Secretariat was functioning as an exchange forum for audio-visual and computer software materials. In urging Members to make use of the facilities and holdings of the Training Library in their training programmes, the Association also drew the' attention of relevant Members to the need, as indicated in the TLTP, Part II, Volume 6, to make avail­able to the Training Library texts, materials, and seconded experts for the development of special activities such as correspondence courses and computer-assisted learning techniques.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS

9.19 The Association noted that training through the provision of fellowships under the UNDP, VCP, funds-in­trust and the WMO regular budget continued to be an effective way of assisting Members in the development of their reqUired manpower. However, in noting that available financial resources did not allow all the needs of the Region to be met, the Association requested Members to consider the possibilities of meeting their require­ments by using to the maximum the available facilities in the Region and by strengthening cooperation between countries through bilateral and multilateral schemes. 9.20 The Association expressed its appreciation to those Members from RA III and other Regions which had provided training fellowships, arranged study pro­grammes and study tours for the benefit of many Members of the Region.

28 GENERAL SUMMARY

9.21 As regards the office to be established in Montreal, Canada, the Association considered it appro­priate to indicate below the qualifications which potential applicants for training should preferably possess: (a) Adequate Class I qualification; (b) Active participation in operational weather fore­

casting; (c) Ability to read, write and converse in French or

English; (d) Support from the permanent representative of

his/her country of origin.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME BEYOND 1995 9.22 The Association discussed the nature of the Education and Training Programme that would best suit the Region's needs and circumstances from 1996 onwards, and decided to constitute a Working Group on Education and Training (Resolution 13 (XI-RA III)).

10. TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME -

REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 10) 10.1 The Association noted the positive effects of national execution of UNDP projects in countries in RA III and agreed that this development helped in enhancing the capabilities and capacities of Members and in increasing their self-reliance to manage external resources complementing the national inputs, which also included substantial contributions in cash. 10.2 The Association expressed its recognition of the· support received from UNDP through WMO for various projects. It noted that although the Indicative Planning Figures (IPFs) for countries in South America had decreased and meteorology and hydrology were not adequately included among the high priority areas for use of the funds, UNDP had continued providing support to the WMO Technical Cooperation P·rogramme. Particular mention was made of assistance by UNDP field offices in the implementation of activities financed under VCP, regular budget and trust-fund arrangements. 10.3 In the above context the Association noted with satisfaction that WMO continued to be invited by UNDP and the counterpart authorities to participate in nationally executed projects, since WMO's competence, expertise and capability were considered very appropriate. 10.4 Considering the substantial value of technical cooperation projects financed by donors under different schemes and the need for ensuring follow-up of results of ongoing and completed projects, the Association noted the request by Cg-XI for regular assessment of UNDP, VCP and trust-fund projects, the cost of organizing the additional evaluations being obtained from extra­budgetary sources. 10.5 The Association took note of the situation of the WMO Technical Cooperation Programme, particularly as regards financing of Secretariat support, due partly to the low income from support cost reimbursement in respect of project execution. It agreed that a longer term solution to this problem should be put in place. It welcomed the estab­lishment of the Study Group on the Technical Co­operation Programme recommended by EC-XLIV and

looked forward to the results of its work. It expressed the hope that the result of this study would help strengthen and support the Technical Cooperation Programme, which it considered to be of benefit to Members in general. 10.6 The Association welcomed the creation in the WMO Secretariat of a Resource Mobilization Unit as a means of obtaining support from non-traditional sources of financing. It expressed confidence that this develop­ment would prove useful in the provision of additional advice and help to Members in RA III for the imple­mentation of projects relating to the different new challenges resulting from the International Conference on Water and the Environment and UNCED, particularly the recommendations contained in Agenda 21 and of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the World Climate Programme. 10.7 In the negotiations and arrangements for the above initiatives, WMO had used funds made available by UNDP under the Sectoral Support Programme; the Association noted that missions carried out in most countries in RA III had resulted in specific project docu­ments on which action was being taken by the WMO Secretariat for possible finanCing. 10.8 The Association observed the important role of the Voluntary Cooperation Programme in the Region and the impact its support had had in enabling the meteorological and hydrological services to respond in a more effective manner to the requirements of national users and to facilitate Members'participation in the World Weather Watch Programme. 10.9 The Association expressed satisfaction with the approval and implementation of several trust-fund projects in the Region, particularly those in Venezuela and Brazil, noting that the reqUirement for projects to have an environmental dimension was being adhered to. The Association encouraged its Members to pursue paral­lel efforts. It particularly called on senior officers of NMHSs to take the necessary initiatives. 10.10 The Association expressed its satisfaction with the results of action by the Secretary-General regarding use of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in countries in RA IlL It noted in particular that the project: tlGlobal Monitoring of Greenhouse Gases including Ozone II was already under implementation and that it included the establishment of seven stations in various parts of the world, including Natal in Brazil and Ushuaia in Argentina. 10.11 The project tlMonitoring and Research Network for Greenhouse Gases and Ozone in the Southern Cone -Phase I", had also been approved and was based on the political decisions of the Presidents of the five participating countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. The Association asked the Secretary-General to ensure the timely implementation of activities under these projects and to convey its gratitude to the coordinat­ing authorities of GEF (World Bank, UNDP and UNEP). 10.12 The Association was briefed on the current status of the Inter-American Institute on Global Change Research (IAI) and particularly the IAI/GEF subproject for which WMO had been designated executing agency.

GENERAL SUMMARY 29

10.13 The Association noted that the IAIIGEF sub­project aimed to build material capacities to conduct global change research and to use the results to address issues of importance to decision makers. Participation in the IAI and the IAIIGEF subproject was still open. The Association encouraged the NMHSs of the nine parti­cipating countries of RA III (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay) to become associated with the IAI, and asked the NMHSs of the other countries to consider the advantages of national participation. 10.14 The Association expressed concern about the apparent overlapping of various projects aimed at creating international research institutes or centres, which in prin­ciple would draw from the same sources of financing, and indicated that it would be necessary to determine a way to organize and coordinate these initiatives so as to avoid duplication of efforts and costs. The president of RA IV indicated that such tendency had also been observed in his Region, where many projects could produce duplica­tion instead of complementing one another. 10.15 The Association noted the current efforts to obtain financing for a pilot UV prediction programme for the countries in the Southern Cone, that was based on the successful programme of AES Canada and which was also related to the GAW-GEF project in the Southern Cone countries. 10.16 The Association requested that when the capabilities for UV prediction were developed, the pro­gramme be expanded to include all Members. 10.17 The Association was amply informed of progress in the actions regarding the possible implementation of the Iberoamerican Climate project, which was proposed to tie financed through loans from the Inter-American Development Bank, utilizing resources from the Fifth Centenary Fund of the Government of Spain. It noted that negotiations so far had been conducted on the basis of a first draft project prepared by the National Meteorological Institute of Spain. The project took its roots from the recommendations of the Earth Summit in Rio and aimed at establishing at the regional level the development and application of climate prediction models, medium and short-range weather prediction models, the modernization of basic national and regional infrastructures and the training of personnel. 10.18 The Association was also informed that the Secretary-General had received from the IDB a favourable reply regarding support from the bank for the develop­ment of the project. 10.19 In the presentation of the proposal, the repres­entative of Spain, informed the Association about the various steps to be taken in the pursuit of negotiations with the IDB and the Government of Spain. He empha­sized, in particular, the fact that once the IDB had received the minimum number of requests from the competent national Ministries, it woulq submit to the Government of Spain a request to finance the project. In the meantime arrangements were being made for a meet­ing during which the representatives of IDB, WMO, the National Meteorological Institute and the Spanish

organization for Promotion of International Trade (FOCOEX), as well as representatives of the NMHSs of the region, would establish the terms of reference of the feasibility study. The Association adopted Resolution 14 (XI-RA III) on this subject. 10.20 The Association asked the Secretary-General to take direct action with the competent authorities in response to possible requests from permanent representa­tives who might need assistance to address appropriately the IDB representative in their country.

11. PuBLIC INFORMATION - REGIONAL ASPECTS

(agenda item 11) 11.1 The Association recalled the objectives of the WMO Public Information Programme as defined by Eleventh Congress as well as the guidance given by Congress on this matter. It also noted that Congress had defined the main objective of WMO's Public Information Programme as to inform the public and decision-makers of advances made in the sciences of meteorology, hydro­logy and related diSciplines and of the significance of weather, climate and water resources to the social and economic development of nations. It noted with interest that major efforts were under way within the Secretariat to integrate public information activities with those of the scientific and technical programmes and to ensure that regional concerns as well as those of individual Members were properly taken into account as the programme evolved. 11.2 The Association noted that the forty-fifth session of the Executive Council had stressed the need for a dynamic and effective Public Information Programme to meet new challenges arising from the follow-up actions to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). It agreed that this called for a new thrust and re-orientation of the public information strategy and approach in each coun­try of the Region in light of these new developments. The Associated invited Members to make every effort to strengthen or develop such strategies or approaches. 11.3 It was also recognized that the wide distribution of specially prepared material helped to increase public awareness of the work of WMO and of Meteorological and Hydrological Services. In this regard, the Assodation expressed its appreciation for the wide variety of printed and audio-visual material such as fact sheets, media features, press kits, booklets, posters, newsletters and videofilms that had been distributed to all Members. 11.4 The Association agreed that the exchange of public information material, advice and expertise among Members of the Region would be mutually supportive. The Association also agreed to take every opportunity of reaching a wider audience by promoting activities of mutual interest in collaboration with other regional bodies and organizations such as the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Earth Council in Costa Rica, a grouping of non-governmental organizations. 11.5 The Association stressed the need to comple­ment WMO's global efforts with action at the national

30 GENERAL SUMMARY

level, particularly in the follow-up of UNCED and in the implementation of Agenda 21. For this purpose, the Association invited its Members to take the necessary action which should include: (a) Establishing close contacts, as appropriate, with

representatives of governmental and non-govern­mental organizations, the mass media, bilateral and multilateral agencies, the private sector, academic and research institutions among others, with a view to promoting WMO's activities as well as those of national Meteorological and Hydrological Services;

(b) Ensuring the regular distribution and wide dissem­ination of WMO materials, as well as those prepared by the national Service, to the above-mentioned individuals and organizations;

(c) Organizing events, such as press briefings and media seminars, interviews with experts and information and public affairs activities in relation to World Meteorological Day, World Water Day, World IDNDR Day, as well as to launch special reports or new developments that highlight the contributions of meteorology and operational hydrology to socio­economic development;

(d) Designating a national focal point for Information and Public Affairs, to work with the WMO Infor­mation and Public Affairs Office on the above and other matters.

11.6 The Association considered that a continuing dialogue between Members and the Secretariat would be necessary to ensure that the WMO Public Information Programme responded to the needs of national Services and met its objective. The Association expressed its view that the Regional Office could serve as the focus for public information activities and work in close collabora­tion with Members of the Region. 11.7 The principal delegate of Argentina informed the session that his country had offered to serve as a data centre, but that he had received no response from the Secretariat. The Association noted that information and requested the Secretary General to study the possibility of establishing a Regional Public Information Centre on the basis of the offer by Argentina. 11.8 The Association recommended its Members to endeavour to draw a division between "normal" situ­ations and "potentially dangerous" situations so as to facilitate a better understanding on the part of those concerned, such as the media, defence officials, etc., and to exercise care in the broadcasting of reports and prod­ucts, particularly in border areas, where coordination mechanisms among the participating meteorological services should be established. 11.9 The session likewise considered it appropriate to recommend that clear communication policies be adopted, in which connection it noted the information provided by the principal delegate of France concerning the use of a brand image which associates a name with an accurate and timely service - the formula used by the meteorological service of France being an easily recog­nizable logo and the name "METEO-FRANCE". The Association considered it very appropriate to adopt such

symbols in order to facilitate easy recognition of the information source, particularly where warnings of adverse phenomena were concerned.

12. LONG-TERM PLANNING - REGIONAL ASPECTS

(agenda item 12) 12.1 The Association considered that the overall policy, objectives and priorities set down in Part I of the Third Long-term Plan (TLTP) provided an appropriate framework for the development and implementation of WMO Pro­grammes over the next decade. It was noted in particular that the Plan well reflects the new major issues related to global environmental problems and sustainable develop­ment, including climate change and natural disasters, which were of vital importance for the countries in Region III. At the same time, the World Weather Watch remained the core activity of WMO supporting internationally established operational weather and hydrological services which were needed for the safety of citizens, the protection of property, and for the effiCiency and economy of a wide range of weather sensitive activities in all countries. 12.2 The Association welcomed the opportunity to review its regional priorities drawn up in the TLTP and to produce an updated statement for incorporation in the draft Fourth Long-term Plan (4LTP). It also noted a state­ment of policy and strategy principles for the period 1996-2005 to be covered by the Fourth Long-term Plan which had been agreed at the forty-fifth session of the Executive Council. 12.3 The Association recognized that in the next decade there would be increasing requirements for meteorological and hydrological services in support of sustainable development and protection of the environ­ment including the implementation of UNCED Agenda 21, the Framework Convention on Climate Change, and a probable future international Convention on Desertification. The goal was to ensure maximum potential benefit for all nations from sound application of meteorological, hydrological and related atmospheriC environmental data, knowledge and services. 12.4 To meet these demands, many national Services of the Region, must be assisted in their development. The emphasis should be placed on cooperation among Member countries in the Region not only in research and development of new technologies but also in' the effec­tive use of available resources through regional initiatives. The aim was to integrate the widely disparate technological levels of Members into an effective global and regional system and to assist all Members to partici­pate fully in, and benefit from, the programmes of WMO. The Association also recognized that further determined efforts were required to maintain and strengthen the basic meteorological infrastructure of the Region, especially that related to telecommunication systems and the all important tasks of ensuring adequately trained manpower. 12.5 In view of the climatic, geographical and economic character of the Region and the predominance of developing countries among its membership, a number of areas stood out as priority issues. The

GENERAL SUMMARY 31

Association attributed particular importance to WMO activities which directly or indirectly supported Member's efforts in the provision of meteorological and hydro­logical services to meet the national needs of countries in the Region. The following activities were of particular interest for many Members in the Region, although priority ranking might vary from country to country: (a) Meteorological and hydrological aspects of national

planning and environmentally sound resource management (particularly water and energy);

(b) Food production and forestry; (c) Prevention and mitigation of hazards related to

weather and climate (floods, droughts); (d) Climate change and variation (including the

impacts of the EI Niflo-Southern Oscillation and human impact on climate);

(e) Enhancement of the role played by meteorology and hydrology in the socio-economic development of countries;

(f) Rationalization and improved efficiency in the application of hydrometeorological data to various sectors of the economy;

(g) Environmental issues (air quality standards for cities, transboundary pollution transport, role of the polar zones in shaping climate).

12.6 In order to ensure the necessary support to these important goals and services, the national Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the Region gave high priority to the development of their capabilities for weather predic­tion on all time scales, for the general public and for special user groups, and to building up their basic climatological advisory services. In southern parts of the Region, emphasis wasplaced on mesoscale weather forecasting. 12.7 In terms of WMO Programmes, RA III attaches special priority to: • All components of. the World Weather Watch

Programme; • The Hydrology and Water Resources Programme; • The Meteorological Applications Programme, the

World Climate Programme, the Education and Training Programme, the Technical Cooperation Programme and the Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme.

The Association requested the Secretary-General to proceed in accordance with these priorities.

13. THE WMO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE AMERICAS (agenda item 13)

13.1 The Association was informed of the most important developments of the last four years related to the operation of the regional office and expressed particular satisfaction with the incorporation of a third professional officer and with the recent allocation of new and larger office premises which enabled staff members to accomplish their tasks more efficiently. 13.2 Regarding the operation of the regional office, the Association was of the view that the number of professional staff members should be increased and that certain procedures should be decentralized so as to enable the office to operate with enhanced dynamism

and to acquire greater decision-making capacities in its role as a highly effective link between the Secretariat and the Member countries. 13.3 The Association recommended that account be taken of the need to provide the regional office with a professional in hydrology so as to enable it to meet Members' requirements in that regard. In that connection, it thanked the Secretary-General for having enabled it to engage a regional hydrologist for a period of two months. 13.4 The Association was informed by the president of RA IV of the decisions adopted during the eleventh session of that Association, which had recently been held in Mexico. He expressed appreciation to the Government of Paraguay for all the support given to the office, at the same time requesting that the number of posts in the office be increased. Regarding the location of the office, RA IV was of the view that it should be relocated and had requested the Secretary-General to seek appropriate options. 13.5 The Association was of the opinion that the location issue had nothing to do with the operation of the office and that, so far as the financial considerations were concerned, studies had been performed which showed that the fact that the office was located at one end of the Region did not have a major influence on mission costs. 13.6 The Association was informed of all the facilities and benefits generously provided to it by the Government of Paraguay. It expressed gratitude for the fact that for 15 years the regional office had had its head­quarters in Asunci6n, Paraguay, and that the Government had at all times courteously fulfilled its commitments to WMO with regard to the office. 13.7 Taking into consideration the office's available resources and current circumstances, the session expressed satisfaction with its operation and requested the Secretary-General to continue in his efforts to develop and enhance the operation of the regional office. 13.8 The Secretary-General recalled that the Organi­zation had been operating under a zero growth budget for over 15 years and had had to face severe cash flow prob­lems in recent years arising from non-payment of contributions as well as from the need to make savings to meet with the shortfall in the TCO budget authorized by EC. He indicated that the original idea when the regional offices were established, had been to properly strengthen them but, given the present world economic scenario and EC views that the programme and budget for the twelfth financial period should be based on zero growth, it would appear unlikely that additional staffing for the offices would be possible in the next financial period. The Secretary-General offered to continue to study the situation and possibilities. In this context, the Association noted with appreciation the action taken by the Secretary-General to strengthen progressively the regional office in spite of the zero growth imposed by Congress on both the budget and personnel of the Secretariat. A further evidence of this action was the fact that at present the Regional Office for the Americas had three professional officers. 13.9 On the issue of decentralization, the Secretary­General explained that the responsibilities of the

32 GENERAL SUMMARY

regional office had been established by the Ninth WMO Congress. In so doing, Congress had stressed the fact that the regional offices were an integral part of the Secretariat and their location in the Regions neither changed this condition nor influenced the procedures regarding the relations between permanent repres­entatives and the Organization. As such, the regional offices operated in accordance with the established rules and procedures. He added that a study on the management and organization of the Secretariat had been undertaken and that another study group on the Technical Cooperation Programme was to meet shortly. He noted that the results of both exercises might have implications on the regional offices. 13.10 Particular appreciation was expressed for the fact that the Secretary-General had been present in the meeting room during the discussion of the agenda item on the regional office, as evidence of his strong interest in the development of the office. 13.11 The Association expressed its gratitude to the Government of Paraguay for its offer to host the office in Asunci6n on a permanent basis, and decided to request Twelfth Congress to consider this offer favourably. 13.12 The Association expressed its appreciation to Ing. Antonio Wu Geng for the excellent work he had done during his 12 years as regional officer in Asunci6n and wished him an excellent retirement filled with personal satisfaction in the company of his family.

14. COMMERCIALIZATION OF METEOROLOGICAL

DATA AND PRODUCTS (agenda item 14) 14.1 The Association noted the information provided by the SeC"etary-General on the outcome of the 1992 meeting of the EC Working Group on the Commer­cialization of Meteorological and Hydrological Services and, in particular, on relevant decisions of EC-XLV in this regard. It also noted that Resolution 20 (EC-XLV), provid­ing guidelines for the exchange of meteorological data and products and relations involving commercial activ­ities, had been circulated to all Members in the Region for their attention. 14.2 The Association noted, in particular, that a new framework practice for international exchange of data and products had been approved in principle at EC-XLV in Resolution 20 with the aim of reinforcing the principle of free (Le. without charge) and unrestricted exchange of basic data and products between national Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the interest of all Members of WMO. It was also noted that a refined and more detailed version of the practice, including an assessment of the implications of its operation, would be developed for consideration by Twelfth Congress in 1995 and at that time a decision would be made on implementation of the new practice. 14.3 The Association expressed concern at the limited attention accorded by the Secretariat to the issue under consideration in its documentation for the session. It was also observed that the attention given did not reflect, but rather had the effect of masking, the seriousness of the prevailing situation caused by the activities of foreign under-

l _____ _

takings operating commercially in the Region and using, without due authorization from the Members, the informa­tion provided by them to the World Centres through the GTS. It was further stated that, in those countries which engaged in local commercial practices under their national legislations, such activities by the undertakings in question amounted, de facto, to unfair competition, in so far as those undertakings made no contribution whatsoever to the main­tenance of the basic national systems and did not invest in the meteorological infrastructures of those countries. 14.4 The Association expressed its appreciation for the information supplied by the observer from the USA on his country's relevant legislation and on the relation­ship between the National Weather Service and commercial undertakings. It also expressed appreciation for the information and explanations supplied by France and by the observer from Spain regarding the establish­ment of the European consortium ECOMET, and noted with great interest that representatives of France, Spain and the UK had already held a meeting with the commercial undertakings of the USA, in the course of which those undertakings had expressed their prepared­ness to come to a financial agreement. The Association likewise thanked the observer from UNESCO for the report on the added value of hydrological information in the light of the Dublin Conference. 14.5 With regard to the document from Argentina on the issue of commercialization, the Association expressed support for the views expressed therein. With particular reference to the proposal regarding the possible establishment of a South American consortium, SUDAMET, similar to the European ECOMET, the Association was of the view that that matter would require further study and it was agreed to hold over the discussion until the fourth Meeting of Directors of Ibero­American National Meteorological Services (Colombia, 1994), with a view to submitting a document to the Twelfth WMO Congress (Geneva, 1995). Both France and the observer from Spain undertook to give their support should it be decided to implement that proposal. 14.6 Finally, the Association looked forward to the results of the activities recommended by EC-XLV on this important topic and requested the Secretary-General to provide all Members with timely information on the development of this important issue.

15. OTHER IMPORTANT REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

(agenda item 15) 15.1 INTERNAL MATI'ERS OF THE ASSOCIATION (agenda

item 15.1) 15.1.1 Under this agenda item, the Association discussed various matters of general interest: (a) The need was indicated to foster unity and integra­

tion among the Members of the Region; one way to achieve this could be the implementation of projects and programmes of regional interest which would serve to develop the Services and countries of the Region;

I (b) It was considered sound policy to foster joint activ­

ities between Regions III and IV, such as the

GENERAL SUMMARY 33

combined activities and meetings of certain working groups already held, and it was suggested that such activities be increased. To that end, it was agreed to propose feasibility studies of suitable cases with a view to holding joint sessions of RAs III and IV and of their existing working groups;

(c) The request to the Secretary-General that the Regional Office be accorded the mechanisms neces­sary to enable it to respond rapidly to Members' needs was reiterated; -

(d) At the time of the forthcoming Congress the budget accorded to the World Climate Programme and the Hydrology and Water Resources Departments should correspond to the challenges currently facing mankind.

15.1.2 The delegation of Uruguay suggested that the WMO Congress be held every three years and that the Secretary-General be elected for a term of six years, with the possibility, in mid-term, of either ratifying or termin­ating that term of office. 15.1.3 The Association considered it very advantageous to maintain a free exchange of views with an open agenda, and requested that a similar item be included on the agenda of the next regional session.

15.2 REGIONAL ASPECTS OF RELATIONS WITH OTHER

RELATED ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMMES AND

ACTIVITIES (agenda item 15.2) 15.2.1 UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON-ENVIRONMENT

AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCED) (agenda item 15.2.1) 15.2.1.1 The Association noted with appreciation the Secretary-General's action related to the follow-up to UNCED through his own participation in meetings and that of senior staff of the Organization, especially in maintaining close liaison with UN activities in New York and with other international institutions and enhancing-the Organization's capabilities and position in relevant UNCED follow-up activities. The Association also appreciated the action taken by the Secretary-General in keeping Members informed of relevant UNCED follow-up activities through circular letters, presentations and discussions at meetings of heads of national Meteorological and Hydrological Services, press releases, and other means. 15.2.1.2 The Association expressed its gratitude to the Secretary-General for his prompt response to Resolution 14 (EC-XLIV) and the establishment of the Resource Mobilization Unit within the Technical Cooperation Department to consider carefully all available opportunities for external funding resulting from UNCED. It reaffirmed the importance of this unit in mobilizing not only external funding sources but also in assisting the heads of the national Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in securing national and other funding for their programmes and activities leading to the sustain­able development of the Services. The Association also expressed its satisfaction with the efforts th;lt went into the improvement of the public affairs activities and looked forward to further benefits during coming years. 15.2.1.3 The Association agreed that its Members should keep the Secretary-General informed of UNCED follow-

up activities in their respective countries particularly those relevant to programmes of WMO. In turn, the Association also requested the Secretary-General to continue keeping Members informed of WMO activities in this respect with emphasis on external funding sources such as GEF and Capacity 21. 15.2.1.4 The Association recognized that consideration should be given to ensuring that the regional aspects of WMO scientific and technological programmes included aspects relevant to sustainable development issues, such as renewable energy and air and water quality. The Association also recognized that there existed a mutual responsibility to ensure that the capacity building and technology transfer activities related to implementation of Agenda 21 were themselves sustainable. 15.2.1.5 In light of the results of UNCED and the chang­ing role of the UN system, the Association emphasized that permanent representatives with WMO had a special responsibility to represent all relevant sectors of their countries. The Association agreed with the efforts being made by WMO to remain engaged with other parts of the UN as the system underwent re-organization and restruc­turing to eliminate overlapping or unnecessary activities. 15.2.1.6 The Association also recognized the important role that the Directors of NMHSs could play at the national level in accessing funding that could be made available for post-UNCED activities, especially for national and regional projects. 15.2.1.7 In connection with the above, the Association expressed its gratitude to the Secretary-General for the dissemination of the "Guidelines for heads of national Meteorological and Hydrological Services on UNCED follow-up" which the EC Working Group on Follow-up of UNCED had presented to the Executive Council at its forty-fifth session and which had been agreed upon by the Council as part of its report. It encouraged the use of the "Guidelines" by NMHSs in mapping out their own response to the UNCED follow-up at the national level. 15.2.1.8 The Association noted that the fifty ratifications needed for the Framework Convention on Climate Change to come into force might be obtained soon. It encouraged permanent representatives to assist, where possible, at the national level in securing ratification of the Convention and to participate actively in the continuing negotiation process on the Framework Convention; the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties was now expected to take place in March 1995 in Berlin.

15.2.2 INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR NATURAL DISASTER

REDUCTION (IDNDR) (agenda item 15.2.2) 15.2.2.1 The Association noted the important role played by the Organization in supporting the Inter­national Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR), and the WMO Plan of Action for the IDNDR adopted by Cg-XI. It urged Members in the Region to participate fully in National Committees for the Decade. It welcomed the emphasis in the plan on the application of existing technology and procedures to disaster reduction,

34 GENERAL SUMMARY

and the gearing of activities towards technical coopera­tion with emphasis on technology transfer, institution building, provision of equipment and facilities, and human resource development. 15.2.2.2 The Association further noted the three special projects for the Decade: (a) Tropical Cyclone Warning for the South-West Indian

Ocean Region; (b) Comprehensive Risk Assessment; (c) System for Technology Exchange of Natural Disasters. 15.2.2.3 The Association was informed of the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction to be held in Yokohama, Japan, 23-27 May 1994, and urged perma­nent representatives in the Region to participate fully in national preparations for this conference. 15.2.2.4 The Association noted with satisfaction and expressed recognition of the great effort deployed by the Meteorological Service of Argentina to provide relevant information through publications on the subject of disas­ter prevention.

15.2.3 INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPIDC

COMMISSION (IOC) (agenda item 15.2.3) 15.2.3.1 The Association noted with interest and appreci­ation the increasing level of cooperation between wMo and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO) in areas of mutual interest and concern. In the context of WMO's Programmes this cooperation extended beyond the Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities and World Weather Watch Programmes, to the World Climate Programme (specifi­cally the World Climate Research Programme and the Global Climate Observing System); the Education imd Training Programme and aspects of the Technical Cooperation and Regional Programmes. Specific exam­ples of joint action included co-sponsorship for IGOSS, DBCP, GOOS, GCOS and the WCRP, while cooperation had been further boosted by a mutual recognition of the need to act jointly in certain aspects of the follow-up of UNCED and the implementation of Agenda 21. 15.2.3.2 Specifically at the regional level, the Association noted with approval that WMO and IOC collaborated actively with the CPPS in supporting a joint regional Working Group on the Investigations of EI Nino, while WMO and IOC also provided some support for meetings of the CPPS ERFEN group. The Association further noted that an IOC Regional Office for IOCARIBE was located in Cartagena, Colombia. 15.2.3.3 The Association felt that the future collabora­tion between both organizations should be directed to: (a) Intensifying research on climate predictability on

the seasonal and interannual scales, or otherwise on a 10- and lOa-day basis within the framework of TOGA and of the new CLIVAR programme, with the corresponding long-range meteorological and oceanographic measurement and systematic moni­toring programmes, to reinforce the research work;

(b) Organizing post-graduate training courses and research activities to further numerical climate modelling and EI Nino-related studies.

The Association requested the Secretary-General to seek ways and means to develop a working relationship between the WMO Regional Office for the Americas and the IOC Regional Office for IOCARIBE with a view to enhancing the collaboration at regional level directed to the activities mentioned above.

16. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS

(agenda item 16) 16.1 During the session, the following lectures were presented: (a) "UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environ­

ment and Development) and the Meteorological and Hydrological Services", by Dr Martin Yerg (WMO Secretariat);

(b) "Atmospheric ozone variability and Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) responses in the south­ern hemisphere", by Lie. G. R. Talamoni (Argentina);

(c) "Overview of the Canadian experience in the devel­opment of the Ultraviolet Index Programme", by J. G. Cote (Canada).

16.2 The scientific lectures were followed by lively and interesting discussions with the participation of the delegates.

17. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND

OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLU­

TIONS (agenda item 17) 17.1 The Association examined those of its resolutions which were still in force at the time of the eleventh session. 17.2 The Association noted that most of its past resolutions had been replaced by new resolutions adopted during the session. It was further noted that while a few resolutions had been incorporated in the appropriate WMO publications some of the previous resolutions were still required to be kept in force. 17.3 The results of the review of previous resolutions and recommendations are contained in Resolution 15 (XI-RA III). 17.4 The Association considered that Resolution 2 (EC-XLII) on the report of the tenth session of the Association ne~d not to be kept in force.

18. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (agenda item 18) Mr W. Castro Wrede (Paraguay), and Mr L. Acosta

Alvarez (Peru) were elected president and vice-president, respectively, of Regional Association III.

19. DATE AND PLACE OF TWELFTH SESSION (agenda item 19) The Association agreed that its twelfth session

should be held in 1997, in accordance with the cor­responding WMO Regulations. The representative of Ecuador indicated that if no other offer was received, his Government would be pleased to host this meeting.

20. CLOSURE OF SESSION (agenda item 20)

20.1 The delegate of Argentina stressed his concern at the present status of national Meteorological and

GENERAL SUMMARY 35

Hydrological Services in RA III. In his view, the Region was experiencing a serious crisis which was due to many factors both external and internal. He nevertheless urged Members to direct their efforts toward improving opera­tional preparedness, particularly with regard to the World Weather Watch. He concluded by expressing his grati­tude to the Government of Paraguay, to Mr W. Castro Wrede and his staff, to the outgoing president, Col G. Palacios Aguirre, and to all rapporteurs and working groups for the work they had done for the Region. 20.2 The delegates of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as those of Mexico and USA who had attended the session as observers, also thanked the Government of Paraguay, the National Civil Aeronautics Administration (DINAC), Mr Castro Wrede and the staff of the National Meteoro­logical and Hydrological Service, the staff of the Regional Office for the Americas and those from WMO Head­quarters, and the team of translators for their efforts which had contributed to the success and smooth running of the session. 20.3 Appreciation was expressed for the work accom­plished by the outgoing president, Col Palacios Aguirre, during his term of office and for his gUidance and contri­bution during the session. Participants pledged their full

support for Messrs Castro Wrede and L. Acosta Alvarez the newly elected president and vice-president of RA III. 20.4 On behalf of the Secretary-General of WMO, the Director of the Regional Office for the Americas added his thanks to those of the participants and stated that the regional office was ready to provide every support to the president and vice-president of RA III. He concluded by thanking Mr Antionio Wu Geng for his co-operation and guidance over the years and wished him a happy retirement. 20.5 Col Palacios Aguirre expressed his gratitude to all who had participated in the organization of the session, to the specialized staff of WMO and to the dele­gates. He trusted that Mr Castro Wrede would receive the same level of commitment and co-operation which he himself had enjoyed during his presidency. 20.6 Mr Castro Wrede thanked the participants for their kind words of appreciation for his country which had hosted the session and their satisfaction with the success of the session. He also thanked the WMO Secretariat, the local Secretariat, in particular Ing. H. Valiente, and the team of interpreters. He wished Mr Wu Geng much happiness and success on his retirement. 20.7 The eleventh session of the Association closed at 6.30 p.m. on 30 September 1993.

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

RESOLUTION 1 (XI-RA III)

WORKING GROUP ON PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WWW IN REGION III

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 2 (Cg-XI) - World Weather Watch Programme for 1992-1995,

(2) Resolution 3 (Cg-XI) - World Weather Watch System Support Activities,

(3) Resolutions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (CBS-X) on the establish­ment of the CBS working groups,

(4) Resolutions 14 and 15 (EC-XLIV) - Rio Declaration and Agenda 21 and Framework Convention on Climate Change,

CONSIDERING:

(1) That WWW data, products and services are of vital importance to Members in Region III for meeting the increasing requirements of users for meteorological services,

(2) That the implementation of the WWW in the Region should be kept under constant review,

(3) That the introduction of the new WWW concepts will be of great benefit to all Members in the Region, and that major developments in science and tech­nology need to be introduced into the WWW system,

(4) That full integration of the WWW functional components requires careful coordination among Members of RA III and constant evaluation of the related projects,

(5) That the WMO Long-term Plan needs regular updat­ing from the point of view of regional requirements,

DECIDES:

(1) To establish a Working Group on the Planning and Implementation of the WWW (WG/PIW) in Region III with the following terms of reference: (a) To monitor the implementation and operation

of the WWW in the Region and advise on possible improvements and priorities for appropriate actions to be carried out under the WWW Programme;

(b) To develop proposals on coordinated capacity building projects, their associated priorities and the need for external support, where required, to strengthen the WWW with a view to assist­ing Members in meeting new requirements put on the WWW, such as those emerging from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Agenda 21, etc.;

(c) To keep under review the actions taken under the required WWW Implementation Pro­gramme of the Third Long-term Plan with a view to further developing the Programme in RA III and proposing an action programme for inclusion in the Fourth Long-term Plan;

(d) To analyse the impact of meteorological com­mercialization and its associated practices on the implementation and operation of the WWW;

(e) To study the possible impact of new methods and techniques on the regional structure and functions of the WWW and to develop proposals for optimizing and fully integrating the WWW components with a view to achieving a cost­effective operation of the WWW and a better supply of data and products in the Region;

(f) To keep abreast of developments, guidelines and decisions of ' CBS and its working groups in the field of meteorological data processing, observing techniques, telecommunications, data management and applications of meteorological satellites and to make recom­mendations for their regional use;

(g) To develop an action programme for the improved exchange of WWW data and products on the basis of stated regional require­ments which would include provisions for the generation of high-quality products by Global Data-processing System centres in the Region as well as making available data and products from other Regions;

(h) To advise the president of the Association on all matters concerning the WWW;

(i) To keep under constant review regional opera­tional practices, in particular the regional meteorological telecommunication plan and its implementation, including developments in the use of satellites for data collection and distribution;

(2) That the working group shall have the following composition: (a) Core members:

• A Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the Global Observing System;

• A Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the Global Data-processing System;

RESOLUTION 1 37

• A Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the Global Telecommunication System;

• A Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of Data Management;

• A Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of Meteorological Codes;

(b) Experts to be nominated by Members which wish to participate actively in the work of the working group;

(3) To adopt the terms of reference of the rapporteurs as given in the annex to this resolUtion;

(4) To designate, in accordance with WMO Regula­tion 32, Ramon A. Sonzini (Argentina) as chairman of the working group, and Jose Mauro de Rezende (Brazil) as vice-chairman;

(5) To invite: (a) Luis O. Farias (Chile) to serve as Rapporteur on

Regional Aspects of the Global Observing System;

(b) Miguel A. Rabiolo (Argentina) to serve as Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the Global Data-processing System;

(c) Jose Mauro de Rezende (Brazil) to serve as Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the Global Telecommunication System;

(d) Jorge Anibal Zea MalO (Colombia) to serve as Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of Data Management;

(e) Jaime F. Wilkinson (Argentina) to serve as Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of Meteoro­logical Codes;

(6) To invite Members to nominate experts to serve on the group; the follOWing experts were nominated during the session:

Jose M. Afonso (Argentina) Sergio A. Guimaraes (Brazil) Luis C. Zanutto (Brazil) Luis Cavalcante (Brazil) Enrique Palacios (Ecuador) Jorge A. Neira Mosquera (Ecuador) Charles Mercusot (France) Luis Quesada Pacheco (Peru) Baldomero Celis Malca (Peru) Oscar Valderrama Macavilca (Peru) Amelia Diaz Pablo (Peru) Hugo Lobato (Uruguay) . Jose Orozco (Venezuela) Tirso Carvallo (Venezuela)

(7) To request the chairman of the working group to submit a progress report to the president of the Association on 1 November of each year and a final report not later than six months before the twelfth session of the Association.

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 1 (X-RA III) which is

no longer in force.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 1 (XI-RA III)

WORKING GROUP ON THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WWW IN REGION HI

The terms of reference for the rapporteurs nominated under Resolution 1 (XI-RA III) are as follows: (a) The Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the

Global Observing System: (i) To keep abreast of developments in new observ­

ing systems, e.g. surface-based remote sensors and profilers, ASDAR, ASAP and drifting buoys;

(ii) To prepare and convene a regional expert meet­ing on the Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN) in the first half of 1994 with the terms of reference given in the attachment to this para­graph, and to submit a report to the chairman of the WG/PIW by the end of August 1994;

(iii) To follow up the operational experience of Mem­bers in the Region on the use of new observing systems and to formulate recommendations;

(iv) To identify the training requirements of Members in the Region for the successful implementation, operation and maintenance of the observing system; .

(v) To advise the chairman of the working group on matters concerning the regional observing systems and new developments in observing techniques, including information on instru­ments and sensors in the operational systems;

(vi) To represent the Region at sessions of the CBS Working Group on Observations;

(b) The Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the Global Data-processing System: (i) To keep abreast of developments in data­

processing equipment and techniques which could be beneficially introduced at NMCs or RSMCs to improve their operational capabil­ity both within the WWW system and in related areas;

(ii) To formulate recommendations for coordi­nated implementation of data-processing facilities and techniques at GDPS, GTS and other centres and, if required, for multi­purpose use;

(iii) To identify the training requirements of Members in the Region for the successful implementation, operation and maintenance of the data-processing system;

(iv) To advise the chairman of the working group on all matters concerning data-processing activities;

(v) To represent the Region at sessions of the CBS Working Group on Data-processing;

38 RESOLUTION 1

(c) The Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the Global Telecommunication System: (i) To keep abreast of developments in new tele­

communication technology and equipment and to study their possible adaptation to the requirements for an efficient regional meteorological telecommunication system, as well as the opportunities to be derived from communication space techniques, using commercial and meteorological satellites;

(ii) To prepare and convene a regional imple­mentation/coordination meeting on the RMTN, preferably in 1995, with the terms of reference given in the attachment to this paragraph and to submit a report to the chairman of the WG/PIW early in 1996;

(iii) To keep under review the regional meteoro­logical telecommunication plan, particularly as regards developments in the capabilities of geostationary satellites for data collection and distribution;

(iv) To identify the training requirements of . Members in the Region for the successful

implementation, operation and maintenance of the Global Telecommunication System;

(v) To monitor and report on the operation of meteorological telecommunications and to formulate appropriate recommendations;

(vi) To advise the chairman of the working group on matters concerning the regional meteoro­logical telecommunication system;

(vii) To keep under review and advise on tele­communication support provided by the RMTN to other WMO and international pro­grammes, in particular GCOS;

(viii) To represent the Region at sessions of the CBS Working Group on Telecommunications;

(d) The Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of WWW Data Management: (i) To keep under review data and product selec­

tion and presentation to recipients (NMCs); (ii) To collect information on the level of

quality control of data and products, and coordinated related activities;

(iii) To keep under review the WWW data and product recovery procedures in case of major outages of key facilities;

(iv) To coordinate both real-time and non-real­time monitoring of the integrated WWW system in the Region;

(v) to identify the training requirements of Members in the Region for the suctessful implementation of WWW data management functions;

(vi) To advise the chairman of the working group on all matters concerning data management in the Region;

(vii) To represent the Region at sessions of the CBS Working Group on Data Management;

(e) The Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of Meteoro­logical Codes: (i) To keep under review data and information

presentation, including exchange formats and codes and conversion between formats and codes, including regional coding practices;

(ii) To take action on regional coding problems in close cooperation with the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of WWW Data Management;

(iii) To advise the chairman of the working group on all matters concerning meteorological codes;

(iv) To represent the Region on the CBS Working Group on Data Management/Subgroup on Data Representation and Codes.

ATTACHMENT TO PARAGRAPH (a), (ii) OF THE ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 1 (XI-RA III)

EXPERT MEETING ON THE REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK (RBSN) IN RA ill

TERMS OF REFERENCE

(i) To collect input from countries, through national focal points on the observational network, with respect to the status, the envisaged national contri­butions to the surface and upper-air components of the RBSN and possible problems countries may have with implementation of the stations;

(ii) To develop a proposal for an improved and optimized design of the RBSN taking into account: • The WMO agreed standards for the observa­

tional networks; • The requirements and constraints of the parti­

cipating (contributing) countries;

• New requirements emerging from GCOS and climate monitoring;

• New stations that may need to be implemented; (iii) To make recommendations related to making avail­

able these observations at global, regional and/or bilateral level, taking into consideration relevant gUidance and decisions of the EC concerning the commercialization issue, if available and applicable;

(iv) To analyse the need for a coordinated project for the establishment and operation of new observing stations and the expansion of the observation programme of existing stations, and develop cor­responding proposals.

RESOLUTION 2 39

ATIACHMENT TO PARAGRAPH (c), (li) OF THE ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 1 (XI-RA III)

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION MEETING ON THE REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK (RMTN)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

(i) To formulate recommendations on regional activities relating to the World Weather Watch telecommunication system in Region IIIj

(ii) To formulate recommendations for the coordina­tion of the implementation of telecommunication facilities and techniques, if requiredj

(iii) To study problems and develop improved and cost­effective arrangements relating to the exchange of observational data and processed information,

both in pictorial and digital form, within Region III and outside itj

(iv) To review the latest developments, gUidelines and decisions of CBS relating to the use of services based on telecommunication satellites and provide appropriate guidance and proposals for possible implementation in the Regionj

(v) To identify the training needs of Members in the Region for the successful implementation, opera­tion and maintenance of the GTS in Region III.

RESOLUTION 2 (XI-RA Ill)

NEW CALIBRATION FACTORS FOR STANDARD PYRHELIOMETERS

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) The results of the Second WMO Regional Pyrhelio­meter Comparison of RA III held in Buenos Aires, as published by the Meteorological Service of Argentina in 1993 and distributed by WMO to Members of RA III,

(2) The report of the chairman of the RA III Working Group on Solar Radiation,

CONSIDERING the need for a fundamental adjustment of the calibration factors of the Angstrom pyrheliometers used as national standards to read according to the World Radiometric Reference (WRR), and the need for WRR reduction factors for absolute radiometers, ApPROVES the set of calibration factors given in the annex to this resolution to remain valid until replace­ment becomes necessary and possible as a result of the next WMO regional pyrheliometer comparison of RA III.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 2 (XI-RA III)

CALIBRATION FACTORS RESULTING FROM THE SECOND WMO REGIONAL PYRHELIOMETER COMPARISON OF RA m (BUENOS AIRES, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1991)

Instruments Member Calibration factor used Calibration factor for the comparison recommended as a result

of the comparison and CYES units

TMI67915 Argentina 1.00277 PMO-5 Switzerland 1.000627 PMO-6 Chile 1.0000 0.999627 HFPACRA Brazil 20015 20011.7 m-2

TMI67605 Argentina 10 10.03 Angstrom 553 Argentina 0.009949 0.009995 Wm-2A-2

Angstrom 18018 Ecuador 0.004445 0.004454 Wm-2A-2

Angstrom 18020 Peru 0.004574 0.004582 Wm-2A-2

Angstrom 19324 Uruguay 0.004476 0.004487 Wm-2A-2

Angstrom 25783 Chile 0.005678 0.005693 Wm-2A-2

Actionometer 12788E6 Colombia 155.6 151.2 Wm-2mV-1

40 RESOLUTIONS 3, 4

RESOLUTION 3 (XI-RA III)

CONTINUOUS EVALUATION OF UV RADIATION

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) The growing importance of UV radiation measure­ments for studying the behaviour of the ozone layer and the urgent need to obtain those data,

(2) The GAW/GEF project for setting up the "Network for monitoring and analysing ozone and greenhouse gases" in countries in southern South America, in the final text of which, signed by the Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, it was proposed that Argentina serve as the data centre for the network, and also as the training centre for radiation and ozone measurements,

CONSIDERING:

(1) That many countries either do not have the neces­sary instruments for monitoring UV radiation and associated parameters or have such instruments but do not transmit their data to the World Data Centres,

(2) The offer by the Republic of Argentina to expand the activities stemming from paragraph NOTING (2) to the rest of RA III,

URGES the Members of RA III to make every effort to acquire instruments and to establish national pro­grammes for the continuous evaluation of UV radiation and associated parameters and to transmit their data to the World Data Centres;

DECIDES:

(1) To assign to the Buenos Aires Regional Radiation Centre the task of collecting and distributing ozone and UV radiation measurement data within RA III;

(2) To assign to the Regional Meteorological Training Centre, Buenos Aires, the task of providing technical training in ozone and radiation in support of the activities of the Buenos Aires Regional Radiation Centrej

(3) To assign to the Working Group on Solar Radiation the task of formulating the proposals and co­ordinating the activities necessary to give effect to the tasks established in DECIDES (1) and (2) ..

RESOLUTION 4 (XI-RA III)

WORKING GROUP ON SOLAR RADIATION

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) The increased importance of solar radiation data for the development of renewable sources of energy as well as for food production, air pollution monitor­ing, etc.,

(2) The need to encourage Members to establish and operate radiation networks with suitably developed instrument techniques and calibration procedures in order to obtain high-quality data,

(3) The need for coordination to standardize the opera­tion of these networks and for regional and international comparisons of the corresponding standard instruments,

CONSIDERING that joint sessions of the RA III and RA IV Working Groups on Solar Radiation are very fruitful since they provide an excellent opportunity to discuss technical problems regarding measurements, calibration methods and data management and to exchange experience, DECIDES:

(1) To re-establish a Working Group on Solar Radiation with the following terms of reference: (a) To update, as necessary, information contained

in the inventory of radiation measurements

within the Region, including information on retrieval, quality control, archiving and publi­cation of data;

(b) To keep under constant review activities of regional interest in the field of solar radiation;

(c) To advise Members On problems relating to obtaining and using solar radiation measure­mentsj

(d) To advise the president of the Association on matters relating to National and Regional Radiation Centres and the radiation station network in the Region;

(e) To encourage participation of Members in international pyrheliometer comparisons;

(2) That some members of the working group should be rapporteurs on one or more of the activities listed under DECIDES (1) above;

(3) To invite the following experts to serve as members of the working group:

Ovidio Simbaqueva (Colombia) Mario Guinzburg (Argentina) Gustavo Talamoni (Argentina) Sergio Colle (Brazil)

RESOLUTION 5 41

J. Carreno (Chile) Rene Moya (Ecuador) Ramon Chango (Ecuador) Philippe Frayssinet (France) Ana Maria de Castel (Paraguay) Miguel A. Vasquez (Paraguay) Irene Trebejo Varillas (Peru) Luis Alfaro Lozano (Peru) Jose Silva Cotrina (Peru) Otto Ramos Bustos (Peru) Cesar Noguera (Venezuela)

(4) To designate, in accordance with Regulation 32 of the WMO General Regulations, Ovidio Simbaqueva as chairman of the working group;

(5) To designate Mario Guinzburg as vice-chairman of the working group;

(6) To request the chairman of the working group to submit to the president of RA III a report on 1 November of each year and a final report six months prior to the twelfth session of the Association;

RECOMMENDS holding joint sessions of the RA III and RA IV Working Groups on Solar Radiation, if appropriate.

RESOLUTION 5 (XI-RA III)

REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 2 (X-RA III) - Regional Basic Synoptic Network,

(2) The World Weather Watch Programme 1992-2001, Third WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume I,

(3) The Manual on the Global Observing System, Volume I, Part III, Regulations 2.1.4, 2.1.5 and 2.1.6 and the definition of the regional basic synoptic network,

CONSIDERING that the establishment and maintenance of a regional basic synoptic network of surface and upper-air stations, adequate to meet the requirements of Members and of the World Weather Watch and other WMO Programmes, constitute one of the most important obligations of Members under Article 2 of the WMO Convention, DECIDES that the stations and the observational programmes listed in the annex to this resolution consti­tute the regional basic synoptic network of Region III; URGES Members: (1) To spare no effort in their endeavours to secure, at

the earliest date pOSSible, full implementation of the

network of stations and observational programmes set forth in the annex to this resolution;

(2) To comply fully with the standard times of observa­tion, the global and regional coding procedures and data collection standards, as laid down in the WMO Technical Regulations and the Manuals on the Global Observing System, on Codes and on the Global Telecommunication System;

. AUTHORIZES the president of the Association to approve, at the request of the Members concerned and in consultation with the Secretary-General, minor amendments to the list of stations constituting the regional basic synoptic network in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Manual on the Global Observing System, Volume II -Regional Aspects, Region III (South America).

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 2 (X-RA III) which is no longer in force.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 5

STATIONS AND OBSERVATIONAL PROGRAMMES COMPRISING THE BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK IN WMO REGION III

Observations

"=:! ~ !::: !:::

~ .~ <:>

Station Station Name .g. :6 .S "=:!

No. ;:s <:3 <:3 V) Q:; Q:;

COLOMBIA

80009 SANTA MARTA/SIMON BOLIVAR X 022 CARTAGENA/RAFAEL NUNEZ X 028 BARRANQUILLA/ERNESTO CORTISSOZ X 035 RIOHACHA/ALMIRANTE PADILLA X X X 036 VALLEDUPAR/ALFONSO LOPEZ X 084 APARTADO/LOS CEDROS X

Station Station Name No.

COLOMBIA contd.

80089 OTU 091 BARRANCABERMEJA/YARIGUIES 094 BUCARAMANGA/PALONEGRO 097 CUCUTA/CAMILO DAZA 099 ARAUCA/SANTIAGO PEREZ 110 MEDELLIN/OLAYA HERRERA

Observations

~ .g. ;::$ V)

X X X X X X

"=:! !::: .~

<:> :e ~

Q:;

~ !::: <:>

~ ~

Q:;

42 RESOLUTION 5

Observations Observations

~ ~ ~ ~ .5 ;:: ;:: ;::

~ .§ Q

~ .~ Q

'" '" Station Station Name <g. Q Station Station Name <g. Q Q

~ :e :e :e No. ::s ~ ~ No. ~

~ ~ V) J::.:; J::.:; J::.:; J::.:;

COLOMBIA contd. BRAZIL contd.

80112 RIONEGRO/J.M.CORDOVA X 82067 IAUARETE X 139 PUERTO CARRENO/A. GUAUQUEA X 098 MACAPA X 144 QUIBDO/EL CARANO X 099 MACAPA AEROPORTO X 210 PEREIRA/MATECANA X 106 S.GABRIEL DO CACHOEIRA (UAUPES) X 214 IBAGUE/PERALES X 113 BARCELOS X 222 BOGOTA/ELDORADO X X X 145 TRACUATEUA (BRAGANCA) X 234 VILLAVICENCIO/VANGUARDIA X 181 MONTE ALEGRE X 241 GAVIOTAS X 184 PORTO DE MOZ X 252 BUENAVENTURA X 191 BELEM X 259 CALI/ALFONSO BONILLA ARAGON . X 193 BELEM (AEROPORTO) X X 308 POPAYAN/GUILLERMO VALENCIA X 198 TURIACU X 315 NEIVA/BENITO SALAS X 212 FONTE BOA X 342 PASTO/ANTONIO NARINO X 240 PARINTINS X 370 IPIALES/SAN LUIS X 244 SANTAREM AERO PORTO X 398 LETICIA/VASQUEZ COBO X X X 246 BELTERRA X

VENEZUELA 280 SAO LUIS X X 281 SAO LUIS (AEROPORTO) X

80403 CORO X 287 PARNAIBA X 405 LA ORCHILA X 331 MANAUS X 407 MARACAIBO-LA CHINITA X 332 MANAUS(AEROPORTO) X X 410 BARQUISIMETO X 336 ITACOATIARA X 413 MARACAY - B.A. SUCRE X X X 353 ALTAMIRA X 415 CARACAS/MAIQUETIA AEROP. 361 TUCURUI X

INTL. SIMON BOLIVAR X 392 SOBRAL X 419 BARCELONA X 397 FORTALEZA X X 421 PORLAMAR (AEROP. INT. DEL CARIBE) X 398 FORTALEZA (AERO PORTO) X 423 GUIRIA X 400 FERNANDO DE NORONHA X X 428 GUANARE X 410 BENJAMIN CONSTANT X 432 CARRIZAL X 425 COARI X 435 MATURIN X 445 ITAITUBA X 438 MERIDA X 460 BACABAL X 444 CIUDAD BOLIVAR X 533 MANICORE X 447 SAN ANTONIO DEL TACHIRA X X X 562 MARABA X 448 GUASDUALITO X 564 IMPERATRIZ X 450 SAN FERNANDO DE APURE X 571 BARRA DO CORDA X 453 TUMEREMO X 578 TERESINA X 457 PUERTO AYACUCHO X 579 TERESINA AEROPORTO X 462 SANTA ELENA DE UAIREN X X X 586 QUIXERAMOBIM X

GUYANA 594 MACAU X 598 NATAL X

81002 TIMEHRI X X X 599 NATAL (AIRPORT) X X 005 KAMARANG X 610 EIRUNEPE X 006 LETHEM X 640 JACAREACANGA AEROPORTO X 100 MABARUMA X 668 SAO FELIX DO XINGU X

SURINAME 678 FLORIANO X 683 TAUA X

81202 NICKERIE X 704 CRUZEIRO DO SUL X 209 STOELMANSEILAND X 723 LABREA X 225 ZANDERIJ X 765 CAROLINA X X 250 TAFELBERG X 780 PICOS X 251 SIPALIWINI X 784 BARBALHA X 253 COEROENI X 789 TRIUNFO X

FRENCH GUIANA 791 PATOS X 795 CAMPINA GRANDE X

81401 SAINT-LAURENT-DU-MARONI X 798 JOAO PESSOA X 405 CAYENNE/ROCHAMBEAU X X X 807 TARAUACA X 408 SAINT GEORGES DE L'OYAPOCK X 824 PORTO VELHO AEROPORTO X X 415 MARIPASOULA X 825 PORTO VELHO X

BRAZIL 861 CONCEICAO DO ARAGUAIA X 863 PEDRO ALFONSO X

82022 BOA VISTA (AEROPORTO) X 879 SAO JOAO DO PIAUI X 024 BOA VISTA X 893 GARANHUNS X 026 TIRIOS X 899 RECIFE (AERO PORTO) X

RESOLUTION 5 43

Observations Observations

~ ~ ~ ~ .5 ;:: ;:: ;::

~ ~ ~ ~ .~ ~

Station Station Name ~ 0 .9 Station Station Name ~

0 .9 ~ ~ ~ ~

No. .;s <:s <:s No. .;s <:s <:s ~ ~ ~ ~

BRAZIL coutd. BRAZIL coutd.

82900 RECIFE (CURADO) X X 83498 CARAVELAS X X 915 RIO BRANCO X 512 COXIM X 927 COTRIGUACU (09°55'S, 58°16'W) X 514 CAPINOPOLIS X 965 ALTA FLORESTA AERO PORTO X X 526 CATALAO X 970 ALTO PARNAIBA (09°07'S, 45°57'W) X 531 PATOS DE MINAS X 976 CARACOL X 550 SAO MATEUS X 979 REMANSO X 552 CORUMBA X 983 PETROLINA X 554 CORUMBA X 984 PETROLINA (AERO PORTO) X 565 PARANAIBA X 986 PAULO AFONSO X 574 FRUTAL X 993 MACEIO (AERO PORTO) X 579 ARAXA X 994MACEIO X 582 BAMBUI X

83063 PORTO NACIONAL (AEROPORTO) X 583 BELO HORIZONTE (AEROPORTO) X X 064 PORTO NACIONAL X 587 BELO HORIZONTE X 095 ARACAJU (AERO PORTO) X 592 CARATINGA X 096 ARACAJU X 595 AIMORES X 179 BARRA X 611 CAMPO GRANDE X 182 IRECE X 612 CAMPO GRANDE (AEROPORTO) X X 186 JACOBINA X 618 TRES LAGOAS X 192 CIPO (11°05'S, 38°31'W) X 630 FRANCA X 208 VILHENA AERO PORTO X X 642 VICOSA X 214 MATUPA (10015'S, 54°55'W) X 648 VITO RIA X 229 SALVADOR X X 649 VITO RIA (AEROPORTO) X 231 PARANA X 650 TRINDADE (ILHA) X X 235 TAGUATlNGA X 659 DOURADOS X 236 BARREIRAS X 676 CATANDUVA X 242 LENCOIS X 687 LAVRAS X 248 SALVADOR (AEROPORTO) X 692 JUiZ DE FORA X 264 GLEBA CELESTE X 698 CAMPOS X 270 CANARANA (13°30'S, 52°30'W) X 702 PONTA PORA X 286 CORRENTINA X 703 PONTA PORA (AEROPORTO) X 288 BOMJESUS DA LAPA X X 704 IVINHEMA X 289 BOM JESUS DA LAPA X 714 CAMPOS DO JORDAO X 295 JAGUAQUARA X 716 PRESIDENTE PRUDENTE X 302 ALCOMAT (14°15'S, 59°15'W) X 726 SAO CARLOS X 309 DlAMANTINO X 738 RESENDE X 319 NOVA XAVANTINA (14°42'S, 52°21'W) X 743 RIO DE JANEIRO X 332 POSSE X 746 GALEAO AEROPORTO X X 344 VITO RIA DA CONQUISTA X 766 LONDRINA X 348 ILHEUS X 768 LONDRINA AEROPORTO X 349 ILHEUS AERO PORTO X

I 769 JACAREZINHO X

358 POXOREO X 774ITAPEVA X 361 CUiABA X 775 GUAIRA X 362 CUIABA (AERO PORTO) X X 780 SAO PAULO (AERO PORTO) X X 368 ARAGARCAS X 781 SAO PAULO X 374 GOlAS X 782 SANTOS X 377 BRASILIA X 783 CAMPO MOURAO X 378 BRASILIA (AEROPORTO) X X 786 UBATUBA X 384 ARINOS X 811 IVAI X 386 JANUARIA X 827 FOZ DO IGUACU (AERO PORTO) X 388 MONTE AZUL X 836 IRATI X 393 PEDRA AZUL X 840 CURITIBA (AERO PORTO) X X 405 CACERES X 842 CURITIBA X 423 GDIANIA X 844 PARANAGUA X 424 GDIANIA (AERO PORTO) X 872 INDAIAL X 437 MONTES CLAROS X 881 IRAI X 442 ARACUAI X 887 CAMPOS NOVOS X 464 JATAI (17°53'S, 51°43'W) X 897 FLORIANOPOLIS X 479 PARACATU X 899 FLORIANOPOLIS (AERO PORTO) X 483 PIRAPORA X 907 SAO LUIZ GONZAGA X 488 ITAMARANDIBA X 914 PASSO FUNDO X 492 TEOFILO OTONI X 919 BOMJESUS X 497 CARAVELAS(AEROPORTO) X 920 S. JOAQUIM X

44 RESOLUTION 5

Observations Observations

'I::S ~ ~ ~ .5 l:: l:: l::

~ ~ c ~

.~ c '" '" Station Station Name ~

c c Station - Station Name ~ . 9 ~ . ~. ~ "=t No. ~ I::t I::t No. ~ I::t I::t

~ ~ ~ ~

BRAZIL contd. PERU contd.

83927 URUGUAIANA X 84735 JULIACA X 928 URUGUAIANA (AERO PORTO) X 752 AREQUIPA X 936 SANTA MARIA X 782 TACNA X 948 TORRES X BOLIVIA 964 ENCRUZILHADA DO SUL - X 967 PORTO ALEGRE X. 85043 RIBERALTA X 971 PORTO ALEGRE (AERO PORTO) X X 104 SAN JOAQUIN X' 980 BAGE X 141 RURRENABAQUE X 995 RIO GRANDE X 154 TRINIDAD X 997 SANTA VITORIA DO PALMAR X 201 LA PAZ/ALTO X X X

ECUADOR 207 SAN IGNACIO DE VELASCO X' 223 COCHABAMBA X

84008 SAN CRISTOBAL (GALAPAGOS) X X X 2420RURO X 018 ESMERALDAS-TACHINA X 245 SANTA CRUZ X X X 027 TULCAN/EL ROSAL X 283 SUCRE X 043 IBARRA/ATAHUALPA X 289 PUERTO SUAREZ X 050 LA CONCORDIA (00002'N; 79°22'W) X 293 POTOSI 'X 071 QUITO/MARISCAL SUCRE X 315 CAMIRI X 072 INAQUITO (00009'S, 78°29'W) X 322 UYUNI X 088 IZOBAMBA/SANTA CATALINA X 364 TARIJA X 101 BAHIA DE CARAQUEZ X 365 YACUIBA X 116 MANTA (00056'S, 80044'W) X CHILE 123 LATACUNGA X 132 NUEVO ROCAFUERTE X 85406 ARICA X 135 PORTO VIEJO-GRANJA X 417 IQUIQUE X 140 PICHILINGUE X 442 ANTOFAGASTA X X X 143 RUMIPAMBA (01°01'S, 78°36'W) 'X 460 CHANARAL X 179 ELPUYO X 469 ISLA DE PASCUA X X X 200 SALINAS/GENERAL ULPIANO PAEZ X 470 COPIAPO X 203 GUAYAQUIL/SIMON BOLIVAR X X X 486 VALLENAR X 226 CANAR X 488 LA SERENA X 239 CUENCA/MARISCAL LAMAR X 543 QUINTERO SANTIAGO X X X 248 MANCHALA/GEN. M. SERRANO X 574 PUDAHUEL X 265 LOJA/LA TOMA X 585 ISLA JUAN FERNANDEZ X X X 270 LOJA/LA ARGELIA X 629 CURl CO X 279 MACARA/J.M. VELASCO I. X 682 CONCEPCION X X X

PERU 743 TEMUCO X 766 VALDIVIA X

84370 TUMBES X 799 PUERTO MONTT X X X 377 IQUrtOS X 862 PUERTO AYSEN X 390 TALARA X 874 BALMACEDA X 401 PlURA X 930 ISLOTES EVANGELISTAS X 425 YURIMAGUAS X 934 PUNTA ARENAS X X X 84-- RIOJA (06°03'S, 77°09'W) X 967 PUERTO WILLIAMS X 444 CHACHAPOYAS X 972 ISLA DIEGO RAMIREZ X 452 CHICLAYO X PARAGUAY 455 TARAPOTO X 472 CAJAMARCA X 86011 ADRIAN JARA X 474 JUANQUI X 033 BAHIA NEGRA X 501 TRUJILLO X 065 PRATTS GILL X 515 PUCALLPA X 068 MARISCAL ESTIGARRIBIA X 531 CHIMBOTE X 086 PUERTO CASADO X 534 TINGO MARIA X 097 PEDRO JUAN CABALLERO X 542 ANTA (HUARAZ) X 125 POZO COLORADO X 564 HUANUCO X 134 CONCEPCION X 628 LlMA-CALLAO/AEROP.INTL. 170 GRAL. BRUGUEZ (24°46'S, 58°50'W) X

JORGE CHAVEZ X X X 184 PUERTO ANTEQUERA X 658 PUERTO MALDONADO X 192 SAN ESTANISLAO X 673 AYACUCHO X 210 SALTO DEL GUAIRA X 686 CUZCO X 218 ASUNCION/AEROPUERTO X X X 84-- ANDAHUAYLAS (13°43'S, 73°21'W) X 233 VILLARRICA X 691 PISCO X 248 ClUDAD DEL ESTE X 721 SANJUAN X 255 PILAR X

RESOLUTION 6 45

Observations Observations

"I:S ~ "I:S ~ .5 li: .5 li:

~ ~ c ~ ~ c

~ '" Station Station Name .g. c Station Station Name .g. c c :e :e :e :e No. ;:t <:! <:! No. ;:t <:! <:!

V) Q:; Q:; V) Q:; Q:;

PARAGUAY contd. ARGENTINA contd.

86260 SAN JUAN BAUTISTA MISIONES X 87311 SAN JUAN AERO X 297 ENCARNACION X 344 CORDOBA AERO X X X

URUGUAY 374 PARANA AERO X 395 CONCORDIA AERO X

86315 BELLA UNION X 418 MENDOZA AERO X X X 330 ARTIGAS X 436 SAN LUIS AERO X 350 RIVERA X 453 RIO CUARTO AERO X 360 SALTO X 467 MARCOS JUAREZ AERO X 460 PASO DE LOS TOROS X 480 ROSARIO AERO X 490 MERCEDES X 497 GUALEGUAYCHU AERO X 500 TREINTA Y TRES X 506 MALARGUE AERO X 530 DURAZNO X 509 SAN RAFAEL AERO X 545 FLORIDA (34°04'S, 56°14'W) X 548 jUNIN AERO X 560 COLONIA X 563 LAS FLORES AERO X 565 ROCHA X 576 EZEIZA AERO X X X 575 MELILLA X 623 SANTA ROSA AERO X X X 580 CARRASCO X 640 BOLIVAR AERO X 585 EL PRADO X 645 TANDIL AERO X

ARGENTINA 648 DOLORES AERO X 688 TRES ARROYOS X

87022 TARTAGAL AERO X 692 MAR DEL PLATA AERO X 046 JUJUY AERO X 715 NEUQUEN AERO X X X 047 SALTA AERO X X X 750 BAHIA BLANCA AERO X 078 LAS LOMITAS X 765 BARILOCHE AERO X 097 IGUAZU AERO X 77 4 MAQUINCHAO X 121 TUCUMAN AERO X 784 SAN ANTONIO OESTE AERO X 129 SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO AERO. X 791 VIEDMA AERO X 149 PRES. ROQUE SAENZ 803 ESQUEL AERO X

PENAAERO. X 828 TRELEW AERO X 155 RESISTENCIA AERO. X X X 852 PERITO MORENO AERO X 162 FORMOSA AERO X 860 COMODORO RIVADAVIA AERO X X X 178 POSADAS AERO. X 903 LAGO ARGENTINO AERO X 217 LA RIOJA AERO. X 909 SAN JULIAN AERO X 222 CATAMARCA AERO. X 925 RIO GALLEGOS AERO X 244 VILLA MARIA DEL 938 USHUAIA AERO X

RIO SECO X ISLANDS 257 CERES AERO X 270 RECONQUISTA AERO X 88889 MOUNT PLEASANT AIRPORT X 289 PASO DE LOS LIB RES AERO. X 902 GRYTVIKEN/FLAT BLUFF X

RESOLUTION 6 (XI-RA III)

RAPPORTEUR ON CLIMATIC ATLAS FOR REGION III

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 10 (EC-XXXVIII) - Preparation and publication of regional climatic atlases,

(2) Chapter 7 (Presentation and interpretation of clima­tological data) of the Guide to Climatological Practices (WMO-No 100),

(3) The report of the Rapporteur pn the Climatic Atlas for Region III submitted to the eleventh session of RA III,

CONSIDERING that, in spite of the continuing lack of adequate funds which prevents the publication of new sets of maps of the Atlas, there is a need to continue the pre­paration of maps for the Climatic Atlas of South America, DECIDES:

(1) To appoint a Rapporteur on the Climatic Atlas for Region III with the following terms of reference: (a) To complete the preparation of the third and

fourth sets of maps for the Atlas;

46 RESOLUTION 7

(b) To produce the climatic fields and vertical sections corresponding to the plan for the Upper-air Climatic Atlas of South America;

(c) To investigate the possibility of making available in digital form the data serving as a basis for the preparation of the climatic maps;

(2) To invite Mr J. A. J. Hoffmann (Argentina) to serve as rapporteur;

(3) To request the rapporteur to submit a progress report to the president of the Association by 1 November of each year and a final report not later than six months before the twelfth session of the Association.

RESOLUTION 7 (XI-RA III)

WORKING GROUP ON THE WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) The Third WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 2, The World Climate Programme 1992-2001 (WMO-No. 762),

(2) Resolution 12 (Cg-XI) - World Climate Programme and its coordination,

(3) Resolution 7 (Cg-XI) - World Climate Research Programme,

(4) The decisions of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro, June 1992),

(5) The abridged final report of CCl-XI, (6) Resolution 5 (EC-XLV) - Outcome of the Inter­

governmental Meeting on the WCp, (7) Resolution 7 (EC-XLV) - Report on the WMO

Special Trust Fund for Climate and Atmospheric Environment Activities,

(8) Resolution 6 (EC-XU) - Promotion of the participa­tion of the developing countries in global climate change studies and related environmental issues,

(9) The report to XI-RA III of the chairman of the Working Group on the World Climate Programme,

CONSIDERING:

(1) That climate variations, such as those related to EI Nino, affect all Members of the Region, and that human activities in the Region may be contributing to the changes,

(2) That climate applications and impact studies have a large potential benefit for the economic and social activities in the Region for sustainable development,

(3) That Regional Association III plays an important and active role in the implementation of WMO regional activities under the World Climate Programme,

(4) That the RA III activities under the WCP should be coordinated closely,

DECIDES:

(1) To re-establish the Working Group on the World Climate Programme with the following terms of reference: (a) To keep abreast of developments in the WCP

and associated. activities and to advise the pres-

ident of the Association on measures that may be taken to promote relevant activities in the Region;

(b) To advise Members on the development, expansion or improvement of effective climate services, including data, applications, impact studies and research;

(c) To identify climate-related problems of special interest to Members in the Region and recommend methods for studying such problems;

(d) To cooperate with the Commission for Climatology and other technical commissions involved in climate-related activities;

(e) To promote collaboration between meteoro­logy and other diSciplines involved in climate activities through the formation of National Climate Programme Committees;

(2) To invite Members of the Association to designate experts to serve on the working group. The follow­ing core members of the working group were nominated during the eleventh session:

Enrique Palacios (Ecuador) Silvia Ester Nunez (Argentina) Mario Nunez (Argentina) Walter Vargas (Argentina) Ernesto Rangel M. (Colombia) Myrna R. Araneda (Chile) Luis A. Carrasco (Chile) Luis Rodriguez F. (Ecuador) Gonzalo Ontaneda R. (Ecuador) Luis Caceres (Ecuador) Jorge Chavez R. (Ecuador) Philippe Frayssinet (France) Kemp Simon (Guyana) Benjamin Grassi (Paraguay) Miguel Angel Vasquez (Paraguay) Elizabeth Culqui D. (Peru) Manuel Valverde B. (Peru) Rigoberto Anderssen (Venezuela) Omar Sanz (Venezuela) Maria T. Martello (Venezuela)

RESOLUTION 8 47

(3) To invite experts to act as rapporteurs within the working group to undertake specific tasks in connec­tion with the following topics: (a) Climate Data Management (including all

aspects of the World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme);

(b) Applications of Meteorology and Climatology (including all aspects of the World Climate Applications and Services Programme);

(c) Impacts of Climate Variability and Change; (4) To designate, in accordance with Regulation 32 of

the WMO General Regulations, Enrique Palacios as

chairman of the working group and Ms Silvia Ester Nunez as vice-chairman;

REQUESTS the working group to submit a report to the president of the Association by 1 November of each year and a final report at least six months before the twelfth session of the Association.

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 11 (X-RA III) which is

no longer in force.

RESOLUTION 8 (XI-RA llI)

WORKING GROUP ON AGRICULTURAL METEOROLOGY

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 16 (Cg-XI) - Agricultural Meteorology Programme,

(2) The report of the tenth session of CAgM, (3) Resolution 13 (X-RA III) - Working Group on

Agricultural Meteorology, (4) The recommendations of the Working Group on

Agricultural Meteorology, CONSIDERING:

(1) The importance of agriculture to the economic development of Members in the Region,

(2) The impact of EI Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on agriculture and forestry,

(3) The need for definition of agrometeorological infor­mation required for crops of particular interest to the Region,

URGES Members: (1) To undertake studies on crops and animals of

regional interest; (2) To establish National Agrometeorological Committees

to strengthen the application of meteorological knowledge and information to agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry;

DECIDES:

(1) To establish a Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology with members serving as rapporteurs for specific tasks and with the following terms of reference: (a) To keep Members informed of the develop­

ments in agricultural meteorology, forestry, drought and desertification of particular inter­est to the Region;

(b) To advise the president of RA III on all matters concerning agricultural meteorology, including forestry, drought and desertification;

(c) To continue to work in close collaboration with the activities of the Working Groups on

Agricultural Meteorology of Regions IV and V, especially on studies relating to impacts of ENSO on agriculture and forestry;

(d) To undertake the following tasks: Definition of Agrometeorological Infor­mation Required for Tuber, Pulse and Commercial Crops (i) To describe in quantitative terms agro­

meteorological information required by the users for both planning and operational management of following crops: • Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) • Sweet Potato (Ipomaea batatas) • Rubber (Hevea Spp.) • Soybeans • Citrus crops

(ii) To formulate such information for different stages of crop growth and development, from sowing to harvest and post-harvest (storage and transport) opera­tions in a readily usable, user-oriented form;

(iii) T() provide examples from Member coun­tries of the use of such information;

(iv) To summarize in detail social, economic and environmental benefits of such infor­mation;

(v) To identify potential contributions to CARS-Food;

Impact of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (i) To review literature and summarize infor-

mation on the impact of EI Nino-Southern Oscillation on the development of agri­culture and forestry with emphasis on production and protection and on fish­eries (e.g. on migration, abundance, etc.);

48 RESOLUTION 8

(ii) To make recommendations on the use of agrometeorological methods and tech­niques to minimize the disastrous effects of El Nifio and maximize benefits to agri­culture, forestry and fisheries;

Establishment of an Early Warning System on the Use of Meteorological Information for Assessment of Agricultural Production (i) To describe in quantitative terms agro-

meteorological information of the economically important crops for the Region at different phenological stages;

(ii) To describe in quantitative and qualitative terms meteorological phenomena that can be harmful to such crops (e.g. bio­logical and other threats) as well as those that are beneficial;

(iii) To formulate a warning system for assess­ment of crop production based on agrometeorol6gicalinformation prior to ripening and harvest stages of the crop, including remotely-sensed information, to allow lead time for taking operational and management decisions; and to compile the manual associated with the imple-

. mentation of such a system; Description of the Phenology of the Native Trees of Tropical Forests (i) To describe the phenology of the native

trees of the tropical forests; (ii) To append, whenever pOSSible, a descrip­

tion of the climate, including distribution of extra values of different parameters, and of the place of preponderant growth of such trees;

Establishment of an Outline of a Pest-risk Assessment Plan To formulate a plan for the assessment of the agroclimatic risk that crop pests from outside an area or country could establish themselves in agroclimatologically similar pest-free zones.

(2) To invite Members of the Association to designate experts to serve on the working group; the following members of the working group were nominated during the eleventh session:

Benito Piuzzi (Chile) Carlos Gay (Argentina) German Kromer (Argentina) Altino A. Ortolani (Brazil) Homero Bergamashi (Brazil) Mario Jose Pedro Junior (Brazil) Tatiana Diane Abreu (Brazil) Paccelli M. Zahler (Brazil) Gonzalo Hurtado (Colombia) Juan M. Quintana (Chile) Gaston Torres (Chile) Miguel Rodriguez (Ecuador)

Rodrigo Arellano (Ecuador) Gilma Carvajal (Ecuador) Jacques Groussin (France) Ganga Persaud (Guyana) Henry Valiente (Paraguay) Juan S. Delgado R. (Paraguay) Gildo Caldas Z. (Peru) Victor Rosas (Peru) CQnstantino Alarcon (Peru) Carmen Meneses (Venezuela) Lelys de Guenni (Venezuela)

(3) To invite experts to serve as rapporteurs within the working group on the following subjects: • Rapporteur on the Definition of Agrometeoro­

logical Information Required for Oil Palm • Rapporteur on the Definition of Agrometeoro­

logical Information Required for Sweet Potato • Rapporteur on the Definition of Agrometeoro­

logical Information ReqUired for Rubber • Rapporteur on the Definition of Agrometeoro­

logical Information Required for Soy Beans • Rapporteur on the Definition of Agrometeoro­

logical Information Required for Citrus Crops

• Rapporteur on the Impact of El Nifio-Southern Oscillation on Agriculture

• Rapporteur on the Impact of El Niilo-Southern Oscillation on Forestry

• Rapporteur on the Impact of E1 Nifio-Southern Oscillation on Fisheries

• Rapporteur on the Establishment of an Early Warning System on the Use of Meteorological Information for Assessment of Agricultural Production

• Rapporteur on a Description of the Phenology of the Native Trees of Tropical Forests

• Rapporteur on the Establishment of an Outline of a Pest-risk Assessment Plan

(4) To deSignate, in accordance with Regulation 32, Benito Piuzzi as chairman of the working group and Carlos Gay as vice-chairman;

(5) To request the rapporteurs: (a) To prepare and annually submit to the chair­

man information on the progress of activities; (b) To prepare and submit a final report to the

chairman for consolidation and submission to the president of the regional association;

(6) To request the chairman to submit a final report comprising individual reports of the rapporteurs to the president of the regional association not later than six months before the next session of the Association.

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 13 (XI-RA III) which

is no longer in force.

RESOLUTIONS 9, 10 49

RESOLUTION 9 (XI-RA III)

WORKING GROUP ON REGIONAL MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING: the report of the chairman of the Working Group on Marine Meteorological Services, CONSIDERING:

(1) The need for further development of marine meteorological services in Region III,

(2) The need to continue close liaison with CMM and to participate in the work of the CMM Working Group on Education, Training and Implementation Support,

DECIDES:

(1) To establish a Working Group on Regional Marine Meteorological Services with the following terms of reference: (a) To continuously review the status of the imple­

mentation of marine meteorological services in Region III;

(b) To formulate suggestions for the further devel­opment of marine meteorological services in Region III, including requirements for enhanced specialized education and training;

(c) To take action on marine meteorological matters assigned by the president of RA III;

(d) To participate in the CMM Working Group on Education, Training and Implementation Support;

(2) To invite Hector O. Sosa (Argentina) to serve as the chairman of the Working Group on Regional Marine Meteorological Services and to deSignate the follow­ing experts to serve as members of the working group:

Alaor Moacyr Dall' Antonia Jr. (Brazil) Edgar Montealegre (Colombia) Fernando Ramirez (Chile) Jose Lucero Andrade (Ecuador) Humberto Enriquez (Ecuador) Manuel Antonio Torres (Ecuador) Serge Le Pape (France) Jorge Otiniano R. (Peru)

(3) To request the chairman of the working group to submit annual reports, as appropriate, to the presi­dent of the Association with a final report to be presented six months prior to the twelfth session of the Association;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General to assist the working group in its work as appropriate.

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 14 (X-RA III) which

is no longer in force.

RESOLUTION 10 (XI-RA III)

USE OF INMARSAT FOR THE COLLECTION OF SHIPS' METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC REPORTS

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 19 (Cg-XI) - The collection and dissemina­tion of marine meteorological and oceanographic information using INMARSAT,

(2) The operation of Coast Earth Stations (CES) of INMARSAT in Region III,

(3) The equipping of an increased number of ships participating in the WMO Voluntary Observing Ships (VOS) scheme with Ship Earth Stations (SES) of INMARSAT, in particular with the INMARSAT-C facility,

CONSIDERING:

(1) The need to increase the number of ships' meteoro­logical and oceanographic reports from most of the sea areas of Region III,

(2) The considerable improvements to be expected in the receipt of marine meteorological and oceano-

graphic observations from ships at sea through the enhanced use of the INMARSAT system,

(3) The cost-savings which will accrue to those Members collecting such reports through INMARSAT by the increased use of the new INMARSAT-C facility for this purpose,

BEING CONCERNED:

(1) That, as yet, none of the CES located within the Region have arrangements with their national Meteorological Services to collect ships' meteorological and oceanographic reports free of charge to the ships,

(2) That problems continue to be related to the timely redistribution to the countries closest to the geo­graphical origin of reports collected through INMARSAT,

URGES:

(1) Members concerned to make arrangements with their CES for the collection of ships' meteorological

50 RESOLUTION 11

and oceanographic reports, free of charge to the ships;

(2) Members concerned to make every effort to ensure the timely redistribution of reports collected through INMARSAT to countries in the areas of the g.eographical origins of those reports;

(3) All Members in the Region operating VOS equipped with INMARSAT-C to make every effort for these

ships to be supplied with the new software package for the compilation and transmission of meteoro­logical reports through INMARSAT-C, to ensure the maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness of such an operation;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General to assist Members in the implementation of this resolution.

RESOLUTION 11 (XI-RA III)

PARTICIPATION IN THE JOINT IOCfWMO INTEGRATED GLOBAL OCEAN SERVICES SYSTEM (lGOSS)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 20 (Cg-XI) - Integrated Global Ocean Services System,

(2) The IGOSS Plan and Implementation Programme 1989-1995,

(3) The Third WMO Long-term Plan, Volume II, Part 4, Section 4.4 - The Marine Meteorology and Associa­ted Oceanographic Activities Programme,

(4) The final report of the sixth session of the Joint IOC/WMO Committee for IGOSS, Geneva, November 1991,

(5) Resolution 9 (Cg-XI) - Global Climate Observing System,

(6) Resolution 21 (Cg-XI) - WMO's involvement in the development of a Global Ocean Observing System,

CONSIDERING that data originating from the IGOSS programme not only make a significant contribution to operational meteorology and the provision of opera­tional oceanographic services, but will also form an essential element of the Global Climate Observing System and the Global Ocean Observing System, RECOGNIZING that a substantial increase in the amount of ocean data available through IGOSS is needed to satisfy the requirements for such data of operational meteoro­logy, oceanographic services and research, and global climate studies, URGES Members to increase their participation in all or any parts of the basic elements of IGOSS, in particular the IGOSS Observing System, by: (1) Fully exploiting all existing sources of BATHY/TESAC

and TRACKOB data for operational exchange through IGOSS, including from national navies;

(2) Enlisting more research vessels and ships-of-opportu­nity to the BATHY/TESAC and TRACKOB operational

programme and in particular encouraging the collection and exchange of surface and sub-surface salinity data;

(3) Improving ship-to-shore telecommunication arrangements, in particular through the greater use of satellite-based telecommunication facilities;

(4) Supplying expendable bathythermograph probes to ships through collective and bilateral assistance programmes, and in general facilita­ting the participation of developing countries in IGOSS;

(5) Further expanding their operational sea level measurement networks and submitting the data to the Specialized Oceanographic Centres (SOCs) of the IGOSS Sea Level Project in the Pacific (ISLP-PAC) and the IGOSS Sea Level Pilot Project for the North and Tropical Atlantic (ISLPP-NTA);

(6) Participating in the Global Temperature/Salinity Pilot Project (GTSPP);

(7) Establishing National Oceanographic Centres and Specialized Oceanographic Centres, where appropri­ate, for the processing of IGOSS data and the preparation of oceanographic products in support of all types of users; and, if pOSSible, contributing rele­vant products to the IGOSS Products Bulletin;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General, within the available budgetary resources, and in cooperation with IOC, to assist Members in the further implementation of IGOSS in the Region.

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 16 (X-RA III) which is no longer in force.

RESOLUTION 12 51

RESOLUTION 12 (XI-RA III)

WORKING GROUP ON HYDROLOGY

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) The report of its Working Group on Hydrology, (2) Resolution 22 (Cg-XI) - Hydrology and Water

Resources Programme, (3) Resolution 28 (Cg-XI) - The Third WMO Long-term

Plan, (4) Resolution 40 (Cg-XI) - Revision of the General

Regulations, (5) WMO's Plan of Action for the International Decade

for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR), (6) The results of a number of important events in the

field of hydrology and water resources, particularly those relating to issues raised at the International Conference on Water and the Environment (Dublin, January 1992) and at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro, June 1992),

(7) The review of national capacities presented in the WMO/UNESCO Report on Water Resource Assess­ment, prepared in 1990-91,

CONSIDERING that Regional Association III plays an important and active role in the implementation of WMO regional activities in the field of hydrology and water resources, DECIDES:

(1) To re-establish the Working Group on Hydrology with the following terms of reference: (a) To participate in the completion of the Basic

Hydrological Network Assessment Project (BNAP) of WMO and in the development of the HYNET project and to conduct a survey on the status, quality, accuracy and reliability of the Region's automatic station networks, using as model the survey intended for RA IV;

(b) To make a detailed analysis of the application of the Technical Regulations, Vol. III, Sections D.1.4 (Hydrological data transmission), D.3 (Hydrological bibliography and publications),­and the recently published chapter on water quality, taking account of possible definitions of the latter topic which may exist in other chapters;

(c) To prepare maps on the most important vari­ables defining the water quality characteristics of water courses and other water bodies in the countries of RA III, and to make an inventory of the measurement and analysis methodo­logies and recommend those most appropriate for the Region;

(d) To complete the subregional study on precipi­tation intensity/duration/frequency and to consider extending it to other countries of the Region;

(e) To continue with the compilation of explana­tory papers on the operational hydrological forecasting systems in countries of the Region, including the relevant technical and socio­economic aspects;

(n To continue participating in WCP-Water projects A.2 and A.S and to support the projects established in WCP-Water requiring the participation of RA III Members;

(g) To update the analysis of hydrological aspects of the EI Nifio phenomenon with information on the most recent events and to obtain results on the impact of the EI Niflo in the Region;

(h) To analyse the laboratory measurement and analysis methodology for sediment transport used in the Region;

(i) To update and evaluate the compendium of national and technical reports on hydrology in RA III for the period 1993-1997;

(j) To continue with the promotional and co­operative activities relating to implementation of the Hydrological Operational Multipurpose System (HOMS), particularly with regard to its application in specific countries of the Region;

(k) To conduct a survey on methods used by the Hydrological and Meteorological Services for promoting their functions and disseminating their products;

(I) To cooperate in the translation into Spanish of the fifth edition of the WMO Guide to Hydro­logical Practices, of the supplement to the HOMS Reference Manual, as well as of other documents of regional interest;

(m) To cooperate with CHy, with other WMO bodies and with international organizations on projects related to hydrology and water resources;

(n) To provide assistance and advice to the presi­dent of the Association on all questions pertaining to the regional aspects of the Hydro­logy and Water Resources Programme (HWRP), including the preparation of the Fourth Long­term Plan of WMO;

(2) To invite all Members of the Region to deSignate national hydrological experts to serve on the working group and attend its meetings. The follow­ing experts were nominated during the eleventh session:

Mirta Giachino (Argentina) Carlos Damboriana (A~gentina) Urbano Medeiros (Brazil) Eurides de Oliveira (Brazil) Ciro Loureiro Rocha (Brazil)

52 RESOLUTlON 13

Efrain Ruiz (Colombia) Humberto C. Pefia (Chile) Carlos Mora Z. (Ecuador) Philippe Vauchel (France) Joylyn Jafferally (Guyana) Zainool Rahaman (Guyana) Lucas F. Chamorro (Paraguay) Graciela Benitez C. (Paraguay) Gloria E. Soler C. (Paraguay) Jorge Yerren Suarez (Peru) Gladys Chamorro Ch. (Peru) Adam Ramos C. (Peru) Abraham Salcedo (Venezuela) Claudio Caponi (Venezuela)

(3) To designate, in accordance with Regulations 167(b) and 32 respectively of the WMO General Regulations, Mr T. Palas (Uruguay) as the regional hydrological adviser and as chairman of the Working Group on Hydrology, and Mr O. Serrano (Colombia) as vice-chairman of the group;

REQUESTS the regional hydrological adviser and the chair­man of the Working Group on Hydrology: (1) In his capacity as adviser, to assist the president of

RA III according to the duties stipulated in WMO General Regulation 167(b);

(2) As chairman of the Working Group on Hydrology, to prepare an implementation plan and accordingly deSignate, in consultation with the president of the Association, rapporteurs from the working group to undertake work in the following fields: (a) Hydrological networks; (b) WMO standards and recommended practices; (c) Water quality;

(d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (J)

Hydrology of natural disasters; Hydrological forecasting; Hydrological component of the WCP; Hydrological aspects of EI Nino; Sediment transport; Hydrology in RA III; HOMS;

(k) Promotion and dissemination; (3) In both capacities as chairman and regional hydro­

logical adviser to submit to the president of the Association an annual report of the end of each year, and a final report not less than six months prior to the twelfth session of RA III;

REQUESTS all rapporteurs to prepare an annual progress report and submit it to the chairman of the group by September of each year of the intersessional period, and to submit a final report to the chairman of the group eight months prior to the twelfth session of the Association; URGES Members concerned to provide full support to the rapporteurs nominated from their countries in order to ensure that they are able to fulfil the tasks assigned to them; REQUESTS the Secretary-General to publish selected tech­nical reports prepared by the working group in the technical documents series and distribute them to all concerned.

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 17 (X-RA III) which is no longer in force.

RESOLUTION 13 (XI-RA In)

WORKING GROUP ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Volume 6 of Part II of the Third WMO Long-term Plan,

(2) The relevant parts of Chapter 36 of Agenda 21, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development,

(3) The conclusions of the WMO Eleventh Congress regarding the need to promote a high level of quality in national training standards and the continuing need for training in specialized areas,

FURTHER NOTING that a Colloquium on Education and Training, focusing on curricula in the fields of meteoro­logy and operational hydrology for the next century, is to be held in 1995,

CONSIDERING:

(1) The Significance and priority accorded.by the Region to education and training activities,

(2) That the training of manpower resources and their subsequent maintenance at a high level of technical ability is essential if Members are to participate adequately in and obtain benefit from WMO's programmes and to respond to the requirements established in Agenda 21 (especially in so far as increased capacities are concerned) and to the Framework Convention on Climate Change,

(3) That optimum utilization of the technological advances that are constantly being made, which is of fundamental importance for the develop­ment of meteorological and hydrological services,

RESOLUTION 14 53

depends upon ongoing scientific and technical staff development,

DECIDES to establish a Working Group on Education and Training, comprising the vice-president of RA III (chair­man) and the three directors of the Training Centres of RA III, and having the following tasks: (a) To cooperate in following up education and

training activities and developments in the Region, identifying actual or potential difficulties and informing the president of the Region thereof;

(b) To draw up an inventory of the existing study plans and to expedite their updating with a view to ensuring an adequate contribution by the Region to the forthcoming Colloquium on Education and Training;

(c) To promote new educational techniques, encourag­ing national and regional training centres to use

audiovisual and computer-assisted learning modules and fostering the exchange of materials and modules within the Region;

Cd) To ensure that training centres are involved in current global environmental issues, particularly global climate change and stratospheric ozone deple­tion, and that they foster the inclusion of those issues in study programmes;

(e) To propose ways and means to ensure the ade­quate inclusion of educational programmes in the field of meteorology in primary and secondary schools;

INVITES the chairman of the group to submit annual reports to the president of the Association and a final report six months prior to the twelfth session of RA III.

RESOLUTION 14 (XI-RA nl)

- "IBEROAMERICAN CLIMATE" PROJECT

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) The proposal of the Permanent Representative of Spain with WMO to launch a regional project en­titled "Iberoamerican Climate", the primary aim of which is to modernize the infrastructure of the national Meteorological Services in Latin American countries in their capacity as the basic institutions for effectively fulfilling the engagements flowing from UNCED,

(2) That full financial coverage for the project will permit the establishment of an effective system for climatic and meteorological prediction in the coun­tries in question, involving the modernization of their observation networks, telecommunications, and data-processing and analysis systems,

(3) The possible impact that implementation of the project would have on the political, social and economic aspects of the activities undertaken by the services in support of sustainable development,

CONSIDERING:

(1) That there is a growing need to tackle the new global challenges imposed by the threat of climate change and a possible sea level increase, and by the need for all development programmes to have an environ­mental dimension,

(2) That for the countries of South America those needs are urgent in nature and that the proposed project would therefore appear highly desirable,

(3) That, unlike WMO's traditional technical assistance arrangements, this project would not be financed

through donations, but through possible loans within the framework of the financial mechanism between the Government of Spain and the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB), known as the Fifth Centenary Fund,

(4) That these loans could come with more favourable conditions than the IDB's ordinary loans, by virtue of having a partial interest rate subsidy from the Fifth Centenary Fund,

(5) That WMO has communicated to the various coun­tries, to the IDB and to the National Meteorological Institute of Spain its considerable interest in the project and its wish to collaborate in the contacts made between the national Meteorological and Hydrological Services and the competent authorities in their respective governments,

REQUESTS permanent representatives of Members: (1) To continue with their approaches to their govern­

ments aimed at convincing the corresponding Ministry to express to the IDB national counterpart its interest in the project and in the implementation of the corresponding feasibility studies, bearing in mind that during this preliminary phase the study costs will be covered through non-reimbursable technical cooperation funds;

(2) To seek to ensure maximum compatibility and coordination between this project and other possible cooperation projects undertaken by their respective governments with official organizations in Spain.

54 RESOLUTION 15

RESOLUTION 15 (XI-RA III)

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING paragraph 3.7.1 of the general summary of EC-IX, CONSIDERING: (1) That a number of its resolutions adopted before its

eleventh session have been revised and incorporated in resolutions of the eleventh session,

(2) That others of its previous resolutions have been incorporated in appropriate WMO publicatiOns or have become obsolete,

(3) That some of the previous resolutions are still to be implemented,

DECIDES: (1) To keep in force Resolutions 22 and 23 (VIII-RA III),

4, 17, 20 and 21 (IX-RA III), and 4, 5, 7 and 15 (X-RA III);

(2) Not to keep in force the other resolutions adopted before its eleventh session;

(3) To publish the text of the resolutions kept in force in the annex to this resolution.

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 18 (X-RA III) which

is no longer in force.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 15 (XI-RA III)

RESOLUTIONS OF RA III ADOPTED PRIOR TO ITS ELEVENTH SESSION AND MAINTAINED IN FORCE

Resolution 22 (VIII-RA III) AGROMETEOROLOGICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY CENTRE

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING: (1) Resolution 19 (Cg-VII) -:- Agrometeorological activ­

ities in aid of food production, (2) Resolution 7 (CAgM-VII) - Working Group on the

Effects of Meteorological Factors on Maize Development and Yield (CONSIDERING (2)),

(3) Resolution 9 (CAgM-VII) - Working Group on Agrometeorological Services in Developing Countries (DECIDES (1) (a)),

(4) Resolution 15 (VII-RA III) - Working Group on Agrometeorology (DECIDES (1) (a)-(c)),

(5) The recommendations of the Technical Con­ference on the Application of Meteorology and Climatology to Agriculture (Bogota, Colombia, July 1978),

(6) The decisions adopted by the first session of the Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology and Climatology (Lima, Peru, 1975),

(7) The recommendations proposed by the second jOint session of the Working Groups on Agro­meteorology of RA III and RA IV (Bogota, Colombia, July 1978),

(8) The agreement by the seventh session of RA III (Brasilia, Brazil, September 1978) on the establish­ment of a regional agrometeorological bibliography centre for the collection and distribution of infor­mation to all Members of RA III on publications related to the agrometeorological problems of the Region,

(9) Recommendation 10 of the third joint session of the Working Groups on Agrometeorology of RA III and RA IV (Mexico, September 1981),

CONSIDERING: (1) That the Regional Agrometeorological Biblio­

graphy Centre is at present in operation and fulfilling its objectives, although on a restricted basis,

(2) That the activities of the regional bibliography centre require greater development and co­ordination in order to satisfy Members' requests,

(3) That the regional bibliography centre must assume responsibility for the dissemination of the results of studies, research and other activities on agro­meteorology in the Region,

INVITES the Members of Regional Association III to cooperate with the Regional Agrometeorological Bibliography Centre by supplying the necessary infor­mation and promoting its dissemination; REQUESTS the Secretary-General to support RA III by authorizing the Regional Director for Latin America to take the necessary steps to fulfil the objectives of the Regional Agrometeorological Bibliography Centre.

Resolution 23 (VIII-RA III) AGROMETEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND TRAINING

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING Resolution 13 (VII-RA III) - Agrometeoro­logical services and training, RECOGNIZING: (1) That in most countries of the Region agriculture

continues to be the main sector of the national economy,

(2) That, for the effective development and expansion of agricultural activities, meteorological advice and information are indispensable,

RESOLUTION 15 55

CONSIDERING:

(1) That the recommendations of the Technical Con­ference on the Application of Meteorology and Climatology to Agriculture, held in Bogota (1978), are essential for the development of agrometeoro­logy in a given country,

(2) That training of professional and technical person­nel in agricultural meteorology is essential to meet the demands for advice and assistance from agricul­turalists, foresters and decision-makers,

(3) The need to organize agrometeorological profes­sional training in such a way that both meteoro­logists and agronomists have a sound knowledge of agrometeorology,

(4) The importance for the Region of the development of studies based on the series of meteorological data available,

URGES Members: (1) To establish and maintain networks of agro­

meteorological stations in accordance with the provisions of the WMO Technical Regulations and the Guide to Agricultural Meteorological Practices;

(2) To develop, coordinate and promote basic research in agrometeorology for carrying out operational programmes and for providing better services for agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry;

(3) To coordinate with representatives from agricul­ture, animal husbandry, forestry and planning bodies, as appropriate, and to establish national coordinating committees and/or working arrange­ments with them;

(4) To make use of training facilities available in the Region and, if possible, outside the Region, includ­ing universities, both for professional and technical personnel;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General: (1) To organize training seminars in agrometeorology

in the Region to complement the training facilities available in the Region;

(2) To assist Members, through the Director-General of FAO, in improving the coordination between Meteorological Services and FAO field experts in the countries concerned and in including agro­meteorological activities in the programmes which FAO develops in the countries of the Region.

Resolution 4 (IX-RA III) ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL NATIONAL AND REGIONAL RADIATION CENTRES IN RA ill

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) That only one Regional Radiation Centre exists in Region III, i.e. Buenos Aires,

(2) That only a few National Radiation Centres exist in Region III,

CONSIDERING:

(1) The great need for more National and Regional Radiation Centres in Region III,

(2) That the increase of the present number of National and Regional Radiation Centres is indis­pensable for the improvement of the standard­ization of solar radiation measurements and the quality of radiation data in Region III,

(3) The specification of World, Regional and National Radiation Centres in Annex 9.C of the WMO Guide. to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation,

(4) That the National Radiation Centre, Lima, meets the requirements for a Regional Radiation Centre,

DECIDES to deSignate Lima as a Regional Radiation Centre of RA III; INVITES Members to consider the establishment of addi­tional National Radiation Centres.

Resolution 17 (IX-RA III) CLIMATIC ATLAS FOR REGION ill

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 14 (EC-XXVI) - Preparation and publi­cation of regional climatic atlases,

(2) The report of the Rapporteur on the Climatic Atlas for Region III submitted to the ninth session of RA III,

(3) Plan for the Climatic Atlas for Region III, (4) Resolution 16 (IX-RA III) - Rapporteur on the

Climatic Atlas for Region III, CONSIDERING:

(1) The conclusions and suggestions of the Rapporteur on the Climatic Atlas for Region III,

(2) . The importance of the Climatic Atlas for Region III, URGES Members to send to the rapporteur all available material on: (1) The frequency of days with precipitation equal to or

above 0.1 mm and equal to or above 1.0 mm; and (2) Sunshine duration, global solar radiation, evapora­

tion from a free water surface and the mean of the annual maximum 24-hour precipitation amounts covering a period of at least 15 years, and 30 years if possible;

AUTHORIZES the president of the Association to approve revisions to the plan for the Upper-air Climatic Atlas for Region III as necessary; REQUESTS the Secretary-General to assist in the management of the necessary arrangements for the reproduction of the maps which have already been completed in the second series of maps in the Climatic Atlas for Region III.

Resolution 20 (IX-RA III) MARINE TELECOMMUNICATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COLLECTION OF SHIPS' WEATHER REPORTS

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING: Resolution 15 (VIII-RA III) - Marine telecom­munication arrangements for the collection of ships' weather reports,

S6 RESOLUTION 15

CONSIDERING:

(1) That the availability of marine meteorological data in the Region will considerably improve if appro­priate measures are taken to improve marine telecommunication arrangements,

(2) That it is possible to increase the number of ships' reports received through a general call from coastal radio stations,

URGES Members which operate coastal radio stations accepting ships' weather reports free of charge: (1) To keep the International Telecommunication

Union informed of their special services regarding the reception of ships' reports for inclusion in the List of Coast Stations;

(2) To provide the WMO Secretariat with information required under the provision of paragraph 2.7.1, Part I of the Manual on the GTS;

(3) To continue including in the list of responsibilities for their respective coastal radio stations the carry­ing out of general calls for ships which transmit OBS messages;

DECIDES:

(1) That, as regards the collection of meteorological reports from ships, the whole of Region III should continue to be a single zone;

(2) That the time period of 24 hours after the time of observation be accepted as maximum admissible delay for the transmission of ships' reports to coastal radio stations.

Resolution 21 (IX-RA III) PORT METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES IN REGIONllI

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING Resolution 17 (VIII-RA III) - Port meteoro­logical services in Region III, CONSIDERING:

(1) That there is a need for strengthening marine meteorological services at the main ports and harbour approaches in Region III,

(2) That the establishment of port meteorological services will be of particular importance in obtain­ing increased observations, especially from the tropics and the southern hemisphere,

(3) That the port meteorological officer (PMO) can play an important role in encouraging ships to report from data-sparse areas,

URGES Members concerned to establish or expand port meteorological services for all major ports and, in particular, for those ports which are visited by ships operating in the tropics and the southern ocean areas; REQUESTS the Secretary-General to assist Members of Region III in the implementation of this resolution, particularly as regards the training aspects.

Resolution 4 (X-RA III) ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL AND NATIONAL RADIATION CENTRE IN CIDLE

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) That two Regional Radiation Centres exist in Region III (Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Huancayo (Peru)),

(2) That only two National Radiation Centres exist in Region III (Brazil and Uruguay),

CONSIDERING:

(1) That an increase in the present number of National and Regional Radiation Centres is indispensable for the improvement of the standardization of radia­tion measurements and the quality of radiation data in Region III,

(2) The speCification of World, Regional and National Radiation Centres in Annex 9.C of the WMO Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation,

(3) That Chile satisfies the WMO requirements for a WMO Regional Radiation Centre,

DECIDES to designate Santiago (Chile) as a WMO Regional Radiation Centre; URGES Members in RA III to make every effort to satisfy progressively the requirements for National Radiation Centres.

Resolution 5 (X-RA III) STANDARDIZATION OF PYRANOMETER CALIBRATIONS

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) That the quality of global radiation data is depen­dent on the accurate calibration of pyranometers,

(2) The diversity of calibration techniques employed at National and Regional Centres,

(3) Discrepancies of up to 10 per cent between calibra­tions by different institutions on identical pyranometers as has been shown in work by the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the RA VI pyranometer comparison in Budapest in 1984,

(4) That these discrepancies have occurred despite the much higher accuracies achieved in the calibration of pyrheliometers in international and regional pyrheliometer comparison activities,

CONSIDERING:

(1) The need for high-quality radiation data in many fields and WMO programmes,

(2) The need for greater standardization in radiation measurements,

REQUESTS Members of RA III to promote the standard­ization of pyranometer calibration by organizing a project in which a number of pyranometers are circu­lated between the Regional and National Radiation Centres of the Region;

RESOLUTION 15 57

INVITES Members of the Regional Association to encourage research into the calibration of reference pyranometers.

Resolution 7 (X-RA Ill) THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 25 (Cg-X) - Second WMO Long-term Plan, including the WWW Implementation Programme for RA III (1988-1997),

(2) The progress being made in the implementation of the ASDAR, ASAP and drifting buoy programmes,

CONSIDERING:

(1) That large parts of the Region are data-sparse areas, (2) The importance of an effective Regional Basic

Synoptic Network and the essential need to inte­grate the RBSN with the overall GOS,

(3) The need to have comprehensive and realistic information on the value of new observing systems, their costs and their interfaces with other parts of the regional programme,

INVITES Members to participate in the deployment and use of new observing systems and, individually or collectively, to evaluate the effectiveness of these systems and their integration in the WWW, ENCOURAGES Members to seek VCP assistance for the installation of satellite-data ground receiving stations, weather radar and new observing system such as ASDAR, ASAP and buoys; URGES Members to: (1) Provide additional surface observations in ocean

areas using the Voluntary Observing Ship Scheme, buoys and suitable fixed platforms;

(2) Consider the possibility of deploying ASAP systems on ships and ASDARs or other automated data­collection systems on aircraft flying suitable routes over the ocean;

(3) Examine the communication facilities and data quality-control procedures to ensure that the data are of high quality and received at the data­processing centres in a timely fashion;

REQUESTS the Rapporteur on the Regional Aspects of the Global Observing System to keep abreast of devel­opments in the implementation of this resolution by Members and to report to the next session of the Association.

Resolution 15 (X-RA III) RECRUITMENT OF MOBILE SHIPS

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III (SOUTH AMERICA), NOTING:

(1) Resolution 19 (IX-RA III) - Recruitment of mobile ships,

(2) Recommendation 6 (CMM-X) - The WMO Volun­tary Observing Ships (VOS) scheme,

(3) Resolution 11 (EC-XLI) - Development of a global operational ocean observing system,

CONSIDERING that ships of the vas scheme remain an essential source of surface meteorological and oceano­graphic data from the oceans in support of the WWW, WCRP and marine meteorological services, CONSIDERING FURTHER:

(1) That the merchant fleet of Members of RA III possesses the potential for a substantial increase in observing ships,

(2) That data coverage in the Pacific Ocean part of Region III will greatly improve if selected fishing vessels are recruited as VOSs,

(3) That qualification for VCP assistance covers the provision of meteorological instruments for VOSs,

(4) That port meteorological officers are essential for the recruitment and maintenance of VOSs,

URGES:

(1) Members which already participate in the VOS scheme to make additional efforts to increase the number of observing ships amongst those on their national registers and, if pOSSible, on other coun­tries' national registers;

(2) Other Members to initiate action towards recruit­ing ships from their national registers as observing ships, if necessary using the external assistance available for the provision of meteorological instru­ments for observing ships;

(3) Members concerned to consider, in cooperation with appropriate national authorities, the possibil­ity of recruiting a selected number of suitably equipped and manned fishing vessels as VOSs;

(4) Members to establish or increase the services of Port Meteorological Officers so that they develop in an effective manner the duties specified in the Guide to Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 471);

REQUESTS Members to keep the president of the Associa­tion and the Secretary-General informed of any action taken and of progress in matters mentioned above.

NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 19 (lX-RA III) and

Resolution 21 (lX-RA III) which are no longer in force.

·.ANNEX

ANNEX Annex to paragraph 4.6.4 of the general summary

PROJECT FOR THE AUTOMATION OF NMCs IN SOUTH AMERICA

INTRODUCTION

1. Concerns have been expressed about the inabil­ity of some national Meteorological Services (NMSs) to take advantage of the technological progress that is directly connected with the rapid development in telecommunications and computers. The reason for this is the tight economic situation in many countries which impacts negatively on the financial basis of the NMSs. 2. Ways and means must be sought to assist in coordinating and integrating the plans and efforts on a regional basis with a view to attaining an optimum output from the resources available. This assistance must go beyond the provision and installation of computers and software. It must aim at building internal capacities in the NMSs and the developmentof a knowledge basis in order to be able to absorb progressively newer and more cost-effective technologies. To this end the proposed assistance should build on and include financial, technical and intellectual resources available in the Region.

STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES

3. The strategic approach starts with the prompt introduction of modern technology for the automation of National Meteorological Centres (NMCs). This will provide a good foundation for the further development of the NMSs. While relying on know-how and technolo­gies already available within the Region, the approach will start with a pilot project in one country and will expand later after having demonstrated its potential performance and value. 4. The principal objective is to improve the quality of the products and the flexibility of the services offered by the NMSs, but the modernization project will also: (a) Enhance the visibility of the NMSs to its customers,

including the public, through creating an attractive image in the media, which has proved to be an important means of showing the importance of NMSs to specialized users, who are ultimately the main supporters of the NMSs and their activities;

(b) Enhance the visibility of the NMSs to its customers, including the governmental authorities responsible for the setting of priorities in the allocation of resources within the national programmes;

(c) Increase the efficiency of the coordinated project by promoting a standard model solution for a larger

number of Members in the Region and facilitating actual coordination and cooperation within the Region;

(d) Establish the pre-requisite taking full benefit from upgrading the telecommunication circuits in the Region.

RATIONALE

S. Taking into account the limited financial resources available in the many countries in the Region, the project for the modernization of the NMSs needs to be appropriately designed to render a large capacity building potential at a low overall investment and at low maintenance costs. The automation of the NMCs is seen as a very suitable means, because it will strengthen the capability of the centre and play an important and indis­pensable role in the training of local staff. The cost can be kept low by using inexpensive PC-based systems which will be equipped with components and tech­niques that are already available in the Region. 6. The improvement of the functionality of NMCs will increase the effectiveness of the training services provided by the USA and Canada through the so-called South American Desks, because returning trainees will find in their home centres the tools and products with which they have been trained to work. 7. The systems and components foreseen for installation in the NMSs have to become an integral part of the day-to-day operations and attention must be given to protect the investment from becoming inadequate or obsolete prematurely. This requires both an active contri­bution of the recipient countries through purchasing the basic hardware, and a clear perception of how these components can be integrated in the future in the further development of a centre. The procurement of the basic hardware by countries will ensure a healthy mainte­nanceconcept. The value of the investment can be protected by planning to use the PCs in the future as terminals when larger systems are introduced.

PROJECT OUTLINE

8. The proposed project is aimed at providing mini­mum technical equipment to the NMCs, without which a modernization process can neither start nor proceed in an orderly manner. In the framework of a regional approach, it is very important to take advantage of the expertise and technical resources already available in Region III. The project outline and elements proposed are as follows:

ANNEX 59

(a) Use of off-the-shelf computers (PC) and commercial operating systems and software packages widely available both to be maintained locallyj

(b) Use of communication software elaborated, updated and maintained in Brazil in support of the transmission and reception of meteorological informationj

(c) Use of the meteorological information processing software developed in Argentinaj

(d) Integration of both packages into a PC-based system by experts of both Servicesj the project would provide the expenses for a one-month expert mission (from Brasilia to Buenos Aires, or vice versa) and the PC-based platform (hardware and software) required for the integrationj

(e) Installation of the integrated system as a pilot project by both experts, in one country which already has the hardware available, for example Paraguayj this installation will be the test bed for the system to verify its functionality and performance as well as its adequacy in an operational environmentj

(f> Training of staff of the pilot country in the opera­tion and maintenance of the systemj on-the-job training is a basic prerequisite for underpinning a successful implementation and for ensuring lasting improvementsj these experts can later help with the installation in other countriesj

(g) Upon satisfactory completion of Phase I, implemen­tation of Phase II of the project consisting of the implementation of the proven systems in the remaining partner countries which are then requested to procure the basic system hardwarej

(h) Continuation of the training in the use and inter­pretation of products through the South American Desks provided by NMCs Washington and Montreal, partly financially supported by WMO.

COMPONENTS OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM

9. A typical configuration with its general specifi­cations is given on page 58. The equipment is easily obtainable from computer manufacturers or their sales agents. Attention must given to procuring computers that are compatible with the project specifications. It must be assured that future upgrades can be smoothly implemented without loosing the previous resources in hardware devices and software. 10. The proposed system should initially comprise the following elements and components: (a) Either a line interface for telegraphic circuits to adapt

the telegraphiC electrical signal (current loop) to levels required by the standard data communication interfaces (e.g. RS-232C), or modems in cases where medium speed circuits are implementedj

(b) A telecommunication software module to transmit and receive data in ITA No.2 and/or IA No.5 alphabetsj

(c) A message database for storage and retrieval of incoming and outgOing data and products in GTS bulletin formatj

(d) A man-machine interface which may be a simple message manager module used to handle incoming messages (select, display, print, create application files, etc.), and to edit and transmit messagesj

(e) An application module with routines for decoding and displaying (contouring) NWP products received in WMO GRID format.

11. Some additional, simple application packages can also be incorporated without hampering the robust­ness of the system. Of course, the hardware shall be selected with a view to accommodating further expan­sions in the future, in particular the handling of GRIB. BUFR may be included in an upgraded configuration at a later stage when reqUired by the NMSs. The operating system software shall be selected with a view to the capability of local maintenance as well (}S the require­ments for multi-tasking.

PROJECT COSTS

12. A rough estimation of the costs involved for the integration, installation and training requirements of the pilot system at one centre is as follows:

us $

(a) Integration activities (expert mission and PC-based equipment) 15 000

(b) Commercial software licenses 10000

(c) Travel and per diem (two experts) for installation and training at the selected "pilot" site 7 000

(d) Line adapters for telegraphic circuits (9 NMCs) 4000

TOTAL 36000

13. For installation, training and local support at each additional NMC the costs are estimated to be about US $8000, including travel and per diem expenses for two experts. The total cost of the entire project for the automation of nine NMCs in RA III would amount to:

US$

(a) Integration and first NMC (pilot project) 36 000

(b) Eight additional NMCs 64 000

TOTAL 100 000

60 ANNEX

MINIMUM SYSTEM COMPONENTS

HARDWARE BASIC SOFfWARE

• Processor 80486 DX (Math co-processor needed for some applications);

• Clock 33 MHz; • RAM memory 8 Mb; • Hard disk 200 Mb; • Video SVGA (1 024 x 768), 1 Mb memory; • Colour monitor SVGA (1 024 x 768), 28 mm

dot pitch; • Communication card (asynchronous, X.2S, as

appropriate); • Laser printer, PostScript-compatible, A4, 8 ppm,

1 Mbmemory; • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS), S minutes

for shutdown of the system.

• Standard operating system with multi-tasking capability, capable of handling data at low speed (50/75 baud), and medium speed up to 9600 bit/s (19.2 Kbit/s in case of using certain types of VSAT);

• Database management system (as appropriate, considering the application software).

LIFE CYCLE CONSIDERATIONS

• Easily upgradable processor; • Manufacturer(s) strong reputation for reliability

and responsiveness to users; • Full documentation for every component.

TYPICALNMC

LAN ~ ..

Laser Laser Printer Printer

, r , , " ...

... PC-486 PC-486 ,

G3 FAX DIGITIZER DATA PROCESSING

APPENDIX A

LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE SESSION

1. OFFICERS OF THE SESSION

G. Palacios Aguirre Acting President L. Acosta Alvarez Vice-President

2. REPRESENTATIVES OF MEMBERS OF WMO

Member Name

Argentina S. Alaimo J.M. Afonso

Brazil

Chile

M. A. Giachino (Ms) F. P. Requena G. R. Talamoni

lC. de Jesus Marques A. D.Moura ]. M. Rezende C. Rocha

G. Palacios Aguirre

Capacity

principal delegate delegate delegate delegate

principal delegate delegate delegate delegate

principal delegate

Colombia G. Leon Aristizaba (Ms) principal delegate

Ecuador L. Rodriguez Fiallos principal delegate

France

Paraguay

J. M. Ducouret

W. Castro Wrede R. Cafiisa L. Chamorro G. Coronel J. S. Delgado B. Denis D. M. Garcete (Ms) B. Grassi J. Mareco Gomez (Ms) Z. Romero Mora H. B. Valiente M. A. Vazquez F. Villalba R. Yorki A. Zarate

Peru L. Acosta Alvarez B. Celis Malca L. Vega Cedano

Uruguay C. M. Serrentino G. Arduino

Venezuela J. R. Ortega A. Salcedo

principal delegate

principal delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate delegate

principal delegate delegate delegate

principal delegate delegate

principal delegate delegate

3. REPRESENTATIVES OF MEMBERS OF OTHER REGIONAL

ASSOCIATIONS

Member Name

Canada

Mexico

Spain

USA

J. G. Cote

A. Ariza Lopez G. Martinez Santoyo

M. Bautista Perez

J. R. Neilon D. L. Foster M. Davison

4. INVITED EXPERTS

Capacity

Observer

Observer Observer

Observer

Observer Observer Observer

N. Kawas President RA IV

5. LECTURERS

J. G. Cote G. R. Talamoni M. Yerg

6. REpRESENTATIVES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Organization Name

International Civil Aviation J.M. Ceppi Organization (lCAO)

United Nations Educational, C. Fernandez-Jauregui Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

7. WMO SECRETARIAT

G. O. P. Obasi Secretary-General (22-25.9) G. Lizano Representative of the

Secretary-General V. Boldirev D. Schiessl D. Kraemer V. Torres-Molinero A. Levy M. Yerg A. WuGeng O. Arango E. Dar-Ziv (Ms)

1.

2.

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

3.

4.

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

5.

5.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

6.

6.1

6.2

Agenda item

OPENING OF mE SESSION

ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION

APPENDIXB

AGENDA

Consideration of the report on credentials

Adoption of the agenda

Establishment of committees

Other organizational matters

REpORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION

WORLD WEATHER WATCH PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS

WWW status of implementation programme

Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme

Data-processing system

Telecommunication system

Data management, including matters related to codes

WWW system support activities

WWW system support activities, including Operational Information Service

WMO satellite activities·

WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS

World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (WCDMP)

World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP) .

World Climate Impact Assessment and Response Strategies Programme (WCIRP)

World Climate Research Programme (WCRP)

Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)

Coordination of the World Climate Programme

ATMOSPHERIC REsEARCH AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME -

REGIONAL ASPECTS

Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW)

Weather Prediction Research Programmes

Documents Resolutions adopted

PINK 1

PINK 1

1; 2; 2, CORR. 1; PINK 1

PINK 1

PINK 1

34; PINK 1

18; 25; PINK 5

18; 25; PINK 5 1

3; 5; 36; 40; 44; 2,3,4,5 PINK 7; 7, APPENDIX C REV. 1

18; 25; 46; PINK 5

18; 25; 45; PINK 5

18; 25; PINK 5

18; 25; PINK 5

18; 25; PINK 5

23; PINK 6

14;37

13; PINK 3

11; 12; PINK 2; 6 2, ADD. 1

17; PINK 4

6; PINK 8

7; PINK 9

16; PINK 11 7

30; PINK 17

40; 47; 47, CORR 1; PINK 17

30; PINK 17

APPENDIX B 63

Agenda item Documents Resolutions adopted

6.3 Tropical Meteorology Research Programme 30; PINK 17

6.4 Programme on Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Weather Modification Research 30; PINK 17

7. APPLICATIONS OF METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS

7.1 Public Weather Services Programme 19; 43; PINK 12

7.2 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 10; 33; 38; PINK 10 8

7.3 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme 22; 49; PINK 13

7.4 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities 4; 48; PINK 15 9,10,11 Programme

8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER REsOURCES PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 20; 24; 41; PINK 21 12

9. EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 26; 39; 42; PINK 25 13

10. TECHNICAL COOPERATION PRGORAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 31; PINK 28 14

11. PUBLIC INFORMATION ~ REGIONAL ASPECTS 15; 43; PINK 19

1Z. LONG-TERM PLANNING - REGIONAL ASPECTS 8; PINK 20

13. THE WMO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE AMERICAS 21; PINK 32

14. COMMERCIALIZATION OF METEOROLOGICAL DATA AND PRODUCTS 9; 35; PINK 26

15. OTHER IMPORTANT REGIONAL ACTMTIES

15.1 Internal matters of the Association PINK 31

15.2 Regional aspects of relations with other related organizations, programmes and activities

15.2.1 United Nations Conference on Environment and 29; PINK 18 Development (UNCED)

15.2.2 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) 32; PINK 27

15.2.3 Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) 27; PINK 16

16. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS PINK 29

17. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF 28; PINK 24 15 TIlE AssOCIATION AND OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS

18 ELECTION OF OFFICERS PINK 14; PINK 30

19. DATE AND PLACE OF THE TWELFTH SESSION PINK 22

20. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION PINK 23

APPENDIXC

LIST OF DOCUMENTS

Doc. Title

Agenda Submitted by No. item *

I. "DOC" series

1 Provisional agenda 2.2

2 Explanatory memorandum relating to the provisional agenda 2.2

CORR.1

3 Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of 4.2 Secretary-General Observation Programme

4 . Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities 7.4 Secretary-General Programme

5 Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of 4.2 Chairman of the Observation Programme working group

Report of the chairman of the Working Group on Solar Radiation

6 The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) 5.4 Secretary-General

7 Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) 5.5 Secretary-General

8 Long-term planning - regional aspects 12 Secretary-General

9 Internal matters of the Association 14.1 Secretary-General Commercialization issue (14)

10 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 7.2 Secretary-General

11 World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP) 5.2 Rapporteur

Report of the Rapporteur on the Climatic Atlas for Region III

12 World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP) 5.2 Secretary-General

13 World Climate Data and MonitOring Programme (WCDMP) 5.1 Secretary-General

14 World Climate Programme - regional aspects 5 Chairman of the working group

Report of the chairman of the Working Group on the World Climate Programme

15 Public information - regional aspects 11 Secretary-General

16 Coordination of the World Climate Programme 5.6 Secretary-General

17 World Climate Impact Assessment and Response Strategies 5.3 Secretary-General Programme (WCIRP)

• Figure in brackets indicates the agenda item adopted by the session following amendment to the provisional agenda

APPENDIXC 65

Doc. Title

Agenda Submitted by

No. item *

18 World Weather Watch Programme - regional aspects 4 Secretary-General

19 Public Weather Services Programme 7.1 Secretary-General

20 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme - regional aspects 8 Secretary-General

21 The WMO Regional Office for the Americas 13 Secretary-General

22 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme 7.3 Secretary-General

23 WMO satellite activities 4.7 Secretary-General

Status of conversions of APT/WEFAX

24 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme - regional aspects 8 Chairman of the working group

Report of the Working Group on Hydrology

25 World Weather Watch Programme - regional aspects 4 Chairman of the working group

Report of the Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in Region III

26 . Education and Training Programme - regional aspects 9 Secretary-General

27 Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) 14.2.3 Secretary-General (15.2.3)

28 Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the 16 (17) Secretary-General Association and of relevant Executive Council resolutions

29 United Nation&Conference on Environment and 14.2.1 Secretary-General Development (UNCED) (15.2.1)

30 Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme - 6 Secretary-General regional aspects

31 Technical Cooperation Programme - regional aspects 10 Secretary-General

32 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) 14.2.2 Secretary-General (15.2.2)

33 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 7.2 Chairman of the working group

Report of the chairman of the RA III Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology

34 Report by the president of the Association 3 Acting president of RA III

35 Internal matters of the Association 14.1 Argentina (14)

Commercialization issue

• Figure in brackets indicates the agenda item adopted by the session following amendment to the provisional agenda

66 APPENDIXC

Doc. Title

Agenda Submitted by No. item

36 Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of 4.2 Argentina Observation Programme

Argentina observing system

37 World Climate Programme - regional aspects 5 Argentina

Activities of Argentine national Meteorological Service in climatology

38 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 7.2 Argentina

Services in support of farming activities

39 Education and Training Programme - regional aspects 9 Argentina

Regional Meteorological Training Centre (RMTC) Buenos Aires

40 Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of 4.2,6.1 Argentina - Observation Programme

Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW)

Regional Radiation Centre Buenos Aires

41 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme - regional aspects 8 Argentina

Activities of Argentine national Meteorological Service in hydrology and water resources

42 Education and Training Programme - regional aspects 9 Canada

Canadian Meteorological Centre RA III Desk

43 Public Weather Services Programme 7.1,11 Argentina

Public information - regional aspects

Public services provided by the national Meteorological Service (NMS)

44 Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of 4.2 Argentina Observation Programme

Regional Meteorological Instruments Centre (RMIC)

4S Telecommunication system 4.4 Argentina

Regional telecommunication system

46 Data-processing system 4.3 Argentina

Regional/Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC), Buenos Aires

47 Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) 6.1 Argentina

CORR. 1

APPENDlXC 67

Doc. Title

Agenda Submitted by No. it£m

48 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities 7.4 Argentina Programme

Marine meteorological services of RSMC Buenos Aires

49 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme 7.3 Argentina

Automatic system for display of aeronautical meteorological information (SAVIMA)

II. "PINK" series

1 Opening of the session 1,2,3 Acting president of RA III

Organization of the session

Report by the president of the Association

2 World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP) 5.2 Chairman, Committee B

ADD. 1

3 World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (WCDMP) 5.1 Chairman, Committee B

4 World Climate Impact Assessment and Response Strategies 5.3 Chairman, Committee B Programme (WCIRP)

5 World Weather Watch Programme - regional aspects 4 Chairman, Committee A

6 WMO satellite activities 4.7 Chairman, Committee A

Status of conversions of APT/WEFAX

7 Observing systems, including instruments and methods 4.2 Chairman, Committee A of observation

REV. 1

8 The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) 5.4 Chairman, Committee B

9 Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) 5.5 Chairman, Committee B

10 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 7.2 Chairman, Committ~e B

11 Coordination of the World Climate Programme 5.6 Chairman, Committee B

12 Public Weather Services Programme 7.1 Chairman, Committee A

13 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme 7.3 Chairman, Committee A

14 Election of officers 18 Chairman, Nomination Committee

15 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities 7.4 Chairman, Committee A Programme

68 APJlENDIX C

Doc. Title

Agenda Submitted by No. item

16 Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) 15.2.3 Chairman, COmmittee A

17 Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme - regional aspects 6 Chairman, Committee.A

18 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development 15.2.1 Chairman, Committee B (UNCED)

19 Public information 11 Chajrman, Committee A

20 Long-term planning - regional aspects 12 Chairman, Committee A

21 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme ~. 8 Chairman, Committee B

22 . Date·and place of twelfth session 19 ActJng presiqent of RA III

23. Closure of session 20 Acting presigent of RA III

24 Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the 17 '. Mr B. Grassi, Paraguay Association and of relevant Executive Council resolutions

25 Education and Training Programme - regional aspects 9 Chairman, Committee B

26 Commercialization of meteorological data and products 14 Chairman, Committee A

27 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) 15.2.2 Chairman, Committee B

28 Technical Cooperation Programme - regional aspects 10 Chairman, Committee B

29 Scientific lectures and discussions 16 Acting president of RA III

30 Election of officers 18 Acting president of RA III

31 Internal matters of the Association 15.1 Acting president of RA III

32 The WMO Regional Office for the Americas 13 Chairman, Committee A