WMO-No. 1125

Regional Association VI (Europe)Sixteenth sessionHelsinki, Finland 11–17 September 2013

Abridged final report with resolutions and recommendations

Regional Association VI (Europe) Sixteenth session Helsinki, Finland 11–17 September 2013

Abridged final report with resolutions and recommendations

WMO-No. 1125

WMO-No. 1125 © World Meteorological Organization, 2014

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CONTENTS

Page

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION (RA VI-16/Doc.1 and 2)........................................................ 1

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (RA VI-16/Doc.1 and 2)............................................. 2 2.1 Consideration of the report on credentials ..................................................................... 2 2.2 Adoption of the agenda (RA VI-16/Doc.2.2(2)) .................................................................... 2 2.3 Establishment of committees ......................................................................................... 2 2.4 Other organizational matters.......................................................................................... 3

3. REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION (RA VI-16/Doc.3)..................... 3

4. PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES – REGIONAL ASPECTS (RA VI-16/Doc.4).......................... 8 4.1 Service delivery (RA VI-16/Doc.4.1(1)), RA VI-16/Doc.4.1(2), RA VI-16/Doc.4.1(3) and

RA VI-16/Doc.4.1(4))............................................................................................................ 8 4.2 Disaster risk reduction (DRR) (RA VI-16/Doc.4.2)............................................................... 18 4.3 Data-processing and forecasting: weather, climate and water (RA VI-16/Doc.4.3) ............ 20 4.4 WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and

WMO Information System (WIS) (RA VI-16/Doc. 4.4(1), RA VI-16/Doc.4.4(2) and RA VI-16/Doc.4.4(3)), RA VI-16/Doc.4.4(4)), RA VI-16/Doc.4.4(5)) ................................................ 28

4.5 Research and technology development (RA VI-16/Doc.4.5(1), RA VI-16/Doc.4.5(2) and RA VI-16/Doc.4.5(3)) ........................................................................................................... 41

4.6 Capacity development (RA VI-16/Doc.4.6(1), RA VI-16/Doc.4.6(2) and RA VI-16/Doc.4.6(3)) ......... 50 4.7 Partnership and cooperation (RA VI-16/Doc.4.7(1) and RA VI-16/Doc.4.7(2)).................................. 53

5. EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY IN RA VI ACTIVITIES ...................................... 55 5.1 WMO strategic planning – regional aspects (RA VI-16/Doc. 5.1)........................................ 55 5.2 Continuous improvement of WMO processes and practices:

improved effectiveness and efficiency of RA VI (RA VI-16/Doc. 5.2) .................................. 57 5.3 RA VI subsidiary bodies – structure and tasks (RA VI-16/Doc. 5.3).................................... 60

6. GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR CLIMATE SERVICES (RA VI-16/Doc. 6).......................... 62

7. EMERGING ISSUES AND SPECIFIC CHALLENGES (RA VI-16/Doc. 7) ......................... 66 7.1 Results of the RA VI Survey on Institutional Status of NMHSs and

related challenges and priorities .................................................................................... 66 7.2 Challenges and priorities for RA VI – outcome of the Regional

Conference 2013 ........................................................................................................... 67

8. WMO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE................................................................... 69

9. WMO SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS (RA VI-16/Doc. 9).......................... 72

10. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS (RA VI-16/Doc. 10) ................................................................................... 73

11. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (RA VI-16/Doc. 11) .................................................................. 73

12. DATE AND PLACE OF THE SEVENTEENTH SESSION (RA VI-16/Doc. 12 and 13) ......... 73

13. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION (RA VI-16/Doc. 12 and 13)................................................... 74

iv ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Page RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION Final Session No. No.

1 4.1(1)/1 Implementation of the WMO Strategy for Service Delivery in Regional Association VI (Europe) ......................................................................... 75

2 4.1(2)/1 Conference on the future of meteorological service provision to civil aviation in Europe ........................................................................... 76

3 4.3(2)/1 Regional Climate Centre Network in Regional Association VI (Europe) 76

4 4.4/1 Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan for Regional Association VI (Europe) ................................................................................................ 79

5 4.4/2 Regional Basic Synoptic Network and Regional Basic Climatological Network in Region VI (Europe) ............................ 101

6 4.4(3)/1 WMO Information System Implementation Plan for Regional Association VI (Europe) .......................................................... 137

7 4.4(3)/2 Updating records in the Operational Information Service ...................... 138

8 5.3/1 Management Group of Regional Association VI (Europe) ..................... 139

9 5.3/2 Regional Association VI Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation................................................................................ 141

10 5.3/3 Regional Association VI Working Group on Climate and Hydrology ..... 144

11 5.3/4 Regional Association VI Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership............................................................................................. 146

12 10/1 Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the Association................................................................................... 148

RECOMMENDATION ADOPTED BY THE SESSION Final Session No. No.

1 4.6/1 Recognition of the National Research Council Institute of Biometeorology, Florence, Italy, as a WMO Regional Training Centre .................................................................................................... 152

ANNEXES

I Infrastructure and operational facilities development (VCP) ................................... 153

II Major hydromet development projects supported by RA VI Members through WMO and bilaterally .................................................................................. 156

III Bilateral VCP support 2008–2012 (US$), including RA VI Members...................... 159

IV Experts awarded certificates by the sixteenth session of Regional Association VI (Helsinki, Finland, September 2013) for their contribution to regional activities..... 160

APPENDIX. List of participants............................................................................................... 162

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 Finland, the sixteenth session of the Regional Association VI (Europe) was held from 11 to 17 September 2013 at the Marina Congress Centre in Helsinki, Finland.

1.2 Professor Petteri Taalas, Director General of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and Permanent Representative of Finland with WMO, welcomed all participants to Finland and Helsinki. He underlined that the Regional Association VI had a major contribution to the work of WMO, assuming responsibility for developing and execution of numerous committees, working groups, training of personnel, sharing of expertise and establishment of joint European organizations. Although the Region had contributed a lot to WMO, it was also facing many challenges, but also opportunities. Due to the economic difficulties in many parts of the Region, most of the NMHSs have been facing budget and personnel cuts causing difficulties in maintaining and modernizing their observing and IT systems. Professor Taalas stressed that it was imperative to convince the governments of the socio-economic value of the services provided by the NMHSs that would improve the necessary funding for development. At the same time, there was a growing need to provide better early warning services, and seasonal and decadal climate services within the climate adaptation process. In order to be able to meet the demands for the future, the session should set out clear priorities of the Regional Association and agree on concrete actions for the coming intersessional period.

1.3 Mr Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of WMO, in his address, expressed deep appreciation to Prof. Taalas, the Director-General of the Finnish Meteorological Institute and to the Government of Finland for hosting the session and for the excellent arrangements made for the session. He also thanked Mr Ivan Čačić, the president of Regional Association VI and Ms Vida Auguliene, the vice-president, for their able leadership and for the successful implementation of the Association’s activities during the intersessional period since its fifteenth session. He also expressed appreciation to all the chairs, working group and task team members for their contributions to the success of the Association and thanked all the Members that provided experts for subsidiary bodies. The Secretary-General underlined the successful sub-regional, regional and inter-regional partnerships that led to substantial regional achievements during the intersessional period, such as the establishment of the RA VI Network of Regional Climate Centres; the organization of the Regional Climate Outlook Forums for South-East Europe and North Euroasia, with planned further extension to Polar arctic and Mediterranean regions; the adoption of regional implementation plans for the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and for the WMO Information System (WIS). Mr Jarraud expressed WMO’s appreciation for the generous support of several RA VI Members to many of the activities of the Organization and in particular the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) and the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) and urged RA VI Members to continue so doing. He also expressed his gratitude for the contributions that a number of Members from Region VI were making to capacity development activities in other Regions as well as for their assistance to developing countries through projects, education and training, twinning and coaching. He wished all the delegates an enjoyable stay and a very successful and productive session.

1.4 On behalf of the Government of Finland, H.E. Ms Merja Kyllönen, the Minister of Transport, welcomed the participants to Finland and Helsinki. She stressed on the importance of the weather services for the transport sector, in particular for winter conditions in Finland. She commended the 175 years old Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) for its excellent service to the Finnish society, which have become even more vital in the adaptation to the climate change. The Minister acknowledged further that the high-quality weather services in Finland were not a result of one operator alone. Services, weather forecast models, and observation systems have been developed in international cooperation, within WMO, and mainly together with European partners and many other institutes of the Regional Association VI. She expressed the hope for a continuous successful cooperation as the key to positive development even if resources become scarce. Finally Minister Kyllönen expressed her appreciation to the excellent management of the FMI, and

2 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI especially its Director General, Prof. Petteri Taalas. She emphasized the management skills and wide international and national experience of Prof. Taalas. She told that the Government of Finland has decided to nominate Prof. Taalas as a candidate for the WMO Secretary-General position for the term 2016-19.

1.5 The president of Regional Association VI, Mr Ivan Čačić (Croatia), expressed a warm welcome to all participants to the sixteenth session of the Association. He conveyed his sincere gratitude to all RA VI Members for the excellent cooperation during the last four years. He thanked the Finish Government for hosting the RA VI session and the Finish Meteorological Institute for the excellent preparations and world-class technical support. The president acknowledged the professionalism and engagement of the WMO Secretariat in preparing this session, for which he expressed his thanks to the WMO Secretary-General, Mr Jarraud. He was pleased to note the effectiveness and efficiency of the Regional Association in establishing a cooperative and synergetic working structure, which helped the NMHSs to deliver high quality products and services to governments, users and society as a whole. Words of particular appreciation were addressed to the members of the RA VI Management Group, the RA VI working groups and task teams, whose work made a difference not only in Region VI (Europe), but contributed to the whole WMO community. He underlined the leading role of RA VI in many WMO processes and activities, including the setting up of the regional elements of the Global Framework of Climate Services (GFCS). The president thanked also the WMO Regional Office for Europe for the efficient support during the intersessional period.

1.6 The president of the Association declared the sixteenth session of the Regional Association VI (Europe) open at 15:00 on Wednesday, 11 September 2013.

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (agenda item 2)

2.1 Consideration of the report on credentials (agenda item 2.1)

2.1.1 The representative of the Secretary-General presented reports on credentials taking into account the documents received prior to and during the session. The Association accepted the reports and declared that it would not be necessary to establish a Credentials Committee.

2.1.2 The session was attended by 131 participants from 38 Members of Regional Association VI (Europe), one observer from one Member from outside the Region, 11 from international organizations and five other participants. The list of participants is given in the appendix to the present report.

2.2 Adoption of the agenda (agenda item 2.2)

2.2.1 The Association agreed to have an additional item on Data management applications in support of the Global Framework for Climate Services under the agenda item 4.4: WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and WMO Information System (WIS).

2.2.2 The Provisional Annotated Agenda for the session was unanimously adopted.

2.3 Establishment of committees (agenda item 2.3)

Drafting Committee

2.3.1 The Association agreed not to establish a Drafting Committee.

Credentials Committee

2.3.2 The first report on credentials was considered and unanimously accepted under agenda item 2.1; therefore, a Credentials Committee was agreed not to be established.

GENERAL SUMMARY 3 Coordination Committee

2.3.3 To ensure the proper coordination of the activities of the session, a Coordination Committee was set up. As specified by the General Regulation 29, the Coordination Committee consisted of the president and the vice-president of the Association, the representative of the Secretary-General, and the secretaries of the plenary sessions.

Nomination Committee

2.3.4 In order to facilitate the election of officers of the Association, in accordance with General Regulation 25, a Nomination Committee was established to review nominations received for the president and vice president of the Regional Association.

2.3.5 Based on consultation with principal delegates concerned, the Nomination Committee was composed of the delegates of Bulgaria (Mr Georgi Kortchev), of Ireland (Mr Liam Campbell), of Italy (Mr Luigi De Leonibus), of Latvia (Ms Inita Stikute), and of Slovenia (Mr Klemen Bergant). Mr Liam Campbell, the delegate of Ireland, was invited to be the chairperson of the Committee.

2.4 Other organizational matters (agenda item 2.4)

2.4.1 The Association established its working hours for the duration of the session from 9:00 to 12:00 a.m. and from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

2.4.2 It was agreed that the technical work of the Session will be carried out by all plenary sessions set up for this purpose, having simultaneous interpretation in three languages: English, French and Russian.

2.4.3 The plenary sessions were chaired by Mr Ivan Čačić, the president of RA VI and by Ms Vida Auguliene, the vice-president of RA VI.

2.4.4 Mr Rob Masters, the Director of the Development and Regional Activities Department and Mr Dimitar Ivanov, Chief of the Regional Office for Europe from WMO Secretariat acted as Secretaries to the plenary sessions; other WMO staff assisted with presentation of different documents and related discussions directly or remotely by video conference.

2.4.5 According to the decision by the Executive Council at its fiftieth session (Geneva, June 1988), no minutes of the plenary meeting at sessions of regional associations should be prepared unless otherwise decided for special items. The Association accepted the decision of the Executive Council.

2.4.6 The Association designated Mr Christian Plüss, delegate of Switzerland, as rapporteur on Agenda item 10 - Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the Association and of relevant Executive Council resolutions.

2.4.7 The Association agreed to waive, during the duration of the session, the Regulation 110, which indicates that any document intended for consideration in a plenary meeting should be distributed to participants in the session at least eighteen hours before the opening of the plenary meeting.

3. REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION (agenda item 3)

3.1 The Association noted with appreciation the report of the president of RA VI, Mr I. Čačić (Croatia), which provided an overall review and assessment of the major activities of the Association since its fifteenth session and expressed satisfaction of the effective manner in which the activities of the Association have been undertaken. The president also highlighted the issues that the Association would have to address as a matter of priority during the next intersessional period.

4 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 3.2 The Association commended Mr Čačić for his dedication, enthusiasm and the initiative with which he had conducted the affairs of the Association, thus contributing to the further development of weather, climate and water services in the Region. The Association also commended the two vice-presidents, Mr M. Ostojski (Poland) during the period from September 2009 to July 2011 and Ms V. Aguliene (Lithuania) during the period from October 2011 to the end of the intersessional period, for their valuable contribution to the work of the Association. It also expressed its appreciation to the chairs and members of the working groups and task teams for their significant effort in carrying out the activities of the Association.

3.3 The Association extended its appreciation to Members who co-sponsored and hosted various regional events during the intersessional period and encouraged them to continue to provide the necessary support to the activities of the Association.

3.4 The Association commended the president for the successful implementation of the new structure of the subsidiary bodies: management group, three working groups and a number of task teams. The newly established working mechanism required all subsidiary bodies to develop realistic work programmes with clearly defined tasks, deliverables and timelines. The Association agreed that this action-oriented approach allowed the subsidiary bodies to work effectively throughout the intersessional period and deliver the expected outcomes.

3.5 The Association noted that under the leadership of the president, the Management Group and its Task Team on the RA VI Strategic Plan and Action Plan, established a process of continuous review and update in the implementation of the RA VI Strategic Plan for the Enhancement of Meteorological and Hydrological Services (2008-2011) about the development of a new RA VI Operating Plan (2012-2015) following the adoption by Cg-XVI of the WMO Strategic Plan (2012-2015). This has been implemented through a consultative process with Members to identify urgent tasks and priorities, and with the Secretariat to identify and secure the necessary resources for the priority tasks.

3.6 The Association noted further the main achievement outlined in the president’s report as a follow-up on the decisions and recommendations of its fifteenth session:

(a) Timely completion by the Management Group of the membership of the working groups established by the fifteenth session and the related task teams with their terms of reference and work programmes that allowed initiation of the work of the subsidiary bodies with no delay;

(b) The progress in implementation of the regional elements of the GFCS, including the successful completion of the pilot phase of the RA VI RCC-Network in accordance with the plan approved by the president in June 2009 and with Resolution 1 (XV-RA VI). The Association noted with satisfaction the completion of the formal designation process of the RA VI RCC-Network by CBS-15 and subsequently EC-65 and commended the Members of the three RCC-Network node consortia for their major contribution to this achievement;

(c) The implementation of pilot activities in introducing of Climate Watch Services in the Region;

(d) The active contribution by RA VI Members to climate system monitoring services including the regular publications of the Monthly and Annual Bulletins on the Climate in WMO Region VI, the WMO Annual and Decadal Statements on the Status of the Global Climate and the Annual Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS) publication on the State of the Climate facilitated by WMO;

(e) The expansion of the RCOF mechanism in RA VI: the achieved sustainability of the South-East European COF (SEECOF) and the introduction of a new electronic format for conduct of COF sessions; the establishment of the North-Eurasia COF (NEACOF) with participation of Members from RA VI and RA II; and the initiation of a

GENERAL SUMMARY 5

Mediterranean COF (MEDCOF) as an inter-regional cooperation between RA VI and RA I;

(f) The significant progress in the implementation of the WIS under a regional implementation plan which allowed engagement of most of the RA VI Members, including: establishment of an effective mechanism for monitoring the WIS implementation through a regional focal point (provided by the DWD, Germany) and in close coordination with the Secretariat; putting into operation of the planned GISCs in RA VI by the respective host countries; designation of the National Centres (NC) and WIS focal points by the Members;

(g) Related to WIS implementation is the development and deployment of the new RMDCN led by ECMWF; the steady progress with the migration to the table-driven code forms (TDCF) by the majority of the RA VI Members;

(h) The preparation of the RA VI WIGOS Implementation Plan, which will guide the regional and national WIGOS-related activities by during the next intersessional period;

(i) The establishment of the RA VI Hydrology Forum as a platform for hydrologists within the Region to discuss matters of common concern, which was recognized as instrumental for promoting the recognition of WMO in the field of water;

(j) The progress in developing methodologies, sharing experience and engaging Members in conducting analysis of the socio-economic benefits (SEB) stemming from the meteorological, climatological and hydrological services; the Regional SEB Conference organized in collaboration with Switzerland and the follow-up actions by the Task Team on SEB including the established collaboration with the World Bank and social scientists for the development of a joint publication on methodologies for assessment of the benefits of services provided by NMHSs;

(k) The continuous efforts in developing the capacity of NMHSs to provide better services in support of DRR: the completion of the first phase of the DRR project for Western Balkans and Turkey and the start of the second phase with financial support from the European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement and in close collaboration with UNDP (in phase one) and with UNISDR (in phase two);

(l) The capacity development project for the RA VI Members in the Middle East (Jordan and Lebanon) with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aimed at enhancing capacity for provision of services in support of water management, DRR and adaptation to climate change.

3.7 The Association commended the president for his active involvement in the work of the WMO Bureau and the meetings of the presidents of regional associations (PRA) and the joint meeting of the presidents of regional associations and presidents of technical commissions (PRA/PTC) in which he successfully presented the views and needs of the Association. The Association also appreciated the active participation of the president in the EC Working Group on the Strategic and Operational Planning (EC WG-SOP) and the EC Working Group on Capacity Development (EC WG-CD).

3.8 The Association further acknowledged the efforts by the president to establish close cooperation and collaboration with other Regions, in particular, with the neighbouring Region I (Africa) and Region II (Asia) to address issues of common interest. The president put a lot of effort in establishing better coordination with Technical Commissions, including CBS, CHy, CAgM and JCOMM.

3.9 The president presented his views of the main priorities for the Association during the intersessional period 2014–2017, as follows:

6 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (a) The implementation of GFCS as directed by the WMO Extraordinary Congress

(Resolution 1 (Cg-Ext.(2012) refers) will be the main priority for the Association. The Region should be actively involved in the work of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services (IBCS) mostly through the RA VI members of the Management Committee (Italy, Germany, Norway, Russian Federation, Switzerland and Turkey). The president requested those Members to participate in a region-wide consultative process in order to ensure that the views and needs of the RA VI Members are adequately communicated to the IBCS;

(b) The future development of the regional elements of GFCS should be given high priority. In particular, the uptake by the Members of the products and services of the RA VI RCC-Network and the provision of feed-back will be crucial for the operationalization of the Network and enhanced usefulness of its services. Based on the success of the pilot activities, the further development of the Climate Watch Services could bring significant benefits to Members. The RCOFs should continue to assist Members in the downscaling of the GPC products to sub-regional and local scales thus providing a basis for improved seasonal forecasts;

(c) The Association should continue working towards ensuring an appropriate role of the NMHSs in the GFCS and be active in the related policy matters, in particular data policy. In this regard, the president requested the Members to participate in the discussions and express their views and concerns so that a consolidated regional position could be followed through the decision-making process;

(d) Noting that the WIS implementation in the Region has already gained momentum, the president encouraged Members to expedite the establishment and operationalization of the planned WIS centres, in particular the NCs and DCPCs in order to meet the target date of 2015. The president requested the Members hosting GISCs in RA VI to continue their assistance to the Members in their areas of responsibility in order to maximize the benefits of the WIS usage;

(e) The implementation of WIGOS will be another high priority task and the adoption of the RA VI WIGOS Implementation Plan would be a crucial step. Members should be strongly encouraged to develop their national WIGOS implementation plans; in this regard, sharing of good practices would be of great value. To ensure harmonized implementation, an active regional subsidiary body should be established to monitor implementation and identify Members’ capacity development needs to be addressed through regional cooperation. In the same timeframe, the relevant Technical Commission should deliver the expected regulatory framework for WIGOS;

(f) The RA VI survey on institutional arrangements conducted in early 2013 identified clearly that the NMHSs in a number of Members in the Region have been strongly affected by the unfavourable economic conditions. Thus, many NMHSs have experienced budget and staff cuts and in some cases, the NMHSs have been struggling to sustain their basic operations with no possibility for growth or modernization. These conditions also affected the possibility of such Members to participate in the regional activities, e.g., to provide experts for the RA VI working groups or task teams. Recognizing those difficulties, the Association should strive to strengthen the cooperation between Members and find appropriate formats for assistance to those most in need;

(g) Notwithstanding the economic difficulties, during the intersessional period many Members in RA VI have achieved significant improvements in their services through implementing new business models and approaches that brought efficiencies, improved quality and user’s satisfaction. It was remarkable to note that almost 50 per cent of the RA VI Members have already implemented ISO 9001 QMS for the whole range of services provided by their NMHSs. The president strongly encouraged Members to continue this trend and put quality and user’s satisfaction into the focus of their

GENERAL SUMMARY 7

development plans, moreover, there was a profound trend in the Region of commercialization of services that require the NMHSs to think seriously of their competitiveness and efficiency;

(h) The president stressed further that the positive developments in providing assistance to Members in conducting SEB analysis and studies should be maintained during the next intersessional period. He invited Members to establish twinning projects in the field of SEB analysis and to utilize the guidance material already made available;

(i) The Association noted the specific challenges to the Region pointed out by the president regarding the aeronautical meteorological services. The EU Single European Sky regulations were being further developed and the operationalization of the functional airspace blocks was under way. Members were under strong pressure to ensure compliance with requirements from ICAO, EU and WMO, including those for the competences of the aeronautical meteorological personnel. Thus, the aeronautical meteorology issues should be in the focus of the Association during the next intersessional period in order to build common approaches and ensure effective response to the changing requirements with engagement of all Members;

(j) The Association noted the concerns of the president regarding the significant number of extreme weather events and natural disasters that have hit the Region during the last four years. Widespread floods, prolonged heat waves and droughts, extremely cold and snowy winters, severe convective storms and forest fires, affected almost every Member in the Region. The financial losses caused by hydrometeorological and climatological hazards have been on the rise and exceed an average 10 billion Euros per year and the fatalities have also been significant. In these circumstances, the provision of accurate early warnings for weather, climate and water-related hazards will continue to be the highest priority for the NMHSs of the RA VI Members. The president encouraged stronger regional cooperation in order to assist those Members who have not yet established effective early warning systems. He expressed his thanks to the European Commission for the fruitful cooperation established through its Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) Programme for developing the capacity in DRR in the Western Balkans and Turkey. The IPA projects in the sub-region helped in strengthening the cooperation between the NMHSs and disaster risk management agencies at national and regional level;

(k) The president emphasized that one of the big challenges for the Association was the great diversity of the Region with regard to the socio-economic, technological and climatic conditions in the different sub-regions which reflected also on the level of development and capabilities of the NMHSs. The well-established cooperation mostly in the EU area with the three regional organizations ECMWF, EUMETSAT and EUMETNET has contributed to levelling the access to data and products and harmonization of the service provision. Similar cooperation has taken place between the CIS countries through the Interstate Council on Hydrometeorology (ICH). However, there are still significant gaps with regard to the capabilities of Members to access data and products and to provide high quality services due to various institutional and financial reasons. Therefore, the president strongly encouraged the most developed Members and the international organizations, in cooperation with the WMO Secretariat, to continue and strengthen their efforts in assisting the developing Members through the different methods for knowledge and technology transfer. The president pointed out as a best practice and commended the EUMETSAT for their DAWBEE project (Data Access for Western Balkans and Eastern Europe), which provided EUMETCast stations and related training to ten Members in RA VI;

(l) Acknowledging the progress made during the intersessional period, the president stressed that the efforts to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the regional activities should be intensified in the coming years. The subsidiary bodies should prioritize their work programmes in order to address the most important needs of the

8 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Members by developing practical guidance based on identified good practices and organizing regional events to help in the implementation of the WMO programmes and strategies. Increased use of modern information technology should be in the focus of all working groups and task teams. In close cooperation with the Secretariat and the technical commissions, the regional implementation plans should be continuously monitored and any deficiencies related to inability of some Members to follow the established timelines should be promptly identified and act upon through corrective measures. Opportunities for advancing the implementation through partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the Region should be further studied and utilized;

(m) The RA VI Hydrology Forum has been recognized as the only existing platform for cooperation and discussions of the hydrological community (NHSs) in the field of operational hydrology within the RA VI. The Association, while noting that the Hydrology Forum work should be conducted mainly through electronic means, supported the proposal of the president and the Management Group that the meetings of the Forum could be continued and meet every two years to provide guidance and advice to relevant subsidiary bodies and Members in the field of hydrology.

3.10 The president expressed sincere thanks to all experts from the Region who contributed greatly to the work of the Association, in particular the chairs and the members of the different subsidiary bodies who devoted their efforts to advance the regional tasks. He appreciated the spirit of cooperation and volunteerism which was typical for the Region and appealed to the Permanent Representatives of RA VI Members to continue the support to regional activities despite the resource difficulties they have been experiencing.

3.11 The Association noted the appreciation expressed by the president to the WMO Secretariat, in particular, to the Department of Development and Regional Activities (DRA) and its Regional Office for Europe (ROE), for the assistance provided to him and for the effective and efficient organization of the activities of the Association during the intersessional period. He requested the Secretary-General to consider further strengthening of ROE in view of the amount of activities and projects being organized and managed by the Office.

4. PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES – REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 4)

4.1 Service delivery (agenda item 4.1)

Public Weather Services (PWS)

“The WMO Strategy for Service Delivery” and its Implementation Plan

4.1.1 The Association recalled that Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (Cg-XVI, Geneva, Switzerland, May-June 2011) had adopted the “WMO Strategy for Service Delivery” (the Strategy) and had consequently requested regional associations (RAs) to facilitate its adoption by Members. The Association further noted that the sixty-fifth session of the WMO Executive Council (EC-65, Geneva, May 2013) had adopted Resolution 4 (EC-65) - Implementation Plan for the “WMO Strategy for Service Delivery”. The Association expressed its appreciation that the Public Weather Services (PWS) Programme had provided support in the development of the Strategy and its Implementation Plan (IP) through facilitating wide consultations with the presidents of regional associations, presidents of technical commissions, experts from a number of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), as well as other WMO Programmes. It welcomed the fact that the Strategy and its IP were in the process of being published in all official WMO languages. The Association therefore adopted Resolution 1 (RA VI-16) – Implementation of the WMO Strategy for Service Delivery in Regional Association VI (Europe), in which the Association gave the Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership (WG-SDP) the role of ensuring a harmonized and synchronized implementation of the Strategy by Members of RA VI.

GENERAL SUMMARY 9 4.1.2 The Association supported the recommendations of the WG-SDP, and agreed that it was important that the user community values and supports the services provided by NMHSs of Members, and that for this to happen, NMHSs needed to devote time and effort to understanding and meeting user needs. It therefore supported the recommendations for NMHSs of the Region to: (1) ensure that each National Meteorological or Hydrometeorological Service (NMS) has the infrastructure, staff, data and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) output required to deliver PWS; (2) understand who users are and how they could benefit from PWS; (3) engage fully with users to ensure that they get what they need now, and in the future; (4) work closely with partners to ensure effective delivery of PWS; and, (5) monitor, report, review and improve all aspects of PWS, especially with regard to service delivery.

Social, Economic and Policy Impacts of Weather, Climate and Water1 Services

4.1.3 The Association noted that EC-65 had strongly supported the idea of assisting NMHSs acquire capacities to communicate the social and economic benefits of their services to their governments and to other decision-makers and welcomed plans by the PWS Programme to prepare relevant guidance material for this purpose. It welcomed the preparation, by WMO, in collaboration with the Word Bank, of an authoritative publication on methodologies for assessment of the benefits of services provided by NMHSs. In this regard, the Association noted with appreciation, that the PWS Programme, in collaboration with the WMO Regional Office for Europe (ROE), had organized an experts’ meeting with representatives from a number of NMHSs and user sectors, economists from the World Bank, and social scientists (Geneva, Switzerland, April 2013). This meeting was organized under the auspices of the “WMO Forum: Social and Economic Applications and Benefits of Weather, Climate and Water Services”, during which work on preparation of the joint publication began. The Association underlined the importance of the development of the publication, and urged its Members to make maximum use of it in the evaluation of the Socio-Economic Benefits of their NHMSs’ products and services.

4.1.4 The Association considered the report of the Task Team on Socio-Economic Benefits (TT-SEB) on advancing methodologies for assessment of socio-economic benefits of climate and weather services in the Region. It agreed with the recommendation of the Task Team that the Madrid Action Plan (MAP) be improved by describing more precisely on what needs to be done, by whom, and under what conditions. As MAP emphasizes significant amounts of cooperation and interaction with actors outside the circles of WMO and NMHSs, the Association agreed that its text should also appeal to those parties and indicate explicitly the involvement of the parties in various actions.

4.1.5 The Association expressed its appreciation to the Task Team for delivering an RA VI guidance document on SEB which explains why societal cost-benefit analysis are important and gives an overview of socio-economic assessment methods. The Association noted that the guideline would be highly important to NMHSs of the Region for setting up SEB studies, enhancing their visibility to stakeholders, and demonstrating their benefits to society. The Association urged Members to make use of the guidance2.

4.1.6 The Association agreed that, as recommended by Resolution 7 (EC-64), further study and clarification of the effects of social, economic and policy impacts of weather, climate and warning services should be pursued during the next intersessional period, emphasis should shift to gaining experience and insights through practical activities such as: SEB pilot studies in the Region; developing a platform for dissemination and learning on SEB topics; enhancing the professional exchange and cooperation between meteorologists and economists; and adopting technical and social innovations that could contribute to socio-economic benefits of weather, climate and hydrological services. In this regard, the Association recognized the value of the WMO RA VI Conference on Social and Economic Benefits of Weather, Climate and Water Services, which was held in Lucerne, Switzerland in 2011 and urged Members to consider organizing a follow up regional conference on SEB. 1 In this instance water services refers specifically to hydrological services 2 The documents and guidance materials resulting from the work of all the Task Teams of the WG-SDP are available

online at the WMO/RA VI website at: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/eur/RA6_WG_SDP.php.

10 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Improving Forecast and Warning Services

4.1.7 Recognizing the need to move towards impact-based forecasting, the Association noted the necessity for establishing formal collaborative and coordination mechanisms between NMHSs and national agencies responsible for civil protection. The Association supported the ongoing process of preparing guidance material for NMHSs on developing multi-hazard impact-based information and warning services by the Commission for Basic Systems Open Programme Area Group on Public Weather Services Expert Team on Meeting User Needs in Reducing the Impacts of Hydrometeorological Hazards (CBS/OPAG-PWS ET/DPM), in collaboration with relevant CBS OPAGs as approved by its fifteenth session (CBS-15, Jakarta, Indonesia, September 2012). The Association was further informed of the positive feedback received from stakeholders in the United Kingdom (UK) following the introduction by the Met Office of an impact-based national severe weather warning service in 2011. Building on this success, an impact-based model was being developed for other UK natural hazards in collaboration with other responsible agencies, organizations, and end user communities under the umbrella of the UK Natural Hazards Partnership. The Association noted with appreciation that the UK Met Office was willing to work with WMO to share these experiences.

4.1.8 The Association welcomed the initiatives that the PWS Programme had taken in recent years towards promotion of the implementation of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) standard for communicating alerts. It noted that the PWS Programme had organized the “CAP Implementation Workshop” and the “CAP Jump-Start Workshop”, (Geneva, Switzerland, April 2013), in an effort to encourage the engagement of Members in adopting the CAP standard. It recognized that the concept of CAP was not yet widely understood and that NMHSs needed assistance, through initiatives such as the CAP Jump-Start workshops, in becoming familiar with this technology and its utility. It therefore urged its Members to take up the CAP Jump-Start Offer, as described at the following web page: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/amp/pwsp/ CAPJumpStart_en.html, and to visit the PWS CAP web pages, for more information and publications at: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/amp/pwsp/CommonAlertingProtocol_en.html

4.1.9 The Association noted the importance of the “International Register of Alerting Authorities” in promoting the “single official voice” status for NMHSs in issuing weather warnings, and encouraged its Members to actively participate in the Register initiative by nominating editors to populate the web pages of the Register with government departments and other institutions authorized to issue warnings in their respective countries. It encouraged Members to make full use of the PWS Technical Document entitled, “Administrative Procedure for Registering WMO Alerting Identifiers” (PWS-20, WMO/TD-No. 1556). This publication is free to the public, and can be accessed at: http://library.wmo.int/opac/index.php?lvl=etagere_see&id=41

4.1.10 The Association noted that the Task Team on Warning Services (TT-WARN) had worked on three main areas of the WG-SDP workplan to: (1) monitor and promote cross-border exchange of warnings; (2) analyse possible improvements of warning capabilities and propose respective actions; and (3) examine how to extend EUMETNET EMMA/Meteoalarm to all RA VI Members (and other WMO Regions). The Association was pleased that TT-WARN had delivered a set of documents advising on how to improve the warning capabilities of NMHSs in the Region which were available freely online on the WMO/RA VI website.

4.1.11 The Association welcomed the Task Team’s recommendation to enhance benefits resulting from cross-boarder exchange of warnings between NMHSs through direct interaction (e.g., by phone or video) between forecasters from neighbouring countries in the onset phase of a severe weather event. Furthermore, it recalled the importance of the Meteoalarm as a platform for cross boarder warning information exchange. The Association noted with appreciation that the Task Team had produced guidance material on how to meet the minimum warning requirements for NMHSs, so as to enable NMHSs to prepare for joining Meteoalarm. In this regard, it requested that a Content Management System (CMS) within Meteoalarm (Meteoalarm Phase IV) be developed to enable NMHSs to tailor their desired cross-border warnings exchange.

GENERAL SUMMARY 11 4.1.12 The Association welcomed the development of proposals on how to make available, additional appropriate severe weather guidance products (Models & Methodologies) to the Region including ideas on how to involve the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) in developing additional severe weather guidance products. It further noted that a set of best practice recommendations on NMHSs communication with Civil Protection Agencies (CPAs) and the Media containing pros and cons of different communication methods for warnings had been made available.

4.1.13 Regarding future work, the Association recognized the importance of warning services to NMHSs in the Region and stressed that it would be necessary to further enhance warning capabilities in RA VI. It therefore emphasized the need to: (1) develop a concept for mentoring activities that supports relevant staff from less advanced NMHSs in the Region with a view to improving warning service capabilities; (2) facilitate the realization of such a concept; and (3) collect, within RA VI, best practice examples of severe weather warning verification with a view to advising on effective verification procedures that could be implemented easily.

4.1.14 The Association appreciated the continued operational success of the World Weather Information Service (WWIS) website, now available in ten language versions, namely: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; German; Italian; Polish; Portuguese; Russian; and Spanish, providing forecasts for 1 700 cities and with cumulative page visits surpassing the 1 billion mark (http://worldweather.wmo.int/). The Association was pleased at the recent launch of the “MyWorldWeather” iPhone and Android applications and encouraged Members to continue to increase the number of cities for which they provided forecasts, the lead time, as well as the frequency of updating the forecasts (https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/myworldweather/ id453654229?mt=8). It also urged Members to make use of the recently issued PWS “Guidelines on Participation of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the WMO World Weather Information Service”, (PWS-25, WMO-No. 1096), to assist NMHSs enhance their participation in WWIS. This publication can be accessed at: http://library.wmo.int/opac/index.php?lvl=etagere _see&id=41

Capacity Development for PWS

4.1.15 The Association stressed the need for organizing capacity-building activities appropriate to each of the major areas of PWS in RA VI, and especially for NMHSs in the South East European (SEE) countries which need support in building modern disaster risk reduction capacities. These would include pilot projects and training sessions in the areas of improvement of service delivery; improvement and demonstration of SEB by NMHSs; and improvement of warning services such as through the CAP standard. In this regard, the Association expressed pleasure with the various guidelines that the PWS Programme had produced during the intersessional period and which were freely available online at the following web link: http://library.wmo.int/opac/i ndex.php?lvl=etagere_see&id=41

4.1.16 With regard to the recommendation by Cg-XVI that all technical commissions define competency requirements for their core job tasks, the Association stressed the importance for development of requirements for PWS forecasters and advisors. It was pleased to note that competency framework documents were being developed within CBS and the EC Panel of Experts on Education and Training. The documents included: competencies for PWS forecasters, which would be the fundamental document; and other competencies for specialized roles such as forecasters working in the media, emergency management, and on the development of focused products for users. These competency frameworks would not have regulatory force as is the case for competency standards in aviation meteorology, but would be guidance for Members in establishing and demonstrating appropriate levels of competency among their forecast staff.

Aeronautical Meteorology including Quality Management Systems

4.1.17 The Association recalled that aeronautical meteorology was one of the five WMO strategic priorities for the sixteenth financial period. The Association noted the various arrangements existing in the Region with regard to the role of the NMHSs of RA VI Members as

12 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI meteorological authority (MA) and the meteorological service provider (MSP), ranging from a combined MA/MSP role in about half of the Member countries, to no defined role at all in about 20% of the Members. Noting these regional specifics, the Association acknowledged that, for a large part of the Region, the cost recovery from aviation continued to constitute a significant portion of the overall funding of the meteorological services.

4.1.18 The Association was reminded of the challenges for NMHSs in providing services to aviation which are reflected in the Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology (CAeM) five top level priorities below:

(a) Implementing and sustaining of QMS for the provision of service to international air navigation, as required by ICAO Annex 3;

(b) Undertaking assessment and documentation of the competence of Aeronautical Meteorological Personnel (AMP), noting the implementation deadline of 1 December 2013;

(c) Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of SIGMET issuance through improved coordination;

(d) Further developing services to aviation, in particular for air traffic management in high-density airspace;

(e) Improving Members’ ability to respond to volcanic ash and other large-scale, high-impact events, e.g. space weather, chemical and nuclear incidents.

4.1.19 The Association noted the overall good progress in the Region concerning these priority areas. In particular, the implementation of QMS has been completed by almost all RA VI Members by the deadline established by ICAO (15 November 2012) with only a few exceptions in the South-eastern part of the Region. Moreover, almost 50% of the NMHSs of RA VI Members have already implemented QMS in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001 standard for the whole range of their activities. The Association requested the Management Group to establish a mechanism for both gathering regional aviation-related priorities and for monitoring and evaluating the regional implementation of activities relating to these priorities.

4.1.20 The Association further appreciated the prompt and well-coordinated reaction to major volcanic eruptions in Iceland of both the operational and scientific meteorological communities, including the close collaboration with related research fields such as geophysics and volcanology. This prompt reaction has been highly appreciated by the strongly affected aviation sector and contributed to building further partnerships in extended research and development of operational procedures aimed at mitigating the negative safety and economic impacts on aviation of volcanic eruptions.

4.1.21 The Association considered the vigorous developments towards a more efficient organization of the air traffic in the Region as formulated in the European Air Traffic Management (ATM) Master Plan endorsed by the European Council as a key element of the European Single European Sky (SES). The Association noted that the SES regulations, and their recent extension SES 2+, would have a major impact on the provision of meteorological services as part of the air navigation services by most RA VI Members (both EU and non-EU Members). Among those was an increasing pressure for more competitive and commercial service provision. The Association underlined that these trends need to be carefully monitored and discussed, given the importance of assuring aviation safety and service quality, and sustaining fair and equitable cost recovery mechanisms. The Association requested therefore that there should be more information sharing and coordination between the sub-regional aviation meteorological groups (e.g., EUMETNET/ AVIMET, PT-East) and CAeM.

4.1.22 The Association recognized with concern the possible significant implications on future aviation MET service provision, of the numerous and complex ATM developments currently being

GENERAL SUMMARY 13 planned at the global and regional level. The Association agreed on the need to gain a greater understanding of these issues to better inform future discussions and requested the WMO Secretariat to organize a regional conference that would also build on the outcomes of the Conjoint MET Divisional Meeting in July 2014. The conference would be organized with ICAO, and other relevant stakeholder groups to raise awareness among RA VI Members and promote the development of a coordinated approach among the RA VI Members in addressing the numerous organizational, regulatory and operational issues related to the meteorological service provision in the new European ATM environment. The Association adopted Resolution 2 (RA VI-16) – Conference on the future of meteorological service provision to civil aviation in Europe.

Support for the Twinning/Mentoring Framework in Quality Management Systems (QMS) Implementation

4.1.23 The Association recognized that, following the expiry of the deadline on 15 November 2012, ICAO provisions concerning the Quality Management of meteorological services for international air navigation were now upgraded from a Recommended Practice to a Standard. While for Members under the Single European Sky legislative framework these requirements have been met for some time, individual Members outside this sub-region are still requiring advice and support to finalize their QMS implementation.

4.1.24 To assist in completing the QMS implementation in the Region, the Association was reminded of the actions recommended by EC-65 to make best use of an agreement between the ICAO and WMO Secretariats on accepted ways of demonstrating compliance prior to obtaining an ISO 9001 certificate, as well as of a ‘twinning’ or ‘mentoring’ framework established by Resolution 26 (Cg-XV) and supported by the CAeM Task Team on the QMS Implementation.

4.1.25 The Association appreciated the valuable contribution of Austria, Finland and Poland to the success of the twinning and mentoring framework. It encouraged RA VI Members that need assistance for finalization of the QMS implementation to make best use of the WMO QMF website http://www.bom.gov.au/wmo/quality_management.shtml and seek assistance through the Secretariat.

Competence of Aeronautical Meteorological Personnel (AMP)

4.1.26 The Association, noting the deadline for implementation of the AMP Competence Standards of 1 December 2013 as given in the WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49, Vol. 1, edition 2011, updated 2012), was informed of the rapid progress in the implementation of the CAeM Competence Assessment Toolkit with the help of the relevant CAeM task and expert teams.

4.1.27 The Association warmly welcomed the holding of AMP competency assessment workshops hosted and facilitated by Members in the Region (Romania, Russian Federation, Israel, United Kingdom). It supported the cost-effective approach through mapping of required competencies to web-based and other training material, with a view to addressing any competency deficits detected by the assessments. The Association strongly recommended Members to make best use of the http://www.caem.wmo.int/moodle/ website for full information. The Association welcomed also the highly productive cooperation with the US COMET programme which has provided access to a range of modules including a newly developed module on QMS available on the COMET website at https://www.meted.ucar.edu/index.php.

4.1.28 The Association further reminded Members of the obligation to provide evidence of compliance with the Qualifications requirements included in the WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49, Vol. 1) by 1 December 2016, for their aviation forecasters. It noted the advice by Congress that a university degree was not a necessary condition for an aviation forecaster. However, the required qualifications for work areas and job functions of an aviation forecaster have to include the relevant elements of the Basic Instruction Package – Meteorology (BIP-M) at university degree level. In this regard, Members were strongly encouraged to advise the Regional Training Centres on their requirements for remedial or additional training as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to develop options for meeting these requirements.

14 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4.1.29 The Association strongly encouraged all Members to provide the Secretariat with regularly updated information on their compliance with the relevant technical regulations, as both QMS and Competence required a continued effort to retain compliant status.

Meteorological services for air traffic management and data-centric information exchange models

4.1.30 The Association noted the work of the Expert and Task Teams jointly established by CAeM and CBS to drive and facilitate the migration of the current aeronautical meteorological information (such as METAR/SPECI, TAF and SIGMET) to an XML/GML digital form, formatted in accordance with a globally interoperable information exchange model.

4.1.31 The Association noted that ICAO, with the assistance of WMO, was addressing the future system-wide information management of aeronautical meteorological information to support the future global ATM environment. New services are being developed for the regional ATM improvement programmes such as NextGen (United States), SESAR-JU (European Union) and CARATS (Japan), aiming to implement the ICAO performance-based air navigation systems.

4.1.32 Concern was expressed that the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) had invited tenders for the delivery of specific weather products and services to support the EUROCONTROL Network Management. Noting that these products and services would be provided in addition to those required by ICAO Annex 3 to be produced on a national basis, the Association encouraged any Members intending to become involved in the provision of such transnational services to ensure consistency with nationally available products and services, as well as to respect the rights of the providers of underpinning data and products.

4.1.33 The Association noted that regional bodies, such as AVIMET, together with relevant research institutions were all involved in some form in contributing to the development of the meteorological capacities needed for this organizational and technological ATM development. These mechanisms may have to be adapted to a more regionally based service delivery as a fundamental resource for maintaining the basic observing, data processing and forecasting system.

4.1.34 The Association noted also the concern expressed by some Members regarding the fact that aeronautical services providers make use of basic public information provided by governmental (public) national and international entities for the generation of their data and that related funding issues need to be considered.

4.1.35 The Association noted with interest the recent developments in Northern Europe with the establishment of the Northern-Europe Aviation Meteorology Consortium (NAMCon) between the NMHSs of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway and Sweden aiming for joint provision of aviation weather services with cost savings, harmonization and mutual back-up of services.

Volcanic Ash

4.1.36 The Association strongly supported the work of the WMO/IUGG Volcanic Ash Scientific Advisory Group in advancing the scientific understanding of volcanic ash detection and forecasting in support of continued safe and efficient civil aviation operations. The session was also informed that, after successful completion of its main tasks, the ICAO International Volcanic Ash Task Force (IVATF) has recently been disbanded and the remaining tasks assigned to the International Airways Volcanic Watch Operations Group (IAVWOPSG). The Association noted that the recommendations of IVATF will have procedural, training, and resource implications for many Members and requested the president of CBS, CIMO and CAS to cooperate with CAeM in providing all necessary support and guidance to the respective implementing bodies: the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, Meteorological Watch Offices and Volcano Observatories.

GENERAL SUMMARY 15 4.1.37 A joint circular letter by the Secretary-General of WMO and the Secretary-General of ICAO has strongly requested all Member countries to support and enhance the observation programmes that would allow to objectively determine the location, height and density of volcanic ash clouds. EC-65 supported the notion that through the WIGOS, an integrated observing system with both ground- and space-based segments would fulfil the requirements for resolution, coverage and reliability of observations of volcanic ash (as a specific form of litho-aerosols). To ensure an effective follow up of these recommendations and initial actions, the Association emphasized that a relevant RA VI subsidiary body should coordinate Members’ actions aimed at enhancing volcanic ash monitoring capabilities as part of the RA VI WIGOS Implementation Plan.

4.1.38 The Association also encouraged Members, where possible and appropriate, to approach their government’s representatives in the European Commission Horizon 2020 (H2020) advisory bodies and transport ministries to request their support for the inclusion of a dedicated research and development topic in the first phase of H2020 to improve in-situ volcanic ash observing network which are essential to complement space systems for monitoring and predicting future volcanic ash events.

Other emerging issues and high impact events

4.1.39 The Association noted with satisfaction the significant progress in predictions and warnings of identified hazards to aviation such as increased cosmic radiation, particle flows and magnetic storms included under the generic term “space weather”, as well as nuclear and chemical emergencies. This progress resulted from an exemplary coordination effort between NMHSs, Space Agencies, scientific and operational observing networks of atmospheric constituents, aviation authorities and industry stakeholders.

4.1.40 Recognizing these events as a safety risk, the CAeM-CBS Inter-Commission Task Team on Space Weather has been developing, in close cooperation with ICAO, a concept of operations on the potentially harmful effects of solar storms on communications and navigation systems, as well as the health impacts on passengers and crews. Similar efforts have been undertaken to provide meteorological support to aviation in the event of the release of chemical and/or nuclear hazardous substances. This work is again carried out as a multi-disciplinary effort with other UN partners such as WHO, IAEA, ICAO and other stakeholders. The effectiveness of this partnership has been demonstrated in dealing with the recent nuclear incident in Fukushima, Japan.

4.1.41 The ICAO Council, following excellent cooperation with WMO, has requested that the forthcoming Conjoint MET Divisional Meeting in 2014 should address the emerging issues of how climate change and variability could affect the safety and economy of aviation operations, and how the application of aeronautical meteorology could contribute to further reducing the GHG emission from aviation through improved operations. The Association supported the need to address these questions in the context of the GFCS.

4.1.42 Noting the above emerging issues affecting meteorological service for aviation, the Association recommended that a relevant RA VI subsidiary body should monitor all relevant activities of RA VI Members and keep the Management Group abreast of the developments. It was also recommended that a coordinated regional position on the emerging issues should be developed in coordination with Secretariat in time for the Conjoint MET Divisional Meeting in 2014.

Marine Meteorology and Oceanography (MMO)

4.1.43 The Association noted the summary report of the fourth session of the Joint WMO- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (WMO-IOC) Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM-4, Yeosu, Republic of Korea, 23-31 May 2012), including the resolutions and recommendations that were approved by the WMO Executive Council at its sixty-fourth session through Resolution 2 (EC-64) – Report of the Fourth Session of the Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology. The

16 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Association welcomed the newly elected JCOMM co-presidents, Dr Nadia Pinardi (Italy) and Mr Johan Stander (South Africa).

4.1.44 The Association noted the priority challenges of JCOMM in response to the priorities of WMO and IOC, and encouraged its Members to actively conduct related national activities in view of implementing the approved workplan of JCOMM.

4.1.45 The Association acknowledged that further efforts should be made to fill the regional and technological gaps in ocean observations and services, including support for the new establishment of marine Data Collection or Production Centres (DCPCs) in Italy and Croatia, and encouraged JCOMM to expand capacity building initiatives to support the workplan conducted by the Commission.

IMO/WMO World Wide MetOcean Information and Warning Service

4.1.46 The Association noted that the WMO Executive Council, at its sixty-second session (Geneva, June 2010), approved the establishment of a World Wide MetOcean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS), and consequently the IMO/WMO, World Wide MetOcean Information and Warning Service, Guidance Document, was formally adopted by the twenty-seventh session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Resolution 1051/A27, 20 December 2011. The WWMIWS introduced the role of METAREA Coordinators and identified their responsibilities to ensure that the provision of met-ocean information and warnings is consistent in meeting the obligations of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). This also ensures consistency with other aspects of safety information provided under the Convention, in particular, Navigation Warnings, which are provided under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organization, and are coordinated by NAVAREA Coordinators.

4.1.47 The Association recognized the need of ensuring maritime weather and sea ice safety services, including the operational service in five (5) new Arctic Ocean Metareas, and acknowledged the acceptance of the following Members to serve as coordinators of the corresponding Metareas in the Region: I (UK), II (France), III (Greece), XIX (Norway), and XX (Russian Federation).

Marine Environmental Emergencies

4.1.48 The Association noted the establishment of an ad hoc Task Team on JCOMM Coordination for Marine Environmental Emergency Responses, in pursuing the role in supporting Members/Member States to respond to marine environmental emergencies including the maritime radioactive material discharge. The Association supported the work of the ad hoc Task Team to develop, in close liaison with other partners (such as IAEA, IMO, IHO, IOC of UNESCO), a clear concept including the user perspectives and requirements for the delivery of information regarding marine environmental emergency responses.

4.1.49 The Association further noted the recent announcement from the Arctic Council of the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic, and the establishment of a Task Force to develop an Arctic Council action plan or other arrangement on oil pollution prevention, for further action at the next Ministerial meeting in 2015. The Association acknowledged the decision of the WMO Executive Council to encourage the Secretariat and the ad hoc Task Team on JCOMM Environmental Emergency Responses to participate in the work of this Task Force and to bring meteorological expertise to bear on the protection of this fragile environment from possible future oil pollution incidents.

Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project

4.1.50 The Association recalled the joint efforts of JCOMM and CHy through the Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/index.php), to demonstrate how integrated coastal inundation forecasting and warnings can be improved and effectively coordinated by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). The

GENERAL SUMMARY 17 Association reaffirmed the importance of CIFDP to enhance capacity of NMHSs for coastal disaster risk reduction, and to improve interaction with users of the NMHSs’ information services.

4.1.51 The Association noted linkages with related programmes and projects with CIFDP, including the Storm Surge Watch Scheme (SSWS), Severe Weather Forecast Demonstration Project (SWFDP), eSurge project of the European Space Agency (ESA), the WMO Working Group on Societal and Economic Research Applications (WG-SERA), IOC Working Group on Tsunamis and Other hazards related to sea level Warning and mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG) and many others. The Association requested JCOMM and CHy, with support from the Secretary-General, to ensure continuing and close coordination with these activities, for synergies in strengthening national capacities under the respective subprojects, and encouraged the Members of the Region to provide support to these efforts, as appropriate.

4.1.52 The Association acknowledged the relevance of JCOMM contributions to the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). JCOMM expertise in ocean observations, ocean modelling, and ocean forecasting services, including for coastal inundation, is one of the foundational components that enables the GFCS.

Agricultural Meteorology

Agricultural Meteorology Services

4.1.53 The Association noted with appreciation the past collaboration between the various CAgM Expert Teams, the WMO Secretariat and previous COST ACTIONS. The Association supported the WMO Secretariat involvement with the new COST ACTION ES1106 - Assessment of EUROpean AGRIculture WATer use and trade under climate change (EURO-AGRIWAT). The Association urged the Secretary-General to closely collaborate with this COST ACTION.

4.1.54 The Association noted that the World AgroMeteorological Information Service (WAMIS) (http://www.wamis.org) has products from over 55 countries and provides tools and resources to help countries improve their bulletins and services. Considering the benefits of WAMIS to Members, the Association urged Members to participate and disseminate their products to the global community. The Association recognized the importance of developing new technologies such as agrometeorological forecasts and applications based on NWP output, remote sensing data and products and GIS technologies and welcomed the efforts of Members to assist the WMO Secretariat in developing pilot projects on these concepts.

4.1.55 The Association agreed that the application of meteorology to agriculture continues to be of high importance to the Region. Therefore, the activities on agricultural meteorology should be continued, taking into account the developments in the Region, including: the sharing of available weather forecast products among countries; additional capacity development and training events in forecasting and agrometeorology; and monitoring and preparedness strategies for drought and the extent of their implementation in the Region.

Capacity Development and Training

4.1.56 The Association appreciated the funding provided by the State Meteorological Agency of Spain (AEMET) to support the Roving Seminars on Weather, Climate, and Farmers in West Africa from 2008 to 2011. Over 150 seminars took place during this time involving 5,700 rural farmers in 15 countries in West Africa. The Association also appreciated the current funding from Norway to the METAGRI Operational Project which builds upon the previous AEMET project. The Association urged Members to fund similar seminars and projects in other parts of the developing world.

4.1.57 The Association noted that the first and second versions of the training course on the use of satellite data and products in agrometeorology had been held in November 2012 and June 2013 in Niamey and Ghana co-organized with the EUMETSAT. These courses supported capacity development in remote sensing techniques applied to the development of

18 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI agrometeorological bulletins and products in the framework of the current WMO supported projects in Africa. The Association welcomed the funding support provided by Norway and EUMETSAT and urged Members to support the next versions.

4.2 Disaster risk reduction (DRR) (agenda item 4.2)

Disaster Risk Reduction Work Plan (2012-2015) and Related Mechanisms

A comprehensive model for development and delivery of products and services for DRR decision-making

4.2.1 The Association stressed that protection of lives, property and livelihoods is at the core of the priorities of the WMO Members and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). Furthermore, the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 (HFA) by national governments is leading to change in national DRR policies, legal and institutional frameworks, with implications on the role, responsibilities and new working arrangements for the NMHSs. These changes provide opportunities such as increased recognition of the NMHSs by their governments and stakeholders, which could result in strengthened partnerships and increased resources. However, NMHSs face increasing demand and liabilities related to the provision of products and services to larger and more diverse group of DRR stakeholders (e.g., government authorities, public and private sectors, NGOs, general public and media, etc.) who have direct responsibilities for DRR decision-making to meet these new challenges, the Association recalled:

(a) The decisions of the Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (Cg-16), the sixty-fourth and sixty-fifth sessions of the Executive Council (EC) pertaining to the adoption of the DRR Work Plan (2012-2015) (hereafter referred to as DRR Work Plan) with clear priorities, deliverables and timelines to support NMHSs;

(b) The establishment of DRR User-Interface Expert Advisory Groups (UI-EAGs) to provide systematic guidance on the users’ needs and requirements in different areas of DRR; and,

(c) The initiatives of the DRR Programme for development of coordination mechanisms among WMO Technical Commissions, Regional Associations, Members and partners for the implementation of the DRR Work Plan.

4.2.2 In recognizing: (i) the many relevant good practices in the Region; and (ii) contributions of its Members through participation in the DRR UI-EAGs, the inter-commission DRR-related mechanisms and activities, and in the implementation of DRR projects in the Region and other parts of the world, the Association urged:

(a) Its Members to utilize the comprehensive DRR Framework for development and delivery of services to DRR stakeholders underpinned by national DRR priorities;

(b) Its Management Group (MG), working groups and task teams in collaboration with the Secretariat to ensure that the strategic plan of the Association considers the coordinated DRR Programme Implementation Framework as well as priorities and deliverables in the DRR Work Plan.

DRR thematic guidelines, manuals and standards and related training modules

4.2.3 The Association was informed that the DRR UI-EAGs had been established to work in close collaboration with the WMO constituent bodies (TCs and RAs), to develop user requirements as input to the development of WMO technical regulations, standards, guidelines and training modules for DRR thematic topics. The Association invited its Members to provide systematic contribution to the development of these knowledge-base products and requested its MG to identify and facilitate documentation of relevant good practices at national and regional levels for

GENERAL SUMMARY 19 provision of meteorological, hydrological and climate services to support: (i) Hazard/Risk Analysis; (ii) Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS); (iii) Sectoral Risk Management; and (iv) Disaster Risk Financing as input to the development of:

(a) “WMO Guidelines for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services on Institutional Roles and Partnerships in Early Warning Systems” engaging the DRR Expert Advisory Group on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (EAG-MHEWS);

(b) Guidelines, standards and recommended practices on hazard definition, monitoring, detection, databases, metadata and mapping tools to support risk assessment, engaging the DRR Expert Advisory Group on Hazard/Risk Assessment (EAG-HRA);

(c) Guidelines on “Requirements for Meteorological and Climate Services to Support Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance,” engaging the DRR Expert Advisory Group on Climate Services for Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (EAG-CSDRFI).

National DRR and Adaptation Capacity Development with Regional Cooperation Framework Projects

4.2.4 The Association recalled that the DRR and Adaptation Capacity Development Project in Southeast Europe, since 2007, has been one of model cooperation projects in the DRR Work Plan approved by Cg-16, EC-64 and EC-65. It stressed that the coordinated approach of the DRR Programme for implementation of these projects has facilitated institutional partnerships of NMHSs with the DRR user community at national and regional levels, leading to greater synergies of activities. The Association requested its president: (i) to document lessons learned from the systematic engagement of the Association in the implementation of this project; and (ii) to prepare recommendations as input to developing guidelines for role of RAs in the implementation of DRR Work Plan and promoting the approach to other WMO Regions to be presented by the president of the Association at Cg-17. The Association appreciated the need for the DRR Programme to be responsive to the needs of the Members.

Global Framework for Climate Services and DRR

4.2.5 With consideration for the decisions of the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services (IBCS-1), Cg-Ext.(2012) and EC-64 for the implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), the Association noted that a number of deliverables of the DRR Work Plan directly contributed to the development of all the five components of the GFCS, namely, User Interface Platform (UIP), Climate Services Information System (CSIS), Observations, Research and Capacity Building and the GFCS DRR Exemplar. In this regard, the Association stressed that its activities pertaining to the implementation of GFCS for DRR applications could be a critical contribution of the Association and subsequently that of the WMO to the implementation of GFCS. In this regard, recalling the request of EC-65, it:

(a) Urged its Members, the Global Producing Center and Network of Regional Climate Centres, in the Region to leverage the WMO DRR Programme and establish linkages with the UI-EAGs for identification of needs and requirements for climate services for DRR (e.g., risk analysis, EWS, disaster risk financing and humanitarian planning) as one of the possible feedback mechanisms from the user community;

(b) Requested its MG to document the Region’s initiatives for implementation of GFCS related to DRR activities and to formulate concrete recommendations to WMO governing bodies based on development of climate services for DRR as input to the implementation of GFCS.

Post-Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015 (HFA 2005-2015)

4.2.6 The Association recalled that HFA 2005-2015 served as the primary driving force for the development of the WMO DRR Programme. The Association was informed that as the term of

20 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI HFA was drawing to an end, global and regional consultations were underway to identify priorities of action for drafting of a post-2015 Framework. The Association stressed the opportunities for provision of climate services to support risk-based decision-making for early warning systems, sectoral risk management and disaster risk financing and insurance to build resilience to weather and climate extremes in a changing climate.

4.2.7 With respect to the Post-HFA, the Association strongly urged its MG, in collaboration with the Secretary-General, to actively participate in the regional consultations underway and coordinated by UN-International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the UN-ISDR Regional Office for Europe to ensure that the needs for strengthening of national and regional capacities for development and provision of meteorological, hydrological and climate services is considered as an integral part of DRR strategies and development plans at national and regional levels, particularly with reference to GFCS.

4.2.8 The Association discussed options regarding the need for a suitable mechanism to address regional DRR issues and to support DRR-related projects under Agenda Item 5.3.

4.3 Data-processing and forecasting: weather, climate and water (agenda item 4.3)

Weather issues

4.3.1 The Association recalled that the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS), including Emergency Response Activities (ERA), is a critical component of the end-to-end Basic Systems (from observations to service delivery) across multi-scale (space and time), which consists of a global forecasting operational infrastructure operated by Members that greatly contributes to their national warning programmes. The Association therefore encouraged its Members running global and regional models, including those hosting Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMCs), to continue to make their products available on the WMO Information System (WIS) for the benefit of all countries in RA VI, who in turn are urged to contribute with verification and feedback on their quality and usefulness. In addition, the Association requested:

(a) Its Members to consider including within their training courses for forecasters, materials on the use and interpretation of their Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) products, including on the integration of the Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) into core operational forecasting, especially for severe and high-impact weather forecasting; and,

(b) The WMO Secretariat and the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) to assist NMHSs in the uptake, including in the interpretation and application, of such products for their national purposes. In order to assist in the uptake, the Association noted that CBS has completed a set of Guidelines on EPS and Forecasting to aid forecasters in effective application of EPS. The Guidelines includes links to other sources of guidance, e.g., from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) User Guide, or the COMET on-line training programme.

4.3.2 The Association noted the benefits to NMHSs, particularly small NMHSs, of participating in NWP consortia, including in the cooperation in code development, scientific methodologies, standards for models inputs and outputs to allow model verification and interoperability, monitoring and software maintenance and encouraged Members to continue to cooperate in this manner.

Severe Weather Forecasting Demonstration Project (SWFDP)

4.3.3 The Association noted the significant benefits that have been accrued from the Severe Weather Forecasting Demonstration Project (SWFDP), which has been either underway or under development in five regions (Southern Africa, South Pacific, Eastern Africa, Southeast Asia and Bay of Bengal). The Association recognized that the SWFDP largely relies on effective partnerships, as those established through the “Cascading Forecasting Process” that provides

GENERAL SUMMARY 21 improved access to and effective use by forecasters of existing and newly developed products and tools made available by advanced operational global and regional centres. In this context, the Association acknowledged the importance of the continued project-critical support from advanced global centres that provide NWP/EPS and satellite-based products, and the backbone roles played by the regional centres. It therefore commended all these centres, especially those from RA VI (i.e. DWD, ECMWF, Météo-France, and UKMO), for their active and enthusiastic participation in SWFDP regional projects in RAs I, II and V.

4.3.4 The Association reinforced its request to the relevant RA VI working group, at its fifteenth session (Brussels, September 2009), to consider developing an SWFDP regional project or implementing relevant elements of the SWFDP, especially in Southeast Europe, including Western Balkans, as a method of enhancing severe weather forecasting and warning services, thereby further contributing to capacity development, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in affected countries. Noting the capabilities of the Region in this area and the benefits to be obtained, the Association requested the Management Group to support the relevant RA VI working group in taking this initiative forward.

Operational Predictions from Sub-seasonal to Longer-time Scales, including contributions to GFCS/CSIS

4.3.5 Recalling the operational nature of the Global Producing Centres (GPCs) for Long-Range Forecasts and that Cg-XVI envisioned that some GPCs could play an important role in providing global climate predictions from sub-seasonal to longer time-scales, within the context of the Climate Services Information System (CSIS) pillar of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), the Association requested its Members who host GPCs (i.e. Exeter, Moscow, Toulouse, and the ECMWF) and the RCC-Network (RA VI) to continue and reinforce their collaboration to facilitate consolidation and prioritization of requirements, the provision of data products and predictions, and of verification information and advice, and to assist in their uptake by NMHSs. In addition, recalling the request by Cg-XVI to the WMO Lead Centre for Long-Range Forecast Multi-Model Ensemble (LC-LRFMME) to extend its role to include the exchange of extended range predictions, and following the guidelines of CBS-15, the Association encouraged its Members hosting GPCs, including those in RA VI, to provide data from their monthly forecast systems to the LC-LRFMME for display and generation of multi-model extended range products along the same lines as for seasonal range products.

Further development and evolution of the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS)

4.3.6 The Association was pleased to note the significant progress that has been made with the comprehensive revision of the Manual on the GDPFS (WMO-No. 485), following the adoption by Cg-XVI of the revised Manual’s outline. It acknowledged that the new Manual was being developed in accordance to quality management principles, which would facilitate the review of compliance of GDPFS Centres against the designation criteria. Noting that the new Manual (which would most likely be in force by 2015) introduces a number of changes to the current procedures, and that the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) is developing a plan for the implementation of the new Manual to ensure the smooth transition and management of the technical changes and the initial designation of the GDPFS centres, the Association requested: (a) the Secretary-General to keep Members informed of these developments; and (b) its Members hosting WMCs and RSMCs to follow these developments and take the appropriate actions in due course. The Association requested the relevant RA VI working group to follow up on these activities, including review of compliance of GDPFS Centres in RA VI against the designation criteria, and inform the Secretary-General of the status of these centres.

Emergency Response Activities (ERA)

4.3.7 The Association recalled that a number of major ERA events with significant impacts have occurred since its previous session, including the volcanic eruption in Iceland. The Association noted the significant operational impact of these events on the network of RSMCs with

22 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

activity specialization for the provision of atmospheric transport modelling for environmental emergency response (EER) and/or backtracking, including RSMC Exeter and Toulouse.

4.3.8 In the context of response to a nuclear accident, the Association noted a number of experiences reported not only by RSMCs and relevant international organizations, but also by NMHSs in many regions of the world, inter alia, the increasing need for related meteorological information on the spread of radioactivity from the accident for general public interest as well as specialized users. While acknowledging the existence of EER arrangements and standards for guidance products from the RSMCs, as stated in the Manual on the GDPFS (WMO-No. 485, Part II, Appendix II-7) and further documented in the WMO Technical Document No. 778 (documentation on RSMC support for EER targeted for meteorologists at NMHSs), the Association noted that there were other products available on the open Internet from other sources, which could cause misinformation. Therefore, the Association requested: (a) its Members that host RSMCs to consider the provision of appropriate training courses in the use and interpretation of their guidance and products; and (b) the Secretary-General and the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) to promote the use of ERA-related products by NMHSs and assist them in the uptake, including in the interpretation and application, of such products for their national purposes.

Climate Issues

4.3.9 The Association noted that, through the decisions of Cg-XVI and EC-65, the World Climate Programme (WCP) has been restructured, in order to more optimally support the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), consisting of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), a new World Climate Services Programme (WCSP) and the Programme of Research on Climate Change Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation (PROVIA) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Association further recalled that Cg-XVI decided to conclude the Climate Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS) project in 2015, and consolidate and transition the ongoing CLIPS activities into the initial implementation activities of the GFCS in the coming years. The Association agreed that a well-coordinated implementation of the WCP and its components in RA VI will enhance the Region’s contribution to the GFCS. The Association urged Members to closely align their operational climate service capabilities with the emerging requirements of the GFCS.

4.3.10 The Association noted with appreciation that CCl had finalized the third edition of the Guide to Climatological Practices (WMO-No. 100), and that it was published by WMO (http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/wcp/ccl/documents/WMO_100_en.pdf). The Association further noted that the Guide is being translated into all WMO official languages. The Association placed on record its appreciation to all contributors and reviewers from RA VI who supported this activity. The Association urged Members to use the Guide in their operational climate activities, and provide feedback to CCl for further improvements and updates.

4.3.11 The Association recalled the establishment of the Working Group on Climate and Hydrology (WG-CH) by the RA VI XV session through Resolution 4 (XV-RA VI) with the co-chairmanship of Mrs A.Hovsepyan (Armenia, co-chair for Climate) and Mr M.Puupponnen (Finland, co-chair for Hydrology), and with the Task Team on Regional Climate Centres (Stefan Roesner, Germany), Task Team on Regional Climate Outlook Forum (Dmitry Kiktev, RF), Task Team on Data Rescue (Jose Antonio Guijarro, Spain), Task Team on Drought Management (Ali Umran Komuscu, Turkey) and Task Team on Agrometeorology (Josef Eitzinger, Austria), associated with the implementation of the climate related issues.

4.3.12 The Association noted with appreciation the role of the WG-CH and its Task Teams in the coordination and/or initiation of a number of climate related activities, such as formal designation of the RA VI RCC-Network, the implementation of Climate Watch System in RA VI, strengthening of RCOF mechanism in the RA VI and expansion of RCOF geography, implementation of online SEECOF, establishment of the interregional Mediterranean COF, that have been implemented in compliance with the work programme 2009-2013 of the WG-CH by the respective Task Teams of the WG-CH with valuable support and contribution of relevant NMHSs.

GENERAL SUMMARY 23 Climate System Monitoring and Watch

4.3.13 The Association noted that it is critically important for the Members in the Region to further increase their NMHSs capacity to operate high quality timely climate monitoring and watch systems. Such systems are essential for producing timely information on the intensity, geographical extent, duration, evolution and cessation of extreme climate events such as heavy rains, heat waves, cold waves, drought spells, etc. which can lead to disastrous impacts on health, agriculture, water and public services. The Association emphasized that this information should be developed as an integral part of Members’ NMHSs efforts in providing high quality timely climate services in support of Climate Risk Management and Disaster Risk Reduction.

4.3.14 The Association noted with satisfaction the sustained cooperation among Members in providing input and expert review to climate system monitoring services including the regular publications of the Monthly and Annual Bulletins on the Climate in WMO Region VI, the WMO Annual and Decadal Statements on the Status of the Global Climate and the annual Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS) publication on the State of the Climate facilitated by WMO. The Association encouraged Members to maintain this high level of collaboration coordinated by the RA VI Regional Climate Centre-Network Offenbach node on Climate Monitoring (RCC-CM).

4.3.15 The Association noted with appreciation the efforts being taken by CCl aiming at improving the WMO climate system monitoring. In this regard it welcomed the work being taken by the CCl Task Team on National Climate Monitoring Products (TT-NCMP) to provide guidance on the calculation and provision of new standardized national climate monitoring products to accelerate and ease the exchange of related information, and the work of the CCl Task Team on the Definition of Extreme Weather and Climate Events (TT-DEWCE) to provide guidance on the definitions of climate extreme events, such as heat waves, cold waves, dry spells, long lasting heavy precipitation episodes, etc. and on developing tools and databases to monitor their occurrence on an operational basis.

4.3.16 The Association appreciated the various initiating steps taken by the RA VI RCC-CM to implement a Climate Watch System (CWS) in the Region. Operational activities concerning the issuance of Climate Watch advisories were established in the sub-region in 2013. Specifically, it highlighted the issuance of regional Climate Watch advisories by the RCC-Network regarding the long-lasting heat wave conditions in parts of Southern and Southeastern Europe in the summer of 2012. The regional advice was provided to the RA VI NMHSs in order to assist them in the issuance of national Climate Watch advisories. The Association urged Members to implement national Climate Watch mechanisms in order to monitor and predict climate anomalies and to effectively communicate relevant information to their user communities.

Climate Services Information System

4.3.17 The Association recalled that the Congress, through Resolution 17 (Cg-XVI), had decided to establish the Climate Services Information System (CSIS), with a leading role in its implementation for CCl in close collaboration with CBS. The Association noted that WMO has already put in place, or identified, several entities to specifically support NMHS climate operations, including the highly specialized centres designated by WMO based on standards and criteria, namely Global Producing Centres of Long Range Forecasts (GPCs) and RCCs, as well as mechanisms such as the Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs). The Association noted with satisfaction that these entities are appropriately highlighted in the GFCS implementation plan approved by the First Session of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services (IBCS-1) in July 2013.

4.3.18 The Association noted with satisfaction that, upon successful completion of its demonstration phase, the RA VI RCC-Network has been formally designated as a WMO RCC-Network. The Association thanked the host countries of RA VI RCC-Network nodes and their contributing partners for their support and commitment to meet the regional climate information needs. The Association urged Members to actively support the operational activities of the RA VI

24 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

RCC-Network, and showcase its value in contributing to the implementation of the GFCS in the Region. The Association urged the president of RA VI to promote effective utilization and feedback by NMHSs of the products and services of the RA VI RCC-Network. The Association adopted Resolution 3 (RA VI-16) – Regional Climate Centre Network in Regional Association VI (Europe). The Association welcomed the designation of the North Eurasian Climate Centre (NEACC), Russian Federation, as a WMO RCC in RA II, which can facilitate the relevant cross-regional aspects in providing regional climate services.

4.3.19 The Association noted with satisfaction that the RCOF operations have been sustained and expanded in the Region. The Association appreciated the coordinating role played by Serbia in sustaining the operations of the Southeast European Climate Outlook Forum (SEECOF). The Association welcomed the new initiative to establish the North Eurasian Climate Outlook Forum (NEACOF) coordinated by the Russian Federation, covering countries both in RA VI and RA II. The Association noted the growing benefits of RCOFs in fostering networking amongst climate experts, capacity building and in development of consensus-based forecasts for the concerned sub-regions. The Association urged the relevant coordinating agencies to promote an increase in the participation of user sectors as well as sub-regional entities in RCOFs, providing a much broader ownership of the process. The Association urged RCOF stakeholders to seek efficiency through low-cost options offered by on-line collaboration and securing support from relevant users to ensure their sustainability.

4.3.20 The Association noted with appreciation that a new Mediterranean Climate Outlook Forum (MedCOF) had been established to generate consensus seasonal forecasts for the Mediterranean region and northern African region, and that a scoping meeting was co-sponsored by WMO and coordinated by the State Meteorological Agency of Spain (AEMET) (Madrid, 12-14 June 2013). The Association noted that MedCOF will cover all countries in the Mediterranean region, including countries covered by two existing sub-regional climate outlook forums in South East Europe and North Africa, which will coordinate their activities with those of MedCOF. The Association thanked the presidents of RA VI and RA I for their active encouragement to this initiative in the spirit of interregional collaboration.

4.3.21 The Association appreciated the various activities taken by the RA VI RCC-Network Toulouse and Moscow node on Long-range Forecasting (RCC-LRF) in supporting Members, including through providing the monthly Global Climate Bulletin and other input for the RCOFs held in RA VI and RA I. The RA VI RCC-LRF was also instrumental in preparing for the scoping meeting for MedCOF.

4.3.22 The Association noted that CCl, CBS, the Commission for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) and WCRP have been making significant contributions in operational aspects of climate prediction and projection, albeit with different perspectives. The Association recognized the need to improve coordination of these efforts on the regional and national scales, to ensure consistency and complementarity in the establishment of operational capabilities at all levels in the CSIS, and to better jointly support CSIS improvements and respond to feedback on CSIS products and services. The Association therefore requested the president to facilitate closer links with all the above entities on aspects relevant to RA VI.

Climate Information for Adaptation and Risk Management

4.3.23 The Association urged its Members (both climate and sectoral communities) to support and to take part in user engagement through regional and national climate outlook forums, through use or sector-driven climate forums (e.g., hydrological-, agricultural- or health-focused forums), through interdisciplinary workshops and training, and through field activities including roving seminars, a notable success in climate services for the agriculture sector.

4.3.24 The Association noted the needs of key socio-economic sectors globally for reliable, relevant, actionable climate information for Climate Risk Management (CRM) and for adaptation, and the need to improve the practical application of CRM at local levels, in order to reduce climate impacts, build resilience to climate variability and change and contribute to poverty reduction and

GENERAL SUMMARY 25 development. The Association appreciated the recent publication on this topic under the auspices of CCl and urged its Members to access this publication, to peruse the real-life case studies and lessons learnt, and to apply the recommendations for improving decisions in managing the opportunities and hazards of the climate. The Association further urged development of case studies demonstrating good practices in CRM, and that these be shared with the CCl to help improve CRM in all Regions and sectors.

Drought Initiatives

4.3.25 The Association supported the efforts of the WMO Secretariat to establish an Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) with the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and welcomed the new GWP Central and Eastern Europe drought programme that will implement drought monitoring and risk assessments in cooperation with NMHSs, river basin authorities, ministries, research institutions and the Drought Management Centre for South-eastern Europe (DMCSEE). The Association expressed interest in the work of IDMP and urged Members to participate in it, especially in developing potential IDMP projects in the Region.

4.3.26 The Association complimented the successful organization of the High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy (HMNDP) by WMO and other partners (Geneva, 11-15 March 2013), and noted the HMNDP declaration. The Association supported the outcomes of HMNDP, and urged Members to use them as guidance to facilitate development and implementation of national drought management policies.

Water Issues

Working Group on Climate and Hydrology

4.3.27 The Association recalled that Resolution 4 (XV-RA VI) had established the Working Group on Climate and Hydrology (WG-CH), under the joint chairpersonship of Ms A. Hovsepyan (Armenia, co-chairperson on Climate) and Mr M. Puupponen (Finland, co-chairperson on Hydrology and Regional Hydrological Adviser). The aim of the WG-CH was to align the working mechanism of the Association to the Strategic Thrusts and Expected Results of the WMO and Regional Strategic Plans and promote better cooperation across climate and water issues. However, it was noted that as the strategic directions of the work programme 2009–2013 for climate and for hydrology had been designed before the decision on the new RA VI structure, the level of integration between climate and hydrology activities had remained below optimum during the current intersessional period. Nevertheless, the new arrangements had allowed both communities to better interact, especially in the area of drought and water scarcity, and to become more aware of their respective needs and priorities. Both the climate and the hydrological communities have been satisfied with the new institutional structure and the potential benefits from a joint and more coordinated approach were becoming more obvious.

4.3.28 The Association noted with appreciation the report of the co-chairperson Mr M. Puupponen on the activities in the area of hydrology, carried out by the various Task Team leaders namely: Mr D. Bérod (Switzerland), on Hydrometry; Mr B. Ozga-Zielinski (Poland) on Potential Extreme Floods; Ms G. Monacelli (Italy) on Water Scarcity and Drought; Mr I. Karro (Sweden) on Flood Forecasting and Warning; Ms C. Wittwer (France) on Hydrometeorological Early Warning Systems, and Mr E. Kuusisto (Finland) on Climate and Water.

4.3.29 The Association took note of the proposed work plan for 2013-2017 based on the recommendations from the WG-CH and, while recognizing the specificities of each of the two disciplines and the requirement to address particular topics which are not prone to joint activity, agreed to seek a much higher level of integration between climate and hydrology actions. In light of the concerns expressed by the Management Group that hydrology issues are still not fully considered in the new WMO priority programmes, such as GFCS, WIGOS and WIS, the Association saw also the importance to ensure closer collaboration with WG-TDI (WIGOS and related issues) and with WG-SDP (services related to DRR). The Association discussed the re-establishment of its WG-CH, noting that the work programme would include a combination of joint

26 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI climate and water activities and independent climate related and water related activities and recorded its decisions under agenda item 5.

Fourteenth session of the WMO Commission for Hydrology

4.3.30 The Association was informed of the decisions and outcomes of the fourteenth session of the Commission for Hydrology (CHy-14), held in Geneva from 6 to 14 November 2012. In particular it noted that the areas of:

• Quality Management Framework – Hydrology;

• Data Operations and Management;

• Water Resources Assessment;

• Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction;

• Water, Climate and Risk Management;

had been established as the focus areas for the Commission’s activities for the intersessional period 2013-16. The following experts from the Region were also nominated as members of the CHy Advisory Working Group: Mr Yuri Simonov (Russian Federation) – responsible for Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction thematic area and Mr Jan Daňhelka (Czech Republic) – responsible for Water, Climate and Risk Management thematic area. Furthermore it noted that the four Open Panels of CHy Experts (OPACHE) established by the Commission include 86 experts from the Region. The Association, considering that at present the participation is at an adequate level; however urged its Members to continue to appoint hydrological experts to the relevant OPACHEs.

4.3.31 The Association noted that Regional Hydrological Advisers (RHAs) had been invited to the meetings of the CHy Advisory Working Group (AWG) immediately preceding the last two CHy sessions to provide inputs on regional priorities to the Commission planning process. It appreciated that this practice was instrumental in providing regional inputs to the formulation of the Commission programme of work and encouraged it to continue the practice.

Region VI Hydrology Forum

4.3.32 The Association noted that Congress, through Resolution 12 (Cg-XVI), had requested “the regional associations to take into account, while deciding on the structure of their subsidiary bodies, the benefits of regional Working Groups on Hydrology as a platform for hydrologists within a Region to discuss matters of common concern”, and recognized that they are instrumental for promoting the recognition of WMO in the field of water in a continuous and not in an ad hoc way.

4.3.33 In this regard, the Association further noted the success of the RA VI Hydrology Forum 2012, held in Koblenz (Germany) from 8 to 10 May 2012, organized by RA VI WG-CH, WMO and the German Federal Institute of Hydrology and the resulting continuing electronic dialogue. The forum was attended by 45 representatives from 27 Member countries from the Region and six international organizations. The forum provides a platform whereby all the issues and challenges related to the operation of hydrological networks and services can be discussed among interested professionals and other stakeholders. The forum identified priority issues to be addressed, notably operational maintenance procedures, inventory of monitoring needs, network optimization and design practices, harmonization of methodologies, quality control and access to data. (http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/RA6/documents/RAVI_Hydrology_Forum_2012 _%20REPORT.pdf). The Association, while noting that the Hydrology Forum work should be conducted mainly through electronic means, supported the proposal of the Management Group that the Forum could be continued and meet every two years to provide guidance and advice to the RA VI WG-CH from the field of hydrology.

GENERAL SUMMARY 27 European Commission – access to hydrological data

4.3.34 The Association was informed of the request formulated by the European Commission (DG Environment, DG Joint Research Centre (JRC), and European Environmental Agency (EEA)) to access data provided by EU Members to the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC) needed to support EEA environmental reporting initiatives and EU institutional policy development (water scarcity and drought, etc.) and of the ensuing exchange of letters with WMO management (president of RA VI and the Secretary-General). Direct access by EU institutions to GRDC data has the benefits of, and potential to, avoid (re-)collection of data from individual EU States and reduce the financial costs and the risks of inconsistencies. Representatives of EEA and JRC attended the 11th GRDC Steering Committee (10-12 June 2013), where it was proposed to establish a working group between WMO, relevant EU institutions, GRDC and German Federal Institute for Hydrology (BfG, as legal representative of the GRDC) to discuss conceptual and practical aspects of data exchange with a view to develop an agreement to formalize the access to data for the EEA environmental reporting initiatives and EU water policies development. Water-related data provision by EU members in compliance with existing EU instruments (Water Framework Directive, Floods Directive etc) will not be affected. Data provision by the GRDC to EU institutions for uses not covered by Resolution 25 (Cg-XIII) will require additional funding as criteria, frequency and access to these data needs to be renegotiated with individual Members. The Association agreed that caution was required in addressing this issue from a regional perspective and recommended that it should be represented on the working group by its Regional Hydrological Advisor. The Association requested the Regional Hydrological Advisor to keep it informed about the outcomes of these discussions.

EU Water-related directives

4.3.35 The Association noted the impact of EU water legislation (especially the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Floods Directive) on the work of NHSs of EU member and candidate countries, and other RA VI members, as well as the strong contribution that these NHSs have given to EU water legislation formulation and implementation as expert organizations of their national governments. It was noted that the implementation of the WFD requires nowadays greater input from hydrology and water resources expertise than in earlier phases of its implementation, while Floods Directive has introduced national flood risk legislation, where NHSs are typically involved. It was also recalled that WMO, through the WG-CH, sits with observer status in the Strategic Coordination Group (SCG) overseeing the Common Implementation Strategy of EU Water Framework Directive. The Association agreed that WMO should keep the observer status, as it allows interventions at SCG meetings, good follow-up and reporting to the WMO Secretariat, RA VI, NHSs and NMHSs.

Flood Forecasting and Warning

4.3.36 The Association took note that the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS), developed by the Joint Research Centre, had become an operational system in 2012 to produce European overviews on ongoing and forecasted floods up to 10 days in advance (www.efas.eu). EFAS is operated through several centres, notably the Computational centre, the Dissemination centre, the Hydrological data collection centre and the Meteorological data collection centre hosted by various NMHS in Europe and other institutions such as ECMWF.

4.3.37 The Association was pleased to learn of the implementation of the Black Sea and Middle East Flash Flood Guidance System (BSME-FFGS) and of the South-Eastern Europe Flash Flood Guidance System (SEE-FFG) projects, with support from USAID and the scientific collaboration of the Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC, San Diego, Cal. USA). The first project, involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey, was launched in 2010; the latter, involving Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Slovenia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in 2013. Bias-corrected remotely sensed precipitation estimates and real time soil moisture estimates are used to assess the likelihood of bank full conditions at the outlet of the basin. Other available data and local empirical knowledge is added at regional and national level by NHSs to improve the quality of the products

28 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI and issue forecasts. To optimize possible synergies between the two contiguous areas of project implementation, the Regional Centre for both projects is hosted by the Turkish State Meteorological Service in Ankara.

Capacity Development

4.3.38 The Association noted a number of activities related to water issues implemented in the Region in the framework of other projects, namely the training workshop on Flood Risk Assessment (Istanbul, Turkey, September 2010 - in the framework of the EU funded project Disaster Risk Reduction in South Eastern Europe), the regional training workshop on Integrated Flood Management, Flood Forecasting and Early Warnings (Antalya, Turkey, April 2013) as well as a pilot project in collaboration with the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC) aimed at enhancing hydrological data management and exchange procedures (both in the framework of the UNISDR-WMO IPA action “Building Resilience to Disasters in Western Balkans and Turkey”) and the International Training Course on Flash Flood Model Concepts (Istanbul, Turkey, September 2011)

4.3.39 The Association was informed of the various activities carried out by the WMO-GWP Associated Programme of Flood Management (APFM). It was pleased to note that thirteen institutions from the Region had signed a Letter of Engagement to become an IFM HelpDesk Support Base Partner (SBP), expected to actively support the operation of the IFM HelpDesk, and encouraged other interested institutions in the Region to join. In the current intersessional period one request for capacity development and three for rapid guidance were received by the IFM HelpDesk from RA VI Member countries. In the same period an introductory seminar on Integrated Flood Management (Turin, Italy, November 2009) and the aforementioned regional training workshop in Antalya (Turkey) were carried out.

Cooperation with Regional Institutions (UNECE)

4.3.40 The Association was pleased to note WMO’s long standing cooperation on water related issues with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). In particular it noted the activities (consultancy, participation in seminars and workshops, technical advisory and backstopping) carried out in support of the pilot projects on adaptation to climate change in transboundary basins being implemented in the on Neman, Dniestr and Chu-Talas basins within the framework of the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.

4.4 WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and WMO Information System (WIS) (agenda item 4.4)

WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS)

The WIGOS Framework Implementation

4.4.1 The Association considered the WIGOS implementation actions to be undertaken by its Members and subsidiary bodies. In this consideration, the Association took into account decisions of Cg-XVI, EC-64, CBS-15, and EC-65 on the WIGOS implementation.

4.4.2 The Association recalled Resolution 50 (Cg-XVI) – Implementation of the WMO Integrated Global Observing Systems, by which the regional associations were requested: (a) to develop their regional WIGOS implementation plans; (b) to coordinate WIGOS implementation activities with the WMO Information System in their operating plans and work programmes; and (c) to promote capacity-building and outreach activities to assist Members in the implementation of WIGOS. The Association agreed that WIGOS would provide a framework for improved collaboration and coordination between NMHSs and relevant national, sub-regional/regional and international organizations.

GENERAL SUMMARY 29 4.4.3 The Association expressed its gratitude to the Russian Federation in implementing the WIGOS Demonstration Project3 “Integrated Meteorological and Hydrological Network (IMHN”) providing a number of lessons learned, experiences and perspectives received on the potential benefits, value and impact of the WIGOS implementation process at the national and regional levels. In this regard, the Association encouraged its Members to share relevant experiences and cooperate with one another in implementing WIGOS, including assistance to Members with specific WIGOS implementation needs.

4.4.4 The Association emphasized that strong support and close collaboration among Members were needed to advance scientific knowledge and technical infrastructure to meet the regional WIGOS requirements. Therefore, it will be desirable to strengthen cooperation and partnership through Region-wide organizations or subregional groupings overseeing the WIGOS component observing systems. It specifically referred to enhanced cooperation among meteorological, hydrological, marine/oceanographic and environmental institutions/services where they are separated at the national level.

4.4.5 The Association recalled Resolution 10 (EC-64) – WIGOS Framework Implementation Plan (WIP) developed by the Inter-Commission Coordination Group on WIGOS (ICG-WIGOS) and expressed its concern that the timely completion of WIGOS implementation in the Region would directly depend on the available resources (expertise and funds). The Association further underlined that WIGOS implementation at national and regional levels would require initial investment, specifically for improvement of coordination and technological infrastructure. This investment should be a significant component of WIGOS implementation plans of individual NMHSs. In this regard, the Association urged Members to provide resources to support the implementation of WIGOS in the Region.

4.4.6 The Association agreed that the recently established WIGOS Project Office is critical to the success of WIGOS implementation and should be fully resourced. It therefore urged its Members to continue providing resources, through the WIGOS Trust Fund and seconded experts or Junior Professional Officers, to help support the implementation of WIGOS.

4.4.7 The Association noted that CBS-15 considered the new “Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems” (EGOS-IP) that was subsequently approved by EC-65. In this regard, the Association requested its Members to: (a) nominate national focal points tasked to monitor the implementation of the EGOS-IP nationally, report on implementation issues, and provide feedback to CBS through the Secretariat; and (b) address the actions listed in the EGOS-IP in collaboration with partner organizations and agents identified in the EGOS-IP. It also encouraged Members to mobilize additional resources to drive these activities forward. It further requested the relevant RA VI subsidiary bodies to address the EGOS-IP in their work programmes, and promote its effective implementation.

4.4.8 The Association noted with great appreciation that, in response to the request from the Sixteenth Congress, the development of a Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan for RA VI (R-WIP-VI) was initiated at the meeting of the RA VI Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (WG-TDI) (Prague, the Czech Republic, 26-27 February 2013) and finalized at the RA VI WIGOS Workshop (Spain, Madrid, 6-8 May 2013). The Association expressed its appreciation to WG-TDI for the development of R-WIP-VI.

4.4.9 The Association accordingly adopted Resolution 4 (RA VI-16) – Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan for Regional Association VI (Europe). The Association agreed that the implementation of R-WIP-VI be supported by all the Members of the Region, and be guided, supervised and monitored by the Management Group of RA VI, with periodic reports from appropriate subsidiary bodies in charge of WIGOS. In this regard, the Association emphasized that commitment by Members to WIGOS is essential and urged their Members to support implementation of WIGOS in their Region, including providing sufficient resources.

3 For details, see: www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/wigos/projects.html.

30 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4.4.10 The Association further agreed that R-WIP-VI be further revised to accommodate new projects which would be submitted by Members and authorized the president to approve any revisions of R-WIP-VI during the intersessional period in consultation with the Management Group. In this regard, the Association agreed that the regional WIGOS projects should be expandable to include more sub-regional and national projects.

Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN) and Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN)

4.4.11 The Association was pleased to note that its Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (WG-TDI) has initiated the task of integrating the RBSN and RBCN networks into a new re-designed Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON). The Association encouraged that this activity be pursued as part of the regional WIGOS implementation.

4.4.12 The Association noted that owing to Members’ efforts, the RBSN and RBCN have demonstrated sustainable performance. It also appreciated the work done by the EUCOS and ECMWF to improve monitoring procedures and for the presentation and distribution of monitoring results on the availability and quality of land surface-based observational data.

4.4.13 By adopting Resolution 5 (RA VI-16) – Regional Basic Synoptic Network and Regional Basic Climatological Network in Region VI (Europe), the Association approved the new list of RBSN and RBCN stations as given in Annexes 1 and 2 to this resolution.

GCOS Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN)

4.4.14 The Association noted the issues addressed in paragraph 4.4.69.

Marine and Oceanographic Observations

4.4.15 The Association requested its Members to contribute to the JCOMM Observations Programme Area Implementation Goals4 and thereby increase the deployment of ocean observing platforms (buoys, floats, ships, sea level stations, Tsunameters) in data sparse areas (equatorial Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea). Recalling the establishment of a network of WMO-IOC Regional Marine Instrumentation Centres (RMICs), the Association invited its Members to offer such facilities in the Region in order to enhance traceability, consistency, and quality of marine meteorological and oceanographic observations produced by the Region.

4.4.16 The Association recommended that its Members work closely with the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP), and the Argo programme for providing opportunities for the deployment of drifting buoys and profiling floats in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The Association urged its Members to install barometers on all drifters they are planning to deploy in the North Atlantic, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Aircraft Observations

4.4.17 The Association noted that the European AMDAR Program, managed by E-AMDAR, continues to be a leading global AMDAR program and that Members appreciate the contribution this system makes to global upper-air monitoring as well as providing additional data outside the EUCOS domain in support of the WWW Programme. The Association recognized that the CBS strategy for global AMDAR development will in the future lead to more specific AMDAR-related activities being incorporated into the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plans, and noted that WMO and CBS will rely on the leadership of the RA VI, E-AMDAR and an extension of its AMDAR system in order to increase and improve regional and global AMDAR data coverage. In view of the AMDAR measurements quality and availability, and considering the scientific and technological basis for these measurements, the Association urges CAeM to work together with ICAO towards

4 http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID=8930

GENERAL SUMMARY 31 inclusion of the AMDAR in ICAO Annex 3, Chapter 5, as a recommended practice for automated routine aircraft observation.

Surface-based remote sensing observations

4.4.18 The Association was informed that in support of the objectives and actions of the WIP and the EGOS-IP, the CBS/OPAG-IOS Workshop on Regional & Global Exchange of Weather Radar Data was held in Exeter, United Kingdom in April 2013, where it was recognised the importance of EUMETNET in the advancement of international agreements and mechanisms for the exchange of weather radar data.

4.4.19 This Workshop strongly recommended that WMO work more actively towards the development and establishment of international standards for weather radar data exchange on the GTS and supports Members in seeking to extend and widen global exchange of radar data in line with requirements of NWP, hydrological, climate and severe weather forecasting applications and data users. The Association took note that CBS will rely on the leadership of RA VI and EUMETNET to facilitate future related activities.

4.4.20 The Association noted that CIMO sees the EUMETNET E-Profile project as an excellent opportunity for RA-VI to contribute to the regional implementation of WIGOS. With the results of E-Profile and the ongoing efforts of the WMO GAW program (including GALION/ EARLINET), WMO will be ready to respond in a coordinated manner to the needs of air traffic safety with respect to atmospheric aerosols loadings, e.g. as a result of volcanic eruptions.

Cryospheric Observations and Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW)

4.4.21 The Association expressed its strong interest in the ongoing development of the Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) as reported to EC-65, the recent availability of the GCW Implementation Plan and the engagement of experts from RA VI in GCW activities. Members were urged to provide comments on the GCW Implementation Plan and to indicate those activities in which they would like to be engaged. It strongly urged Members to consider expansion or implementation of measurements of solid precipitation and snow and ice parameters which would enhance monitoring of cryospheric changes nationally and regionally, and to consider the establishment of GCW reference sites as part of GCW’s CryoNet initiative. The Association expressed its appreciation for the ongoing Solid Precipitation Intercomparison Experiment (SPICE) activity under the lead of CIMO, within which substantial progress is expected in the understanding and calibration of solid precipitation measuring equipment. It further stressed that the measurement and exchange of cryospheric data at synoptic and climate stations, where appropriate, but particularly in mountain and high land regions, would be especially useful to meet the operational, research and service needs of weather, climate, hydrology and environmental science nationally, regionally and globally. The Association urged interested Members to nominate national focal points for GCW activities and to review and provide the EC Panel of Experts on Polar Observations, Research and Services (EC-PORS) with information on how GCW could help them.

4.4.22 The Association acknowledged the need for Secretariat support to GCW. There was a short-term need for replacement of current GCW and EC-PORS support personnel and encouraged Members to consider a seconded expert or a JPO to assist in coordination of these activities. The Association requested the Secretary-General to consider establishment of a GCW “International Project Office” (IPO) in the Secretariat in coordination with interested partners in their institutions and to seek Members’ support and assistance in the establishment of a GCW IPO and GCW activities. The Association further underlined the importance of GCW, and requested the Secretary-General to give consideration to GCW in his budget proposal for the next financial period.

WMO Polar Activities

4.4.23 The Association acknowledged the importance of WMO polar initiatives and the need for ongoing coordination of activities with the regional associations and technical commissions. It

32 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI urged Members to review and comment on the International Polar Initiative (IPI) Concept for follow-on activities in the Polar Regions and to provide their guidance on what the role of WMO could be in IPI.

Atmospheric Chemical Composition and UV Measurements

4.4.24 The Association noted the issues addressed in paragraphs 4.5.29-4.5.43.

Terrestrial observations - Water cycle

4.4.25 The Association noted that the cooperation between WMO and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) within the framework of the Hydrology Domain Working Group (DWG) had resulted in WaterML 2.0 (an encoding standard for the representation of in-situ hydrological and hydrogeological observations data in a variety of exchange scenarios) being adopted as an OGC Standard (http://www.opengeospatial.org/standards/waterml). The Association concurred with the Commission for Hydrology on the importance of such standards to improve service delivery of key CHy programmes including WHYCOS and the WMO Flood Forecasting Initiative, and was pleased to note that CHy, by its Resolution 3 (CHy-14) had decided to commence a process, including testing, that could see the potential adoption of WaterML 2.0 as a WMO standard for information exchange managed by WMO (supported by the WMO/OGC MOU) and to register this standard as a joint WMO/ISO standard.

4.4.26 The Association also noted that the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC) had been tasked by CHy (Resolution 6 (CHy-13)) with the development of the metadata profile, under the overall guidance of WIS/WIGOS to form part of the WMO Core Profile of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Metadata Standard. CHy-14 subsequently stressed that such a profile is working document and would evolve with time. The Association noted with appreciation that the current version of the profile will be available by the end of 2013.

4.4.27 The Association noted that at the WMO/OGC Hydrology DWG workshop (Quebec City, Canada, 17-21 June 2013), the HY_Features model had been widely accepted as the overarching reference model for referencing the types of hydrologic features that may have persistent identity across multiple data systems and the definitions captured in the model are based on semantics defined within WMO standards and official literature. The Association encouraged further work by WMO in the evaluation of the usefulness and suitability of the HY_Features model to WMO applications.

4.4.28 During its Sixth Panel Session (Koblenz, Germany 12-14 June 2013), two new network member organizations were included in the “network of networks” of global data centres, namely the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) as the custodian of global terrestrial data on soil moisture and the French Space Agency (CNES/LEGOS) as provider of radar altimeter information on the stage of lakes and rivers. The Association noted the Panel’s statement of the importance to develop joint data products on the basis of global data archives held by the different participating centres.

4.4.29 The Association noted that the riparian countries of the Arctic region (including six RA VI Members, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden)) have consented to share hydrological data and information from selected major arctic rivers draining into the Arctic Ocean in support of the implementation of Arctic-HYCOS as a vital hydrological contribution to the activities of Executive Council Panel of Experts on Polar Observations, Research and Services (EC-PORS).

4.4.30 The Association noted that the areas of improved estimates of areal precipitation; altimetric observations of water levels in large rivers, lakes and reservoirs; soil moisture; and snow cover characteristics (snow cover boundaries and snow water equivalent) had been identified by CHy-14 as the four top requirements from the water sector regarding satellite data. The Association also noted with appreciation that EUMETSAT is investing in the development of new satellite products targeted for operational usage in hydrology in the framework of the Satellite

GENERAL SUMMARY 33 Application Facilities (SAF) program, namely EUMETSAT Hydrology SAF (EUMETSAT H-SAF). These will require further development and assist in the promotion of satellite based applications in hydrology and water resources.

4.4.31 The Association noted further that CHy-14 had invited Members that had developed good practices in the use of radar data for nowcasting in operational hydrology to support the AWG member responsible for Data Operations and Management in providing guidance, advice and training in this regard. The Association took note of the contributions by Switzerland in advancing the field of radar hydrology and the willingness to share the expertise in the Region.

4.4.32 The Association was also informed of the organization of a RA VI Hydrology Forum to discuss issues related to hydrological networks and the ongoing discussion with European Union institution on the access to GRDC data sets for supporting EU policy implementation.

Space-based Observations

4.4.33 The Association noted the issues addressed in paragraphs 4.4.45-4.4.49.

Observing System Experiments (OSEs)

4.4.34 The Association noted the list of topics for NWP impact studies (Observing Systems Experiments and Observing Systems Simulation Experiments) relevant to the evolution of global observing systems proposed by CBS-15 (Annex II of CBS-15 Final report, WMO-No. 1101), and requested its Members to consider undertaking such studies from a regional perspective, and report feedback through the CBS Rapporteur on Scientific Evaluation of Impact Studies (R-SEIS).

Instrument Standards and Best Practices

4.4.35 The Association recalled that Cg-XVI stressed that Regional Instrument Centres (RICs) and Regional Marine Instrument Centres (RMICs) should provide effective support to Members in ensuring the traceability of their standards and reaffirmed the need to regularly assess their capabilities making use of the evaluation scheme that was developed to this effect. The Association noted that Regional Radiation Centres (RRCs) should provide support to Members for the traceability of radiation measurements. The Association requested its Members hosting RICs, RMICs and RRCs to reconfirm their on-going willingness to provide these facilities and their compliance with the relevant Terms of Reference of these centres at the latest by December 2013 as they play a crucial role in ensuring traceability of measurement to the International System of Units (SI), and capacity building which is fundamental for the development of WIGOS. The Association further decided to pursue its activities related to instruments (incl. instrument intercomparisons and assessment of centres) and requested the MG to task its Task Team (TT-RIC) or another appropriate RA VI body, to carry out these activities in close collaboration with the CIMO Expert Team on RICs, Calibration and Traceability, and other relevant bodies guiding the WIGOS development.

4.4.36 The Association noted the support expressed by Congress and the Executive Council to the further development of the siting classification for observing stations on land, published in the WMO Guide to Instruments and Methods of Observations (WMO-No. 8), as a common ISO-WMO standard. The Association urged its Members to implement this classification and to share experience. The Association requested the Management Group to nominate a focal point to represent their interests in the further development of the classification as a common WMO-ISO standard.

4.4.37 The Association noted the difficulties of Members to maintain mountain stations and their needs for experience exchange, and guidance for performing quality observations in the harsh weather conditions of mountain stations. The Association noted with appreciation that Switzerland will organize a Workshop in 2015, in collaboration with CIMO, to address this matter.

34 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4.4.38 The Association noted the relevance of the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) with the lead of national metrological institutes, provides unique opportunities for NMHSs to engage in the specification of traceability and uncertainty of their measurements that are highly relevant for climate research and renewable energy applications. In this regard, the Association encouraged Members to actively participate in relevant actions of the EMRP.

Radio Frequency Coordination

4.4.39 The Association recalled Resolution 11 (EC-64) on radio frequencies for meteorological and related environmental activities. It noted that its Members, both individually and through the participation in the EUMETNET radiofrequency activity (EUMETFreq), had contributed significantly to the WMO success at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 (WRC-12) in protection of the existing and providing additional radio-frequency spectrum employed by meteorological and Earth observation systems and applications. However, there remains increasing pressure to share or reallocate radio-frequency bands used for meteorological purposes that could impact on Members’ operations, in particular their observing systems.

4.4.40 The Association noted Resolution 9 (EC-65) relating to the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) to be held in November 2015. It further noted that according to the WMO Preliminary Position Paper on WRC-15 Agenda,5 there are many agenda items that may affect the operation of systems/applications of NMHSs. As most countries in RA VI are members of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunication Administrations (CEPT), which is one (out of six) regional telecommunication organization participating in the ITU preparation to WRC-15, the Association emphasized the necessity of appropriate representation of meteorological requirements/interests in the relevant national and CEPT activities and that NMHSs in RA VI should endeavour to ensure that the WMO Position on radio-frequency matters is made known to their national and CEPT representatives. The Association noted that the European Commission provided an increasing influence on European Union administrations’ positions in CEPT and at WRCs and that it is essential that WMO Members ensure that European Commission positions on frequency matters include the needs of meteorological and related frequency needs.

4.4.41 The Association supported the need for all Members to participate actively in national, regional and international activities on radio frequency spectrum regulatory and use issues in order to defend radio-frequency bands used for meteorological and environmental activities. Noting the draft “WMO Strategy on Radio-Frequency Protection for Meteorology” developed by the SG-RFC and provided to EC-65 as an information document6, the Association requested CBS to provide as a matter of priority guidance material for NMHSs on Radio-frequency coordination and on how to effectively participate in this important activity.

Climate Monitoring Activities

4.4.42 The Association noted with appreciation the consideration given by CCl for supporting the WIGOS implementation in the area of national climate networks; in particular on the urgent need in providing guidance for improving national climate networks. These networks are becoming increasingly useful for climate services at local level. However in many cases these networks are operated by collaborative agencies or by individuals with low level or lack of standardization, continuity and sustainability.

4.4.43 The Association urged its Management Group to consider these issues as a matter of high consideration in the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan in close collaboration with CCl.

5 “ WMO PRELIMINARY POSITION ON WRC-15 AGENDA” Information Documents EC-65-inf04-4(1)-RFC_en.doc

available at http://ec-65.wmo.int/information-papers-e-f 6 “ DRAFT WMO STRATEGY ON RADIO-FREQUENCY PROTECTION FOR METEOROLOGY” Information

Documents EC-65-inf04-4(2)-Draft-Strategy-RFP_en.doc available at http://ec-65.wmo.int/information-papers-e-f

GENERAL SUMMARY 35 4.4.44 The Association noted the support of ICG-WIGOS for centennial observations and the EC-65 request to CCl, GCOS and CIMO to work jointly to set up an appropriate WMO mechanism based on a set of objective assessment criteria for the recognition of centennial observation stations. The Association urged Members to sustain relevant observation programmes of these stations as an invaluable scientific heritage for future generations. In this respect it welcomed the celebration of 250 years of weather and climate information at Stift Kremsmünster, Austria on 13 June 2013.

WMO Space Programme

4.4.45 As recalled by the sixty-fifth Executive Council session, space-based observation provides the major part of input data to Numerical Weather Prediction, is a vital tool for severe weather monitoring and nowcasting for all WMO Members, and plays a unique role for global climate monitoring. The Association noted the EC-65 Resolution on “Avoiding gaps in essential space-based observations”, which urged all satellite-operating Members to take initiatives and develop plans to fill such gaps, and which invited the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) to monitor the plans with the support of the WMO Technical Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) and to coordinate efforts towards a robust and optimized space-based observing system.

4.4.46 In this respect, the Association noted that the CGMS, through an action led by WMO, had discussed in July 2013 the global optimization of polar-orbiting satellite observations on the basis of Observing System Experiments conducted by European and other NWP centres. It noted furthermore that China was subsequently considering redeployment of a FY-3 satellite to the early morning orbit, which would allow the contributions of China, Europe and the USA to optimally complement each other in a global three-orbit constellation. This would reinforce the absolute need of data sharing and interoperability among satellite operators, and the importance of the European commitment, through EUMETSAT, to maintain a robust space-borne capability on the mid-morning orbit.

4.4.47 The Association expressed its high appreciation to EUMETSAT for its operational geostationary and polar-orbit programmes and looked forward to the timely implementation of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) programme, currently under development. It urged the EUMETSAT Members to complete the approval of the EPS-Second Generation programme, which will be the backbone of polar-orbit observations in the morning orbit. Both the geostationary and the polar-orbit programmes are key elements of the space component of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS). The Association looked forward to the launch of Jason-3 and noted the importance of achieving full funding for Jason-CS to pursue the continuous precise altimetry missions started with Jason-1 and -2.

4.4.48 The Association supported the initiative to promote an “Architecture for Climate Monitoring from Space”, which intends to address the climate monitoring needs in an end-to-end approach, from satellite sensor coordination up to the climate products supporting end-user decision making. Building on the operational space-based component of WIGOS and associated surface-based observations, the architecture should ensure the most efficient use of these capabilities to generate and maintain validated climate records, thus contributing to the monitoring and observation pillar of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). The Association was pleased to note a strong involvement of European organizations in this area, including e.g. the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring (CM SAF) and the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI); it highlighted the important role that the WMO Space Programme should continue to play in facilitating the future development of the physical and operational structure of the Architecture, improving the maturity of climate products through the SCOPE-CM initiative, promoting the synergy and integration between in-situ and space-based observing systems for validating the space observations and products; and ensuring the engagement of broader user communities for utilizing the deliverables and realizing the benefits of the Architecture.

36 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4.4.49 The Association noted that the WMO Survey on the Use of Satellite Data showed a relatively high level of satellite data use in RA VI in all thematic domains (weather, climate, marine, hydrology, among others) compared with other Regions, and a high demand for operational satellite products characterizing soil moisture, lightning, land surface temperature, and inland waters (e.g., levels of rivers and lakes). Key challenges identified in the use of satellite data were mostly related to data processing, analysis and interpretation, and insufficient resources. Moreover, many users are insufficiently prepared for the use of new data types from the upcoming generation of satellite systems. The Association thus encouraged Members to support user preparation, in accordance with the CBS Guidelines for ensuring user readiness for new generation satellites.

WMO Information System

4.4.50 The Region VI Implementation Plan for WIS was developed by the RA VI Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (WG-TDI) Task Team on WIS in Sofia, Bulgaria in November 2011. The plan was approved by the RA VI president on 19 December 2012. The plan is available online via the Regional Office for Europe web page (http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/eur/RA6_WIS_ImplPlan.php). The plan aims to assist RA VI Members to implement WIS functionality in their National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and other identified national centres (NCs) in order to become effective WIS users in a timely and harmonized manner.

4.4.51 Resolution 4 (Cg-XVI) approved the Manual on the WIS (WMO-No. 1060) and Resolution 51 (Cg-XVI) designated initial Global Information System Centres (GISCs) and Data Collection or Production Centres (DCPCs). Resolution 13 (EC-65) designated a list of National Centres (NCs). Designated WIS centres are listed in the Manual on the WIS. Of the 15 GISCs designated by Congress, four are in RA VI. These are GISCs Exeter, Moscow, Offenbach and Toulouse. GISC Offenbach began operations in May 2010 and went operational in January 2012, along with GISCs Beijing and Tokyo. GISCs Exeter and Toulouse declared themselves operational in June 2012. GISC Moscow was successfully audited by CBS in March 2013 and planned to be operational by the end of 2013. The four GISCs and 51 NCs are all included in the Manual on the WIS to be published late in 2013. CBS is constantly working with Members to assist in the identification of WIS centres and to demonstrate their compliance with the Manual on the WIS. Presently, CBS has identified 49 DCPCs in RA VI, 45 of which have been recorded in the Manual on the WIS. The Association noted that CBS is working with the remaining four DCPCs to support their being registered in the Manual on the WIS.

4.4.52 The Association recalled its decision at its thirteenth session to establish a VGISC project to implement the WIS in the Region. Recognizing that the original participants of the VGISC were now operational GISCs in their own right - Exeter, Offenbach and Toulouse - the Association decided it was no longer necessary to maintain the concept of the VGISC. The Association emphasized that the VGISC efforts contributed to the development of all GISCs and that lessons learnt about the virtualization of GISCs should be part of the future development of WIS and asked the Secretariat to remove the reference to VGISC in the WIS documentation. The Association noted that with four GISCs in the Region Members had a wide choice of potential Principal GISCs and encouraged Members in nominating their Principal GISC to make effective use of the assets in the Region.

4.4.53 The RA VI WIS Implementation Plan identified the necessary support activity to monitor and guide the Members during the implementation phase. The Association expressed its appreciation to Germany for making available Dr Hermann Asensio (DWD) to support the Regional Office for Europe in the role of RA VI WIS Implementation Focal Point. It noted that the plan required Members to identify a national focal point for WIS along with their Principal GISC. A centre may be associated with several GISCs for the purposes of uploading and downloading data, but only one Principal GISC that they will be using to upload and manage their metadata through. The Association noted that Members’ centres along with their principal and associated GISCs are listed online at http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/WIS/centres/. National WIS focal points for RA VI are also available online at http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/eur/RA6_WIS_focalPoints.php.

GENERAL SUMMARY 37 Both pages are linked to the RA VI WIS Implementation Plan web page located at http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/eur/RA6_WIS_ImplPlan.php.

4.4.54 The Association was concerned that several Members had still to identify a Principal GISC and/or national WIS focal point. It urged all Members, in accordance with Resolution 13 (EC-65), Recommendation 8 (CBS-15) (WMO-No. 1101) and paragraph 2.4.2 of the Manual on the WIS, to notify the Regional Office for Europe and WIS implementation focal point (e-mail: hermann.asensio@dwd.de) of their decisions as soon as possible.

4.4.55 The Association highlighted that the implementation of WIS functionality can be achieved internally by upgrading a Member’s current information management and message switching systems or by making use of the remote WIS services offered at the GISCs complementing their current GTS and Internet connectivity. The Association encouraged all Members to ensure that WIS functionality was taken into consideration in future information management and message switching systems. The Association highlighted that regardless which technical solution is chosen by centres for implementing WIS, a major effort will be required by centres to ensure staff are appropriately trained in the skills required to use WIS effectively in their activities. The Association expressed its appreciation to France, Germany, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom for providing the new WIS infrastructure and services, and urged all Members to ensure that they participated in training and capacity building exercises offered by the GISCs. It noted that there remains a clear need to identify what skills and competencies are necessary for WIS operators and users and supported the request from EC-65 for CBS to develop a structured training package for WIS and to investigate the feasibility of a competence framework for those with responsibilities for operating and managing WIS centres.

4.4.56 The Association expressed its appreciation to ECMWF for its ongoing commitment and support of the Regional Meteorological Data Communications Network (RMDCN) that provides the connectivity between most of the RA VI centres as a part of the RA VI Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Network (RMTN) component of the GTS. The Association noted that the existing RMDCN service operated by Orange Business Services (OBS) is to be discontinued from 2014 and that the RMDCN Next Generation (RMDCN-NG) is to be provided by INTEROUTE. It was pleased that ECMWF continues to take a leading role in the RMDCN and that the INTEROUTE service included a number of options for connecting to the RMDCN ranging from high-availability, dedicated connections (Platinum service) to a basic connection via the Internet (Iron service), each level with corresponding support commitments. It emphasised that the RMDCN is an important component of WIS and invited all RA VI Members to join the RMDCN-NG and to ensure they are included in the migration schedule maintained by the ECMWF RMDCN Operations Committee (ROC).

4.4.57 The Association noted that following a successful RMDCN-NG pilot implementation involving six centres in the second quarter of 2013, orders were placed for the initial migration from the RMDCN to RMDCN-NG to take place in the first quarter 2014. Members that did not submit their applications in time for the July deadline are expected to participate in the second migration round scheduled for later in 2014. It further noted that the RMDCN-NG is also providing the infrastructure for the core network of WIS connecting all GISCs and that in addition to GISCs Exeter, Moscow, Offenbach and Toulouse, the initial migration will include GISCs Beijing, Casablanca, Pretoria, Seoul and Tokyo.

4.4.58 The Association reminded Members that in order to derive benefits from WIS, they need to ensure that there are accurate WIS Discovery Metadata records describing the information they provide through the WIS. This includes registering data and products available for national usage. It further encouraged Members to enable their national web pages to include remote search of their Principal GISC metadata catalogues to facilitate national users’ access to all WIS data and products. The Association adopted Resolution 6 (RA VI-16) – WMO Information System Implementation Plan for Regional Association VI (Europe).

38 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Migration to Table Driven Code Forms

4.4.59 Significant progress has been made towards exchanging information in the Table Driven Code Forms (TDCF), but not all Members in Region VI are exchanging synoptic, upper-air and climate reports in Table Driven Code Forms. In some cases, reports are being produced in TDCF, but these reports are not being distributed fully. The transition to TDCF of RA VI Members has been coordinated through a Regional Migration Plan developed by the Task Team on Migration to TDCF (TT-MTDCF) under the Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (WG-TDI). TT-MTDCF has provided the Secretariat with regular updates of the status of the migration which are publicly available on: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/eur/ RA6_WG_TDI_TDCF_Project-2.php.

4.4.60 The regional association strongly encouraged all Members to exchange information in Table Driven Code Forms, and to make sure that Technical Regulations, WMO-No. 49, Volume C1 is updated to record that the information is available in TDCF. The Association also asked all Regional Telecommunications Hubs in Region VI to make sure that all messages, bulletins and files originating in their area of responsibility are passed to the Region VI GISCs.

Monitoring of the World Weather Watch

4.4.61 The Association noted the results of the quantitative Annual Global Monitoring of the World Weather Watch for October 2012 and the generally high availability of synoptic surface observations recorded. It also noted that monthly CLIMAT reports were not available for some stations in the Regional Basic Climate Network (RBCN) that had an excellent record of reporting synoptic observations. It further noted that some Members were not providing reports from their upper-air stations at both 00Z and 12Z. The Association strongly encouraged those Members with stations in the RBCN to submit CLIMAT reports.

4.4.62 Although the majority of Members in the Region had made good progress in migrating to table driven code forms, the Association noted that in some cases this progress was being undermined by a failure to exchange the migrated reports widely. The Association therefore adopted Resolution 7 (RA VI-16) – Updating records in the Operational Information Service.

Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)

4.4.63 The Association recalled that undertaking the actions identified in the 2010 updated Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) would address many of the needs for climate observations in support of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). The Association was reminded of the importance of a strengthened Global Climate Observing System to the successful implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), recognizing that observations and monitoring constitute one of the essential pillars of the GFCS. The Association reiterated its urgent call to Members to assist and advise international and national organizations in the implementation of the global observing systems for climate.

4.4.64 The Association was informed on the next steps of the GCOS improvement and assessment cycle. At the thirty-seventh session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Advice of the UNFCCC in November 2012, GCOS was invited to submit a Third Adequacy Report to SBSTA in 2015, and a new Implementation Plan in 2016, with a draft of the latter encouraged to be provided one year before. The Association noted the recommended planning and requested that the GCOS Secretariat report back on the process at the next Association session.

GCOS Expert Panels for Land, Atmosphere and Oceans

4.4.65 The Association noted that the GCOS/GTOS/WCRP Terrestrial Observation Panel for Climate (TOPC) had held its fifteenth session from 6 to 7 March 2013, at WMO, in Geneva. On that occasion, the current Chairman, Prof Han Dolman (Free University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) handed over the chairmanship to Prof Konrad Steffen (Federal Institute for Forest,

GENERAL SUMMARY 39 Snow and Landscape Research, Switzerland). TOPC reviews the climate-observing components of terrestrial global observing systems and is managed by the GCOS Secretariat.

4.4.66 The Association noted the most recent outcomes of the GCOS/WCRP Atmospheric Observation Panel for Climate (AOPC), which met for its 18th session from 2 to 5 April 2013, at WMO, Geneva. Members commended the Panel’s work as an efficient platform for discussions on the climate-components of existing research and operational atmospheric observing systems and the related programmes, including important cross-cutting links to the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) as well as to the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme. The Members appreciated in particular the Panel’s work on the GCOS Surface Network (GSN), the GCOS Upper-Air Network (GUAN) and the GCOS Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN). The Association requested the Panel in its future sessions to continue to advise explicitly on climate-observing elements of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), and to ensure that there is full cooperation between GCOS, WIGOS and WIS as they develop.

4.4.67 The Association was informed that following the approval of the Framework for Ocean Observations the panels of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) have been reorganized. GOOS will now be overseen by a steering committee and three panels for Ocean Physics (OOPC), Biogeochemistry (the International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project will expand to include nutrients and oxygen) and a new Biology Panel. Key tasks for the OOPC are coordinating a review of the Tropical Pacific Observing System, reducing uncertainty in air-sea flux estimates and identifying requirements for observations of western boundary currents. The panel is also expected to expand its focus to the coastal oceans and shelf seas.

4.4.68 In the context of the GCOS Panels’ work, the Association noted the importance of liaising closely with space agencies on dedicated space-based observations for climate, in particular through the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), the WMO Space Programme and their development of the architecture for climate monitoring from space. The Association recommended that progress and future needs in the development of the architecture for climate monitoring from space be addressed in the next GCOS Adequacy Report and requested the GCOS Secretariat to remain engaged in the next stages of development and implementation of the architecture.

GCOS Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN)

4.4.69 The Association noted that the implementation of GRUAN has progressed steadily over the past years and initial GRUAN-quality data can be accessed at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). As the GRUAN currently consists of 16 initial reference sites, which are predominantly located in the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes, the Association encouraged its Members to support GRUAN operations, in particular in arctic and tropical regions, and also to collaborate with scientific institutions to reach better global coverage over major climatic zones. It welcomed the exemplary collaboration between an operational service and a scientific institution at the new GRUAN site of Ny-Ålesund. The Association also noted that criteria for site assessment and certification, and the process for implementation, had been developed. It encouraged those Members maintaining GRUAN sites to undergo the formal GRUAN certification and assessment process. The Association welcomed that representatives of the WMO Technical Commissions (CBS, CIMO, CAS and CCl) are now officially represented at the Working Group on GRUAN.

GCOS Cooperation Mechanism

4.4.70 The Association recognized that the cooperation mechanism of the GCOS programme to improve climate observation networks, most recently focused in RA I and parts of RA V, has made good progress in improving the coverage and performance of the networks. In addition, significant progress was made in obtaining CLIMAT reports from the Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN) stations. The Association noted that strengthening of such networks was an important requirement for an effective GFCS. The GCOS Steering Committee had noted in its last session that many Members of WMO were not preparing and sending CLIMAT reports from all of their listed RBCN stations. The Association recalled the recommendation of Congress that

40 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Members were encouraged to expand these networks and urged Members to take appropriate actions.

4.4.71 The Association urged Members, with support of the GCOS Secretariat, to liaise with the responsible government agencies to initiate or to secure funding for the GCOS Cooperation Mechanism. The Association explicitly thanked Germany, Japan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom who have contributed to the GCOS Cooperation Mechanism in the past year. In particular, the Council thanked the Government of the United Kingdom (Department of Energy and Climate Change) and the UK Met Office who support the position of the GCOS Implementation Manager in the GCOS Secretariat since 1 March 2013.

Data Management Applications in Support of the Global Framework for Climate Services

Climate Data Management Systems (CDMS)

4.4.72 The Association noted with satisfaction that RA VI Members’ response rate to the WMO/CCl survey on CDMS reached 84 per cent by mid-2012. The Association urged Members who did not provide a response to consider sending their input as soon as possible.

4.4.73 The Association noted with concern the induced relative costs for upgrading CDMSs or acquiring new ones, which poses financial challenges to some countries due to incurred relatively high fees related to software license, installation, and training. The Association further encouraged Members to actively create sub-regional CDMS user groups as a cost-effective means of CDMS modernization and information sharing.

4.4.74 The Association welcomed the ongoing efforts of the CCl Expert Team on Climate Database Management Systems to develop a set of CDMS specifications. It looked forward to the provision of guidance for developing and acquiring suitable systems in compliance with the new and evolving technological requirements and standards.

Data Rescue (DARE)

4.4.75 The Association reiterated the paramount importance of data rescue activities. It welcomed CCl’s plan to develop an integrated Internet data rescue portal to more effectively coordinate data rescue activities worldwide.

4.4.76 The Association noted with satisfaction the progress made in the ongoing Mediterranean Data Rescue initiative (MEDARE). The Association urged Members in the Greater Mediterranean Region (GMR) to further collaborate on the exchange of the required minimum set of climate data and metadata to develop a long-term high-quality climate data set in the Region to support the climate adaptation efforts.

4.4.77 The Association noted with satisfaction the establishment of a RA VI DARE website, initiated and currently maintained by the RA VI Task Team on Data Rescue. The Association encouraged Members to benefit from the knowledge resources being offered by the website and contribute to its content by sharing relevant information and Data Rescue knowledge and related software.

4.4.78 The Association noted the conduct of a EUMETNET survey on the availability of digitized and non-digitized long-term time series, the amount of resources needed to digitize all relevant data and the prospects of contributing digitized time series to international databases. The Association looked forward to the results of the survey.

World Weather Records (WWR)

4.4.79 The Association recalled Resolution 16 (Cg-XVI) on climate data requirements and the subsequent Resolution 14 (EC-64) on the submission of the ten years WWRs of the period

GENERAL SUMMARY 41 pertaining to 1991-2000 and 2001-2010 and the shift from the ten year to an annual submission which should apply for the WWRs of 2011 and onward.

4.4.80 The Association noted with concern the slow progress made in the WWRs submission in various Regions including RA VI. The Association urged Members who have not yet submitted WWRs to do so as soon as possible.

International Climate Assessment and Datasets (ICA&D)

4.4.81 The Association further welcomed WMO and CCl efforts for extending the concept of European Climate Assessment and Datasets (ECA&D) to a more International Climate Assessment and Dataset initiative under WMO/CCl auspices (ICA&D) to support GFCS product generation and services. It requested Members to further support these initiatives.

WMO Climate Normals

4.4.82 The Association took note of the request made by the Executive Council to CCl to submit a proposal for amending the WMO technical regulation concerning the provision and updates of Climate Normals.

Training and capacity development

4.4.83 The session reiterated the need for climate data related capacity building including training in the Region to further raise the profile of its Members’ NMHSs as well as to underpin climate service capabilities where required. In this regard, the session welcomed the conduct of the Regional Workshop on Historic Hydrometeorological Data Management for West Balkan Countries and Turkey with representation from Lebanon and Jordan (Skopje, Macedonia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 22-26 April 2013). The session expressed its strong support to a workshop design with hands-on training on freely available statistical software packages, which participants can apply in their Services after the training. It recommended resource mobilization for similar workshops to build further capacity among RA VI Members.

4.4.84 The Association appreciated the ongoing project for upgrading CDMSs in West Balkan countries as part of the EU-UNISDR-WMO coordinated project ‘Building Resilience to Disasters in the West Balkans and Turkey’.

4.5 Research and technology development (agenda item 4.5)

World Climate Research Programme (WCRP)

4.5.1 The Association acknowledged with appreciation that the WCRP is organizing a series of regional projects, conferences, capacity development and training activities focusing on the role of science in climate services and risk management. It encouraged Members to participate in the joint WCRP-IPCC-EU International Conference on Regional Climate to be held 4-7 November 2013 in Brussels, Belgium. This event aims to showcase the main outcomes of the IPCC AR5 WGI report and the key scientific results for the first phase of WCRP COordinated Regional climate Downscaling EXperiment (CORDEX) and identify the future research priorities. The Association was also pleased to note that the WCRP was organizing a Conference on the African Climate System - Addressing Priority Research Gaps to Inform Adaptation Decision-Making in Africa that will take place from 15-18 October 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania and a Conference on Climate and Society for Latin America and the Caribbean scheduled for March 2014 in Montevideo, Uruguay.

4.5.2 The Association welcomed WCRP’s efforts to engage early career scientists in its activities, with particular emphasis on scientists from least developed and developing countries, to facilitate growth of the diverse future workforce needed to meet the increasingly complex scientific challenges in the future. It noted with satisfaction that over the past four years WCRP support had

42 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI enabled 1266 scientists, of whom 554 were early career scientists or students, to participate in WCRP activities.

4.5.3 The Association acknowledged the research successes and advancements facilitated through the WCRP projects and working groups in improving the quality of seasonal forecasts through the use of multi-model ensembles, in developing state-of-the-science data assimilation systems, and better understanding of key processes that are likely to contribute to improved seasonal forecasts, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and ENSO.

4.5.4 The Association noted with significant interest the outcomes of the WCRP Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and the project workshop held 5-9 March 2012 in Honolulu, USA. The experiment includes historical, centennial model runs and pilot decadal predictions and is leading to numerous contributions to the IPCC AR5. It also took due note of growing availability of the downscaled climate products for the Region resulting from the CORDEX project. It encouraged its Members to assess and make use of the archived global and regional climate predictions and projections in studying the impacts of climate variability and change on their regions and areas of activity.

4.5.5 The Association took note of the establishment of the WCRP Data Advisory Council (WDAC) to act as a focal point for all data, information, and observation activities across the programme, and to coordinate their high-level aspects with its sister programmes and partners. WDAC held its first meeting in China in July 2012 and its second meeting in Germany in March 2013. The reports of the meetings are available at http://www.wcrp-climate.org/index.php/wdac-activities. The main lines of action for WDAC will be: to provide a composite Essential Climate Variables (ECV) inventory of in situ and satellite observations; to encourage coordinated contributions of observational data for Earth System reanalyses from WCRP core projects and other activities; and to make data available through the Earth System Grid and its Obs4MIPs component to facilitate model evaluation and model-data comparisons. The Association encouraged Members to make use of these capabilities when assessing the impacts of climate variability and change on their regions and areas of activity.

4.5.6 The Association took note of the establishment of the WCRP Modelling Advisory Council (WMAC) to act as a focal point for all modelling activities across the programme, and to coordinate their high-level aspects with its sister programmes and partners. WMAC held its first meeting in China in July 2012 and its second meeting in Brazil in May 2013. The reports of the meetings are available at http://www.wcrp-climate.org/index.php/wmac-activities. The main lines of action for WMAC will be: to foster model development through summer schools, prizes, etc.; to enhance collaboration on Earth System Modelling with sister programmes; and to develop efforts towards dynamical circulation research across the WCRP.

4.5.7 The Association took note of the recent establishment of the WCRP Working Group on Regional Climate (WGRC) which will help prioritizing and coordinating regional climate research within the WCRP and will serve as the conduit for two-way information exchange between the WCRP, the Global Framework for Climate Services, and the various institutions and coordinating bodies that provide climate services in various regions. WGRC held its first meeting in Austria in April 2013 and the report of the meeting is available at http://www.wcrp-climate.org/images/ documents/reports_flyers/WGRC1_report.pdf. The WGRC will also oversee the work of CORDEX.

4.5.8 The Association took note with interest of the conference “Climate Research and Earth Observations from Space: Climate Information for Decision Making”, which was being organized by WCRP and EUMETSAT, in partnership with GCOS, CEOS and CGMS. It will be held in Darmstadt, Germany on 13-17 October 2014. The conference will initiate a process for creating a post-IPCC-AR5 joint action plan for continuing development of observing systems, with a focus on the space component. The Association encouraged Members to facilitate attendance of climate scientists, experts from national space agencies, and relevant stakeholders in climate-related decision-making to attend the Conference.

GENERAL SUMMARY 43 4.5.9 The Association was pleased to hear that WCRP has identified six "grand science challenges" resulting from the community based scientific papers and subsequent deliberations at the WCRP Open Science Conference (October 2011). These grand science challenges are:

(a) Provision of skilful future climate information on regional scales;

(b) Regional sea-level rise;

(c) Cryosphere in a changing climate;

(d) Clouds, circulation and climate sensitivity;

(e) Changes in water availability; and

(f) Prediction and attribution of extreme events;

and are intended to integrate scientific activities across the four WCRP core projects and the various WCRP Working Groups and Panels to deliver “action-oriented” climate information for decision-makers in support of the GFCS and Future Earth.

World Weather Research Programme (WWRP)

4.5.10 The Association acknowledged the research successes and advancements in the WWRP including THe Observing Research and Predictability EXperiment (THORPEX), in meeting Members’ needs, including the successful transition of research into operations through WWRP Forecasting Demonstration Projects (FDPs) (e.g. MAP-DPHASE, Beijing08), the closer collaboration with the Severe Weather Forecast Demonstration Projects (SWFDPs) in CBS, the new sub-seasonal to seasonal prediction project with the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the new polar prediction project with strong linkage to WCRP, the collaboration between WWRP and the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR), as well as the model research development by the Working Group on Numerical Experimentation (WGNE).

4.5.11 The Association noted that there are several ongoing or proposed Research and Development Projects (RDPs)/Forecast Demonstration Projects (FDPs) based on nowcasting and mesoscale research aimed at addressing specific weather-related research needs identified by Members. In addition, large field programmes of the international community, such as HYMEX, are regularly monitored by the WWRP/Joint Scientific Committee (JSC) and THORPEX International Core Steering Committee (ICSC). HYMEX conducted field campaigns in the fall of 2012 and spring of 2013 and the data generated will be instrumental to advance mesoscale NWP systems in the Mediterranean region.

4.5.12 The Association noted that INCA-CE (INtegrating nowCAsting with Crisis management and risk prEvention in a transnational framework) FDP is a nowcasting/mesoscale research project coordinated by the Zentralanstalt fur Meteorologie und Geodynamik (ZAMG), Austria and with the participation of eight Central European countries. It aims at reducing risks and impact of weather-related natural disasters (e.g. windstorms, flooding, mudflows, icing, drought) by integrating nowcasting with crisis management and risk prevention.

4.5.13 The Association was pleased to note the information from the UK Met Office regarding capability and research projects developed for the London 2012 Olympics. Science showcased during the events included:

• An hourly 1.5 km resolution NWP nowcast of the UK up to 12 hours ahead;

• A 6-hourly, 2.2 km resolution convection-permitting ensemble of 12 members processed to provide probabilistic products of temperature, wind and precipitation for the UK to 36 hours ahead;

44 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI • Daily forecasts of wind and waves for Weymouth Bay using a ⅓km resolution

atmospheric forecasting model and a ¼km ocean wave forecasting model; and

• 12-hourly forecasts of UK air quality for the next 5 days, using a 12km atmospheric forecasting model with pollutant emissions and chemistry.

These cutting edge science capabilities were extremely well received by all customer groups.

4.5.14 The Association noted that Forecast and Research in Sochi Olympic Testbed (FROST)-2014 RDP/FDP, for the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russian Federation, is currently in the phase of testing the real time forecasting and nowcasting facilities to be implemented during the Olympic Games. It aims to demonstrate the usefulness of high-resolution deterministic mesoscale forecasts (including regional ensemble prediction systems) and nowcast systems for high impact weather phenomena in a complex terrain.

4.5.15 The Association noted the progress made in developing a Lake Victoria RDP, following a recommendation of EC-LXII which assigned WWRP the task of developing a plan for a project to better understand the dynamics of Lake Victoria thunderstorms. The Association encouraged Members to participate in the implementation of the RDP and to mobilize the resources required.

4.5.16 The Association noted the participation of WWRP Societal and Economic Research and Application (SERA) members in past regional meetings, including the Regional Association VI (Europe) Conference on Social and Economic Benefits of Weather, Climate and Water Services held in Lucerne, Switzerland, 3-4 October 2011. It also noted the collaboration and involvement of SERA members in the development of a guidance document for NMHSs, Assessing the Socio-Economic Benefits of Meteorological and Hydrological Services, coordinated and funded through the WMO Forum: Social and Economic Applications and Benefits of Weather, Climate and Water Services, the World Bank, and Climate Services Partnership. The Association encouraged Members to continue to support social and economic research and applications.

4.5.17 The Association noted the lack of contributions by Members to the Trust Fund for Weather Modification Research, which was established at the request of Cg-XV to support WMO centres of research that will advance the practice of sound science in weather modification. This holds a considerable risk to the future activities, including challenges in updating the WMO statement on weather modification. In order to sustain sound advice on weather modification activities, the Association requests interested Members to contribute to its trust fund.

4.5.18 The Association noted that, based on the necessity of developing a scientifically-based WMO position on weather modification, CAS-16 will be requested to advise on the relative priority and sustainability of this activity in relation to other emerging issues, for example geoengineering, and make recommendations to EC-66 in 2014.

4.5.19 The Association noted that the Joint Working Group on Forecast Verification Research (JWGFVR) is organizing a one-day ensemble verification workshop to be held during the European Meteorological Society Annual Meeting (Reading, UK, September 2013) which will focus on interpretation of verification results. The Association encouraged the JWGFVR to continue to work towards the development of uniform verification methodologies and to make these available to Members.

4.5.20 The Association noted that THORPEX is due to conclude in 2014 and that it has demonstrated significant benefits to the global meteorological science community. The Association acknowledged the leadership role of Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America in THORPEX activities, through their financial contributions to the THORPEX trust fund. In this regard, more Members and national and international funding agencies were urged to commit support to the THORPEX trust fund.

GENERAL SUMMARY 45 4.5.21 The Association also welcomed the activities of the five THORPEX Regional Committees, including the European Regional Committee (ERC), and was pleased that each Regional Committee had developed broad research and implementation plans.

4.5.22 The Association recognized that the successful establishment of the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE) database was a major achievement and acknowledged the significant contributions of the ten data providers, including the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), Météo-France, the UK Met Office in RA VI and the three archive centres, including ECMWF.

4.5.23 The Association noted with appreciation that under the GEOSS interoperability for Weather, Ocean and Water (GEOWOW) project, the European TIGGE-Limited Area Model (LAM) ensemble forecast data are now archived at ECMWF, and are contributing to several projects, e.g. HYMEX, FROST-2014.

4.5.24 The Association noted that ECMWF is willing to continue providing TIGGE archive for research purposes after the conclusion of THORPEX in 2014.

4.5.25 The Association was pleased to note that the forecast guidance products from the TIGGE archive may provide a new insight for the development and execution of the SWFDPs. The probabilistic forecasts based on the TIGGE database may add additional information for forecasters and decision-makers.

4.5.26 The Association expressed its satisfaction with the establishment of three THORPEX legacy projects aligned to the requirements of Members and the GFCS namely, the Sub-seasonal to Seasonal Prediction Project (S2S) which is a joint initiative with WCRP, the Polar Prediction Project (PPP) and the new high-impact weather prediction project currently being developed. The Association encouraged Members to participate in the implementation of these projects and provide the resources required. More detailed information on the first two projects is available in paragraphs 4.5.51-4.5.54.

4.5.27 The Association recognized that the third THORPEX legacy project on high-impact weather prediction, from minutes to weekly timescale, with a strong socio-economic application component, had been requested by a number of Members. The development of an implementation plan was initiated at the Workshop on Improving the Prediction of High Impact Weather, held in Karlsruhe, Germany, in March 2013. The Association welcomed the recent establishment of the Task Force on High-impact Weather Prediction to finalize the implementation plan for the project for consideration by EC-66.

4.5.28 The Association was pleased to note that preparation for the World Weather Open Science Conference (OSC), scheduled from 15 to 21 August 2014 in Montreal, Canada, is proceeding well and that an International Organizing Committee (IOC) and sub-structures have been established with broad international representation. The overarching theme of the OSC is Seamless Prediction of the Earth System: from nowcasting through medium-range to seasonal forecasts. A strong focus will be placed on applications in key sectors and the active involvement of early career scientists, especially those from developing countries.

Global Atmosphere Watch Programme (GAW)

4.5.29 The Association appreciated the good progress made in the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme with important activities taking place in the Region and high support by several Association Members. Recognizing the importance of these activities, it recalled that the Addendum for the Period 2012-2015 to the GAW Strategic Plan: 2008-2015 (GAW Report No. 197 available at http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/arep/gaw/documents/FINAL_GAW_197.pdf), approved by Cg-XVI, contains the tasks to be undertaken in the GAW Programme in the mentioned years, and requested Members and contributing partner organizations and institutes to act upon these tasks and recommendations.

46 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4.5.30 The Association valued the efforts of several Member countries in expanding the GAW Programme by establishing new stations (by Denmark (Greenland), France, Finland, Germany, Russian Federation, UK and Ukraine) and upgrading Regional GAW stations to global ones (Monte Cimone (operated by Italy) and Halley in Antarctica (run by the UK). In spite of these improvements, efforts are needed to fill the observational gaps in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region, especially as regards aerosol measurements, and to extend observations of atmospheric composition over marine areas, especially in climate sensitive zones.

4.5.31 The Association welcomed the recognition of the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) as a Contributing GAW network. The Association in particular noted the important role this network played in monitoring the events that affected the aviation industry in 2010 after the Eyjafjallajokull eruption. The Association welcomed the important steps taken by Germany (http://www.dwd.de/ceilomap) and the EUMETNET programme E-PROFILE toward an integrated approach and operational use of ceilometer and lidar data. These applications will serve aviation security (volcanic ash, dust), NWP (data assimilation), SDS-WAS (data assimilation, model validation) and GAW (long-term monitoring). In this connection, the Association noted that a joint project between CAS, CBS and CIMO as a WIGOS Pilot Project on volcanic ash detection would be a welcome initiative. A successful volcanic ash project in Europe could provide the basis for implementation of a similar system in other Regions (especially Region V) that are likely to have comparable problems.

4.5.32 As regards GAW Central Facilities, the Association appreciated the important continued support for existing ones and welcomed the establishment of new ones in the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. It was noted that there still are needs for Central Facilities, especially as regards aerosol chemical properties.

4.5.33 Considering the needs for the GFCS, the Association recognized the important contribution by the GAW Programme through the coordination of observations of long-lived greenhouse gases (GHGs) as well as short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as ozone and particulate matter. The Association encouraged expanding the existing collaboration with the European Union supported Research Infrastructure ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) and the project InGOS (Integrated non-CO2 greenhouse gases Observing System). The Association noted the importance of the WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, an authoritative WMO publication on the state of the key greenhouse gases in the atmosphere with valuable contributions from Members and urged for these to be supported.

4.5.34 The Association appreciated the many different avenues of involvement and collaboration between GAW and European research and policy initiatives and recommended for these to continue.

4.5.35 In particular, the Association welcomed GAW involvement in the European Union ACTRIS (Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research InfraStructure Network) project, IAGOS-ERI (In service Aircraft for a Global Observing System) Research Infrastructure, and the ACCENT Plus (Atmospheric Composition Change: the European Network - Policy Support and Science) project. These will substantially improve the quality of reactive gas and aerosol measurements, air-born observations and the connection between science and policymaking.

4.5.36 The Association noted the important collaboration with the UN ECE on the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), specifically the role of WMO co-chairing the Cooperative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP) Task Force on Measurements and Modelling (TFMM) and the collaboration with the Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution (TF-HTAP).

4.5.37 The Association requested for the good collaboration to continue between GAW and the 2nd phase of the Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate (MACC-II) project of the European Copernicus Programme (http://copernicus.eu/), with for instance GAW stations providing data in Near-real-time (NRT) to this initiative and the GAW Urban Research Meteorology and Environment (GURME) using MACC-II for boundary conditions in air quality modelling activities.

GENERAL SUMMARY 47 4.5.38 As regards capacity building, the Association welcomed the activities of the GAW Programme on further building the observational capacity of Members through regular training and twinning activities. In this respect the Association recognized that the long-term support by Germany for the GAW Training and Education Centre (GAWTEC) is vital for the quality of observations made at the GAW stations.

4.5.39 The Association was pleased with the efforts by Switzerland to enhance atmospheric composition measurements globally through the Capacity Building and Twinning for Climate Observing Systems (CATCOS) project and recommended for other Members to follow this example.

4.5.40 Regarding urban issues, the Association noted that over half the world’s population now resides in urban areas and that this portion is expected to rise to 70% by 2050, with the urban population growing to about 6.3 billion from the current 3.5 billion. Several geographical areas within the Association are affected. These and large urban complexes can face numerous potential meteorological and related environmental threats that will possibly be intensified by the effects of climate change. The Association recognized that urban areas need a new way of dealing with meteorological and environmental challenges and agreed with Cg-XVI that WMO GURME is well placed to address these issues. The Association further recognized that the development of services for urban areas through research should be a high priority for WMO.

4.5.41 The Association noted the active participation of GURME within many European COST Actions (728, 0602, 0603, 1004), with the European Union project MEGAPOLI and the cooperation starting now on the PANDA project, and requested for these productive collaborations to continue. The Association further noted the important input that many European experts have had into GURME projects in other WMO Regions, and agreed that this is a good way of enhancing cooperation between regional associations.

4.5.42 The Association welcomed the recent publication of the WMO/IGAC report “Impacts of Megacities on Air Pollution and Climate”, available at http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/arep/gaw/ documents/GAW_205_DRAFT_13_SEPT.pdf. The report focuses on providing an initial assessment of what information is available on air pollution in megacities across Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Europe. The Association noted that there is a large amount of work still to be done in this area, with air pollution causing shortening of life expectancies and large number of deaths globally, 1.3 million annually due to outdoor air pollution (WHO).

4.5.43 The Association agreed that it is important for GAW to enhance the value chain from research to operational observations, including model development and application, and to services. In this context Member contributions to research, infrastructure, capacity and institutional development are very essential and the Association encouraged further involvement and contributions in these areas.

WCRP, WWRP and GAW Joint Research Initiatives

Sixteenth session of the Commission for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS-16)

4.5.44 The Association noted that the sixteenth session of the Commission for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS-16) will be held from 20 to 26 November 2013 in Antalya, Turkey. CAS-16 will review progress in the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP), including THe Observing System Research and Predictability EXperiment (THORPEX), the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme, including GAW Urban Research Meteorology and Environment (GURME), consider WMO priorities, especially regarding activities in GFCS and WIGOS/WIS, identify emerging research priorities with the assistance of Members, and provide holistic guidance to the future activities of WWRP including the post-THORPEX legacy.

4.5.45 The Association noted that the Technical Conference (TECO) on “Responding to the Environmental Stressors of the 21st Century” will precede the CAS-16 session (Antalya, 18-19 November 2013).

48 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

4.5.46 The Association noted with regret that the election of a vice-president of CAS has not been successful and encouraged Members to actively participate in the current election by correspondence. The Association also encouraged Members to actively participate in CAS-16 and TECO.

Working Group on Numerical Experimentation (WGNE)

4.5.47 The Association acknowledged the outcome of the 28th session of the Working Group on Numerical Experimentation (WGNE) held in Toulouse, France, 5-9 November 2012, which addressed important topics such as the Sub-seasonal to Seasonal Project, the Polar Prediction Project (PPP) and the Polar Climate Prediction Initiative (PCPI), and the linkages between weather climate models and aerosols. WGNE has the responsibility of fostering the development of atmospheric circulation models for use in weather, climate, water and environmental prediction on all time and spatial scales and identifying and resolving shortcomings. The session report is available at http://www.wmo.int/pages/about/sec/rescrosscut/resdept_wgne.html.

4.5.48 The Association noted with appreciation the outcome of the 4th WGNE Workshop on Systematic Errors in Weather and Climate models held at the UK Met Office, Exeter, 15-19 April 2013 which aimed at understanding the nature and causes of systematic errors in weather and climate prediction using diagnostic techniques, observations, process models and simplified experiments. The workshop recommended a more seamless approach to model evaluation through close collaboration between WCRP and WWRP, encouraged a wider range of diagnostic techniques supported by dedicated model and observational data sets in common formats, called for appropriate observations in polar and tropical regions and surface fluxes over the ocean and suggested the development of research efforts linking dynamical and physical processes in models. More information is available at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/conference/wgne2013.

4.5.49 The Association noted that the WCRP/WWRP Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) Task Force will now report directly to the WGNE because it is widely recognized that improved understanding and prediction of the MJO and related tropical intraseasonal variability (ISV) is crucial for both the climate and weather communities, and the decisions they support. This Task Force is expected to make a major contribution to the Sub-seasonal to Seasonal (S2S) project and will now be organized around four subprojects: (a) process-oriented diagnostics and metrics for MJO simulations; (b) boreal summer monsoon ISV monitoring and forecast metrics; (c) simplified MJO metrics and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 analysis; and (d) vertical structure and diabatic processes of the MJO.

THORPEX Legacy Projects

4.5.50 The Association expressed its satisfaction with the establishment of three THORPEX legacy projects aligned to the requirements of Members and the GFCS namely, the Sub-seasonal to Seasonal Prediction Project, the Polar Prediction Project and the new high-impact weather prediction project currently being developed. The first two projects were approved at EC-64 and as per Resolutions 16 and 17, their trust funds have been established and the International Coordination Offices are formalized. The Association encouraged Members to participate in the implementation of these projects and provide the resources required.

Sub-seasonal to Seasonal Prediction Project

4.5.51 The Association noted the progress on the implementation of the joint project of the WCRP and the WWRP on Sub-seasonal to Seasonal Prediction (S2S), which aims to improve forecast skill and understanding on the sub-seasonal to seasonal timescale, and to promote the uptake of S2S by operational centres and exploitation by the applications community as an important contribution to the GFCS. To achieve many of these goals, the planning group advocates the establishment of an extensive database of sub-seasonal (up to 60 days) forecasts and reforecasts.

GENERAL SUMMARY 49 4.5.52 A Memorandum of Understanding was signed during EC-65 between WMO and the Korea Meteorological Administration to formalize the establishment of the S2S International Coordination Office in the Republic of Korea. The Association welcomed this substantial contribution to S2S and urged Members to consider contributing to the S2S trust fund, to ensure that the Project has adequate resources for its planned activities.

Polar Prediction Project

4.5.53 The Association noted the activities of the newly established 10-year Polar Prediction Project (PPP), especially the finalization of the Implementation Plan and the progress on planning for the Year of Polar Prediction under the leadership of the PPP Steering Group and in close collaboration with the WCRP Polar Climate Predictability Initiative. The aim of the PPP is to “Promote cooperative international research enabling the development of improved weather and environmental prediction services for the Polar Regions, on time scales from hours to seasons”. PPP represents a fundamental component of the emerging WMO Global Integrated Polar Prediction System (GIPPS) of the EC Panel of Experts on Polar Observations, Research and Services (EC-PORS).

4.5.54 The Association noted that the Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Germany, will host the PPP International Coordination Office (ICO). The Association acknowledged that the ICO in AWI does represent tangible and substantial contributions to the project but responses to the request for contributions to the trust fund have not yet met the expectation. The Association urged Members to consider contributing to the PPP trust fund, to ensure that the project has adequate resources for its planned activities.

Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS)

4.5.55 The Association expressed its satisfaction with activities within the SDS-WAS which has led to better understanding of the atmospheric dust process, its impacts on climate and environment and the provision of observation data and forecast products. Three SDS-WAS nodes (for Asia, for Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe and for Pan America) have been established that provide efficient regional cooperation and exchange of products through regional web portals.

4.5.56 The Association noted that the project “Assessment of Sand and Dust Storms in West Asia Region” was realized by WMO in collaboration with UNEP. The project, including the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey, developed an objective guidance for the possible establishment of regional institutional mechanisms and infrastructure dealing with SDS, thus improving capabilities in meteorological services in monitoring and predicting the atmospheric dust process in West Asia. The project exploited to the largest extent the good practice and experience of the WMO SDS-WAS Regional Centre for North Africa, Middle East and Europe (the Centre is a consortium of the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center – National Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS)).

4.5.57 The Association was pleased to note that through collaboration between CAS and CBS, mandatory functions for Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre(s) with activity specialization in Atmospheric Sand and Dust Storms Forecasts (RSMC-ASDF) have been developed and approved by EC-65, with the BSC-CNS mandated to be the RSMC-ASDF.

4.5.58 The Association noted that the SDS-WAS Implementation Plan will be updated during 2013. It will propose autonomy for research coordination at regional levels by the Members involved, specify more precisely the steps to translate research modelling activities to operational dust forecasting, propose a mechanism of international coordination of existing regional collaboration components and suggest establishing a trust fund to support the global coordination of SDS-WAS activities for possible consideration by the sixty-sixth session of the Executive Council (EC-66) in 2014.

50 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4.6 Capacity development (agenda item 4.6)

Capacity Development Strategy

4.6.1 The Association recalled the discussions in Cg-XVI on the need for a cohesive and coordinated approach to capacity development to maximize the outcome of capacity development activities. It further noted the importance of regional and subregional efforts to support the capacity development of NMHSs given the large number of existing and planned regional centres and the regional emphasis of development partners. In this regard, the Association welcomed the WMO Capacity Development Strategy (CDS) and the CDS Implementation Plan (CDSIP) that had been approved at EC-64 and EC-65 respectively, and acknowledged the key role that the Association would have to play in implementing the CDS.

4.6.2 While the Association noted with satisfaction the progress of capacity development activities in the Region, it also recognized the needs to further strengthen and harmonize such activities to address existing gaps in human, institutional, infrastructural and procedural capacities for many RA VI Members. In order to utilize limited resources effectively and efficiently the Association urged its Members to consider the strategic approaches to capacity development corresponding to the six Strategic Objectives of the CDS.

4.6.3 The Association was informed of the ongoing effort of the EC Working Group on Capacity Development (EC WG-CD) to develop and finalize the Capacity Development Strategy Implementation Plan (CDSIP) for 2012-2015. The Association noted the creation of EC WG-CD Task Teams on the Country Profile Database and on the Categorization of NMHSs by level of service provision. In order for the RA VI regional perspective of the capacity development activities to be fully integrated in CDSIP, the Association appreciated that the RA VI president and Permanent Representatives from Spain and Finland, as well as a number of RA VI experts, participated in the EC WG-CD during the preparation of the CDS. The Association requested that they continue to provide RA VI inputs to CDSIP during the process of its implementation. The Association requested the president to work with appropriate regional subsidiary bodies to regionalize the implementation of the strategic objectives of the CDS and to ensure appropriate participation in the new Task Teams.

4.6.4 The Association requested the Secretary-General to further enhance the capacity building in the Region taking into account the needs reflected in the RA VI survey and as expressed by some of the NMHSs during the RA VI session.

4.6.5 The Association noted with concern current and planned decreases in government funding for some NMHS in RA VI. The session indicated that such decreases may impair the ability of NMHSs to maintain basic systems and thereby jeopardize critical national and international services to aviation, agriculture, health, tourism and other economic sectors. In this regard, the Association requested the president to communicate this concern, as appropriate to RA VI Members.

4.6.6 The Association also agreed to reinforce the work of the Management Group in coordinating and harmonizing capacity development activities in line with the CDS.

4.6.7 The Association reviewed two tools being developed as part of the CDS; the prototype on-line Country Profile Data Base and the on-line Guide for the Role and Operations of Meteorological Services. Following a demonstration of these tools, the Association discussed how the tools can be used to build the NMHSs in RA VI and offered suggestions and expressed their support for the deployment of the pre-operational capability of these tools in 2013.

4.6.8 The Association encouraged RA VI Members to support the radar database developed by Turkish State Meteorological Service in cooperation with WMO. In this regard, RA VI Members were requested to provide information to Turkey on their radars and by nominating national focal points. The radar database is accessible via internet from the Country Profile Data Base or directly

GENERAL SUMMARY 51 from the following websites: http://wrd.mgm.gov.tr or http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/WRO/ index_en.html.

Special focus on LDCs and SIDS

4.6.9 The Association recalled the discussions in Cg-XVI on the importance of the WMO Programme for the LDCs and the high priority to be continually attached to it. It welcomed Congress’ decision to continue and enhance the WMO Programme for the LDCs to address the obstacles and constraints limiting NMHSs in LDCs and SIDS to provide relevant weather, water and climate information and services and to strengthen their capabilities to meet the demands and requirements of the priority areas for action in the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) for the LDCs for the decade 2011–2020 as appropriate. In this connection, the Association encouraged the Secretariat to ensure that all the WMO’s scientific and technical programmes continue to give higher and visible priority to LDCs and SIDS in their assistance and capacity-building activities.

4.6.10 The Association recalled that there is no RA VI Member in the LDC category. However, the Association recognized that, under the WMO Programme for the LDCs, assistance should continue to be provided for the preparation and implementation of development plans of NMHSs of LDCs and SIDS based on the priority needs of countries. In this regard, the Association urged its Members and partners to increase their support in enhancing the capacities of NMHSs in the respective countries, using the flagship of the UN special programmes to assist these vulnerable groups of countries, including the Istanbul Programme of Action for LDCs and the Mauritius Strategy for the Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS.

Human capacity development, including education and training

Introduction

4.6.11 The Association acknowledged the importance of education and training for all Members in RA VI, and the varying capabilities of Members to address their national needs. The Association noted that, in general, the Region was well served with institutions, typically universities, able to offer degree and post-graduate degree courses in meteorology, hydrology and allied fields. However, there were fewer institutions offering graduate level forecasting courses with a number of countries providing this training and experience via on-the-job mentoring programmes. In terms of continuous professional development (CPD) many, but not all, Members of the Region were able to benefit from CPD courses offered by European institutions such as ECMWF, EUMETSAT and EUMETCAL (under the EUMETNET umbrella).

4.6.12 The Association noted that the WMO Education and Training (ETR) Office has been working with these European organizations on at least an ad hoc basis to maximize the ETR opportunities for all RA VI Members and, from time to time, WMO Members outside of RA VI. The Association requested its Members who were part of the European training organizations to encourage them to look for options to increase their collaboration with the WMO Education and Training Programme. The Association indicated that the objective of the increased collaboration was to improve access to education and training activities in high priority areas for all RA VI Members, and for WMO Members outside of RA VI, as necessary. The Association requested the Secretary-General to continue, and where possible strengthen and formalize, the cooperation with these European organizations in the area of education and training to ensure that all RA Vl Members were able to benefit from their programmes in the high priority areas.

Role of Education and Training in assisting the Regional Association meet its goals

4.6.13 The Association acknowledged the key role education and training would have to play in meeting the goals outlined in its 2012 to 2015 Operating Plan and the 2016 to 2019 intersessional period. The Association thus requested its president and the RA VI Management Group to identify any education and training gaps that could impact upon successfully achieving the goals and expected results of those plans. This gap analysis should be seen as part of the risk

52 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI management actions and be based around the Member’s need in the high priority areas vis-à-vis Members’ and Regional Training Centres’ existing education and training capabilities. The Association recommended that the Management Group make any necessary adjustments to the operational plan if the gap analysis revealed deficiencies in meeting the training needs of the Region. In particular, noting the imminent deadlines for meeting the requirements for competencies and qualifications for aeronautical meteorological personnel laid down in the Technical Regulations, the Association recommended that the determination of the regional needs and ability to address the aeronautical issue should be accorded high priority.

4.6.14 The Association recalled that the Region was well represented on the WMO Executive Council Panel of Experts on Education and Training and that these Panel members should act as an interface between the Panel and the Management Group to ensure smooth coordination and communication between the Panel and the Region. The Association recommended that the Management Group nominate one of its members to be the focal point for the ongoing assessment of the regional education and training needs against the operational plans and the ability of the regional training institutes to deliver that training. The focal point should also liaise with the regional members of the EC Panel of Experts on Education and Training.

Fellowships

4.6.15 The Association noted that over the intersessional period seven of its Members had been supported by the WMO Fellowship Programme to undertake study within the Region. During the same time a total of 61 fellows from developing and least developed countries outside the Region undertook fellowships at RA VI institutions. The fellowship durations ranged from 4 months to 5 years. The Association thanked its Members for the support they provided to the WMO Fellowship Programme and requested all Members to increase support for this important programme. The Association encouraged Members who did not have national training institutes and were not able to fully fund staff development to consider cost sharing options with WMO for on-the-job training opportunities for their staff in more developed services in the Region.

Regional Training Centres

4.6.16 The Association recalled that in previous sessions it had requested the Executive Council to recognize the following institutions as WMO Regional Training Centres (RTCs) to address the education and training needs of RA VI Members and, where possible, assist in addressing the needs of WMO Members outside the Region: the Postgraduate Training Centre for Applied Meteorology (PTCAM) Bet Dagan, Israel; the National Research Council Institute of Biometeorology (CNR-IBIMET) Florence, Italy; the Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture (EMFCSC) Erice, Italy; the Russian State Hydrometeorological University St Petersburg, the Advanced Training Institute of Roshydromet (ATI) Moscow, and the Moscow Hydrometeorological College (MGMC) Moscow; and, the training institute at the Turkish State Meteorological Service.

4.6.17 The Association noted that the RTCs in Israel, the Russian Federation and Turkey were all active as RTCs and offering a range of education and training opportunities to regional Members in the WMO high priority areas. Furthermore the NMHSs in these countries, and the governments of these countries through foreign aid programmes, subsidised these ETR activities providing Members very good value for the investment that the ETR programme made in supporting the RTCs.

4.6.18 The Association was advised that the National Research Council Institute of Biometeorology (CNR-IBIMET) Florence, Italy has requested to be renewed as a WMO RTC. The Institute has a focus on agricultural meteorology as well as expertise in other areas of interest to RA VI and Members outside of RA VI. A review team from the EC Panel of Experts on Education and Training is due to inspect the facilities and meet with the management of the centre late in 2013. The Association recognized that in many cases the activities of a regional centre rested on the dedication of one or two key staff members and if they moved on it could take time for a centre to re-activate. In recommending CNR-IBIMET as a WMO RA VI Regional Training Centre (see

GENERAL SUMMARY 53 Recommendation 1 (RA VI-16)), the Association requested Italy to support the centre in view of the potential benefits it could bring in addressing RA VI ETR needs.

Training activities

4.6.19 The Association noted with pleasure the wide variety of training activities that had been provided to Members by WMO, Members and some of the European organizations during the intersessional period. These activities ranged from regular online weather briefings such as SATREP online from EUMETRAIN (http://www.eumetrain.org/eport.html) to ad hoc briefings on topical weather events from EUMETSAT, blended learning courses from EUMETCAL (http://www.eumetcal.org/) and traditional face-to-face training from WMO. Members thanked EUMETSAT, EUMETCAL, WMO and the other European organizations for their coordination and provision of a central webpage for training events from the multitude of organizations (http://training.eumetsat.int/course/index.php?id=1).

Resource Mobilization, Development Cooperation and Partnerships; including Infrastructure and Operational Facilities Development

4.6.20 The Association noted that while countries in the Region are most generally contributors rather than beneficiaries of VCP support, several countries in the Region benefited from the support from the VCP Programme during the period 2008-2012. This represented 90% of received requests (see Annex I to this report). While this fulfilment rate is similar to other Regions, RA VI has the lowest rate of requests for VCP support of all WMO Regions.

4.6.21 The Association expressed its appreciation to those Members, particularly Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Russian Federation, Spain and the UK for the financial and in-kind support that they have provided to WMO Members within and from outside the Region, through the VCP.

4.6.22 The Association noted also the successful relationships being established for major hydromet development projects between WMO and national Aid Agencies and in most cases with the partnership of the respective NMHS representing some tens of millions of USD in financial terms (see Annex II to this report).

4.6.23 The Association welcomed also the information that significant bi-lateral support is being target to Hydromet Services development as evidenced by the reports of the Informal Planning Meeting (IPM) on the VCP. It encouraged its Members to continue to contribute to and participate more actively in the Programme to address the requirements of NMHSs in the Region (see Annex III to this report).

4.6.24 The Association requested the Secretary-General to further enhance the WMO resource mobilization efforts and welcomed the establishment of the project Coordination Unit within the Office for Resource Mobilization and Development Partnership to enhance delivery of multi-disciplinary projects and donor reporting. It welcomed also the support provided to the PCU through secondment from the UK and from Norway and Finland through the JPO programme.

4.6.25 The Association requested the Secretary-General to further enhance the resource mobilization and capacity building in the Region taking into account the needs reflected in the recent regional survey and expressed by some of the NMHSs during the RA VI session.

4.7 Partnership and cooperation (agenda item 4.7)

4.7.1 The Association noted with satisfaction the strengthening of cooperation activities with the European Commission at the regional level as well as deeper collaboration at the international level with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the World Bank (further discussed under agenda item 8, WMO Regional Office for Europe).

54 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4.7.2 The Association encouraged strengthening cooperation with the League of Arab States and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) which can provide enhanced opportunities for the development of the hydrological and meteorological systems of a number of Middle Eastern RA VI Members (further discussed under agenda item 8, WMO Regional Office for Europe).

4.7.3 The Association further noted with satisfaction that to date, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather ECMWF has signed 14 Cooperation Agreements with the following States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Morocco, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Cooperation agreements offer full access to ECMWF real-time products, archive data and software tools, as well as access to ECMWF training facilities.

4.7.4 The Association welcomed the collaboration that EUMETSAT has initiated with the Data Access for Western Balkan, Eastern European and Caucasian Countries (DAWBEE) project in order to support operational access to EUMETSAT data and products in these countries.

4.7.5 The Association welcomed the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between WMO and EUMETNET EIG which is currently under preparation. The MOU which intends to go beyond the collaboration that already exists through the EUMETRep joint programme, would serve to deepen and enhance relations between WMO and EUMETNET EIG. The first draft should be submitted to the EUMETNET governance structures in October 2013. The Association also welcomed the development of similar collaboration with the Economic Interest Grouping of the National Meteorological Services of the European Economic Area (ECOMET).

4.7.6 The Association recognized that since EUMETRep was established in 2006, the presence of the Meteorological Community in Brussels had been gradually reinforced through the locally established location of the EUMETNET Secretariat and the secondment of Met Staff (EUMETNET/DWD/ECMWF and EUMETSAT) to the European Commission services.

4.7.7 The Association expressed appreciation for the significant and strategic work being undertaken by the joint office at the European Commission in Brussels, managing the EUMETRep programme. The Association further expressed its strong support for the EUMETRep Programme and agreed that the fundamental pillars of the programme, influencing and reporting, will remain valid for the future. Early warnings on threats and opportunities will continue to be required in order to be adequately prepared to react in a timely manner to legislative changes and be in a position to benefit from potential EU funding. The Association further agreed that the joint nature of the programme is also one of the strengths that is welcomed by the EU institutions and allows for coordination of the components of the European Meteorological Infrastructure. The Association further requested the Secretary-General and Members to continue to provide support for the programme towards its further consolidation.

Information and Public Affairs

4.7.8 The Association recalled that the Sixteenth Congress by its Resolution 27 (Cg-XVI) on the WMO Information and Public Affairs Programme sought to advance “the aim of consolidating the WMO web presence, including in social media, mobile telephone technology and other new media to reach out to people worldwide, in particular to youth, and paying special attention to the needs of developing countries”. Congress invited its Members to continue to contribute actively to this aim and more generally to regional cooperation on communications and public affairs.

4.7.9 The Association welcomed the organization of two workshops for the Information and Public Affairs focal points in RA VI. One workshop was held in Krakow, Poland, in 2011 and hosted by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, and the other was held in Reading, UK, and hosted by the Met Office and the European Meteorological Society. Given the significant benefits in training and networking recognized by the participants, the Secretariat is encouraged to work with Members and partners to organize a third communications workshop in 2014 or 2015.

GENERAL SUMMARY 55 4.7.10 The Association recognized that the WMO Secretariat was committed to making significant improvements to the WMO website over the coming year. As the WMO website should represent and promote the entire WMO community, the Association stressed that it was important that as many Members as possible were engaged in strengthening WMO’s presence on the Internet.

4.7.11 The Secretariat had also greatly strengthened its outreach via social media and was collaborating in this area with a number of Members in the Region. WMO’s Facebook page now has over 11,400 fans – double the number of December 2012 – and a weekly reach of up to 40,000 people. The Secretariat regularly shares RA VI Members’ information and images on its Facebook page, including advisories from Meteoalarm. The Secretariat has actively used Twitter since mid-2012 and now has over 7,000 followers. Major WMO reports and events have reached a potential audience of over 1.5 million Twitter followers thanks to the active engagement of the wider UN family. Most social media content is in English, but the Secretariat was actively considering how to increase the French and Spanish language content.

4.7.12 The Association invited its Members to:

(a) Link NMHSs’ websites to the wmo.int website;

(b) Provide visible WMO identity on the websites of WMO-affiliated centres and facilities, such as RSMCs, RTCs, RCCs, RICs and WIS centres;

(c) Contribute to the “News from Members” section on the website;

(d) Designate and empower an IPA Focal Point;

(e) Promote regional cooperation on information and public affairs.

5. EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY IN RA VI ACTIVITIES (agenda item 5)

5.1 WMO strategic planning – regional aspects (agenda item 5.1)

WMO Strategic Plan and Operating Plan 2012-2015

5.1.1 The Association noted the appreciation of Cg-XVI (Geneva, 16 May–3 June 2011) of the active involvement of regional associations, technical commissions and the Secretariat, including Secretariats of WMO joint programmes, in the development of the WMO Strategic Plan 2012–2015, which ensured that the document reflected the collective view of all WMO constituent bodies.

5.1.2 The Association also noted the decision of Cg-XVI that the SP 2012-2015 should determine collective and coordinated activities of regional associations, technical commissions and the Secretariat through well defined programmes, projects and initiatives, as well as guide and motivate activities of Members and their National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).

5.1.3 The Association further noted the decision of EC-LXIII (Geneva, 6–8 June 2011) to reestablish the EC WG-SOP (Resolution 7 (EC-LXIII)) to carry out various activities including strategic planning, in particular to improve and align the Organization-wide strategic, operational and budget planning process according to the relevant decisions and requests of the Sixteenth Congress, especially with respect to:

(a) Refinement of the key performance indicators;

(b) Monitoring of progress made in the implementation of the WMO Strategic Plan and evaluation of programme performance within the framework of the WMO Strategic Plan and Operating Plan 2012–2015;

56 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (c) Development of the WMO-wide Operating Plan 2012–2015;

(d) Development of the next WMO Strategic Plan and WMO Operating Plan 2016–2019.

WMO Strategic Plan 2016-2019

5.1.4 The Association noted that Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (Cg-XVI, 2011) adopted Resolution 38 (Cg-XVI) – Preparation of the Strategic Plan for 2016-2019.

5.1.5 The Association also noted that the sixty-fourth session of the Executive Council (EC-64, 2012) decided to endorse the parameters for the development of the next Strategic and Operating Plans (paragraph 4.8.14 (a)-(l)).

5.1.6 The Association further noted that the Council agreed to proceed with the development of the next Strategic and Operating Plans based on the outlines of the SP and OP, and the proposed process and timelines (paragraph 4.8.15).

5.1.7 The Association noted the decision of EC-65 (Geneva, 15-23 May, 2013) on further development of the WMO Strategic Plan 2016-2019, which is being developed by the Working Group on WMO Strategic and Operational Planning (WG-SOP).

5.1.8 The Association noted that the Council requested the Secretary-General to communicate the revised draft to Members for their input not later than September 2013, and the EC WG-SOP to use these inputs to prepare the next version of the Plan for consideration by the Council at its next session. The Association encouraged its Members to provide input when requested by the Secretary-General.

5.1.9 The Association also noted that the Council further considered the future strategic priorities and accorded high ranking to WIGOS (supported by WIS), Capacity Development, GFCS and DRR while recognizing the importance of Service Delivery (notably aviation and marine services) and Research.

5.1.10 The Association discussed and agreed on the strategic priorities for the Region and decided to submit the conclusions to the WMO strategic planning process as reflected under agenda item 7.2. The Association further expressed the view that the structure of the WMO Strategic Plan should follow the conceptual diagram showing linkages amongst the elements of the Plan.

WMO Operating Plan 2016-2019

5.1.11 The Association noted that EC-65 considered and endorsed the recommendations of its WG-SOP regarding the preparation of the next WMO Operating Plan 2016-2019 as listed below and invited the WG-SOP to take into account the priorities of the Region:

(a) The move to a single Integrated Operating Plan should take into account priority areas and be flexible. The Organization should avoid frequent changes in the strategic planning process noting that a single Strategic Plan for the Organization was adopted for the period 2012-2015;

(b) More clarity should be provided as part of the process to achieve a single Operating Plan given that there are variations in the planning cycles of RAs and TCs;

(c) RAs, TCs and Secretariat activities should be integrated into a single Integrated Operating Plan;

(d) The draft Operating Plan 2016-2019 should be presented to EC-66 for consideration.

GENERAL SUMMARY 57 Monitoring and Evaluation

5.1.12 The Association noted that the Secretariat continued to develop and implement the WMO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System and that EC-64 (Geneva, 25 June–3 July 2012) encouraged constituent bodies to make use of the M&E System and Guide prepared by the Secretariat and provide feedback for further improvement.

5.1.13 The Association also noted the decision of EC-65 (Geneva, 15–23 May 2013) on further development and implementation of the M&E System as presented in paragraph 4.8.2.2, which included the following requests to its Working Group on WMO Strategic and Operational Planning:

(a) The benefits from the ability of WMO to organize Members’ NMHSs to bring their collective knowledge and resources to meet their respective mandates at national, regional and global levels should be taken into consideration in the implementation of the M&E system;

(b) The M&E System should be kept simple with a focus on programme outputs;

(c) The coordination with regional associations (RAs) should be enhanced to improve the level of response to questionnaires;

(d) The tool on Country Profile Database should be used to enable Members to provide information on progress and priorities;

(e) The information gathered through the survey should inform decisions on follow-up actions.

5.2 Continuous Improvement of WMO processes and practices: improved effectiveness and efficiency of RA VI (agenda item 5.2)

Improved effectiveness and efficiency of RA VI

5.2.1 The Association recalled the decisions of EC and Congress on improving WMO processes and practices to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of WMO constituent bodies, particularly technical commissions and regional associations. Cg-XVI agreed that the issue should be viewed as a long-term activity directed at continuous improvement of the processes and practices of WMO’s constituent bodies and its Secretariat, and should start with changes that would make a difference.

5.2.2 The Association noted further the recommendations that have been considered by the EC Working Group on Strategic and Operational Planning (EC WG-SOP) as proposed by its Task Group on Continuous Improvement of WMO Processes and Practices. These proposals included a review of the WMO constituent bodies, their strategic alignment and their processes and practices for continuous improvement to better deliver the priorities of the Strategic Plan, and in particular that of Capacity Development. In this regard, it has been agreed that the identification of regional priorities and action lists by regional associations and their alignment with the technical commission activities was a crucial element in the improvement and that these priorities should be one of the main driving forces of the activities of the technical commissions.

5.2.3 Several specific measures have been discussed by the EC regarding concrete changes to existing processes, such as: the development of simplified documentation for constituent body sessions to improve decision-making; further optimization of the schedule of the sessions of the constituent bodies; better involvement of the experts of the technical commissions in the subsidiary bodies of the regional associations and in conjoint projects and activities; reducing the intergovernmental part of constituent body sessions and redirecting the savings to increased technical activities; etc. Cg-XVI requested the EC to continue to work on, and implement as appropriate, continuous improvement of WMO processes and practices, and bring back to Cg-17

58 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI specific proposals, which may include changes to the General Regulations or the WMO Convention as necessary.

Effectiveness and efficiency of the RA VI subsidiary bodies

5.2.4 The Association was pleased to note that, as a follow up of Congress and EC decisions, the RA VI Management Group considered and implemented certain measures aimed at enhanced effectiveness and efficiency of the subsidiary bodies. The MG adopted an action-oriented approach in the work of all subsidiary bodies, which has been reflected in the new RA VI Operating Plan (2012-2015) that included concrete tasks with respective timelines, deliverables and responsible bodies. The selection of the tasks has been done through a broad consultation in order to identify the right priorities and match them with the available resources.

5.2.5 The Association noted further that the subsidiary bodies adopted a new work mechanism during the intersessional period. Short (two to three days) meetings of the working groups were conducted annually, which allowed a continuous progress review of the implementation of the adopted work programmes and adequate corrective measures when necessary. In order to ensure that more frequent meetings were possible within the existing budget for regional activities, the composition of the working groups was kept to a minimum (normally, between eight and twelve experts). The regular participation and reporting of the WG chairs in the MG meetings gave positive results in keeping the MG abreast of all regional activities and developments which improved the MG decision-making capacity. The Association requested the president and the new Management Group to maintain and develop further these working mechanisms in order to sustain the effective and efficient conduct of business of the subsidiary bodies between the sessions.

5.2.6 The Association appreciated the better use of the information technology in the work of subsidiary bodies, including the WMO website, the conduct of remote meetings and consultations over internet, the organization of regional expert activities (e.g., SEECOF) through e-fora. These virtual meetings were cost-efficient and allowed for more frequent exchanges between experts. The Association requested the president, assisted by the Secretariat, to develop and promote further the use of the website and virtual meetings at all levels of subsidiary bodies. At the same time, the Association agreed that in some cases, the face-to-face meetings were necessary allowing better interaction between experts and in-depth discussions on complex issues.

5.2.7 The Association requested the Secretary-General to ensure support within available resources for the activities of the subsidiary bodies at an adequate level to allow regular meetings of the Management Group, the working groups and some key task teams, as necessary. The Association requested the developed Member countries providing experts to the subsidiary bodies, to continue supporting their participation in the necessary meetings as much as possible from their own resources, which would help to allocate the WMO regional budget to support experts from the less developed Members.

Optimizing RA VI sessions

5.2.8 The Association considered further the proposals by the MG for optimizing the schedule of the sessions. MG considered that the current four-year cycle of sessions was not fully adequate to the dynamics of the Region due to several reasons, among them: the stronger engagement of the RAs in the WMO integrated planning and implementation process which requires continuous review of Members’ needs; the need to constantly evaluate and monitor the implementation activities and coordinate measures to assist Members, as necessary; the need to keep pace with regional partner organizations in order to coordinate activities and leverage resources; the rapidly changing technology; etc.

5.2.9 The Association noted that the MG has studied the possibility for conducting two shorter (three to four days) and more focused sessions of the Association instead of the current practice of one session per four years. It was expected that such approach would allow the Association to align better the regional activities with the WMO Strategic Plan, improve the monitoring of

GENERAL SUMMARY 59 implementation by Members and react promptly on emerging issues, gaps and needs. The Association noted the initial analysis of the financial implications carried out by the Secretariat. However, a more detailed analysis would be necessary to consider also the financial and workload implications to Members and the Secretariat.

5.2.10 The Association considered also the possibility of conducting the regular sessions within one calendar week (four to five working days, Monday to Friday) that could eventually include also a one-day technical conference. It was agreed that this was a viable option which would result in savings and would facilitate the participation of the PRs from the Region. It was noted that the overall duration has already been shortened during the last two sessions and further shortening could be possible with a good preparation in order to allow sufficient time for discussion of major issues for the Association. It was further considered that the savings related to a shorter regular session could be used for organizing a two to three-day Director’s Conference in the middle of the intersessional period. Such a Conference would be a non-intergovernmental meeting. It would provide the opportunity for a mid-term progress review of the implementation of the priority tasks and programmes and planning of respective corrective actions, as well as for discussing emerging issues and alignment of the regional activities with the outcome of Congress. The preliminary analysis of the financial implications indicated that the option with a regular four to five-day session complemented by a three-day Director’s Conference within the four-year intersessional period could be feasible within the budget normally allocated for the RA session. However a more detailed financial analysis would be required.

5.2.11 The Association supported the measures for improved effectiveness and efficiency, in particular more focused agenda and documentation that would make it possible to shorten the duration of the sessions. The Association requested the Management Group to develop further these proposals, including the possibility for conducting a regional Director’s conference in the middle of the next intersession period, as a test for the feasibility and usefulness of such approach in the future. The Association stressed that all foreseen measures should contribute to a better exchange and open discussion between the different parts of the Region.

5.2.12 The Association further emphasized that the improvements of the effectiveness and efficiency of the regional activities would come not only through reorganizing the meeting schedules, but, to a great extent, from the improved programming of the regional events with the focus put on the most important regional issues, improved meeting documentation and decision-making, better monitoring of the follow up on agreed actions. The Association requested the president and the Management Group to continue their efforts in promoting effective and efficient working mechanisms.

Better definition of the role and responsibility of the regional associations

5.2.13 The Association reviewed a proposal submitted by the president, and supported by the presidents of all regional associations, to the EC regarding the need for a better definition of the roles and responsibilities of the regional associations in the WMO integrated planning and implementation process. The Association supported the work done so far by the EC WG-SOP in preparing a draft amendment to the WMO General Regulations, Annex II, Regional Associations, which was presented to EC-65. The Association agreed that the proposed amendment to the General Regulations would complement the description of the general functions of the RAs given in Article 18(d) of the Convention and would provide clarity regarding the areas and activities where RAs should play a major role. Therefore, the Association strongly recommended that the amendment should be submitted to the seventeenth session of Congress for approval and requested the president to promote further this initiative.

Distribution of the seats in the Executive Council

5.2.14 The Association addressed the distribution of the seats on the Executive Council among the six WMO Regions and emphasized that the main consideration should be the effectiveness of the EC. In this regard, it was felt that the current number of 37 seats could be kept. However, the Association would reserve the right to request one additional seat, should other

60 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Regions propose an increase. Therefore, the Association requested the president to write a respective letter to the President of WMO by end of September 2013.

5.2.15 In order to enable broader participation in the EC sessions, the Association encouraged the current EC members to invite other Directors of NMHSs as advisers. At the same time, it was recalled that PRs from the Region could attend EC sessions as observers.

5.2.16 The Association discussed further that there should be robust better in-region mechanisms for selecting candidates for EC that would enable more PRs from different parts of the Region be actively represented on the to serve as EC members.

5.2.17 The Association requested the Management Group to elaborate on this position of the Region and authorized the president to convey it to EC and other relevant bodies.

5.3 RA VI subsidiary bodies – structure and tasks (agenda item 5.3)

RA VI Management Group

5.3.1 The Association commended the Management Group (MG) for the effective and efficient conduct of business during the intersessional period. It complimented Mr I. Čačić, president of RA VI and chairperson of the RA VI MG, and the members of the Group for the activities carried out with regard to monitoring, managing and guiding the regional activities through effective prioritizing and resource management. Following the decision of the fifteenth session, the MG completed the establishment of an adequate structure of regional subsidiary bodies by agreeing on the membership of the working groups and setting up relevant Task Teams. The Group adopted an action-oriented approach so that each Task Team has been formed to address an identified regional need with concrete terms of reference, deliverables and timeline. The Association acknowledged that the current composition of the MG that included all chairs of the working groups provided for an effective coordination of the activities conducted by the subsidiary bodies and for prompt restructuring (e.g., establishment or disbanding of task teams) in accordance with changing circumstances.

5.3.2 The Association further appreciated that the Management Group has conducted regular meetings, which were organized in an efficient manner within the normal budget assigned for the regional bodies. The Association thanked the NMHSs of Members who supported the MG meetings by ensuring participation of their members from their own budgets. The Association noted in particular that all MG reports containing a list of actions were made available on-line and that the follow-up had been closely monitored. The Association recommended that this working style should be continued during the next intersessional period.

5.3.3 The Association noted further that one of the main functions of the MG was the planning of the regional activities. To facilitate planning, the MG established a Task Team on Strategic and Action Plan (TT-SPAP), which was instrumental in adapting the regional planning process to the WMO changing planning requirements. The planning process encompassed specific priority areas for which regional implementation plans have been developed by dedicated task teams and endorsed by the MG, such as, RA VI RCC Network (unique and template for other RAs), WIS (first RA with an implementation plan), WIGOS and TDCF. The session appreciated that the RA VI Operating Plan for the period 2012 to 2015 was produced on time as part of the WMO-wide Operating Plan and RA VI was the first Association with an updated Operating Plan. The Association strongly recommended that the MG should continue the practice of preparing specific implementation plans for priority areas in cooperation with relevant WMO technical departments. It encouraged the MG to work on improved monitoring including the engagement of Members in the planned activities, as well as collecting feed-back on the usefulness and benefits, including the better use of the CPDB.

5.3.4 The Association appreciated that the MG provided timely response to requests from the WMO President for regional inputs on important issues, as well as requests from some technical

GENERAL SUMMARY 61 commissions. By doing that, the MG ensured that the position and priorities of RA VI have been properly communicated and reflected in the global planning process of the Organization.

5.3.5 The Association encouraged the MG to be proactive in identifying gaps and deficiencies and plan for appropriate capacity development actions to assist Members resolve such deficiencies. This should include appropriate planning of regional events to raise awareness and engage Members in the implementation actions, as well as enhanced regional cooperation through twinning, mentoring and other forms of transfer of knowledge and know-how from the developed to the developing parts of the Region.

5.3.6 The Association agreed that the structure of MG was close to optimal and recommended a small increase in the number of PRs on the Group for better geographical representation. It decided to re-establish the RA VI Management Group with revised composition and terms of reference and adopted Resolution 8 (RA VI-16) – Management Group of Regional Association VI (Europe).

RA VI Working Groups

5.3.7 The Association recalled that the fifteenth session had agreed on an optimized and more efficient regional structure comprised of three main working groups covering all implementation areas of relevance for the Region: Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (WG-TDI), Working Group on Climate and Hydrology (WG-CH), and Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership (WG-SDP). Each of the three WGs was assigned responsibility of organizing and coordinating regional activities corresponding to a subset of expected results of the WMO Strategic Plan. The Association expressed its high satisfaction of the way the three WGs conducted their business throughout the intersessional period. The WGs established respective work programmes and action plans which were strictly followed and most of the planned deliverables have been achieved on time and with high quality.

5.3.8 It was noted with appreciation that for the first time in the Association’s history, the WGs were able to meet annually (each WG had three meetings during the intersessional period) following a new style of short and focused meetings allowing to review progress and to plan future actions in order to fulfil the established tasks agreed by the MG. The Association strongly recommended that this style of work of the subsidiary bodies should be followed by the newly established Groups during the next intersessional period.

5.3.9 With regard to the composition of Working Groups and engagement of Members, the Association noted that during the intersessional period, 28 experts from 15 Members have actively participated in the work of the WGs. The Association expressed sincere thanks to all Members that provided experts to the WGs and allowed those experts to spend time and energy in support of the regional activities that bring benefits to all Members. At the same time, the Association expressed concern that some Members were not able to provide highly qualified experts as members of WGs, mostly due to limited resources (financial and human) of their NMHSs and other relevant institutes. The Association encouraged more active participation of experts coming from Eastern and South-eastern part of the Region to be involved as members of the WGs.

5.3.10 Acknowledging the success of the WGs during the period from 2010 to 2013, the Association agreed with the proposal of the seventh meeting of the MG (February 2013) that the main structure of subsidiary bodies should be maintained. Thus, the Association decided to re-establish the three Working Groups, WG-TDI, WG-CH and WG-SDP for the next intersessional period with revised composition and terms of reference. It encouraged the WGs to ensure continuity of their work programmes by building upon the achievements of the previous intersessional period and expanding their activities on the priority areas determined by the session. The Association adopted the following resolutions: Resolution 9 (RA VI-16) – Regional Association VI Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation, Resolution 10 (RA VI-16) – Regional Association VI Working Group on Climate and Hydrology and Resolution 11 (RA VI-16) – Regional Association VI Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership.

62 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI RA VI Task Teams

5.3.11 The Association recalled that at its fifteenth session it authorized the Management Group to decide on establishment of Task Teams on proposal by the chairs of the working groups. It was informed that the MG established 22 task teams, as follows: one (1) TT reporting to MG; five (5) TTs reporting to WG-TDI; ten (10) TTs reporting to WG-CH; and six (6) TTs reporting to WG-SDP. The total membership in the TTs was about 160 experts from 33 RA VI Members. It was acknowledged, however, that due to various reasons some of those designated experts have not participated in the work of the teams.

5.3.12 The Association noted that the MG decided that the budget available from WMO to support the work of the RA VI subsidiary bodies should be used for the meetings of the WGs (mostly, for participation of experts from less developed countries), while the work of the TTs was envisaged to be done mostly through electronic means (correspondence, e-forums, teleconferencing). This approach to the work of TTs was partly successful. Some TTs managed to meet using the resources of their organizations, or back-to-back with other meetings which gave a good stimulus to their work. The Association acknowledges these facts as lessons learnt during the previous intersessional period and requested the MG and the Secretariat to take them into consideration when deciding about the structure of the working groups and the working mechanisms.

Recognition of contributions to regional activities

5.3.13 The Association recalled that XV-RA VI decided that volunteerism in the work of the working groups and Task Teams should receive the required recognition and encouragement. In view of the need to further foster volunteerism among Members (not only NMHSs but also other institutions) and their staff, the Association requested the president to issue certificates in recognizing individuals who provided outstanding and valuable contributions to the work of the Association during the intersessional period. The Association urged Permanent Representatives of its Members to facilitate active participation and voluntary contribution of experts to the work of the subsidiary bodies. In this connection, certificates were awarded to the individuals listed in Annex IV to this report.

5.3.14 The Association recognized the need for support, including extra funding to facilitate the work of the subsidiary bodies and enable them to fulfil their tasks. Therefore, the Association encouraged Members to consider providing financial contributions and other support to the activities of the RA VI subsidiary bodies.

6. GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR CLIMATE SERVICES (agenda item 6)

Outcomes of the Extraordinary Session of the World Meteorological Congress

6.1 The Association recalled that the vision of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) is to enable society to manage better the risks and opportunities arising from climate variability and change, especially for those who are most vulnerable to climate-related hazards. Effective climate services will facilitate climate-smart decisions that will reduce the impact of climate-related disasters, improve food security and health outcomes, and enhance water resource management, among other societal benefits. All countries will benefit, but in the initial stages priority shall go to building the capacity of developing countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and variability. The GFCS aims to bridge the gap between those that need to know about the impact of climate variability and change on their decisions and those that have such knowledge, thus empowering, in particular, the vulnerable.

6.2 The Association noted that the major outcomes of the Extraordinary Session of the World Meteorological Congress held in October 2012, in Geneva, Switzerland, were the adoption of three resolutions (see resolutions at ftp://ftp.wmo.int/Documents/PublicWeb/mainweb/meetings/ cbodies/governance/congress_reports/english/pdf/1102_Part1_en.pdf) pertaining to:

GENERAL SUMMARY 63 (a) The Implementation Plan of the GFCS for the subsequent consideration by the

Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services;

(b) The establishment of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services as an additional body accountable to Congress under Article 8(h) of the Convention of the WMO;

(c) Financing of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services, Secretariat and Implementation Plan of the GFCS.

6.3 The Association noted that with the adoption of the draft Implementation Plan and Governance Mechanism by the Extraordinary Session of the World Meteorological Congress (Cg-Ext.(2012)), the GFCS had moved into the implementation phase. In this regard, the Association recalled that Cg-Ext.(2012) urged Governments:

(a) To continue to make their expertise and experts available during the implementation of the GFCS;

(b) To make maximum use of existing national institutions and capabilities including National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs);

(c) To strengthen national, regional and global capabilities to collect, rescue and exchange data and products, to generate climate information and products, and to provide climate services to enhance decision-making through implementation of a framework for climate services at national level;

(d) To facilitate coordination and collaboration among various institutions, including intermediary institutions at the nexus between climate information providers and climate services users, within their countries, for the generation and use of climate services through appropriate legal and institutional arrangements;

(e) To facilitate the transfer and sharing of technology and know-how between developed and developing countries in relation to the production, availability, delivery and application of science-based climate prediction and services, as an integral and essential part of any activity or project under the GFCS and its Capacity Development component;

(f) To develop new data policies that address data gaps, data accessibility issues, ownership, and data protection, confidentiality, exchange, applications and usage for the implementation of the Framework, noting internationally agreed data exchange policies such as the WMO Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) – WMO policy and practice for the exchange of meteorological and related data and products including guidelines on relationships in commercial meteorological activities, and Resolution 25 (Cg-XIII) – Exchange of hydrological data and products, and the relevant provisions of the Group on Earth Observations;

(g) To provide adequate resources for strengthening weather, climate, and water observation networks, their operation, maintenance, quality control and traceability, as well as to train requisite experts with the required technical skills;

(h) To provide resources to their NMHSs and national institutions, especially those in the designated four priority areas of the GFCS – namely water, health, disaster risk reduction, and agriculture and food security – for the production, availability, delivery and application of relevant science-based climate prediction and services and for recruiting and training experts with the technical skills required to understand and apply climate services in enhanced decision-making;

(i) To support research in climate science, climate application science and interdisciplinary Earth system and social science at national, regional and global levels to improve the

64 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

understanding of climate systems and their ecological, social and economic impacts and to promote the delivery of better climate services including the provision of more reliable and accurate data for enhanced decision-making while bearing in mind user expectations;

(j) To assist the global efforts of assessing and promulgating the socio-economic benefits of climate services through targeted studies and detailed analyses of the added value of climate services at the national, regional and global level;

(k) To work closely with the GFCS Office in communicating the development and progress in the implementation of the Framework, and in promulgating its benefits;

(l) To support the implementation of priority projects and activities as proposed in the Implementation Plan of the GFCS and submit for recognition these actions in the compendium;

(m) To directly and indirectly support countries or regions through their bilateral or multilateral Framework implementation efforts;

(n) To make use of existing and functioning climate funds for the implementation of the GFCS and to support the NMHSs in their efforts to access these funding options for national or regional projects;

(o) Designate members of the Board, as set out in its terms of reference, and to make their expertise available for effective discharge of the Board’s responsibilities.

6.4 The Association noted that the success of the GFCS will depend on the active and full participation of Members in its implementation. Members should contribute to the identification and initiation of activities at national and regional levels, identification and documentation of existing climate services delivery mechanisms at national and regional levels, identification of partnerships with all potential stakeholders, identification of funding mechanisms, the sharing of experiences in implementation of the GFCS and identification and prioritization of needs for climate services at national and regional levels.

6.5 The Association encouraged Members to initiate frameworks for climate services at national level as the coordination mechanism to ensure effective implementation of the GFCS.

6.6 The Association noted that a Dialogue for Climate Services Users and Providers was organized from 27 to 29 of October 2012 as part of the Extraordinary Session of the World Meteorological Congress. The Dialogue provided a platform for sharing experiences, lessons and good practices on the production and application of climate services worldwide. A publication, “Climate ExChange” containing case studies on experiences from around the world on the development and application of climate services in various socio-economic sectors was launched at the Dialogue (the publication is available at: http://www.wmo.int/pages/gfcs/tudor-rose/index.html).

6.7 The Association noted that to facilitate the planning and coordination of activities for the completion of the documents for the consideration of the First Session of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services (IBCS-1), a Project Oversight Board for the GFCS involving partner UN and international agencies was established. The Project Oversight Board is comprised of the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO) and WMO.

6.8 The Association also noted that the Secretary-General had established an Interagency Coordination Group (ICG) on the GFCS to contribute to the development of effective forms of

GENERAL SUMMARY 65 cooperation between organizations of the United Nations system engaged in the planning and implementation of the GFCS across UN partner organizations. The ICG will broaden the base of the GFCS so that all UN partner organizations can better fulfil their functions according to their respective mandates within the UN system. The ICG is a high level coordination structure involving the heads of the following agencies: the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO) and WMO.

6.9 The Association noted with appreciation the contributions and pledges made by its Members to the GFCS Trust Fund (including Finland, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) and encouraged its Members to make contributions to the GFCS Trust Fund. In addition, it welcomed the in-kind contributions through the secondment of experts to the GFCS Office from Germany and Italy and encouraged other Members to contribute in a similar manner.

First session of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services (IBCS-1)

6.10 The Association noted that the first session of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services was held in Geneva from 1-5 July 2013. As part of the session, a one-day workshop on “Operational Climate Services: a dialogue on practical action” was held on 1 July 2013 (see details at: http://ibcs-1.wmo.int/dialogue-on-practical-action). The workshop demonstrated the value of an organized and coordinated system to maximize synergies in addressing the entire value chain for the production and application of climate services and provided examples of concrete activities from the global to the national levels.

6.11 The Association noted that the main outcomes of IBCS-1 (see approved documents with resolutions at: http://ibcs-1.wmo.int/documents-english) were:

(a) The election of the Chair and Co-Vice-chairs of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services;

(b) Establishment of the Management Committee of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services;

(c) Establishment of a Partner Advisory Committee;

(d) Approval of a Compendium of initial GFCS projects.

6.12 The Association further stressed that its Members should be actively involved in the implementation of the GFCS through supporting specific projects identified in the Implementation Plan of the GFCS and in the Compendium of initial GFCS projects, including both those funded from the GFCS trust fund and those recognized or designated as GFCS-related projects.

6.13 The Association stressed the need for improved technical cooperation and to concentrate on capacity development utilizing existing structures of the WMO.

6.14 The Association noted that the second session of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from 10–14 November 2014.

6.15 The Chair of the first session of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services, Mr David Grimes (President of WMO), stressed the need to focus on the contribution that the Region could make to the GFCS Implementation Plan and urged action on the ground to address the key priorities for the provision of climate services within the Region.

6.16 Mr Anton Eliassen (Norway), the Chair of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services elected at the first session of the IBCS in Geneva in July 2013, stressed the requirement for the effective communication of both the climate predictions (at various spatial and temporal

66 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI scales) and their associated uncertainties to the user community was a major task for the GFCS, but one that would be beneficial to decision making in the society at large. The role of the NMHSs in this process was seen as essential and thus the need for competent and capable NMHSs is fundamental.

6.17 The Association noted that:

• The role of partner agencies, including United Nations organizations, will be important for the implementation of the GFCS and should be encouraged, in particular with respect to the projects to be undertaken related to the GFCS;

• Concrete action on the ground will be essential as well as the ability to measure the impacts of the implementation of the GFCS on the capabilities and capacities of the NMHSs;

• Establishment of frameworks for cooperation at the national level is a challenge, especially engaging all relevant stakeholders;

• Progress continues to be achieved in engaging the international community, with the latest success the decision by UN-Water to appoint a focal point for the GFSC with respect to water issues; and

• The vulnerability of communities to climate variability and change is a major issue for the Region and access to additional information on social and economic factors will be a requirement.

6.18 Noting that there will be challenges in implementing the GFCS in the Region, the Association agreed that the following steps should be included by the Management Committee in its work plan for 2014-2017 with respect to the implementation of the GFCS:

• Identification of the gaps for the provision of climate services under the GFCS at the national and regional level (building on the survey undertaken by the High Level Task Team);

• Align the regional activities to address these gaps in line with the targets and milestones from the Implementation Plan for the GFCS, that will enable improved access to climate services, for example, through the RCC network and RCOFs, noting the different levels of capabilities amongst the Members; and

• Establishment of a mechanism to share experiences in implementing the GFCS at the national level.

6.19 The Association noted that contributions to the GFCS Trust Fund are considered as contributions to the Green Fund and encouraged Members to use this mechanism to support the role of NMHSs in the GFCS.

7. EMERGING ISSUES AND SPECIFIC CHALLENGES (agenda item 7)

7.1 Results of the RA VI Survey on Institutional Status of NMHSs and related challenges and priorities (agenda item 7.1)

RA VI Survey

7.1.1 The Association commended the Management Group and its Task Team on Strategic Plan and Action Plan (TT-SPAP) for conducting, in collaboration with the Secretariat, a regional survey on Institutional Arrangements for NMHSs and identification of future priorities of RA VI Members. The survey was conducted through an on-line questionnaire with a main objective to

GENERAL SUMMARY 67 collect basic information about the existing institutional arrangements for the provision of hydrometeorological services in the RA VI Member countries, as well as Members’ views regarding the most important challenges and priorities for the next intersessional period as background material for the sixteenth RA VI session.

7.1.2 The Association acknowledged the high response rate (92%) by the RA VI Members which allowed for deriving representative results and conclusions. The Association commended the active role of the RA VI Network of International Advisers (INTAD-6) in achieving this result. It also appreciated that the survey was conducted in a user-friendly electronic format.

7.1.3 The Association noted with interest the summary information on the institutional arrangements under which the NMHSs of the RA VI Members operate. In particular, it noted the variety of governing options regarding the position of the NMHSs in the administration with a prevailing number of NMHSs being under the Ministry of Environment (22), followed by Ministry of Transport (8). The survey showed further the varieties and differences between Members with regard to the operational roles of NMHSs in the provision of hydrological or aviation services, as well as the existing financial and staffing conditions. The Association found that all this information was very useful and advised the Management Group and the other subsidiary bodies to use it in the planning of future activities.

7.1.4 The Association paid particular attention to the survey results on challenges and priorities expressed by Members. It noted major concerns of the NMHSs related to their budgetary and staffing conditions with a marked trend of decreasing financial and human resources. Thus coping with these unfavourable conditions appeared to be a major challenge and priority for the NMHS’s senior management in the coming years. The survey indicated that, under the unfavourable economic conditions, the need for regional cooperation that would bring efficiencies, as well as exchange of experience in management of the NMHSs, was regarded as a strong priority for the Association.

7.1.5 The Association noted further the implementation of the GFCS, and hence the enhancement of the capacity for provision of climate services with improved quality was a major priority for the future. Other priorities identified through the survey included: implementation of WIGOS at regional and national level, including a number of specific aspects of maintaining and improving the observing networks; enhanced service provision, in particular DRR-related services and aviation services, as well as further development of capabilities for demonstrating the socio-economic benefits; institutional issues related to the management of the NMHSs, including financial and human resource management, improved legislation framework, harmonization of data policies, quality assurance, and public/private relationship in service provision.

7.1.6 The Association agreed that the results of the RA VI survey should be further analyzed and recommended that the Secretariat should use the survey results in updating the WMO Country Profile Data Base. It requested the Secretary-General, assisted by relevant regional bodies, to continue the effort of collecting relevant information on the status of the NMHSs and related needs, challenges and priorities on a quasi-permanent basis in support of well focused regional capacity development initiatives.

7.2 Challenges and priorities for RA VI – outcome of the Regional Conference 2013 (agenda item 7.2)

Outcome of the RA VI Regional Conference

7.2.1 The Association took note of the input of the Regional Conference on Challenges and Opportunities for European NMHSs held in Helsinki, Finland on 10 and 11 September 2013. The main objective of the Conference was to discuss existing trends and emerging issues in the Region and consolidate a common opinion on the main priorities for the next intersessional period.

7.2.2 The Association agreed that the priorities for the NMHSs that have been highlighted through the regional survey were relevant for most Members and sub-regions, namely:

68 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI • Coping with issues related to the economic conditions affecting the NMHSs: constant

pressure for budget and staff cuts, insufficient qualified personnel, difficulties to maintain and sustain basic functions, due to lack of resources;

• Enhancement of Climate Services - implementation of GFCS at regional and national level;

• Implementation of WIGOS and WIS (noting that WIS implementation has already been in progress), including focus on concrete and urgent needs related to the maintenance and improvement of the observing systems and the quality of observations;

• Enhancement of Services: PWS, DRR/EWS, aviation and related services as well as demonstration and communication of the resulting social and economic benefits;

• Enhanced international cooperation and partnership: raising the effectiveness and efficiency of the regional activities, building common position on issues like data policy, commercialization and public/private sector relationships.

7.2.3 The Regional Conference provided an opportunity to discuss those priorities from sub-regional perspective and identify specific challenges and requirements of the sub-regions. The discussions were focused on how to become more efficient and how to help each other through the regional cooperation mechanisms. Issues of high concern and respective proposals for actions at regional level included:

• The need for WMO to provide better guidance on institutional and regulatory issues related to the weather, climate and hydrology services and related data policy;

• The need for Guidance on the changing modalities of service provision, including multinational service provision and related issues of the funding mechanism of the underpinning infrastructure;

• Improvement of cooperation mechanisms and bringing them to a new level, including joint funding of infrastructure, research and services;

• Strong need to bridge the gaps and assist the development of the Eastern part of the Region;

• Strong need (in particular in Eastern Europe) for raising the profile of NMHSs and improving the relationship with their supervising bodies. In particular, enhanced advocacy through WMO for the role of the services provided by NMHSs and their contribution to sustainable development;

• With regard to the increased competition with private sector in service provision and diminishing resources of the NMHSs, the need to reinstate the crucial role of the NMHS in the provision of nationally mandated warning services, through an appropriate WMO declaration addressed to top level national and international policy makers; to develop further relevant technical regulation;

• Sharing information about performed cost/benefit analysis and related methodology, as well as about successful strategies of restructuring of NMHSs to achieve better efficiency with available financial and human resources;

• Stimulating regional cooperation for better efficiency of NMHSs, including better exploitation of available structures like EUMETNET, ECOMET, etc; stimulating discussion among the Members on the role of commercial activities (opportunities and threats) in the NMHSs; stimulating discussion on the importance of clear NMHSs data

GENERAL SUMMARY 69

policy and investigating the potential of free data policy based on some examples in WMO RA VI;

• Work with EU authorities to identify some of the WMO RA VI priorities, like the implementation of GFCS, as their own priorities and reflect this in their financing schemes;

• Urge the WMO Secretariat to provide further guidance on GFCS implementation requirements, including a clear showcase on benefits of GFCS to Members; Carry out a survey to identify gaps in climate services and the customer requirements to be able to take action on a regional level;

• The need to organize regional training events for the senior management of NMHSs on policy and implementation aspects of the identified high priority areas for WMO.

7.2.4 The Association acknowledged those issues, concerns and proposals and requested the Management Group to consider and prioritize them in the formulation of the work programme of the subsidiary bodies and respective allocation of the available resources.

7.2.5 The Association noted further the very complex issues related to the aviation meteorology and service provision that have been discussed by the Regional Conference and recognized the need for coordinating closely with partners and stakeholders in an attempt to bring awareness and common understanding of the recent developments, such as the proposals for the SES 2+, the SESAR implementation, data-centric service provision, and evaluate related impacts on the NMHSs.

7.2.6 The session noted the specific request from the CIS countries for ensuring Russian interpretation and translation at important regional events that would allow better involvement of experts from those countries and requested the Secretariat to consider favorably this request subject to availability of resources.

8. WMO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE (agenda item 8)

Regular activities

Support to president and subsidiary bodies

8.1 The Association reviewed the activities of the Regional Office for Europe (ROE) since its fifteenth session. It noted that the Office carried out its functions and responsibilities as an integral part of the Development and Regional Activities (DRA) Department of the WMO Secretariat. It also noted the effective assistance provided by the Office to the president, vice-president, and subsidiary bodies of the Association in discharging their responsibilities. It expressed its appreciation to the Secretary-General and to the staff of the Office for their continued support to the activities of the Association during the intersessional period. The Association expressed appreciation to Finland for supporting the Regional Office through a 5-month secondment of one of its staff and for providing staff and co-funding to a project coordination office in Skopje, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which helped very much in handling the extra workload related to managing the projects in the South-eastern part of the Region.

8.2 The Association noted that the number of activities organized and/or coordinated by the Office has increased substantially and appreciated in particular the support by ROE to its subsidiary bodies. During the intersessional period, ROE supported the organization of seven meetings of the Management Group (normally, one dedicated meeting and one as a side-event during the EC sessions) and nine meetings of the Working Groups (three meetings of each of the three WGs). In addition, several meetings of task teams have also been supported by the ROE. For each meeting, ROE took care of preparation of documents, travel arrangements, secretarial support during the meeting and preparation of an action-oriented meeting report. The meetings

70 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI benefited from the timely provision of all necessary documents and logistics information on the ROE web pages of the WMO website.

8.3 ROE was also instrumental in the regional operational planning. After the completion of the implementation period of the first RA VI Strategic Plan (2008-2011), the Office was actively involved in supporting the Task Team on the Strategic Plan and Action Plan (TT-SPAP) in preparing the Operating Plan of the Region for the period 2012-2015.

Organization of major regional events

8.4 During the intersessional period the following high profile regional events have been organized by ROE in collaboration with the relevant technical departments of the Secretariat: (a) RA VI Conference on Social and Economic Benefits (SEB) of weather, water and climate services (in cooperation with Switzerland); (b) RA VI WIS Implementation Workshop (hosted by Bulgaria); (c) RA VI Hydrology Forum (in cooperation with Germany); (d) RMDCN Workshop; and (e) the RA VI WIGOS Workshop (hosted by Spain). The Association expressed its thanks to all Members that contributed to the organization of these events and encouraged Members to continue their support by assisting in the organization and hosting of regional activities.

8.5 The Association noted further the support provided by ROE in organizing the RCOFs in RA VI, in particular, the SEECOF which held eight sessions during the intersessional period. ROE supported the innovations in establishing the first fully electronic COF hosted by the South East European Virtual Climate Change Centre (SEEVCCC), Belgrade, Serbia. The North EurAsia Climate COF (NEACOF) hosted by the Russian Federation also gained momentum and the support by ROE was provided as necessary.

Direct assistance to RA VI Members

8.6 The Association noted with appreciation that ROE was instrumental in providing advice to Members on queries and requests on technical or organizational matters. The Office conducted several fact-finding missions to Members and provided respective governments with detailed reports with recommendations on improvements of institutional and technical matters and resolution of deficiencies. The Association felt that such dedicated WMO missions to Members in need were an effective mechanism for assistance and encouraged the Secretary-General to ensure that more such missions are supported during the next intersessional period. The Association also encouraged those Members who need expert assistance through dedicated WMO missions to send their requests to the Secretary-General.

Regional cooperation and partnerships

8.7 The Association appreciated the important role played by ROE in maintaining relations with a variety of regional partner organizations. In particular:

(a) The Office represented WMO at the regular session of the Interstate Council on Hydrometeorology of the Commonwealth of Independent States (ICH/CIS) which resulted in an improved coordination of activities and ensured WMO support to several ICH initiatives;

(b) The Office kept close connections with EUMETSAT and collaborated in the initiative for Data Access for Western Balkans and East Europe (DAWBEE), which provided EUMETCast stations to 11 Members in the Region;

(c) A new cooperation was established with the European Severe Storm Laboratory (ESSL) in providing support to Members to participate in the ESSL initiatives: the European Severe Storm Testbed and the European Conference on Severe Storms;

(d) The successful cooperation with the European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement was continued by establishing a new project “Building Resilience to

GENERAL SUMMARY 71

Disasters in Western Balkans and Turkey” jointly managed by WMO and UNISDR and supported by the Finish Meteorological Institute;

(e) During the intersessional period, the Office had developed further links with the World Bank, UNDP, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

8.8 The Association noted that many of these cooperation activities provided opportunities for capacity development of the NMHSs of RA VI Members, in particular in the less-developed parts of the Region. Acknowledging that a number of international partner organizations and investment institutions have special interest in areas like disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and enhancement of climate services, the Association encouraged the Secretary-General to ensure that the Regional Office would strengthen its role as a WMO regional hub for inter-agency cooperation in support of resource mobilization for enhancement of meteorological, hydrological and climatological services provided by Members.

Effectiveness and Efficiency

8.9 The Association expressed its satisfaction that, as a follow up of the recommendation of the fifteenth session, significant improvements have been made in providing information on regional activities to Members. The ROE website (http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/eur.php) has been created and maintained up-to-date with information on all main events and activities, news from Members and other useful online content. In addition, publication of a regular regional Newsletter was initiated in 2011. The Office successfully used on-line tools for conducting regional surveys. The response rate by RA VI Members has improved and reached 94% for the recent survey on institutional arrangements, challenges and priorities.

8.10 The Office also provided for efficiency improvements through organizing remote meetings via teleconference and Webex. It was appreciated in particular that one of the Working Groups was able to conduct a Webex meeting moderated by the ROE, which proved to be a viable option to face-to-face meetings when an urgent coordination or a quick progress review was to be conducted. The Association strongly recommended that the Regional Office should promote further the use of such forms of work of the subsidiary bodies.

Project Activities

8.11 The Association expressed its appreciation to the Office for the growing involvement in projects aimed at enhancing the capacity of the NMHSs of RA VI Members. In particular, the Office acted as Project Manager, together with the DRR office, of the two-phase project on DRR for the Western Balkans and Turkey financed through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) of the European Commission DG Enlargement, and in cooperation with UNDP and UNISDR. These two projects, implemented during the period 2009-2014, ensured funding of approximately two million Euros for the IPA beneficiary countries for building their institutional and technical capacity in the provision of service to support the disaster risk management both at national and regional level. Since the European Commission IPA multi-beneficiary programme does not provide for major infrastructural improvements, the projects have been focused on assessment of needs, building partnerships and intensive human resource development, as well as assistance in harmonizing practices and procedures with those of the European Meteorological Infrastructure (EMI).

8.12 The Association acknowledged the good work done by the Office in representing WMO in the FP7 Project Extreme Weather Impacts on European Networks of Transport (EWENT) and organized several project events including the final dissemination workshop.

8.13 The Association noted with interest the project signed between WMO and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) entitled “Blue Peace - Water Security in the Middle East: Strategic Management of Hydrological and Meteorological Data and Information”. The Office is actively engaged in the project management together with the Climate and Water

72 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Department, Resource Mobilization Office and the WMO Office for West Asia in Bahrain. The project is aimed at assisting several RA VI Members in the Middle East and is currently focused on Jordan and Lebanon. The first assessment phase aimed at identifying the needs of the countries for improvement of their hydrological and meteorological systems has been completed successfully and it is planned to continue with a series of specific priority projects. An important part of the project is building regional cooperation and engagement of regional partners such as the League of Arab States, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), academic institutions and private sector.

Future activities

8.14 The Association acknowledged the achieved performance enhancements of the Office in providing the required services to its Members and requested that this trend should continue during the next intersessional period. It strongly supported further improvements in the use of information technologies, in particular, further enhancement of the regional office website, on-line forums, remote meetings via Webex, on-line surveys and databases. Recognizing the expected benefits of the enhanced use of IT technology in the regional activities and noting the limited resources of the Office, the Association encouraged its Members to provide assistance to the ROE in enhancing its IT capabilities, including temporary secondment of staff.

8.15 The Association was informed of the request by the 24th Session of the ICH/CIS (September 2012, Kazan, Russian Federation) to WMO to establish a new field office for the CIS region which encompasses 10 countries covering a significant geographical area in RA VI and RA II (Asia). The rationale for the establishment of such an office is a better alignment of the ICH/CIS activities in the field of meteorology, hydrology, climatology and environment with the WMO Strategic Plan and related priority programmes, improved WMO assistance to CIS countries, facilitation of the development and implementation of projects with partners and donor organizations, such as the World Bank, other development banks, etc. Such an office would also provide better visibility of WMO at the level of national governments and international organizations operating in the CIS countries. The Association noted that, in response to this request, the Secretary-General has initiated consultations with the ICH/CIS regarding the possible modalities of establishment of such a new Office and related implications. Regarding the financing, ICH/CIS has been informed that it was not possible for WMO to provide any support to a new field office during the current financial period. The Association agreed that a closer liaison between the ICH/CIS and the WMO would be mutually beneficial and supported the on-going consultations that should find an appropriate format and related funding mechanisms for a sustainable solution.

8.16 Recognizing that the ROE has established well its position in the Secretariat during the intersessional period, the Association expressed concern that the current staffing situation was not yet optimal to meet the workload imposed by the quantity and quality of the regional activities, the complexity of issues on which assistance is needed by Members, and the ever growing demand for project management. Therefore, the Association requested the Secretary-General to consider possibilities for strengthening the work force of the Regional Office. It also urged Members to continue their strong support to the ROE and to consider providing assistance through short- to medium-term secondment of personnel to help in dealing with specific projects and tasks.

9. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS (agenda item 9)

9.1 The following scientific lectures were presented during the session:

(a) Global Change in the Arctic by Prof Jouni Pulliainen, Finnish Meteorological Institute;

(b) The High Impact Weather Project: a proposal for a THORPEX legacy WWRP research activity, by Prof Sarah Jones, Deutscher Wetterdienst.

9.2 The lectures were followed by fruitful discussions. The Association expressed its appreciation to the lecturers for their interesting and informative presentations.

GENERAL SUMMARY 73 9.3 The Association discussed the role of polar orbiting satellite systems for observation the arctic region including mapping the ice coverage. Thereby also existing observing systems including in-situ observation systems have to be more exploited. The Association recommended also diagnosing the output of climate simulations for example on the representation of the impact of black carbon on the climate system or the cloud-albedo feedback mechanism.

9.4 The Association welcomed the proposed THORPEX legacy WWRP research activity. The Association noted the aim of defining the scope of the project based on a specific weather related hazards and their corresponding applications and on the scales from minutes to weeks and the corresponding spatial scales which will be considered in the project. The Association emphasized the importance of engaging the less-developed Members. The Association appreciated further the intended involvement of end users’ communities and recommended to link the planned crosscutting activities on communication with the GFCS Climate Service Information System (CSIS). The president was asked to report the Regional Association’s support of the project proposal to the president of CAS.

9.5 It requested the Secretary-General, in consultation with the president of RA VI, to make the necessary arrangements for scientific lectures during the next session of the Association.

10. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS (agenda item 10)

10.1 The Association examined those of its resolutions which were still in force at the time of the sixteenth session.

10.2 The Association noted that most of its past resolutions had been replaced by new resolutions adopted during the session. It 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.

10.3 The Association accordingly adopted Resolution 12 (RA VI-16) – Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the Association.

10.4 The Association noted that Resolution 2 (EC-LXII) on the report of the fifteenth session of the Association was no longer in force.

11. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (agenda item 11)

The Association unanimously elected Mr Ivan Čačić (Croatia) as president and Ms Vida Auguliene (Lithuania) as vice-president of WMO Regional Association VI (Europe).

12. DATE AND PLACE OF THE SEVENTEENTH SESSION (agenda item 12)

12.1 In accordance with Regulation 171 of the WMO General Regulations, the president of the Association should determine the date and place of the seventeenth session in agreement with the President of the World Meteorological Organization and after consultation with the Secretary-General, during the intersessional period.

12.2 The Association noted with appreciation the kind offer extended by Croatia to host the seventeenth session, subject to further confirmation. The Association also noted the interest expressed by Turkey to host the session, subject to further consultation and confirmation.

74 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 13. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION (agenda item 13)

The sixteenth session of Regional Association VI (Europe) closed at 15:50 on 16 September 2013.

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Resolution 1 (RA VI-16)

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WMO STRATEGY FOR SERVICE DELIVERY IN REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting:

(1) That Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (Cg-XVI, Geneva, May/June 2011) had approved the “WMO Strategy for Service Delivery” (the Strategy),

(2) That the sixty-fifth session of the Executive Council (Geneva, May 2013) had endorsed the Implementation Plan (IP) for the Strategy,

(3) That the Strategy and its IP were cross-cutting and could be applied in the development of weather and warning services, and also climate and hydrological services,

Noting further:

(1) That Sixteenth Congress had requested regional associations to make full use of the Strategy in developing specific plans appropriate to their own Regions, and to engage in regional partnerships,

(2) That Sixteenth Congress had also requested regional associations to seek every opportunity to transfer knowledge through advanced capacity-building approaches presented in the Strategy,

Having considered:

(1) That regional associations, including Regional Association VI, had expressed the desire for ownership of the IP and to take the responsibility to implement it in their own Regions;

(2) That service-delivery-related priorities of Regional Association VI were fully catered for in the Strategy and its Implementation Plan;

Decides that the Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership (WG-SDP) would work to ensure a harmonized and synchronized implementation of the Strategy by Members;

Requests the Secretary-General to provide support to the Association in the implementation of this decision;

Requests WMO Programmes to support the implementation of the Strategy in Regional Association VI by providing expertise and other forms of assistance, as may be requested.

76 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Resolution 2 (RA VI-16)

CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE PROVISION TO CIVIL AVIATION IN EUROPE

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting the potentially serious legal and safety consequences of non-compliance with essential International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and WMO Standards and Technical Regulations,

Noting further:

(1) The importance of aviation as an enabler of socio-economic development,

(2) The binding agreements between WMO Members/ICAO Contracting States as signatories to the WMO Convention and the ICAO Convention, including their relevant Annexes,

(3) The increasing pressure from the Single European Sky undertaking to create larger blocks of airspace with adjoint service agreements encouraging a larger role of market forces,

(4) The existence of subregional, general and aviation-specific alliances of Members taking on roles of interest groups, coordinating bodies and commercial consortia,

Considering the role of cost recovery for services to aviation which depends on demonstrated compliance with the regulations cited above,

Requests the Secretary-General, in close cooperation with ICAO and relevant regional working structures, such as the Network of European Meteorological Services and the European Organization for the safety of air navigation, to organize a European conference on meteorological service provision to civil aviation to explore coordinated regional approaches for aviation meteorological service provision in Regional Association VI in response to the evolving air traffic management system and information-centric requirements, based on the outcomes of the Conjoint MET Divisional Meeting (July 2014).

Urges Members to participate actively in the preparation of the conference and provide support for its organization, as appropriate.

Resolution 3 (RA VI-16)

REGIONAL CLIMATE CENTRE NETWORK IN REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting:

(1) Resolution 4 (XV-RA VI) – Working Group on Climate and Hydrology,

(2) Resolution 1 (XV-RA VI) – Establishment of a Regional Climate Centre Network in Regional Association VI (Europe),

(3) The Report of the RA VI Working Group on Climate and Hydrology (WG-CH) to the sixteenth session of Regional Association VI,

RESOLUTIONS 77

(4) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (WMO-No. 1077),

(5) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the First Session of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services (WMO-No. 1124),

Noting further:

(1) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions and Recommendations of the Fifteenth Session of the Commission for Basic Systems (WMO-No. 1101),

(2) Recommendation 13 (CBS-15) – Amendments to the Manual on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS, WMO-No. 485), Volumes I and II and Annex 3 to the Recommendation.

(3) Resolution 5 (EC-65) – Report of the Fifteenth Session of the Commission for Basic Systems concerning the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System and Emergency Response Activities and Annex 2 thereof, constituting, inter alia, the formal designation of the Regional Association VI Regional Climate Centre Network (RA VI RCC-Network) as a WMO RCC-Network with:

(a) De Bilt node on Climate Data Services,

(b) Offenbach node on Climate Monitoring, and

(c) Toulouse and Moscow nodes on Long-range Forecasting,

(4) That the Regional Association VI RCC-Network structure, as described in the annex to this resolution, was also approved by the sixty-fifth session of the Executive Council for inclusion in the Manual on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System, Volume II,

Decides:

(1) That the operation of RA VI RCC-Network will be guided by the RA VI WG-CH, with oversight by the president of RA VI and the RA VI Management Group and in close consultation with the Commission for Climatology (CCl) and the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS);

(2) To promote two-way communication between the RA VI RCC-Network and the NMHSs of RA VI, to ensure effective uptake of RCC products and also enhanced national inputs and user feedback;

(3) To facilitate collaboration with the RCCs of other RAs to address cross-regional issues;

(4) To update NMHS requirements for RCC products, taking into account, in particular, their evolving needs and keeping in view the implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) at regional and national levels;

(5) To keep under review the mandatory, as well as highly recommended, functions of the RCC-Network in the light of new requirements and capabilities, and develop an updated implementation plan as appropriate, including through additional functions and nodes;

Urges participating institutions in the RCC-Network:

(1) To make available and keep an up-to-date catalogue of available services;

(2) To take up as many of the RCC “highly recommended” functions as feasible, to meet Members’ priority needs;

78 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Urges all Global Producing Centres for Long-Range Forecasts and other centres in the Region routinely producing global climate information to support the efforts of, and collaborate with, the RA VI RCC-Network;

Urges the RA VI RCC-Network to actively support the development and operation of Regional Climate Outlook Forums in the Region;

Urges all those concerned with the implementation of the RA VI RCC-Network to remain aware of the implementation priorities of the GFCS and to adjust/strengthen the activities of the network to be in line with the corresponding follow-up actions that may be taken up by WMO;

Urges Members in the Region

(1) To contribute actively to the successful operation of the RA VI RCC-Network;

(2) To implement national elements of the GFCS User Interface Platform through relevant mechanisms such as National Climate Outlook Forums, and communicate user feedback to the RA VI RCC-Network;

Urges the RA VI RCC-Network and the RA VI WG-CH to liaise with the Commission for Agricultural Meteorology and the Commission for Hydrology as important representatives of the user communities;

Requests the RA VI WG-CH to assist the president of RA VI on all matters related to RCC implementation;

Requests the president of RA VI to consult with CCl, CBS, the WMO Secretariat and the RA VI WG-CH in the effective implementation and further development of the RA VI RCC-Network;

Requests the presidents of CCl and CBS to facilitate the necessary technical guidance for the operation and development of the RA VI RCC-Network;

Requests the RA VI RCC-Network nodes and the coordinator to liaise closely with the RA VI WG-CH, as well as CCl and CBS, to ensure sustained and effective RCC operations;

Requests all Members to support RA VI RCC-Network activities, use their products and provide feedback on effectiveness, improvement and tailoring;

Appreciates Members hosting RA VI RCC-Network nodes and those participating in the respective consortia through contributing institutions for their active support and commitment to regional climate services;

Requests further the Secretary-General to assist in the successful operations of the RA VI RCC-Network and the effective collaboration between the RA VI RCC-Network and RCCs in other Regions.

______

Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 1 (XV-RA VI), which is no longer in force.

RESOLUTIONS 79

Annex to Resolution 3 (RA VI-16)

STRUCTURE OF THE REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI REGIONAL CLIMATE CENTRE–NETWORK (RA VI RCC-NETWORK)

The RA VI RCC-Network will consist of three nodes:

(1) Climate Data Services led by KNMI/Netherlands;

(2) Climate Monitoring led by DWD/Germany; and

(3) Long-range Forecasting jointly led by Météo-France/France and Roshydromet/Russian Federation.

These nodes will have full responsibility to satisfy the mandatory functions of the RCC-Network, including the overarching mandatory function of training in the use of operational RCC products and services spread across all three nodes, with the support of the following contributing NMHSs:

RA VI RCC node on Climate Data Services:

KNMI/Netherlands (lead), Météo-France/France, OMSZ/Hungary, met.no/Norway, RHMS/Serbia, SMHI/ Sweden, TSMS/Turkey

RA VI RCC node on Climate Monitoring:

DWD/Germany (lead), Armstatehydromet/Armenia, Météo-France/France, KNMI/Netherlands, RHMS/Serbia, TSMS/Turkey

RA VI RCC node on Long-range Forecasting:

Météo-France/France and ROSHYDROMET/Russian Federation (joint lead), met.no/Norway, RHMS/Serbia, TSMS/Turkey

Overall coordination:

DWD/Germany will be responsible for the overall coordination of the WMO RA VI RCC-Network including the website of the RCC-Network.

Resolution 4 (RA VI-16)

REGIONAL WIGOS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

Noting:

(1) Resolution 50 (Cg-XVI) – Implementation of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS),

(2) Resolution 10 (EC-64) – WMO Integrated Global Observing System Framework Implementation Plan,

80 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Noting further the final reports of the first and second sessions of the Inter-Commission Coordination Group on WIGOS and the recommendations on WIGOS implementation, including the development of the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plans (R-WIPs),

Decides to adopt the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan for RA VI (Europe) (R-WIP-VI) as presented in the annex to this resolution;

Requests the Management Group:

(1) To keep the Implementation Plan under regular review and updated; to guide, oversee and monitor the progress in the implementation of the Plan; and to submit amendments/updates to the Plan to the president of the Association for approval;

(2) To coordinate the implementation of the Regional Plan with Members and consult with the appropriate technical commissions on technical aspects of the implementation;

Requests Members:

(1) To develop their national WIGOS implementation plans;

(2) To organize their activities so as to realize WIGOS goals and associated outcomes as described in R-WIP-VI;

(3) To communicate and promote the concept of WIGOS and benefits of WIGOS to the Region and Members;

(4) To continue providing resources, including through the WIGOS Trust Fund and/or seconded experts, contributions in kind, etc., to support the implementation of WIGOS;

Requests the Secretary-General to provide the necessary assistance and Secretariat support for WIGOS implementation in RA VI;

Invites partners to participate in relevant implementation activities as specified in R-WIP-VI.

RESOLUTIONS 81

Annex to Resolution 4 (RA VI-16)

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

WMO INTEGRATED GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM (WIGOS)

REGIONAL WIGOS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

FOR REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

(R-WIP-VI) Version 0.4 (13/05/2013)

82 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

DOCUMENT VERSION CONTROL

Version Author(s) Date Description

0.1 WIGOS-A/PM 28/02/2013 Third Meeting of RA VI Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (WG-TDI/3)

0.2 WIGOS-A/PM April 2013 Editorial (consistency with outcomes from ICG-WIGOS-2, March 2013)

0.3 WIGOS-A/PM 08/05/2013 RA VI Workshop on the WIGOS Implementation Plan

0.4 WIGOS-PO 13/05/2013 Editorial

RESOLUTIONS 83

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Purpose of WIGOS and scope of the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan for Regional Association VI (R-WIP-VI)

1.2 WIGOS vision and Congress guidance for WIGOS implementation

2. KEY ACTIVITY AREAS FOR REGIONAL WIGOS IMPLEMENTATION

2.1 Management of WIGOS implementation in Regional Association VI

2.2 Collaboration with WMO co-sponsored observing systems and international partner organizations and programmes

2.3 Design, planning and optimized evolution of WIGOS component observing systems

2.4 Observing system operation and maintenance

2.5 Quality management.

2.6 Standardization, system interoperability and data compatibility

2.7 WIGOS Operational Information Resource

2.8 Data discovery and availability (data and metadata)

2.9 Capacity development

2.10 Communications and outreach

3. REGIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

3.1 Regional structures

3.2 Monitoring, review and reporting mechanism

3.3 Evaluation

4. IMPLEMENTATION

5. RESOURCES

6. RISK ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT

7. OUTLOOK

84 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

WIGOS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Purpose of WIGOS and scope of the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan for Regional Association VI (R-WIP-VI)

The WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) provides a new framework for WMO observing systems, including the contributions of WMO to co-sponsored observing systems. It is important to recognize that WIGOS is not replacing the existing observing systems, but is rather an overarching framework for the evolution of these systems, which will continue to be owned and operated by a diverse array of organizations and programmes. WIGOS will focus on the integration of governance and management functions, mechanisms and activities to be accomplished by contributing observing systems, according to the resources allocated on a global, regional and national level.

The WIGOS Framework Implementation Plan (WIP) addresses the necessary activities to establish an operational WIGOS framework by the end of the period 2012–2015, as per the direction of WMO Congress. WIGOS implementation will continue to evolve and improve beyond 2015 through the governance and management mechanisms established by the execution of this Plan.

WIP also addresses a number of additional activities that would substantially improve the operational capabilities of WIGOS beyond the 2012–2015 framework implementation but these activities are dependent on resources in addition to the regular budget. If these activities are not completed, WIGOS can still be considered operational. The resulting system will, however, be less effective in achieving its goals and benefits to Members will be reduced or delayed.

WIP provides a basis for the development of the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plans (R-WIP). The Members of a Region will adhere to the global WIP and to their regional framework in the design, operation, maintenance and evolution of their national observing systems.

This Plan is laid out in several chapters that identify and describe the various activity areas to be addressed within this Region. Specific regional/national activities for each area are included in Table 2 (see Chapter 4), which identifies deliverables, timelines, responsibilities, costs and risks, and whether the activity requires regional and/or national implementation. Similar activities are grouped under the title corresponding to the respective sections of Chapter 2.

1.2 WIGOS vision and Congress guidance for WIGOS implementation

Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress decided that enhanced integration of WMO observing systems should be pursued as a strategic objective of WMO and identified this as a major expected result of the WMO Strategic Plan1.

The WIGOS vision calls for an integrated, coordinated and comprehensive observing system to satisfy, in a cost-effective and sustained manner, the evolving observing requirements of Members in delivering their weather, climate, water and related environmental services. WIGOS will enhance the coordination of WMO observing systems with those of partner organizations for the benefit of society. Furthermore, WIGOS will provide a framework for enabling the integration and optimized evolution of WMO observing systems, including WMO’s contribution to co-sponsored systems. Together with the WMO Information System (WIS), this will allow continuous and reliable access to an expanded set of environmental data and products and associated metadata, resulting in increased knowledge and enhanced services across all WMO Programmes.

1 http://www.wmo.int/pages/about/documents/1069_en.pdf

RESOLUTIONS 85

The implementation of WIGOS should build upon, and add value to, existing WMO observing systems with emphasis on the integration of surface- and space-based observations in an evolutionary process to satisfy requirements of WMO and WMO co-sponsored programmes.

In implementing WIGOS, it is imperative that current management, governance and support activities be reviewed and aligned with WMO priorities. This alignment will promote cooperation and coordination at the technical, operational and administrative levels.

The integrated satellite systems are a unique source of observational data for monitoring weather, climate and the environment. It is important to further advance instrument intercalibration, data exchange, data-management standardization and user information and training, in order to take full advantage of space-based capabilities in the context of WIGOS.

WIGOS will be essential for the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), aviation meteorological services, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and capacity development, each of which is a WMO priority. It will also ensure a coordinated WMO contribution to the co-sponsored Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).

2. KEY ACTIVITY AREAS FOR REGIONAL WIGOS IMPLEMENTATION

The component observing systems of WIGOS comprise the Global Observing System (GOS), the observing component of the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW), the WMO Hydrological Observing Systems (including the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS)) and the observing component of the Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW), including surface- and space-based components). The above component systems include all WMO contributions to the co-sponsored systems, i.e. GCOS, GOOS and GTOS, as well as the WMO contributions to GFCS and GEOSS.

To migrate the existing observing systems into the more integrated single system that is WIGOS, focused effort is required at the regional level in the following key areas, detailed in the respective sections:

(a) Management of WIGOS implementation;

(b) Collaboration with WMO co-sponsored observing systems and international partner organizations and programmes;

(c) Design, planning and optimized evolution of WIGOS component observing systems;

(d) Observing system operation and maintenance;

(e) Quality management;

(f) Standardization, system interoperability and data compatibility;

(g) The WIGOS Operational Information Resource (WIR);

(h) Data discovery and availability (data and metadata);

(i) Capacity development;

(j) Communications and outreach.

86 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

2.1 Management of WIGOS implementation in RA VI

WIGOS implementation is an integrating activity for all regional components of WMO and co-sponsored observing systems: it supports all WMO Programmes and activities.

Executive Council

The WMO Executive Council will continue to monitor, guide, evaluate and support the overall implementation of WIGOS. Following guidance from Sixteenth Congress, the sixty-third session of the Executive Council established the Inter-Commission Coordination Group on WIGOS (ICG-WIGOS) with a view to providing technical guidance and assistance for the planning, implementation and further development of the WIGOS component observing systems. Progress in implementing WIGOS will be reported on to subsequent sessions of the Executive Council. The Council designated the president of CBS as chair of ICG-WIGOS.

Regional Association VI

Regional Association VI will play the key role in WIGOS implementation in the Region. Through its Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (WG-TDI), it will coordinate the planning and implementation of WIGOS at the regional level, taking into account all WMO future priorities, such as GFCS and DRR. Under the guidance of ICG-WIGOS and with the support, where required, of the WIGOS Project Office (WIGOS-PO) in the WMO Secretariat, WG-TDI will be responsible for:

(a) The development of the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan;

(b) The integration of WIGOS regional network components; and

(c) The evolution of their regional networks according to the Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems (EGOS-IP)2.

R-WIP will also address regional aspects of requirements, standardization, observing system interoperability, data compatibility, data management, quality-management system procedures, including performance monitoring and data-quality monitoring, and proposed improvements in observing networks/systems. An important role of the Regional Association will be to assess and continuously monitor regional requirements, identify regional gaps and capacity development projects within the Region to address those gaps.

Members of the Region

Building on WIP and R-WIP, Members are requested to develop a National WIGOS Implementation Plan (N-WIP) to help them plan, implement, operate and maintain national networks and observing programmes based on the standards and best practices stated in the WMO Technical Regulations and the WIGOS manual (under preparation). They will be encouraged to adopt a composite network approach and to include the acquisition and onward transmission of data from external sources, including NMHSs and other government agencies, the commercial sector and members of the public. A particular area of focus for Members of the Region will be increased attention to site protection and radio-frequency spectrum protection.

Plans should also be developed to strengthen cooperation through partnership with different owners overseeing the WIGOS component observing systems within their countries. Specifically, these activities aim to enhance cooperation amongst meteorological, hydrological, marine/oceanographic and academic/research institutions/services where they are separated at the national level.

Concerning radio-frequency spectrum protection, Members should maintain close coordination with their national telecommunication authorities to register their frequencies for adequate

2 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/OSY/gos-vision.html#egos-ip

RESOLUTIONS 87

protection and to defend the availability of frequencies for meteorology, climatology and Earth observations, influencing positively the national delegations to the World Radiocommunication Conferences.

2.2 Collaboration with WMO co-sponsored observing systems and international partner organizations and programmes

WIGOS will be an integrated, comprehensive, and coordinated system primarily comprising the surface- and space-based observing components of GOS, GAW, GCW and the WMO Hydrological Observing System (including WHYCOS) and including all WMO contributions to GCOS, GOOS and GTOS. It should be noted that, in contrast with the primarily NMHS-owned observing systems upon which the World Weather Watch (WWW) was built, the proposed WIGOS component observing systems are owned and operated by a diverse array of organizations, both research and operational. The interaction of these various communities at the regional and national levels is therefore important for the implementation of WIGOS within the Region. In particular, strengthening the interaction of research and operational observing communities is important for sustaining and evolving observing systems and practices, in line with new science and technology outcomes. WIGOS is a major observing component of GFCS and will also provide indispensable contributions to GEOSS.

Partner organizations and programmes

At the regional level, coordination and cooperation will be supported by a mechanism to be defined by the Regional Association and the respective regional bodies, such as the Network of European Meteorological Services (EUMETNET)3, the Interstate Council on Hydrometeorology of the Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (ICH/CIS), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and relevant European Union bodies in order to resolve possible problems in data policy, product delivery and other governance issues. This inter-agency and inter-observing system coordination mechanism will need to be complemented and supported through similar cooperation and coordination arrangements among NMHSs and through national implementation mechanisms for GFCS, GCOS, GOOS, GTOS and GEOSS.

The Architecture for Climate Monitoring from Space has been defined as an end-to-end system, involving the different stakeholders including operational satellite operators and research-and-development space agencies, the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, GCOS, the World Climate Research Programme and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). Within the regional context, the Architecture shall be part of the space-based component of WIGOS. Particular emphasis will therefore, be placed on their coordinated contribution to WIGOS within the Region, building on existing coordination mechanisms stated above.

2.3 Design, planning and optimized evolution of WIGOS component observing systems

WMO has agreed on the Vision for the Global Observing Systems in 20254, which provides high-level goals to guide the evolution of the global observing systems during the coming decades. To complement and respond to this vision, an EGOS-IP was approved by CBS-15 (September 2012) for consideration by the sixty-fifth session of the Executive Council (May 2013). EGOS-IP focuses on the long-term evolution of WIGOS component observing systems, while WIP focuses on the integration of these component observing systems. Beyond 2015, these plans will provide Members of the Region with clear and focused guidelines, specifying actions that stimulate the cost-effective evolution of the observing systems to address the requirements of all WMO Programmes and relevant parts of co-sponsored programmes in an integrated manner. 3 A grouping of 29 European National Meteorological Services that provides a framework to organize cooperative

programmes between its Members in the various fields of basic meteorological activities. 4 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/OSY/gos-vision.html

88 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Concerning the surface-based subsystem of WIGOS, the current composition of mainly separate networks of observing stations comprises numerous different types of sites. With the implementation of WIGOS, these separate networks will continue to evolve but will also be given a more prominent collective identity as the WIGOS surface-based subsystem and, for some purposes, may be considered as a single composite system of observing (fixed or mobile) sites/platforms. The Regional Association will adopt a broader role in coordinating the implementation of relevant elements of the WIGOS surface-based subsystem, evolving from the previous concepts of mainly regional synoptic and climatological networks into an integrated concept of a WIGOS Regional Network.

Similarly, the space-based subsystem of WIGOS is composed of many different platforms and types of satellites. There is already partial integration due to the existence of a globally coordinated plan, which is maintained by WMO and CGMS, and which takes into account the needs of a number of application areas. However, it should be further developed and expanded to better support certain application areas that, at present, are not benefiting from the full potential of space-based observations, such as other components of GAW and the WMO Hydrological Observing System and new initiatives such as GFCS and GCW. In addition, further integration shall be pursued in terms of intercalibration, data and product harmonization and composite product delivery. The Regional Association will adopt an active role in compiling the views of Members and maintaining documented requirements and priorities for data and products to be available for the Region from the WIGOS space-based subsystem.

Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR)5

Coordinated strategic planning at all levels will be based on the RRR process and will be supported by WIGOS regulatory material. This activity will be carried out primarily at the global level under the guidance of ICG-WIGOS.

The RRR process involves a regular review of the observational data requirements6 for each of the defined WMO application areas and all required variables (see Table 1). The RRR process also involves reviewing the capabilities of WMO observing systems and co-sponsored systems and the details of the networks/platforms in existence7, for both space- and surface-based systems, in delivering data on different variables. The comprehensive information collected for the globe on both requirements and capabilities is quantitatively recorded in a database accessible through the Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review tool (OSCAR8) of WIR (see section 2.7 below). The information on surface-based networks and instrumentation details is currently recorded in Weather Reporting (WMO-No. 9), Volume A, but will ultimately be available, with additional metadata, through OSCAR. Space-based capabilities are also recorded and made available through OSCAR. OSCAR allows gap analyses to be performed, which identify weaknesses in existing observing programmes.

The above steps represent the analysis phase of the RRR, which is as objective as possible. Next is the prioritization and planning phase, in which experts from the various application areas interpret the gaps identified, draw conclusions and identify key issues and priorities for action. This input is composed of Statements of Guidance (SoG) from each application area. The technical commissions respond to the SoG by formulating new global observing system requirements and the regulatory and guidance publications to assist Members in addressing the new requirements.

5 Currently specified in the Manual on the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 544), elaborated in the Guide to the

Global Observing System (WMO-No. 488), and described further on the WMO Website at http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/OSY/GOS-RRR.html.

6 RRR describes data requirements which are expressed in terms of space/time resolution, uncertainty, timeliness, etc., for each of the required observed variables and are measures independent of observing technology.

7 Capabilities are derived from the individual platform characteristics submitted by Members to WMO, e.g. through Weather Reporting (WMO-No. 9), Volume A, or its evolution.

8 The following components are currently available via the WMO website: User requirements: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/OSY/RRR-DB.html; and Space-based capabilities: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/sat/gos-dossier_en.php. The surface-based capabilities part is currently under development.

RESOLUTIONS 89

Additionally, CBS and other technical commissions draw on the SoGs to develop a vision and an implementation plan for further developments of WIGOS.

Table 1. The 12 WMO application areas

No. Application area No. Application area

1 Global NWP 7 Ocean applications

2 High-resolution NWP 8 Agricultural meteorology

3 Nowcasting and very short-range forecasting

9 Hydrology9

4 Seasonal to interannual forecasts

10 Climate monitoring

5 Aeronautical meteorology 11 Climate applications

6 Atmospheric chemistry 12 Space weather

At the regional level

Although the primary coordination of RRR will lie with CBS for overall WIGOS planning, the Regional Association, through WG-TDI, will follow the technical guidance of the technical commissions as represented in EGOS-IP and other observing system implementation plans in order to develop and implement observing systems in the Region.

The Regional Association will examine, and report back to CBS on, its requirements for data and any issues it identifies with the global WIGOS design, taking into account the particular requirements of the Region and international river basin authorities. This process will involve, in essence: (a) the use of global data to prepare regional data requirements; (b) use of these for detailed planning of WIGOS component observing system at the regional scale; and (c) encouragement of Members of the Region to implement these components, subject to further review at the national or subregional level, where appropriate.

At the national or subregional level

Members of the Region will contribute to the collective regional effort to: (a) assess the regional data requirements and plan the regional observing system components; and (b) implement and develop observing systems following this plan, EGOS-IP and other observing system implementation plans.

The Members of the Region will also have available the information on global and regional data requirements available to use as guidance for the preparation of national requirements, which can then be used to assist with the detailed planning for developing national WIGOS component observing systems.

In some cases, where countries are small and geographically close or already have established multilateral working relationships, there may be more merit in taking a subregional, as opposed to a national, approach to WIGOS observing infrastructure planning. In this case, it will be necessary

9 Hydrological information only: water-quality monitoring and information is currently excluded.

90 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

for the Members concerned to work in close cooperation to prepare subregional reviews of requirements to be used as a basis for detailed planning at that scale.

2.4 Observing system operation and maintenance

Observing system owners or custodians are responsible for operating and maintaining their systems and for complying with the regulations of WMO and co-sponsored observing systems to which they contribute. System owners are generally NMHSs or other organizations within WMO Member countries but are sometimes other entities.

On the regional level, WIGOS involves a process for sharing operational experiences, ideas and best practices, expertise and for pooling resources for joint activities, such as is done within EUMETNET. The benefit is to realize synergies and greater efficiencies. These interactions may be between different teams within a single organization (such as an NMHS) or between regional organizations. These may benefit from technical guidance from relevant technical commissions and, while occurring primarily at a national level, there is a regional role to be played. Within Regional Association VI, the following regional activities will be important:

• WIGOS metadata creation and handling;

• Quality monitoring;

• Integration of networks – redesign of the Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON);

• Compilation and publication of national good practices;

• Capacity development focused on the provision of data to GFCS, early warning systems, and provision of other specialized services, such as marine services.

2.5 Quality management

The Region recognizes that meeting the quality requirements and expectations of users will be critical to the success of WIGOS. This will require an in-depth examination of current practices used by WMO observing programmes, specific mission-related requirements that are already in place and available technological opportunities. WIGOS quality management would specify all processes for WIGOS component observing systems, including guidance on its effective management.

The WIGOS quality-management approach is to apply the WMO Quality Management Framework (QMF) to component observing systems (see Technical Regulations, WMO-No. 49, Volume IV). WIGOS quality management at the regional level will strive for compliance of all components of WIGOS with international standards, such as ISO 9001/9004 and ISO 17025, where appropriate (i.e. with respect to instrument calibration and traceability of data). In addition to the WMO QMF document, further guidance to Members on WIGOS quality management will be provided via the standards and best practices described in the regulatory material, such as the WIGOS manual and guide (both under preparation). Such guidance, for both mandatory and desirable practices, can be referred to for the application and implementation of quality management in national observing systems. In this context, the Region will give attention to:

(a) The examination of current quality-management practices being used in the Region;

(b) The documentation of the quality of observations from the WIGOS regional networks at all stages of data processing; and

(c) Ensuring, where possible, traceability of observations to the International System of Units.

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In coordination and collaboration with WMO, CGMS supports the development of quality-assurance standards and formats for satellite observations, multi-satellite and multi-sensor algorithms for estimating retrieved data and products and advanced atmospheric sounding derivation packages for use by WMO Members. To assist this effort, the Region will ensure that surface-based sites needed for calibration/validation of satellite data are specified.

A key aspect of regional WIGOS quality management that requires particular attention is systematic and rigorous performance monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) of WIGOS capabilities, in terms of both (a) the flow of observational data/products to models; and (b) provision of products/information for decision-support tools and services in accordance with requirements specified by end-users. Effective PM&E can improve the overall performance of WIGOS and its ability to interact effectively with its user community and meet community needs and requirements.

Members of the Region will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the WIGOS quality principles (such as ISO 9001, 9004, 17025).

2.6 Standardization, system interoperability10 and data compatibility

WIS plays an important role in regional WIGOS implementation in relation to data exchange and discovery and the provision of effective standards and practices for data management. The Region will therefore coordinate WIGOS and WIS implementation activities.

Taking into account the ongoing rapid progress in technology that will continue to provide a basis for further improvements in the capability, reliability, quality and cost-effectiveness of observations, the Members of the Region will ensure that WIGOS utilizes international standards and best practices set by WMO and partner organizations as described in the WMO regulatory material in the following areas:

(a) Instruments and methods of observation across all components, including surface- and space-based elements (observations and their metadata);

(b) WIS information exchange, as well as discovery, access and retrieval (DAR) services; and

(c) Data management (data processing, quality control, monitoring and archival).

The Region will support all activities leading to the interoperability of WIGOS component observing systems (including data compatibility) through utilization and application of the same, internationally accepted standards and best practices (i.e. standardization). Data compatibility will also be supported through the use of standardized data representation and formats.

Any regional deviations from the standard practices (documented in the WMO Technical Regulations through the WIGOS manual (under preparation) and other relevant manuals will be reported to WIGOS-PO.

2.7 WIGOS Operational Information Resource

Accessible via a centralized point (web portal), WIR will provide access to all WIGOS-related operational information, including observational user requirements, a description of the contributing observing networks (instrument/site/platform metadata) and their capabilities, a list of standard and recommended practices and procedures used in the WIGOS framework, applicable data policies and information on how to access data. It will also provide general information on WIGOS benefits and impacts on Members. It will be a tool for conducting critical reviews as part of RRR and can assist Members and the Regional Association in conducting observing network design studies, as appropriate. It will provide guidance on how to develop capacities in developing countries according to WIGOS requirements and will provide Members of the Region with a toolbox to be used nationally if and when required. The information collected is intended, in particular, to identify

10 Interoperability is a property referring to the ability of diverse systems to work together (interoperate).

92 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI gaps in the observing networks, areas where existing observing systems could be used or where their scope could be expanded at limited cost to address the requirements of more application areas. The information provided on standard and recommended practices and procedures will support the production of more homogeneous datasets and make the observations traceable and of known quality.

The key support tools of WIGOS are: (a) a central web portal (WIGOS-portal); (b) the WIGOS Standardization of Observations Reference Tool (SORT); and (c) OSCAR, which includes information on observational user requirements and observing systems capabilities and allows a critical review to be performed by comparing the two (see WIP for more information on each of these support tools).

Understanding that sources of the individual components of WIR rely on the inputs from its Members, the Region is committed to provide regular inputs to keep the information resource up to date.

2.8 Data discovery and availability (data and metadata)

Within the WIGOS framework, WIS11 provides exchange of data and interpretation metadata12 and management of related discovery metadata13. The latter play an important role in the discovery, access and retrieval of WIGOS observations and products by the entire WMO community.

Submission, management and archival of the data themselves are generally the responsibility of observing system owners/data custodians. However, several World Data Centres and a number of regional or specialized data centres collect, manage and archive basic observational data that are relevant to WMO application areas. Members of the Region are responsible for submitting their data to these regional or specialized data centres. The Regional Association will encourage its Members to abide by this commitment.

Members of the Region will adopt WIGOS and WIS standards and make their data and metadata available through WIS for delivery or for discovery, access and retrieval services. In this regard, promotion and implementation of Data Collection and Production Centres (DCPCs), as well as National Centres, will be supported and encouraged by the Regional Association. Guidance will be developed and provided through the appropriate WIGOS regulatory and technical documents.

2.9 Capacity development

A coordinated capacity-development effort at global, regional and national levels is of paramount importance to developing countries in the implementation of WIGOS. This is especially the case for the NMHSs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to enable them to develop, improve and sustain national WIGOS component observing systems. This needs to be complemented by capacity-development efforts outside of WIGOS but in closely related areas to improve access to, and effective utilization of, observations, data and products and related technologies. WIGOS capacity-development activities at the regional level are focused on:

(a) Providing assistance to Members of the Region to introduce or improve institutional mandates and policies that enable effective implementation, operation and management of observing systems;

(b) Filling the existing gaps in the design, operation and maintenance of WIGOS observing systems, including both infrastructure and human capacity development;

11 http://www.wmo.int/wis 12 WIGOS Interpretation metadata is the information required to interpret the data. 13 Discovery metadata is the information describing the datasets, generally using ISO-19115 and the WMO Metadata

Core Profile in the case of WIS.

RESOLUTIONS 93

(c) Technological innovation, technology transfer, technical assistance and decision-support tools.

Capacity development in satellite applications for developing countries, LDCs and SIDS are also addressed in EGOS-IP (see WMO/TD-No. 1267). The virtual laboratory will continue to grow and help all WMO Members realize the benefits of satellite data.

2.10 Communications and outreach

The Region will establish its communications and outreach strategy through the efforts of WMO Members, programmes, regional associations (RAs) and technical commissions (TCs) and co-sponsors. The strategy will provide details on WIGOS benefits, increased effectiveness and efficiency and impacts on the activities of the Members of the Region, as well as on the socio-economic benefits of WIGOS data. It will take advantage of outreach programmes developed and effectively deployed by WMO and its partner organizations within the Region.

WIGOS-PO will provide convenient access to relevant information on regional communications, outreach and capacity development, aimed at complementing, not duplicating, others’ efforts. A variety of outreach materials will be developed to educate Members, funding agencies, policy-makers and the general public about the importance of WIGOS to society. Materials will include posters and other educational material for elementary and high-school classes, a WIGOS brochure, a semi-annual or annual newsletter, an online photo-and-video library, and information on the current state of the observing systems.

3. REGIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

3.1 Regional structures

The Regional Association will be responsible for the Project through WG-TDI with support from the Regional Office for Europe. Members of the Region will be requested to provide support to the Regional Office through secondments.

3.2 Monitoring, review and reporting mechanism

(a) The Regional Association, through its Management Group (MG), will monitor, review, guide and support the overall implementation of WIGOS in the Region, and update the Implementation Plan if and when necessary;

(b) The Regional Association, through the chair of WG-TDI, will report to ICG-WIGOS and WIGOS-PO on the progress in implementation of WIGOS in the Region;

(c) The president will report on WIGOS implementation to the RA’s sessions.

3.3 Evaluation

The evaluation methodology will be designed against WIGOS implementation activity tables, i.e. with respect to the activities, deliverables, timeline, responsibility and budget allocations. This will include a schedule of monitoring and evaluation activities and related responsibilities. Mid-term evaluation, interim progress reports and post-implementation reviews are planned as a means of providing early feedback on progress towards success and as a means of meeting accountability and transparency requirements for the whole implementation phase. RAs and NMHSs will provide progress reports at the request of WIGOS-PO.

94 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4. IMPLEMENTATION

Activities, deliverables, milestones, costs and risks

Table 2 presents the key implementation activities that are required for regional WIGOS implementation within the timeframe 2012–2015. The table is arranged to correspond to the activity areas presented in Chapter 2. In the table, each implementation activity is presented together with its associated deliverables, timelines, responsibilities, costs and risk.

For each activity in Table 2, a detailed activity plan will be developed by the responsible entity or entities, with the support of WG-TDI. WG-TDI and its Task Team on WIGOS (TT-WIGOS) have responsibility for tracking the execution of these activities and the plan itself.

5. RESOURCES

[The resources that will be made available for R-WIP and that would be needed, including identification of possible sources, will be considered by the responsible regional body and described here.]

6. RISK ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT

The Risk Management Plan (RMP) will be developed for each implementation activity/project, including risk mitigation. The following risk areas have been identified:

(a) Human capacity within the NMHS and the Secretariat;

(b) Economic resources;

(c) The ability of partner organizations to participate;

(d) Inability of Members to fully participate;

(e) Timeliness of guidance material.

7. OUTLOOK

This document has described the key activities for the period 2012–2015. As determined by Sixteenth Congress, the goal is to have WIGOS operational by 2016. This is a challenging task. The experience gained during the WIGOS test of the concept phase clearly shows that it will be impossible to complete the integration of all observing systems on global, regional and national levels in only four years. While initial WIGOS operations should start in 2016, there will still be a strong need to continue a significant number of implementation activities.

_________

95 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Table 2. WIGOS implementation activities (initial ideas in the table below will be reviewed and completed by the RA VI WIGOS Workshop) ARB = available regular budget; RB = regular budget; TBD = to be decided

Estimated costs (2012–2015) K CHF No. Activity Deliverables Timeline Responsibility

Total ARB Shortfall

Potential risks

1. Management of WIGOS implementation in Regional Association VI 1.2.1 Regularly update R-WIP-VI R-WIP-VI developed Developed in

2013 and updated as needed

Maintained by TT-WIGOS, approved by WG-TDI and MG

1.2.2 Maintain close links with CBS, CIMO, other relevant TCs and ICG-WIGOS to capture and react to evolving plans. Provide recommendations to ICG-WIGOS

Updated R-WIP-VI and contribution to the WIP

Continuing RA VI WG-TDI; RA VI representatives on TCs, RA-VI MG

1.2.3 Report progress of R-WIP related projects to RA VI MG

Progress reports Once per year

Coordinators of projects: TT-WIGOS

1.2.4 Assess EGOS-IP to identify actions relevant to RA VI and Member countries; assign priorities to these actions

Prioritized list of actions for RA VI and for Members arising from the EGOS-IP

2013–2014 Drafting by WG-TDI/TT-WIGOS (TBD), adoption by MG

1.3.1 Assist Members to develop their N-WIPs N-WIPs developed 2014–2015 Members, TT-WIGOS, WIGOS-PO

1.3.2 RA VI Members to appoint National Focal Points (NFPs) and submit reports on progress of the implementation of N-WIPS

List of RA VI NFPs published; N-WIPs updated

2013–2015; updates once per year

WIGOS-PO, ROE, RA VI Members

2. Collaboration with WMO and co-sponsored observing systems

2.2.1 Identify and engage further potential partners for collaboration in the collection of observations on a regional scale. Clarify the target area(s) for collaboration and the mechanism for resolving governance issues

Increased number of collaborating partners at a regional level and increased collection of observations

2013–2015 WG-TDI, TT-WIGOS, ROE

2.3.1 Encourage Member countries to identify and engage further potential partners in the collection of observations for WMO programmes. Clarify the target area(s) for collaboration and the mechanism for resolving governance issues

Increased number of collaborating partners at national level and increased collection of observations

2013–2015 Encouragement by the president, with support of MG members, action by Members

96 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Estimated costs (2012–2015) K CHF No. Activity Deliverables Timeline Responsibility

Total ARB Shortfall

Potential risks

2.3.2 Collaborate with CIMO in developing a feedback mechanism to CIMO on the performance of instruments and systems in Region VI; provide feedback regularly

Meteorological observing systems are widely compliant with WMO regulations and standards.

2013–2015 WG-TDI, TT-RICs, Members provide feedback.

3. Design, planning and optimized evolution of WIGOS and its regional, subregional and national observing components

3.2.1 Design and plan observing systems in the Region, taking into account: (i) Network design studies conducted

and planned by the EUMETNET Observing Programme, and other relevant studies;

(ii) Technical guidance of the TCs as represented in EGOS-IP and other observation system implementation plans;

(iii) Need for applying WIGOS QM (see Key implementation activity 5);

(iv) Need for “gap filling” and restoration of silent stations; and

(v) Cross-regional coordination opportunities, such as Arctic HYCOS and GCW

Redesign the Regional Observing Network.

2015–2016 Coordination by WG-TDI; TT-WIGOS, EUMETNET

3.2.2 Validate user requirements documented by global RRR process against regional user requirements; use the results to update the WMO RRR user requirements database and to contribute to the update of the EGOS-IP and observing system plans

WMO observing systems are responsive to regional user requirements.

2013–2015 WG-TDI, TT-WIGOS

3.3.1 Develop and implement national observing systems, taking into account: (i) Technical guidance of the TCs as

represented in EGOS-IP and other observation system implementation plans;

(ii) Regional priorities adopted by MG; (iii) Need for applying WIGOS QM (see

Key implementation activity 5); (iv) Need for “gap filling” and restoration

of silent stations

Improved WMO observing systems in the Region

2016 onwards

Members

RESOLUTIONS 97

Estimated costs (2012–2015) K CHF No. Activity Deliverables Timeline Responsibility

Total ARB Shortfall

Potential risks

3.3.2 Validate user requirements documented by the global RRR process against national user requirements for WMO systems; use the results to update the WMO RRR user requirements database and to contribute to the update of EGOS-IP and observing system plans

WMO observing systems are responsive to national user requirements for WMO systems.

2013–2015 Members

3.3.3 Migrate from existing RBSN/RBCN to an integrated RBON

RBONs designed and adopted by RAs

2015 onwards

RAs, Members

3.3.4 Define subregional user requirements for observations

Updated RRR database (OSCAR) 2015 Members

4. Observing system operation and maintenance

4.2.1 Develop real-time monitoring and reporting capability to support operations, possibly using existing EUMETNET EUCOS monitoring portal

A plan for real-time monitoring and reporting implemented Implementation of the plan

2014–2015; operations one year after the plan

Relevant Members; EUMETNET and TT-WIGOS

4.3.1 Collect and share best practices with Members in other Regions

Documented best practices of the Region on the WMO website

2013 onwards

Members, ROE

5. Quality management

5.2.1 Implement real-time quality monitoring of basic surface variables (temperature, pressure, humidity, wind and precipitation), using existing systems, such as EUMETNET/EUCOS QM portal

Extended quality monitoring implemented

2015 onwards

WG-TDI and TT-WIGOS in collaboration with ECMWF and other relevant NWP centres

5.2.2 Consider implementation of real-time quality monitoring of data from various remote-sensing instruments/systems

Decision on implementing real-time quality monitoring of data from various remote sensing instruments/systems

2014 WG-TDI and TT-WIGOS QM

5.2.3 Improve collaboration among RICs and RICs and Members

Interlaboratory calibration regularly conducted

2013–2015 TT-RIC

5.2.4 Assist Members to implement required calibration and maintenance practices and procedures

Survey of current calibration capabilities of Members; training conducted; on-site assistance provided

2013–2015 TT-RIC

5.2.5 Combine technological knowledge to help Members in maintenance and calibration of surface-based remote-sensing systems

International team of experts set up to assist Members

2014 onwards

WG-TDI; TT-WIGOS

98 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Estimated costs (2012–2015) K CHF No. Activity Deliverables Timeline Responsibility

Total ARB Shortfall

Potential risks

5.3.1 Obtain as far as possible ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for calibration laboratories

Increased accredited calibration laboratories of Members

2014 onwards

Members’ national calibration laboratories

6. Standardization, system interoperability and data compatibility

6.3.1 Implement WMO Siting Classification Scheme through: • Provision of information and training

to Members • Adoption of new procedures by

Members • A tool to classify the sites

WMO Siting Classification Scheme is implemented in the Region.

2015 Members

6.3.2 Develop a process to monitor and report on the level of regional compliance with WIGOS standards

A process is developed and implemented; report on the level of compliance of Members’ with WIGOS related standards is provided.

2015 onwards

WG-TDI to develop a process; Members to report

6.3.3 Collect the metadata on all observing stations according to a standard to be developed by ICG-WIGOS

WIGOS metadata on all observing stations are collected.

2014 onwards

Members

6.3.4 Radar data integration through the existing mechanism, i.e. OPERA, and based on existing practices adopted by OPERA

Increased number of radars integrated into OPERA; harmonization of subegional radar networks based on OPERA practices

2015 onwards

TT on radar data integration (TBD); Members

6.3.5 Wind profiler data integration through the existing mechanism, i.e. WINPROF, and based on existing practices adopted by WINPROF

Increased number of WP integrated into the WINPROF

2015 onwards

TBD; Members

7. WIGOS Operational Information Resource (WIR)

7.3.1 Request, support and encourage Members to provide up-to-date data and metadata to the WIR and ensure their ongoing maintenance

Up-to-date metadata maintained at WMO

2014 onwards

WG-TDI and TT-WIGOS to request and support;Members to provide metadata

8. Data discovery and availability (data and metadata)

8.2.1 Develop a standard for representation and format of hydrological data

A standard for representation and format of hydrological data developed

2015 WG-TDI in collaboration with RA VI Hydrological Adviser under the guidance of CHy

RESOLUTIONS 99

Estimated costs (2012–2015) K CHF No. Activity Deliverables Timeline Responsibility

Total ARB Shortfall

Potential risks

8.2.2 Foster increased exchange of observational data and discovery metadata using WIS in the Region, through awareness-raising and provision of guidance for the adoption of WIS standards, including implementation of DCPCs and NCs

Increased provision of “discovery metadata” and the accessibility of data through the WIS

2014 onwards

WG-TDI

8.3.1 Expedite implementation of WIS-IP Regular monitoring reports are available.

2013 onwards

Members, WG-TDI

8.3.2 Members to share data via WIS, including data from national organizations other than NMHSs

New sources of data are available though WIS.

2013 onwards

Members, WG-TDI

9. Capacity development14

9.2.1 Assist Member countries to fill gaps (both infrastructure and human capacities) in their WIGOS observing systems

Gaps in WIGOS observing systems of Member countries are identified and filled.

2013-2015 WG-TDI, TT-WIGOS, ROE, WIGOS-PO

9.2.2 Creating a regional Capacity Development Plan, addressing identified needs for: • Radar data analysis and transfer; • Improving availability and utilization

of AMDAR data; • Improving availability and utilization

of high-resolution radiosonde data; • Improving the utilization of marine

data; • Improved availability of lidar

measurements for aerosol and volcanic ash.

Regional Capacity Development Plan developed and agreed by MG

2014 onwards

WG-TDI, ROE, WIGOS-PO, Members

14 Congress stressed that an effective capacity-building strategy is an essential component of WIGOS implementation. Specialized education and training activities and improvement of necessary observing infrastructure should be

reflected in the regional, subregional and national WIGOS implementation plans, especially for NMHSs of LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. Hence, capacity-building is not to be limited to scientific and technological concerns, but also to

strategic and management considerations, including human resources development, resource mobilization and communications and outreach activities.

100 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Estimated costs (2012–2015) K CHF No. Activity Deliverables Timeline Responsibility

Total ARB Shortfall

Potential risks

9.3.1 Review the regional and national technical training requirement to identify gaps and develop training opportunities such as for: • Network design • QA/QC procedures; • Maintenance of instruments; • National calibration

A regional training plan to fill the gaps is developed and agreed by MG.

2013 onwards

Members to propose; WG-TDI in collaboration with ROE, RA VI-MG and WMO ETR Division

9.3.2 Assist Members in using WIR tools for the design and management of national WIGOS networks

Initial steps taken to improve design on national networks

2015 WG-TDI in collaboration with ICG-WIGOS, Members

9.3.3 Assist Members in implementing WIGOS metadata.

Tools and procedures available to assist Members in providing WIGOS metadata

2014 WMO Secretariat, WG-TDI and Members

10. Communication and outreach

10.2.1 Contribute to WIGOS communication and outreach across the Region by: • Responding to the role defined in

ICG-WIGOS communication strategy;

• Utilizing material provided by WIGOS-PO to raise awareness and commitment to WIGOS in the Region.

Effective communication and outreach for WIGOS across the Region

2013–2015 WG-TDI, TT-WIGOS, WIGOS-PO

10.3.1 Contribute to WIGOS communication and outreach within Member countries by: • Responding to the role defined in

the ICG-WIGOS communication strategy;

• Utilizing material provided by WIGOS-PO and Members to raise awareness and commitment to WIGOS in Member countries

Effective communication and outreach for WIGOS within Member countries

2013–2015 Members, PWS

101 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Resolution 5 (RA VI-16)

REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK AND REGIONAL BASIC CLIMATOLOGICAL NETWORK IN REGION VI (EUROPE)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting:

(1) Resolution 2 (XV-RA VI) – Regional Basic Synoptic Network and Regional Basic Climatological Network in Region VI,

(2) The Manual on the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 544), Volume I, Part III, Regulations 2.1.3.1–2.1.3.5, and the definition of the Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN) and Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN),

(3) The Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306),

(4) The Manual on the Global Telecommunication System (WMO-No. 386),

Considering:

(1) That the establishment and maintenance of an RBSN of surface and upper-air synoptic stations, adequate to meet the requirements of Members and the World Weather Watch, constitute one of the most important obligations of Members under Article 2 of the WMO Convention,

(2) That Fourteenth World Meteorological Congress welcomed the establishment of RBCNs in all WMO Regions and urged Members to ensure that their operational observing stations compiled and transmitted the CLIMAT messages according to existing regulations,

Decides:

(1) That the stations and the observational programmes listed in Annex 1 to this resolution constitute the RBSN in Region VI;

(2) That the stations listed in Annex 2 to this resolution constitute the RBCN in Region VI;

Urges Members:

(1) To secure, at the earliest date possible, full implementation of the network of RBSN and RBCN stations and observational programmes set forth in Annexes 1 and 2 to this resolution;

(2) To comply fully with the standard times of observation, global and regional coding procedures and data-collection standards as laid down in the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), the Manual on the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 544), the Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306) and the Manual on the Global Telecommunication System (WMO-No. 386);

Authorizes the president of the Association to approve, at the request of the Members concerned and in consultation with the Secretary-General, amendments to the list of RBSN and RBCN stations in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Manual on the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 544), Volume II – Regional Aspects, Region VI (Europe), to monitor Members’ implementation thereof and to address non-compliance in consultation with the Member concerned and the Secretary General.

______ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 2 (XV-RA VI), which is no longer in force.

102 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Annex 1 to Resolution 5 (RA VI-16)

LIST OF STATIONS COMPRISING THE REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK IN REGION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

ARMENIA 37682 0 AMASIA S 37717 0 SEVAN OZERO S 37788 0 YEREVAN ZVARTNOTS S

37789 1 YEREVAN AERO R AUSTRIA 11010 0 LINZ/HOERSCHING-FLUGHAFEN S 11035 0 WIEN/HOHE WARTE S

11035 1 WIEN/HOHE WARTE R 11120 0 INNSBRUCK-FLUGHAFEN S

11150 0 SALZBURG-FLUGHAFEN S 11157 0 AIGEN IM ENNSTAL S

11231 0 KLAGENFURT-FLUGHAFEN S 11240 0 GRAZ-THALERHOF-FLUGHAFEN S

AZERBAIJAN 37575 0 ZAKATALA S 37675 0 GUBA S

37735 0 GANDJA S 37749 0 GOYCHAY S

37756 0 MARAZA S 37864 0 BAKU/BINA AIRPORT S

37985 0 LANKARAN S BELARUS 26554 0 VERHNEDVINSK S 26666 0 VITEBSK S

26850 0 MINSK S 26863 0 MOGILEV S 26941 0 BARANOVICHI S

26951 0 SLUTSK S 33008 0 BREST S

33019 0 PINSK S 33036 0 MOZYR S

33041 0 GOMEL S BELGIUM 06407 0 OOSTENDE (AIRPORT) S 06447 0 UCCLE S

06458 0 BEAUVECHAIN R 06476 0 ST-HUBERT S

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 14542 0 BANJA LUKA S 14648 0 MOSTAR S

14652 0 BJELASNICA S 14654 0 SARAJEVO-BJELAVE S

RESOLUTIONS 103

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

BULGARIA 15502 0 VIDIN S 15525 0 LOVETCH S

15549 0 RAZGRAD S 15552 0 VARNA S 15614 0 SOFIA (OBSERV.) S R

15640 0 SLIVEN S 15655 0 BURGAS S

15712 0 SANDANSKI S 15730 0 KURDJALI S

CROATIA 14240 0 ZAGREB/MAKSIMIR S R

14258 0 DARUVAR S 14307 0 PULA AERODROME S

14330 0 GOSPIC S 14370 0 SLAVONSKI BROD S 14445 0 SPLIT/MARJAN S

14474 0 DUBROVNIK/CILIPI S CYPRUS 17600 0 PAPHOS AP S 17607 0 ATHALASSA R

17609 0 LARNACA AIRPORT S CZECH REPUBLIC 11423 0 PRIMDA S 11487 0 KOCELOVICE S

11518 0 PRAHA/RUZYNE S 11520 0 PRAHA-LIBUS S R

11603 0 LIBEREC S 11659 0 PRIBYSLAV S 11723 0 BRNO/TURANY S

11782 0 OSTRAVA/MOSNOV S DENMARK AND FAROE ISLANDS 06011 0 TORSHAVN S R 06030 0 FLYVESTATION AALBORG S

06060 0 FLYVESTATION KARUP S 06070 0 AARHUS LUFTHAVN S

06120 0 ODENSE LUFTHAVN S 06180 0 KOEBENHAVNS LUFTHAVN S

06193 0 HAMMER ODDE FYR S ESTONIA 26038 0 TALLINN-HARKU S R

26045 0 KUNDA S 26115 0 RISTNA S

26135 0 TURI S 26231 0 PARNU-SAUGA S

26242 0 TARTU-TORAVERE S

26247 0 VALGA S

104 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

FINLAND 02741 0 JOMALA JOMALABY S

02754 0 HAMEENLINNA KATINEN S 02755 0 YLIVIESKA AIRPORT S

02769 0 KAUHAJOKI KUJA-KOKKO S 02773 0 TURKU ARTUKAINEN S

02789 0 RAUTAVAARA YLA-LUOSTA S 02801 0 ENONTEKIO KILPISJARVI S

02805 0 UTSJOKI KEVO S 02814 0 KEMIJARVI LENTOKENTTA S

02835 0 INARI NELLIM S 02836 0 SODANKYLA ARCTIC RESEARCH CENTRE S R 02844 0 PELLO KK MUSEOTIE S

02845 0 ROVANIEMI AIRPORT S 02849 0 SALLA KK MYLLYTIE S

02851 0 OULU OULUNSALO PELLONPAA S 02852 0 KOKKOLA HOLLIHAKA S

02866 0 PUDASJARVI AIRFIELD S 02880 0 TORNIO TORPPI S

02883 0 KAJAANI PETAISENNISKA S 02889 0 SUOMUSSALMI PESIO S

02915 0 VIITASAARI HAAPANIEMI S 02924 0 AHTARI MYLLYMAKI S

02926 0 PORI RAILWAY STATION S 02935 0 JYVASKYLA AIRPORT S R 02939 0 ILOMANTSI MEKRIJARVI S

02955 0 KUOPIO SAVILAHTI S 02957 0 VAASA KLEMETTILA S

02964 0 KUSTAVI ISOKARI S 02978 0 HELSINKI KAISANIEMI S

02981 0 PARAINEN UTO S FRANCE 07005 0 ABBEVILLE S 07015 0 LILLE-LESQUIN S

07020 0 PTE DE LA HAGUE S 07027 0 CAEN-CARPIQUET S 07037 0 ROUEN-BOOS S

07072 0 REIMS-PRUNAY S 07110 0 BREST-GUIPAVAS S R

07117 0 PLOUMANAC'H S 07130 0 RENNES-SAINT JACQUES S

07139 0 ALENCON S 07145 0 TRAPPES R

07149 0 ORLY S 07168 0 TROYES-BARBEREY S

07180 0 NANCY-ESSEY S 07190 0 STRASBOURG-ENTZHEIM S

07207 0 BELLE ILE-LE TALUT S

RESOLUTIONS 105

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

07222 0 NANTES-BOUGUENAIS S

07240 0 TOURS S 07255 0 BOURGES S

07280 0 DIJON-LONGVIC S 07299 0 BALE-MULHOUSE S 07314 0 POINTE DE CHASSIRON S

07335 0 POITIERS-BIARD S 07434 0 LIMOGES-BELLEGARDE S

07460 0 CLERMONT-FERRAND S 07471 0 LE PUY-LOUDES S

07481 0 LYON-ST EXUPERY S 07510 0 BORDEAUX MERIGNAC S R

07535 0 GOURDON S 07558 0 MILLAU S

07577 0 MONTELIMAR S 07591 0 EMBRUN S 07607 0 MONT-DE-MARSAN S

07621 0 TARBES-OSSUN S 07627 0 SAINT GIRONS S

07630 0 TOULOUSE BLAGNAC S 07643 0 MONTPELLIER S

07645 0 NIMES-COURBESSAC R 07650 0 MARIGNANE S

07661 0 CAP CEPET S 07690 0 NICE S

07747 0 PERPIGNAN S 07761 0 AJACCIO S R

07790 0 BASTIA S 61001 0 ODAS BUOY COTE D' AZUR S 61002 0 ODAS BUOY GOLFE DU LION S

GEORGIA 37279 0 ZUGDIDI S

37308 0 AMBROLAURI S 37395 0 KUTAISI S

37432 0 PASANAURI S 37484 0 BATUMI S

37514 0 AKHALTSIKHE S 37545 0 TBILISI S

37553 0 TELAVI S 37621 0 BOLNISI S GERMANY 10004 0 UFS TW EMS S 10015 0 HELGOLAND S

10020 0 LIST/SYLT S 10035 0 SCHLESWIG S

10035 1 SCHLESWIG R 10055 0 FEHMARN S

10091 0 ARKONA S

106 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

10113 0 NORDERNEY S R 10131 0 CUXHAVEN S

10147 0 HAMBURG-FUHLSBUETTEL S 10162 0 SCHWERIN S

10170 0 ROSTOCK-WARNEMUENDE S 10184 0 GREIFSWALD S R

10224 0 BREMEN S 10253 0 LUECHOW S

10270 0 NEURUPPIN S 10315 0 MUENSTER/OSNABRUECK S

10338 0 HANNOVER S 10361 0 MAGDEBURG S 10379 0 POTSDAM S

10393 0 LINDENBERG S 10393 1 LINDENBERG R

10400 0 DUESSELDORF S 10410 1 ESSEN-BREDENEY R

10427 0 KAHLER ASTEN S 10430 0 BAD LIPPSPRINGE S

10453 0 BROCKEN S 10469 0 LEIPZIG/HALLE S

10488 0 DRESDEN-KLOTZSCHE S 10499 0 GOERLITZ S

10505 0 AACHEN-ORSBACH S 10506 0 NUERBURG-BARWEILER S 10548 0 MEININGEN S R

10554 0 ERFUT-WEIMAR S 10567 0 GERA-LEUMNITZ S

10578 0 FICHTELBERG S 10618 0 IDAR-OBERSTEIN R

10637 0 FRANKFURT/MAIN S 10655 0 WUERZBURG S

10685 0 HOF S 10708 0 SAARBRUECKEN/ENSHEIM S

10731 0 RHEINSTETTEN S 10738 0 STUTTGART-ECHTERDINGEN S 10739 1 STUTTGART/SCHNARRENBERG R

10763 0 NUERNBERG S 10771 0 KUEMMERSBRUCK R

10788 0 STRAUBING S 10852 0 AUGSBURG S

10868 0 MUENCHEN-OBERSCHLEIBSHEIM R 10870 0 MUENCHEN-FLUGHAFEN S

10946 0 KEMPTEN S 10962 0 HOHENPEISSENBERG S

GIBRALTAR 08495 0 GIBRALTAR S

08495 1 GIBRALTAR R

RESOLUTIONS 107

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

GREECE 16614 0 KASTORIA (AIRPORT) S 16622 0 THESSALONIKI (AIRPORT) S R

16627 0 ALEXANDROUPOLI (AIRPORT) S 16641 0 KERKYRA (AIRPORT) S 16643 0 AKTION (AIRPORT) S

16648 0 LARISSA (AIRPORT) S 16650 0 LIMNOS (AIRPORT) S

16667 0 MYTILINI (AIRPORT) S 16675 0 LAMIA S

16682 0 ANDRAVIDA (AIRPORT) S 16684 0 SKYROS (AIRPORT) S

16710 0 TRIPOLIS (AIRPORT) S 16716 0 ATHINAI AP HELLINIKON S R

16723 0 SAMOS S 16732 0 NAXOS S 16734 0 METHONI S

16738 0 MILOS S 16741 0 EL VENIZELOS S

16743 0 KYTHIRA S 16746 0 SOUDA (AIRPORT) S

16749 0 RHODES (AIRPORT) S 16754 0 HERAKLION (AIRPORT) S R

GREENLAND (DENMARK) 04203 0 KITSISSUT (CAREY OEER) S

04208 0 KITSISSORSUIT (EDDERFUGLEOEER) S

04211 0 MITTARFIK UPERNAVIK (UPERNAVIK LUFTHAVN) S

04213 0 MITTARFIK QAARSUT (UUMMANNAQ LUFTHAVN) S

04214 0 NUUSSUAQ S

04221 0 MITTARFIK ILULISSAT (JAKOBSHAVN LUFTHAVN) S

04224 0 MITTARFIK AASIAAT (EGEDESMINDE LUFTHAVN) S

04228 0 KITSISSUT/ATTU S

04231 0 MITTARFIK KANGERLUSSUAQ (SDR. STROEMFJORD LUFTHAVN) S

04234 0 MITTARFIK SISIMIUT (HOLSTEINSBORG LUFTHAVN) S

04241 0 MITTARFIK MANIITSOQ (SUKKERTOPPEN LUFTHAVN) S

04250 0 NUUK (GODTHAAB) S

04253 0 UKIIVIT S

04260 0 MITTARFIK PAAMIUT (FREDERIKSHAAB LUFTHAVN) S

04266 0 NUNARSSUIT S 04270 0 MITTARFIK NARSARSUAQ S 04270 1 MITTARFIK NARSARSUAQ R

04272 0 QAQORTOQ (JULIANEHAAB) S 04285 0 ANGISSOQ S

04301 0 KAP MORRIS JESUP S

108 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

04312 0 STATION NORD S 04313 0 HENRIK KROEYER HOLME S

04320 0 DANMARKSHAVN S R 04330 0 DANEBORG S

04339 0 ITTOQQORTOORMIIT (SCORESBYSUND) S R 04351 0 APUTITEEQ S

04360 0 TASIILAQ (AMMASSALIK) S R 04373 0 IKERMIIT S

04382 0 IKERMIUARSSUK S 04390 0 IKERASASSUAQ (PRINS CHRISTIAN

SUND) S

04416 0 SUMMIT S

HUNGARY 12772 0 MISKOLC S

12822 0 GYOR S 12843 0 BUDAPEST/PESTSZENTLORINC S R

12882 0 DEBRECEN S 12925 0 NAGYKANIZSA S

12942 0 PECS/POGANY S 12982 0 SZEGED S R

ICELAND 04005 0 BOLUNGAVIK S 04013 0 STYKKISHOLMUR S

04018 0 KEFLAVIKURFLUGVOLLUR S R 04048 0 VESTMANNAEYJAR S

04056 0 HVERAVELLIR S 04063 0 AKUREYRI S

04064 0 KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR S 04077 0 RAUFARHOFN S

04082 0 HOFN S 04097 0 DALATANGI S

IRELAND 03951 0 SHERKIN ISLAND S

03953 0 VALENTIA OBSERVATORY S 03953 1 VALENTIA OBSERVATORY R 03955 0 CORK AIRPORT S

03956 0 JOHNSTOWN CASTLE S 03962 0 SHANNON AIRPORT S

03963 0 MACE HEAD S 03966 0 GURTEEN S

03967 0 CASEMENT AERODROME S 03969 0 DUBLIN AIRPORT S

03973 0 CONNAUGHT AIRPORT S 03976 0 BELMULLET S

03980 0 MALIN HEAD S ISRAEL 40153 0 HAR-KNAAN (ZEFAT) S

40179 0 BET DAGAN S R

RESOLUTIONS 109

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

40180 0 BEN-GURION INT. AIRPORT S

40183 0 JERUSALEM CENTRE S 40190 0 BEER SHEVA CITY S

40199 0 EILAT S ITALY 16008 0 S. VALENTINO ALLA MUTA S

16021 0 PASSO ROLLE S 16022 0 PAGANELLA S

16033 0 DOBBIACO S 16061 0 BRIC DELLA CROCE S

16080 0 MILANO/LINATE S 16080 1 MILANO LINATE RDS R

16084 0 PIACENZA S. DAMIANO S 16088 0 BRESCIA/GHEDI S

16098 0 TREVISO/ISTRANA S 16110 0 TRIESTE S 16120 0 GENOVA/SESTRI S

16134 0 MONTE CIMONE S 16138 0 FERRARA S

16148 0 CERVIA S 16153 0 CAPO MELE S

16158 0 PISA S. GIUSTO S 16172 0 AREZZO S

16179 0 FRONTONE S 16206 0 GROSSETO S

16219 0 MONTE TERMINILLO S 16224 0 VIGNA DI VALLE S

16230 0 PESCARA S 16232 0 TERMOLI S 16245 0 PRATICA DI MARE S

16245 1 PRATICA DI MARE RDS R 16252 0 CAMPOBASSO S

16253 0 GRAZZANISE S 16258 0 MONTE S. ANGELO S

16263 0 TREVICO S 16270 0 BARI/PALESE S

16280 0 PONZA S 16294 0 CAPRI S

16310 0 CAPO PALINURO S 16320 0 BRINDISI S 16320 1 BRINDISI RDS R

16325 0 MARINA DI GINOSA S 16344 0 MONTE SCURO S

16360 0 S. MARIA DI LEUCA S 16400 0 USTICA S

16420 0 MESSINA S 16429 0 TRAPANI BIRGI S

16429 1 TRAPANI BIRGI RDS R

110 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

16450 0 ENNA S 16459 0 CATANIA SIGONELLA S

16470 0 PANTELLERIA S 16480 0 COZZO SPADARO S

16522 0 CAPO CACCIA S 16531 0 OLBIA COSTA SMERALDA S

16539 0 CAPO FRASCA S 16546 0 DECIMOMANNU S

16550 0 CAPO BELLAVISTA S JORDAN 40250 0 H-4 RWASHED S 40265 0 MAFRAQ S R 40296 0 GHOR SAFI S

40310 0 MA'AN S KAZAKHSTAN 34398 0 ZHALPAKTAL S 34691 0 NOVYJ USHTOGAN S

34798 0 GANJUSHKINO S LATVIA 26313 0 KOLKA S 26346 0 ALUKSNE S

26406 0 LIEPAJA S 26416 0 SALDUS S

26422 0 RIGA LU S 26424 0 DOBELE S 26435 0 SKRIVERI R

26544 0 DAUGAVPILS S LEBANON 40100 0 BEYROUTH (AEROPORT) S R 40103 0 TRIPOLI S

LITHUANIA 26509 0 KLAIPEDA S

26518 0 LAUKUVA S 26524 0 SIAULIAI S

26531 0 BIRZAI S 26629 0 KAUNAS S 26629 1 KAUNAS R

26633 0 UTENA S 26730 0 VILNIUS S

LUXEMBOURG 06590 0 LUXEMBOURG/LUXEMBOURG S

MALTA 16597 0 LUQA S

MONTENEGRO 13363 0 PLJEVLJA S

13457 0 TIVAT S 13459 0 NIKSIC S

13461 0 BAR S

RESOLUTIONS 111

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

13462 0 PODGORICA-GOLUBOVCI S

13463 0 PODGORICA-GRAD S NETHERLANDS 06235 0 DE KOOIJ VK S 06239 0 F3-FB-1 S 06240 0 AMSTERDAM AP SCHIPHOL S

06252 0 K13-A S 06260 0 DE BILT AWS R

06270 0 LEEUWARDEN S 06290 0 TWENTE AWS S

06321 0 EURO PLATFORM S 06375 0 VOLKEL S

06380 0 MAASTRICHT AACHEN AP S NORWAY 01001 0 JAN MAYEN S 01001 1 JAN MAYEN R 01003 0 HORNSUND S

01004 1 NY-ALESUND II R 01007 0 NY-ALESUND S

01008 0 SVALBARD AP S 01010 0 ANDOYA S

01026 0 TROMSO S 01028 0 BJORNOYA S

01028 1 BJORNOYA R 01047 0 KAUTOKEINO S

01049 0 ALTA LUFTHAVN S 01055 0 FRUHOLMEN LH S

01062 0 HOPEN S 01078 0 SLETTNES LH S 01098 0 VARDO S

01102 0 SKLINNA LH S 01115 0 MYKEN S

01152 0 BODO VI S 01152 1 BODO R

01160 0 SKROVA LH S 01205 0 SVINOY LH S

01212 0 ONA II S 01218 0 TAFJORD S

01238 0 FOKSTUGU S 01241 0 ORLAND III S 01241 1 ORLAND III R

01271 0 TRONDHEIM/VERNES S 01281 0 NAMSSKOGAN S

01288 0 ROROS AP S 01300 0 GULLFAKS C S

01317 0 BERGEN/FLORIDA S 01338 0 VANGSNES S

01359 0 GEILO-OLDEBRATEN S

112 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

01367 0 FAGERNES S 01384 0 OSLO/GARDERMOEN S

01397 0 TRYSIL VEGSTASJON S 01400 0 EKOFISK S

01400 1 EKOFISK R 01403 0 UTSIRA LH S

01415 0 STAVANGER/SOLA S 01415 1 STAVANGER/SOLA R

01427 0 LISTA LH S 01447 0 HOYDALSMO II S

01448 0 OKSOY LH S 01482 0 FERDER LH S 01492 0 OSLO-BLINDERN S

POLAND 12105 0 KOSZALIN S

12120 0 LEBA S R 12160 0 ELBLAG S

12195 0 SUWALKI S 12205 0 SZCZECIN S

12235 0 CHOJNICE S 12250 0 TORUN S

12270 0 MLAWA S 12280 0 MIKOLAJKI S

12295 0 BIALYSTOK S 12300 0 GORZOW WLKP S 12330 0 POZNAN S

12374 0 LEGIONOWO R 12375 0 WARSZAWA-OKECIE S

12400 0 ZIELONA GORA S 12424 0 WROCLAW II S

12425 0 WROCLAW I R 12435 0 KALISZ S

12465 0 LODZ S 12495 0 LUBLIN RADAWIEC S

12530 0 OPOLE S 12566 0 KRAKOW-BALICE S 12570 0 KIELCE-SUKOW S

12580 0 RZESZOW-JASIONKA S PORTUGAL 08501 0 FLORES (ACORES) S 08505 0 HORTA/CASTELO BRANCO (ACORES) S

08508 0 LAJES (ACORES) R 08509 0 LAJES (ACORES) S

08512 0 PONTA DELGADA/NORDELA (ACORES) S 08515 0 SANTA MARIA (ACORES) S

08533 0 SAGRES S 08541 0 SINES/MONTES CHAOS S

08545 0 PORTO/PEDRAS RUBRAS S

RESOLUTIONS 113

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

08548 0 COIMBRA/CERNACHE S

08554 0 FARO/AEROPORTO S 08558 0 EVORA/C. COORD S

08560 0 VISEU S 08567 0 VILA REAL S 08570 0 CASTELO BRANCO S

08575 0 BRAGANCA S 08579 0 LISBOA/GAGO COUTINHO S R

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA 33815 0 CHISINAU S

ROMANIA 15015 0 OCNA SUGATAG S

15020 0 BOTOSANI S 15090 0 IASI S

15108 0 CEAHLAU TOACA S 15120 0 CLUJ-NAPOCA S 15150 0 BACAU S

15170 0 MIERCUREA CIUC S 15200 0 ARAD S

15230 0 DEVA S 15260 0 SIBIU S

15280 0 VARFU OMU S 15292 0 CARANSEBES S

15310 0 GALATI S 15335 0 TULCEA S

15346 0 RAMNICU VALCEA S 15350 0 BUZAU S

15360 0 SULINA S 15410 0 DROBETA TURNU SEVERIN S 15420 0 BUCURESTI BANEASA S R

15450 0 CRAIOVA S 15460 0 CALARASI S

15470 0 ROSIORII DE VEDE S 15480 0 CONSTANTA S

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 20107 0 BARENTSBURG S

22003 0 VAJDA-GUBA S 22004 0 NIKEL' S

22028 0 TERIBERKA S 22100 0 VERHOV'E R LOTTY S 22106 0 PADUN S

22113 0 MURMANSK S 22113 1 MURMANSK R

22127 0 LOVOZERO S 22140 0 SVYATOJ NOS S

22165 0 KANIN NOS S 22212 0 MONCHEGORSK S

22213 0 APATITY S

114 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

22217 0 KANDALAKSHA S R 22235 0 KRASNOSCEL'E S

22249 0 KANEVKA S 22271 0 SHOJNA S R

22282 0 MYS MIKULKIN S 22312 0 KOVDA S

22324 0 UMBA S 22334 0 KASHKARANTSY S

22349 0 PJALICA S 22408 0 KALEVALA S

22438 0 ZHIZHGIN S 22471 0 MEZEN' S 22520 0 KEM' - PORT S

22522 1 KEM' R 22543 0 ARHANGEL'SK R

22550 0 ARHANGEL'SK S 22563 0 PINEGA S

22583 0 KOJNAS S 22602 0 REBOLY S

22619 0 PADANY S 22621 0 SEGEZA S

22641 0 ONEGA S 22676 0 SURA S

22695 0 KOSLAN S 22721 0 MEDVEZEGORSK S 22768 0 SHENKURSK S

22802 0 SORTAVALA S 22820 0 PETROZAVODSK S

22831 0 PUDOZ S 22837 0 VYTEGRA S

22845 0 KARGOPOL' S R 22867 0 VEL'SK S

22887 0 KOTLAS S 22892 0 VYBORG S

22939 0 BELOZERSK S 22954 0 VOZEGA S 22996 0 OB'JACEVO S

26059 0 KINGISEPP S 26063 0 ST.PETERSBURG (VOEJKOVO) S

26063 1 ST.PETERSBURG (VOEJKOVO) R 26094 0 TIHVIN S

26157 0 GDOV S 26167 0 NIKOLAEVSKOE S

26258 0 PSKOV S 26275 0 STARAYA RUSSA S

26298 0 BOLOGOE S R 26359 0 PUSKINSKIE GORY S

26389 0 OSTASKOV S

RESOLUTIONS 115

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

26477 0 VELIKIE LUKI R

26695 0 VJAZ'MA S 26702 0 KALININGRAD S

26781 0 SMOLENSK S R 26882 0 ROSLAVL' S 26997 0 TRUBCHEVSK S

27008 0 BABAEVO S 27037 0 VOLOGDA S

27038 0 VOLOGDA R 27051 0 TOT'MA S

27066 0 NIKOL'SK S 27083 0 OPARINO S

27113 0 CEREPOVEC S 27199 0 KIROV S R

27208 0 MAKSATIKHA S 27225 0 RYBINSK S 27242 0 BUJ S

27252 0 NIKOLO-POLOMA S 27271 0 SAR'JA S

27329 0 ROSTOV S 27333 0 KOSTROMA S

27355 0 JUR'EVEC S 27369 0 KRASNYE BAKI S

27373 0 SAKUN'JA S 27393 0 NOLINSK S

27402 0 TVER' S 27459 0 NIZHNIJ NOVGOROD S R

27479 0 KOZ'MODEM'JANSK S 27532 0 VLADIMIR S 27595 0 KAZAN' S

27595 1 KAZAN' R 27612 0 MOSKVA VDNH S

27612 1 MOSKVA (DOLGOPRUDNYJ) R 27648 0 ELAT'MA S

27665 0 LUKOJANOV S 27675 0 PORETSKOE S

27679 0 ALATYR' S 27703 0 KALUGA S

27707 0 SUHINICHI S 27719 0 TULA S 27730 0 RYAZAN' S R

27785 0 UL' YANOVSK (BARATAEVKA) S 27835 0 RYAZHSK S

27857 0 ZAMETCHINO S 27906 0 OREL S

27928 0 ELEC S 27947 0 TAMBOV S

27962 0 PENZA S R

116 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

27983 0 SYZRAN' S 27995 0 SAMARA (BEZENCHUK) S

34009 0 KURSK S R 34110 0 BOGORODITSKOE-FENINO S

34122 0 VORONEZ R 34123 0 VORONEZ S

34152 0 BALASHOV S 34163 0 OKTYABRSKY GORODOK S

34171 0 SARATOV S 34172 1 SARATOV R

34186 0 ERSHOV S 34247 0 KALACH S R 34336 0 BOGUCAR S

34357 0 SERAFIMOVIC S 34363 0 KAMYSIN S

34391 0 ALEKSANDROV-GAJ S 34467 1 VOLGOGRAD R

34545 0 MOROZOVSK S 34560 0 VOLGOGRAD S

34579 0 VERHNIJ BASKUNCHAK S 34720 0 TAGANROG S

34730 0 ROSTOV-NA-DONU S 34731 1 ROSTOV-NA-DONU R

34740 0 GIGANT S 34824 0 PRIMORSKO-AHTARSK S 34838 0 TIHORECK S

34858 0 DIVNOE S R 34866 0 YASHKUL' S

34880 0 ASTRAHAN' S 34882 1 ASTRAHAN' R

34927 0 KRASNODAR-KRUGLIK S 34949 0 STAVROPOL' S

37001 0 ANAPA S 37018 0 TUAPSE S

37031 0 ARMAVIR S 37054 0 MINERAL'NYE VODY S 37055 1 MINERAL'NYE VODY R

37061 0 BUDENNOVSK S 37085 0 KOCHUBEJ S

37107 0 KRASNAYA POLYANA S 37126 0 SHADZHATMAZ S

37171 0 SOCHI (ADLER) S 37228 0 VLADIKAVKAZ S

37470 0 DERBENT S 37472 0 MAHACHKALA S

37663 0 AKHTY S SERBIA 13067 0 PALIC S

RESOLUTIONS 117

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

13160 0 SOMBOR S

13168 0 NOVI SAD RIMSKI SANCEVI S 13173 0 ZRENJANIN S

13174 0 KIKINDA S 13180 0 BANATSKI KARLOVAC S 13183 0 VRSAC S

13262 0 LOZNICA S 13266 0 SREMSKA MITROVICA S

13269 0 VALJEVO S 13272 0 BEOGRAD/SURCIN S

13274 0 BEOGRAD S 13275 0 BEOGRAD/KOSUTNJAK R

13278 0 KRAGUJEVAC S 13279 0 SMEDEREVSKA PALANKA S

13285 0 VELIKO GRADISTE S 13289 0 CRNI VRH S 13295 0 NEGOTIN S

13367 0 ZLATIBOR S 13369 0 SJENICA S

13376 0 KRALJEVO S 13378 0 KOPAONIK S

13384 0 CUPRIJA S 13388 0 NIS S

13389 0 LESKOVAC S 13397 0 DIMITROVGRAD S

13477 0 PRIZREN S 13481 0 PRISTINA S

13489 0 VRANJE S SLOVAKIA 11826 0 PIESTANY S

11903 0 SLIAC S 11934 0 POPRAD/TATRY S

11952 0 POPRAD-GANOVCE R 11968 0 KOSICE S

SLOVENIA 14007 0 RATECE S

14008 0 KREDARICA S 14014 0 LJUBLJANA/BRNIK S

14015 0 LJUBLJANA/BEZIGRAD S R 14021 0 SLOVENJ GRADEC S 14023 0 CELJE S

14026 0 MARIBOR/SLIVNICA S 14031 0 MURSKA SOBOTA S

14105 0 PORTOROZ/SECOVLJE S 14106 0 NOVA GORICA S

14121 0 NOVO MESTO S

14122 0 CERKLJE OB KRKI S

118 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

SPAIN 08001 0 LA CORUNA S R

08008 0 LUGO/ROZAS S 08015 0 OVIEDO S

08023 0 SANTANDER S R 08027 0 SAN SEBASTIAN/IGUELDO S

08045 0 VIGO/PEINADOR S 08055 0 LEON/VIRGEN DEL CAMINO S

08075 0 BURGOS/VILLAFRIA S 08084 0 LOGRONO/AGONCILLO S

08094 0 HUESCA/MONFLORITE S 08141 0 VALLADOLID S 08148 0 SORIA S

08160 0 ZARAGOZA/AEROPUERTO S R 08171 0 LLEIDA S

08181 0 BARCELONA/AEROPUERTO S 08184 0 GIRONA/COSTA BRAVA S

08190 0 BARCELONA SERVEI R 08202 0 SALAMANCA/MATACAN S

08221 0 MADRID/BARAJAS S 08221 1 MADRID/BARAJAS RS R

08231 0 CUENCA S 08235 0 TERUEL S

08238 0 TORTOSA S 08261 0 CACERES S 08272 0 TOLEDO S

08280 0 ALBACETE/LOS LLANOS S 08284 0 VALENCIA/AEROPUERTO S

08302 0 MALLORCA-SON BONET R 08306 0 PALMA DE MALLORCA/SON SAN JUAN S

08314 0 MENORCA/MAHON S 08330 0 BADAJOZ/TALAVERA LA REAL S

08348 0 CIUDAD REAL S 08360 0 ALICANTE/EL ALTET S

08373 0 IBIZA/ES CODOLA S 08391 0 SEVILLA/SAN PABLO S 08410 0 CORDOBA/AEROPUERTO S

08417 0 JAEN S 08419 0 GRANADA/AEROPUERTO S

08430 0 MURCIA S R 08451 0 JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA AEROPUERTO S

08482 0 MALAGA/AEROPUERTO S 08487 0 ALMERIA/AEROPUERTO S

SWEDEN 02019 0 KATTERJAKK A S

02081 0 KARESUANDO S 02095 0 PAJALA S

02101 0 HEMAVAN S

RESOLUTIONS 119

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

02119 0 KVIKKJOKK ARRENJARKA A S

02124 0 ARJEPLOG S 02126 0 GUNNARN S

02151 0 JOKKMOKK FPL S 02185 0 LULEA-KALLAX R 02186 0 LULEA-KALLAX S

02197 0 HAPARANDA S 02207 0 STORLIEN-STORVALLEN A S

02219 0 GADDEDE A S 02226 0 OSTERSUND FROSON S

02243 0 JUNSELE S 02269 0 SKAGSUDDE S

02287 0 HOLMON S 02297 0 BJUROKLUBB S

02308 0 TANNAS S 02327 0 SVEG A S 02355 0 KUGGOREN S

02365 0 SUNDSVALL HARNOSAND R 02366 0 SUNDSVALL HARNOSAND S

02407 0 MALUNG A S 02418 0 KARLSTAD FLYGPLATS S

02435 0 BORLANGE S 02440 0 AMOT S

02452 0 KILSBERGEN-SUTTARBODA S 02456 0 FILM S

02464 0 STOCKHOLM/BROMMA S 02469 0 TULLINGE S

02498 0 SVENSKA HOGARNA A S 02500 0 NORDKOSTER S 02513 0 GOTEBORG S

02518 0 NIDINGEN S 02520 0 SATENAS S

02527 0 GOTEBORG/LANDVETTER R 02550 0 JONKOPING/AXAMO S

02562 0 LINKOPING/MALMSLATT S 02563 0 HARSTENA S

02565 0 MALILLA S 02590 0 VISBY S

02591 0 VISBY AEROLOGISKA STATION R 02615 0 FALSTERBO A S 02618 0 TORUP S

02635 0 MALMO S 02664 0 RONNEBY-BREDAKRA S

02679 0 HOBURG A S SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 06610 0 PAYERNE S R 06670 0 ZUERICH / KLOTEN S

06680 0 SAENTIS S

120 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

06700 0 GENEVE-COINTRIN S 06720 0 SION S

06760 0 LOCARNO / MONTI S 06990 0 VADUZ S

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC 40001 0 KAMISHLI S

40007 0 ALEPPO INT. AEROPORT S 40022 0 LATTAKIA S

40030 0 HAMA S 40039 0 RAQQA S

40045 0 DEIR EZZOR S 40061 0 PALMYRA S 40072 0 ABUKMAL S

40080 0 DAMASCUS INT. AIRPORT S THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA 13583 0 BITOLA S 13586 0 SKOPJE PETROVEC R

13588 0 SKOPJE-ZAJCEV RID S 13591 0 STIP S

TURKEY 17022 0 ZONGULDAK S

17024 0 INEBOLU S 17026 0 SINOP S

17030 0 SAMSUN R 17031 0 CARSAMBA/SAMSUN S 17034 0 GIRESUN S

17038 0 TRABZON S 17042 0 HOPA S

17050 0 EDIRNE S 17056 0 TEKIRDAG S

17060 0 ISTANBUL/ATATURK S 17064 0 ISTANBUL BOLGE (KARTAL) R

17067 0 GOLCUK/DUMLUPINAR S 17070 0 BOLU S

17074 0 KASTAMONU S 17084 0 CORUM S 17086 0 TOKAT S

17088 0 GUMUSHANE S 17090 0 SIVAS S

17092 0 ERZINCAN S 17095 0 ERZURUM BOLGE R

17096 0 ERZURUM S 17098 0 KARS S

17112 0 CANAKKALE S 17115 0 BANDIRMA S

17116 0 BURSA S 17124 0 ESKISEHIR S

17128 0 ESENBOGA S

RESOLUTIONS 121

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

17130 0 ANKARA/CENTRAL R

17140 0 YOZGAT S 17150 0 BALIKESIR S

17155 0 KUTAHYA S 17160 0 KIRSEHIR S 17170 0 VAN S

17184 0 AKHISAR S 17188 0 USAK S

17189 0 AFYONKARAHISAR/MEYDAN S 17195 0 KAYSERI/ERKILET S

17197 0 TULGA MEYDAN S 17202 0 ELAZIG S

17203 0 BINGOL S 17210 0 SIIRT S

17219 0 IZMIR/A. MENDERES S 17220 0 IZMIR/GUZELYALI R 17234 0 AYDIN S

17237 0 DENIZLI S 17240 0 ISPARTA S R

17244 0 KONYA S 17248 0 EREGLI/KONYA S

17250 0 NIGDE S 17260 0 GAZIANTEP S

17272 0 SANLIURFA/MEYDAN S 17280 0 DIYARBAKIR S

17281 0 DIYARBAKIR-BOLGE R 17290 0 BODRUM S

17292 0 MUGLA S 17295 0 DALAMAN S 17300 0 ANTALYA S

17310 0 ALANYA S 17320 0 ANAMUR S

17330 0 SILIFKE S 17350 0 ADANA/INCIRLIK S

17351 0 ADANA/BOLGE R 17370 0 ISKENDERUN S

17375 0 FINIKE S UKRAINE 33088 0 SARNY S 33135 0 CHERNIHIV S 33177 0 VOLODYMYR-VOLYNS'KYI S

33261 0 KONOTOP S 33275 0 SUMY S

33301 0 RIVNE S 33317 0 SHEPETIVKA S R

33325 0 ZHYTOMYR S 33345 0 KIEV S R

33377 0 LUBNY S

122 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

33393 0 L'VIV S R 33415 0 TERNOPIL' S

33429 0 KHMEL'NYTS'KYI S 33466 0 MYRONIVKA S

33506 0 POLTAVA S 33526 0 IVANO-FRANKIVS'K S

33562 0 VINNYTSIA S 33587 0 UMAN' S

33614 0 SVITLOVODS'K S 33631 0 UZHHOROD S

33658 0 CHERNIVTSI S R 33711 0 KIROVOHRAD S 33761 0 LIUBASHIVKA S

33791 0 KRYVYI RIH S R 33837 0 ODESA S R

33902 0 KHERSON S 33924 0 CHORNOMORS'KE S

33946 0 SIMFEROPOL' S 33966 0 KRYMSKA R

33983 0 KERCH S 34300 0 KHARKIV S R

34415 0 IZIUM S 34504 0 DNIPROPETROVS'K S

34519 0 DONETS'K S 34523 0 LUHANS'K S 34601 0 ZAPORIZHZHIA S

34712 0 MARIUPOL' S UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

03005 0 LERWICK S R 03026 0 STORNOWAY AIRPORT S

03037 0 SKYE:LUSA S 03066 0 KINLOSS S

03075 0 WICK AIRPORT S 03091 0 DYCE S

03100 0 TIREE S 03105 0 ISLAY:PORT ELLEN S 03136 0 PRESTWICK, GANNET S

03162 0 ESKDALEMUIR S 03171 0 LEUCHARS S

03204 0 RONALDSWAY S 03238 0 ALBEMARLE R

03240 0 BOULMER S 03257 0 LEEMING S

03302 0 VALLEY S 03354 0 NOTTINGHAM, WATNALL R

03377 0 WADDINGTON S 03414 0 SHAWBURY S

03462 0 WITTERING S

RESOLUTIONS 123

OBSERVATIONS INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME SURFACE RADIOSONDE

03502 0 ABERPORTH S

03590 0 WATTISHAM S 03716 0 ST. ATHAN S

03740 0 LYNEHAM S 03772 0 HEATHROW S 03797 0 MANSTON S

03808 0 CAMBORNE S R 03853 0 YEOVILTON S

03872 0 THORNEY ISLAND S 03882 0 HERSTMONCEUX, WEST END S R

03917 0 ALDERGROVE S 62029 0 ODAS BUOY K1 S

62081 0 ODAS BUOY K2 S 62105 0 ODAS BUOY K4 S

64045 0 ODAS BUOY K5 S

JOINT COOPERATION: UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND/FRANCE 62001 0 ODAS BUOY GASCOGNE S

62163 0 ODAS BUOY BRITTANNY S

Annex 2 to Resolution 5 (RA VI-16)

LIST OF STATIONS COMPRISING THE REGIONAL BASIC CLIMATOLOGICAL NETWORK IN REGION VI

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

ALBANIA 13615 0 TIRANA X X

ARMENIA

37682 0 AMASIA X 37717 0 SEVAN OZERO X

37781 0 ARAGATS H/M X X 37789 0 YEREVAN ARABKIR X

37789 1 YEREVAN AERO X

AUSTRIA 11012 0 KREMSMUENSTER X X 11035 0 WIEN/HOHE WARTE X X

11035 1 WIEN/HOHE WARTE X 11120 0 INNSBRUCK-FLUGHAFEN X

11146 0 SONNBLICK X X 11150 0 SALZBURG-FLUGHAFEN X

11155 0 FEUERKOGEL X 11212 0 VILLACHER ALPE X

11231 0 KLAGENFURT-FLUGHAFEN X 11240 0 GRAZ-THALERHOF-FLUGHAFEN X

124 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

AZERBAIJAN 37661 0 SHAKI X 37735 0 GANDJA X 37747 0 EVLAKH AIRPORT X

37860 0 MASHTAGA X 37936 0 NAXCIVAN X

37989 0 ASTARA X X

BELARUS 26554 0 VERHNEDVINSK X 26666 0 VITEBSK X

26825 0 GRODNO X 26850 0 MINSK X

26863 0 MOGILEV X 26941 0 BARANOVICHI X

26951 0 SLUTSK X 33008 0 BREST X

33019 0 PINSK X 33036 0 MOZYR X 33038 0 VASILEVICHI X X

33041 0 GOMEL X

BELGIUM 06447 0 UCCLE X X

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 14542 0 BANJA LUKA X 14557 0 TUZLA X

14648 0 MOSTAR X 14652 0 BJELASNICA X X

14654 0 SARAJEVO-BJELAVE X

BULGARIA 15502 0 VIDIN X 15552 0 VARNA X

15614 0 SOFIA (OBSERV.) X X 15730 0 KURDJALI X

CROATIA 14236 0 ZAGREB/GRIC X X

14430 0 ZADAR RS X 14445 0 SPLIT/MARJAN X

CYPRUS 17600 0 PAPHOS AP X X

17607 0 ATHALASSA X 17609 0 LARNACA AIRPORT X X

CZECH REPUBLIC 11423 0 PRIMDA X

11464 0 MILESOVKA X X 11487 0 KOCELOVICE X

11520 0 PRAHA-LIBUS X 11603 0 LIBEREC X

RESOLUTIONS 125

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

11659 0 PRIBYSLAV X

11723 0 BRNO/TURANY X 11782 0 OSTRAVA/MOSNOV X

11787 0 LYSA HORA X

DENMARK AND FAROE ISLANDS 06011 0 TORSHAVN X X 06030 0 FLYVESTATION AALBORG X 06186 0 KOEBENHAVN/LANDBOHOEJSKOLEN X X

06190 0 BORNHOLMS LUFTHAVN X

ESTONIA 26038 0 TALLINN-HARKU X 26214 0 VILSANDI X

26242 0 TARTU-TORAVERE X X

FINLAND 02768 0 HEINOLA ASEMANTAUS X 02778 0 PUNKAHARJU LAUKANSAARI X

02788 0 MAANINKA HALOLA X 02791 0 JUUKA NIEMELA X

02801 0 ENONTEKIO KILPISJARVI X 02803 0 SIIKAJOKI REVONLAHTI X

02805 0 UTSJOKI KEVO X 02812 0 YLITORNIO MELTOSJARVI X

02823 0 MUONIO ALAMUONIO X 02828 0 KAARINA YLTOINEN X

02829 0 HYVINKAA HYVINKAANKYLA X 02833 0 SEINAJOKI PELMAA X 02835 0 INARI NELLIM X

02836 0 SODANKYLA ARCTIC RESEARCH CENTRE X X X 02849 0 SALLA KK MYLLYTIE X

02935 0 JYVASKYLA AIRPORT X X 02937 0 KOKEMAKI TULKKILA X

02942 0 KANKAANPAA NIINISALO PUOLUSTUSVOIMAT X 02963 0 JOKIOINEN OBSERVATORY X X

02978 0 HELSINKI KAISANIEMI X 02981 0 PARAINEN UTO X

FRANCE 07005 0 ABBEVILLE X

07015 0 LILLE-LESQUIN X 07020 0 PTE DE LA HAGUE X

07027 0 CAEN-CARPIQUET X 07037 0 ROUEN-BOOS X 07072 0 REIMS-PRUNAY X

07110 0 BREST-GUIPAVAS X 07117 0 PLOUMANAC'H X

07130 0 RENNES-SAINT JACQUES X X 07139 0 ALENCON X

07149 0 ORLY X

126 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

07168 0 TROYES-BARBEREY X 07181 0 NANCY-OCHEY X

07190 0 STRASBOURG-ENTZHEIM X X 07207 0 BELLE ILE-LE TALUT X

07222 0 NANTES-BOUGUENAIS X 07240 0 TOURS X

07255 0 BOURGES X X 07280 0 DIJON-LONGVIC X

07299 0 BALE-MULHOUSE X 07314 0 POINTE DE CHASSIRON X

07335 0 POITIERS-BIARD X 07434 0 LIMOGES-BELLEGARDE X 07460 0 CLERMONT-FERRAND X

07471 0 LE PUY-LOUDES X 07481 0 LYON-ST EXUPERY X

07510 0 BORDEAUX MERIGNAC X 07535 0 GOURDON X

07560 0 MONT AIGOUAL X X 07577 0 MONTELIMAR X

07591 0 EMBRUN X 07607 0 MONT-DE-MARSAN X

07621 0 TARBES-OSSUN X 07627 0 SAINT GIRONS X

07630 0 TOULOUSE BLAGNAC X X 07643 0 MONTPELLIER X 07650 0 MARIGNANE X X

07661 0 CAP CEPET X 07690 0 NICE X

07747 0 PERPIGNAN X 07761 0 AJACCIO X

07790 0 BASTIA X

GEORGIA 37279 0 ZUGDIDI X 37395 0 KUTAISI X

37432 0 PASANAURI X 37484 0 BATUMI X

37545 0 TBILISI X X 37621 0 BOLNISI X

GERMANY 10015 0 HELGOLAND X

10020 0 LIST/SYLT X 10035 0 SCHLESWIG X 10055 0 FEHMARN X

10091 0 ARKONA X 10113 0 NORDERNEY X

10131 0 CUXHAVEN X 10147 0 HAMBURG-FUHLSBUETTEL X X

10162 0 SCHWERIN X

RESOLUTIONS 127

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

10170 0 ROSTOCK-WARNEMUENDE X

10184 0 GREIFSWALD X 10200 0 EMDEN-FLUGPLATZ X

10224 0 BREMEN X 10270 0 NEURUPPIN X 10315 0 MUENSTER/OSNABRUECK X

10338 0 HANNOVER X 10361 0 MAGDEBURG X

10379 0 POTSDAM X 10384 0 BERLIN-TEMPELHOF X

10393 0 LINDENBERG X X 10393 1 LINDENBERG X

10400 0 DUESSELDORF X 10427 0 KAHLER ASTEN X

10453 0 BROCKEN X 10469 0 LEIPZIG/HALLE X 10488 0 DRESDEN-KLOTZSCHE X

10499 0 GOERLITZ X 10505 0 AACHEN-ORSBACH X

10506 0 NUERBURG-BARWEILER X 10513 0 KOELN/BONN X

10544 0 WASSERKUPPE X 10548 0 MEININGEN X

10554 0 ERFURT-WEIMAR X 10567 0 GERA-LEUMNITZ X

10578 0 FICHTELBERG X 10609 0 TRIER-PETRISBERG X

10616 0 HAHN X 10637 0 FRANKFURT/MAIN X X 10655 0 WUERZBURG X

10675 0 BAMBERG X 10685 0 HOF X

10708 0 SAARBRUECKEN/ENSHEIM X 10731 0 RHEINSTETTEN X

10738 0 STUTTGART-ECHTERDINGEN X 10763 0 NUERNBERG X

10776 0 REGENSBURG X 10788 0 STRAUBING X

10791 0 GROSSER ARBER X 10805 0 LAHR X 10852 0 AUGSBURG X

10870 0 MUENCHEN-FLUGHAFEN X 10908 0 FELDBERG/SCHWARZWALD X

10929 0 KONSTANZ X 10946 0 KEMPTEN X

10948 0 OBERSTDORF X 10961 0 ZUGSPITZE X

10962 0 HOHENPEISSENBERG X X

128 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

GIBRALTAR 08495 0 GIBRALTAR X

GREECE 16622 0 THESSALONIKI (AIRPORT) X 16641 0 KERKYRA (AIRPORT) X X

16648 0 LARISSA (AIRPORT) X 16714 0 ATHENS OBSERVATORY X 16716 0 ATHINAI AP HELLINIKON X

16719 0 ZAKINTHOS X 16723 0 SAMOS X X

16726 0 KALAMATA (AIRPORT) X 16734 0 METHONI X X

16746 0 SOUDA (AIRPORT) X X 16754 0 HERAKLION (AIRPORT) X

GREENLAND (DENMARK) 04211 0 MITTARFIK UPERNAVIK (UPERNAVIK LUFTHAVN) X X

04220 0 AASIAAT (EGEDESMINDE) X 04250 0 NUUK (GODTHAAB) X X

04270 1 MITTARFIK NARSARSUAQ X 04312 0 STATION NORD X

04320 0 DANMARKSHAVN X X 04339 0 ITTOQQORTOORMIIT (SCORESBYSUND) X 04360 0 TASIILAQ (AMMASSALIK) X X

04390 0 IKERASASSUAQ (PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND) X X

HUNGARY 12772 0 MISKOLC X 12822 0 GYOR X

12843 0 BUDAPEST/PESTSZENTLORINC X 12882 0 DEBRECEN X

12925 0 NAGYKANIZSA X 12942 0 PECS/POGANY X X

12982 0 SZEGED X

ICELAND 04013 0 STYKKISHOLMUR X X 04018 0 KEFLAVIKURFLUGVOLLUR X X

04030 0 REYKJAVIK X X 04048 0 VESTMANNAEYJAR X X

04063 0 AKUREYRI X X 04097 0 DALATANGI X

IRELAND 03953 0 VALENTIA OBSERVATORY X X X

03953 1 VALENTIA OBSERVATORY X 03955 0 CORK AIRPORT X 03956 0 JOHNSTOWN CASTLE X

03962 0 SHANNON AIRPORT X 03969 0 DUBLIN AIRPORT X

03973 0 CONNAUGHT AIRPORT X 03976 0 BELMULLET X

RESOLUTIONS 129

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

03980 0 MALIN HEAD X X

ISRAEL 40153 0 HAR-KNAAN (ZEFAT) X

40179 0 BET DAGAN X 40180 0 BEN-GURION INT. AIRPORT X

40199 0 EILAT X X

ITALY 16008 0 S. VALENTINO ALLA MUTA X 16022 0 PAGANELLA X X

16033 0 DOBBIACO X 16052 0 PIAN ROSA X 16061 0 BRIC DELLA CROCE X

16088 0 BRESCIA/GHEDI X 16098 0 TREVISO/ISTRANA X

16110 0 TRIESTE X 16134 0 MONTE CIMONE X X

16148 0 CERVIA X 16153 0 CAPO MELE X

16158 0 PISA S. GIUSTO X 16179 0 FRONTONE X

16206 0 GROSSETO X 16219 0 MONTE TERMINILLO X 16224 0 VIGNA DI VALLE X X

16232 0 TERMOLI X 16245 0 PRATICA DI MARE X

16245 1 PRATICA DI MARE RDS X 16252 0 CAMPOBASSO X

16253 0 GRAZZANISE X 16258 0 MONTE S. ANGELO X X

16280 0 PONZA X 16310 0 CAPO PALINURO X

16325 0 MARINA DI GINOSA X 16344 0 MONTE SCURO X

16360 0 S. MARIA DI LEUCA X 16420 0 MESSINA X 16429 0 TRAPANI BIRGI X

16450 0 ENNA X 16459 0 CATANIA SIGONELLA X

16480 0 COZZO SPADARO X 16522 0 CAPO CACCIA X

16546 0 DECIMOMANNU X 16550 0 CAPO BELLAVISTA X X

JORDAN 40250 0 H-4 RWASHED X X

40265 0 MAFRAQ X X 40296 0 GHOR SAFI X

40310 0 MA'AN X X

130 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

KAZAKHSTAN 34398 0 ZHALPAKTAL X 34691 0 NOVYJ USHTOGAN X

LATVIA 26346 0 ALUKSNE X

26406 0 LIEPAJA X X 26424 0 DOBELE X 26544 0 DAUGAVPILS X

LEBANON 40100 0 BEYROUTH (AEROPORT) X

40103 0 TRIPOLI X

LITHUANIA 26509 0 KLAIPEDA X 26524 0 SIAULIAI X

26531 0 BIRZAI X 26629 0 KAUNAS X

26730 0 VILNIUS X X

LUXEMBOURG 06590 0 LUXEMBOURG/LUXEMBOURG X X

MALTA 16597 0 LUQA X X

MONTENEGRO 13363 0 PLJEVLJA X 13462 0 PODGORICA-GOLUBOVCI X

NETHERLANDS 06235 0 DE KOOIJ VK X

06239 0 F3-FB-1 X 06252 0 K13-A X

06260 0 DE BILT AWS X X 06310 0 VLISSINGEN AWS X

06380 0 MAASTRICHT AACHEN AP X

NORWAY 01001 0 JAN MAYEN X X 01001 1 JAN MAYEN X

01008 0 SVALBARD AP X X 01026 0 TROMSO X X

01028 0 BJORNOYA X X 01098 0 VARDO X X

01152 0 BODO VI X X 01212 0 ONA II X X 01238 0 FOKSTUGU X X

01241 0 ORLAND III X 01317 0 BERGEN/FLORIDA X

01403 0 UTSIRA LH X X 01415 0 STAVANGER/SOLA X

01465 0 TORUNGEN LH X X 01492 0 OSLO-BLINDERN X

RESOLUTIONS 131

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

POLAND 12120 0 LEBA X X 12160 0 ELBLAG X

12205 0 SZCZECIN X 12295 0 BIALYSTOK X

12330 0 POZNAN X 12375 0 WARSZAWA-OKECIE X 12385 0 SIEDLCE X X

12424 0 WROCLAW II X 12497 0 WLODAWA X

12566 0 KRAKOW-BALICE X

PORTUGAL 08501 0 FLORES (ACORES) X 08506 0 HORTA (ACORES) X X

08508 0 LAJES (ACORES) X 08509 0 LAJES (ACORES) X

08512 0 PONTA DELGADA/NORDELA (ACORES) X X 08515 0 SANTA MARIA (ACORES) X

08535 0 LISBOA/GEOF X X 08546 0 PORTO/SERRA DO PILAR X

08548 0 COIMBRA/CERNACHE X 08554 0 FARO/AEROPORTO X 08558 0 EVORA/C. COORD X

08570 0 CASTELO BRANCO X 08575 0 BRAGANCA X

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA 33815 0 CHISINAU X X

33883 0 KOMRAT X

ROMANIA 15023 0 SUCEAVA X 15085 0 BISTRITA X X

15090 0 IASI X 15120 0 CLUJ-NAPOCA X

15247 0 TIMISOARA X 15260 0 SIBIU X

15280 0 VARFU OMU X X 15292 0 CARANSEBES X 15310 0 GALATI X

15350 0 BUZAU X

15360 0 SULINA X X

15420 0 BUCURESTI BANEASA X X

15450 0 CRAIOVA X

15480 0 CONSTANTA X

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 22113 0 MURMANSK X X

22165 0 KANIN NOS X X

132 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

22217 0 KANDALAKSHA X X 22235 0 KRASNOSCEL'E X

22471 0 MEZEN' X X 22520 0 KEM' - PORT X X

22543 0 ARHANGEL'SK X 22550 0 ARHANGEL'SK X X

22619 0 PADANY X 22641 0 ONEGA X

22676 0 SURA X 22768 0 SHENKURSK X

22802 0 SORTAVALA X X 22820 0 PETROZAVODSK X 22837 0 VYTEGRA X X

26063 0 ST.PETERSBURG (VOEJKOVO) X X 26157 0 GDOV X

26275 0 STARAYA RUSSA X 26359 0 PUSKINSKIE GORY X X

26781 0 SMOLENSK X X 26997 0 TRUBCHEVSK X X

27037 0 VOLOGDA X X 27051 0 TOT'MA X X

27333 0 KOSTROMA X 27459 0 NIZHNIJ NOVGOROD X X

27595 0 KAZAN' X X 27612 0 MOSKVA VDNH X X 27648 0 ELAT'MA X X

27675 0 PORETSKOE X 27707 0 SUHINICHI X

27823 0 PAVELEC X 27857 0 ZAMETCHINO X

27995 0 SAMARA (BEZENCHUK) X X 34110 0 BOGORODITSKOE-FENINO X

34123 0 VORONEZ X X 34152 0 BALASHOV X

34163 0 OKTYABRSKY GORODOK X X 34186 0 ERSHOV X X 34579 0 VERHNIJ BASKUNCHAK X

34720 0 TAGANROG X 34740 0 GIGANT X

34866 0 YASHKUL' X X 34880 0 ASTRAHAN' X X

34927 0 KRASNODAR-KRUGLIK X X 34949 0 STAVROPOL' X

37001 0 ANAPA X 37061 0 BUDENNOVSK X

37107 0 KRASNAYA POLYANA X 37126 0 SHADZHATMAZ X

37228 0 VLADIKAVKAZ X

RESOLUTIONS 133

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

37470 0 DERBENT X X

37472 0 MAHACHKALA X 37663 0 AKHTY X

SERBIA 13168 0 NOVI SAD RIMSKI SANCEVI X

13274 0 BEOGRAD X 13388 0 NIS X

SLOVAKIA 11826 0 PIESTANY X

11858 0 HURBANOVO X 11903 0 SLIAC X 11934 0 POPRAD/TATRY X X

11968 0 KOSICE X

SLOVENIA 14008 0 KREDARICA X 14015 0 LJUBJANA/BEZIGRAD X

SPAIN 08001 0 LA CORUNA X X

08015 0 OVIEDO X 08023 0 SANTANDER X

08025 0 BILBAO/AEROPUERTO X 08027 0 SAN SEBASTIAN/IGUELDO X X

08045 0 VIGO/PEINADOR X 08048 0 ORENSE X

08053 0 PONFERRADA X 08055 0 LEON/VIRGEN DEL CAMINO X

08084 0 LOGRONO/AGONCILLO X 08085 0 PAMPLONA/NOAIN X 08130 0 ZAMORA X

08141 0 VALLADOLID X 08148 0 SORIA X

08160 0 ZARAGOZA/AEROPUERTO X 08171 0 LLEIDA X

08175 0 REUS/AEROPUERTO X 08181 0 BARCELONA/AEROPUERTO X X

08184 0 GIRONA/COSTA BRAVA X 08202 0 SALAMANCA/MATACAN X X

08215 0 NAVACERRADA X X 08221 0 MADRID/BARAJAS X

08222 0 MADRID, RETIRO X 08231 0 CUENCA X 08235 0 TERUEL X

08238 0 TORTOSA X 08261 0 CACERES X

08272 0 TOLEDO X 08280 0 ALBACETE/LOS LLANOS X X

08284 0 VALENCIA/AEROPUERTO X

134 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

08286 0 CASTELLON X 08306 0 PALMA DE MALLORCA/SON SAN JUAN X

08314 0 MENORCA/MAHON X 08330 0 BADAJOZ/TALAVERA LA REAL X

08348 0 CIUDAD REAL X 08360 0 ALICANTE/EL ALTET X

08373 0 IBIZA/ES CODOLA X 08383 0 HUELVA X

08391 0 SEVILLA/SAN PABLO X 08410 0 CORDOBA/AEROPUERTO X X

08417 0 JAEN X 08419 0 GRANADA/AEROPUERTO X 08430 0 MURCIA X

08451 0 JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA AEROPUERTO X 08482 0 MALAGA/AEROPUERTO X

08487 0 ALMERIA/AEROPUERTO X

SWEDEN

02081 0 KARESUANDO X 02119 0 KVIKKJOKK ARRENJARKA X

02126 0 GUNNARN X 02197 0 HAPARANDA X X

02226 0 OSTERSUND FROSON X X 02287 0 HOLMON X X

02366 0 SUNDSVALL HARNOSAND X 02407 0 MALUNG A X

02418 0 KARLSTAD FLYGPLATS X 02485 0 STOCKHOLM X 02550 0 JONKOPING/AXAMO X

02589 0 GOTSKA SANDON X X 02590 0 VISBY X

SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 06601 0 BASEL / BINNINGEN X

06610 0 PAYERNE X X 06660 0 ZUERICH / FLUNTERN X

06680 0 SAENTIS X X 06700 0 GENEVE-COINTRIN X

06717 0 COL DU GRAND ST-BERNARD X X 06720 0 SION X

06770 0 LUGANO X

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC 40001 0 KAMISHLI X X

40007 0 ALEPPO INT. AEROPORT X 40022 0 LATTAKIA X

40030 0 HAMA X 40045 0 DEIR EZZOR X

40061 0 PALMYRA X X 40080 0 DAMASCUS INT. AIRPORT X

RESOLUTIONS 135

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

13577 0 LAZAROPOLE X X 13583 0 BITOLA X

13588 0 SKOPJE-ZAJCEV RID X 13591 0 STIP X

TURKEY 17022 0 ZONGULDAK X 17026 0 SINOP X

17030 0 SAMSUN X 17034 0 GIRESUN X

17040 0 RIZE X X 17045 0 ARTVIN X

17050 0 EDIRNE X 17056 0 TEKIRDAG X

17064 0 ISTANBUL BOLGE (KARTAL) X X 17069 0 ADAPAZARI X

17070 0 BOLU X 17074 0 KASTAMONU X X

17080 0 CANKIRI X 17084 0 CORUM X 17086 0 TOKAT X

17088 0 GUMUSHANE X 17090 0 SIVAS X X

17092 0 ERZINCAN X 17096 0 ERZURUM X

17098 0 KARS X 17099 0 AGRI X

17112 0 CANAKKALE X 17116 0 BURSA X

17124 0 ESKISEHIR X 17130 0 ANKARA/CENTRAL X X 17140 0 YOZGAT X

17150 0 BALIKESIR X 17155 0 KUTAHYA X

17160 0 KIRSEHIR X 17170 0 VAN X X

17188 0 USAK X 17190 0 AFYON X

17193 0 NEVSEHIR X 17195 0 KAYSERI/ERKILET X

17199 0 MALATYA/BOLGE X 17202 0 ELAZIG X

17203 0 BINGOL X 17204 0 MUS X 17210 0 SIIRT X

17220 0 IZMIR/GUZELYALI X 17234 0 AYDIN X

136 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

17237 0 DENIZLI X 17240 0 ISPARTA X X

17244 0 KONYA X 17250 0 NIGDE X

17255 0 KAHRAMANMARAS X 17260 0 GAZIANTEP X

17265 0 ADIYAMAN X 17270 0 SANLIURFA X

17280 0 DIYARBAKIR X 17282 0 BATMAN X

17285 0 HAKKARI X 17292 0 MUGLA X 17300 0 ANTALYA X

17340 0 MERSIN X 17351 0 ADANA/BOLGE X

17370 0 ISKENDERUN X 17375 0 FINIKE X X

UKRAINE 33213 0 OVRUCH X

33275 0 SUMY X 33301 0 RIVNE X

33317 0 SHEPETIVKA X X 33345 0 KIEV X X

33377 0 LUBNY X X 33393 0 L'VIV X

33415 0 TERNOPIL' X 33429 0 KHMEL'NYTS'KYI X 33506 0 POLTAVA X

33526 0 IVANO-FRANKIVS'K X 33562 0 VINNYTSIA X

33587 0 UMAN' X X 33631 0 UZHHOROD X

33658 0 CHERNIVTSI X 33711 0 KIROVOHRAD X

33761 0 LIUBASHIVKA X 33791 0 KRYVYI RIH X

33837 0 ODESA X 33889 0 IZMAIL X

33902 0 KHERSON X 33915 0 ASKANIIA-NOVA X X 33946 0 SIMFEROPOL' X

33998 0 AI-PETRI X X 34300 0 KHARKIV X

34415 0 IZIUM X 34519 0 DONETS'K X

34523 0 LUHANS'K X 34607 0 PRYSHYB X

34712 0 MARIUPOL' X

RESOLUTIONS 137

GCOS15 INDEX SUB-

INDEX STATION NAME CLIMAT GSN GUAN

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

03005 0 LERWICK X X X 03017 0 KIRKWALL X

03026 0 STORNOWAY AIRPORT X X 03066 0 KINLOSS X

03091 0 DYCE X 03100 0 TIREE X 03162 0 ESKDALEMUIR X X

03171 0 LEUCHARS X 03257 0 LEEMING X

03302 0 VALLEY X X 03351 0 ROSTHERNE NO 2 X

03377 0 WADDINGTON X X 03414 0 SHAWBURY X

03502 0 ABERPORTH X 03590 0 WATTISHAM X

03740 0 LYNEHAM X 03772 0 HEATHROW X

03797 0 MANSTON X 03808 0 CAMBORNE X X X 03862 0 HURN X

03917 0 ALDERGROVE X

______________________________ 15 GCOS Surface Network (GSN)/GCOS Upper-air Network (GUAN) for reference only

Resolution 6 (RA VI-16)

WMO INFORMATION SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR REGIONAL ASSOCATION VI (EUROPE)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

Noting:

(1) Resolution 4 (Cg-XVI) – Report of the extraordinary session (2010) of the Commission for Basic Systems relevant to Technical Regulations concerning the Global Telecommunication System, data management and the WMO Information System,

(2) Resolution 13 (EC-65), updates to the Manual on the WMO Information System (WMO-No. 1060),

Noting further:

(1) The importance of implementing the WMO Information System (WIS) to support WMO priority activities, including the WMO Integrated Global Information System and the Global Framework for Climate Services,

(2) That the new functionality of WIS became operational in January 2012 and that four Global Information System Centres (GISCS), Exeter, Moscow, Offenbach and Toulouse, are providing operational support and capacity-building for the Region,

138 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (3) The planned implementation of the Regional Meteorological Data Communication Network

(RMDCN) Next Generation, that would offer Members improved services,

Decides to endorse the RA VI WIS Implementation Plan approved by the president of RA VI on 19 December 2012;

Requests the RA VI Management Group to monitor WIS implementation within the Region, noting the desire of the Association to have all Members in RA VI WIS-enabled by June 2015;

Requests all Members that have yet to do so, to identify their principal GISC and national WIS Focal Point as soon as possible in writing to the Secretary-General and to report on the progress of WIS implementation to the RA VI WIS Implementation Focal Point;

Requests all Members to make the implementation of WIS a priority in their National Centres and Data Collection or Production Centres to ensure that staff who support WIS components are appropriately trained in WIS support activities, in particular the creation and management of discovery metadata.

Requests all GISCs in RA VI to work with Members to:

(1) Ensure that associated centres are compliant with the relevant standards in the Manual on the WMO Information System (WMO-No. 1060) and that they confirm this in writing to the Secretary-General;

(2) Ensure that staff engaged in WIS operation and maintenance in associated centres are suitably trained and that the associated centres confirm their acceptance of this capacity-development role in writing to the Secretary-General;

Requests the Secretary-General to monitor WIS implementation and ensure liaison between Members, the regional association and technical commissions concerned;

Encourages all RA VI Members to participate in RMDCN Next Generation.

Resolution 7 (RA VI-16)

UPDATING RECORDS IN THE OPERATIONAL INFORMATION SERVICE

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

Noting that the effective exchange of weather, climate and water information relies on accurate data about information available to be exchanged,

Noting further:

(1) That Weather Reporting (WMO-No. 9), Volume C1, Catalogue of Meteorological Bulletins, informs users about the information being offered,

(2) That Weather Reporting (WMO-No. 9), Volume A, Observing Stations, informs users about observing stations, their location, reporting schedules and other essential metadata to assist with the interpretation of the observations,

(3) That the Manual on the WMO Information System (WMO-No. 1060) requires Members to maintain accurate WMO Information System (WIS) metadata records,

RESOLUTIONS 139

Requests that Members:

(1) Update entries to Weather Reporting (WMO-No. 9), Volumes A and C1 in a timely manner;

(2) Ensure that the metadata records corresponding to information they offer to other Members using the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) are checked and updated as necessary so that the WIS discovery metadata records provided by Members in Region VI are suitable for replacing Weather Reporting (WMO-No. 9), WMO-No. 9, Volume C1, for managing information on the GTS by November 2015; and that the WIGOS metadata records to be provided by Members in Region VI are suitable for replacing Weather Reporting (WMO-No. 9), Volume A.

Resolution 8 (RA VI-16)

MANAGEMENT GROUP OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting:

(1) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (WMO-No. 1077),

(2) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the Fifteenth Session of Regional Association VI (Europe) (WMO-No. 1046),

(3) The reports of the meetings of the RA VI Management Group during the period 2010–2013,

(4) The WMO Strategic Plan 2012–2015 (WMO-No. 1069),

(5) The WMO Operating Plan 2012–2015 (October 2011 version),

(6) The RA VI Operating Plan (2012–2015),

Considering:

(1) The effective work done by the Management Group of the Association during the period 2009–2013 and its proposals for the structure for the next intersessional period,

(2) The growing need to plan and coordinate Association activities in order to achieve the expected results and key outcomes of the WMO Strategic Plan and the RA VI Operating Plan,

(3) The need to establish an effective and efficient structure of subsidiary bodies and to guide and coordinate their activities during the intersessional period, including necessary adjustments to the working structure to address emerging issues,

(4) The need to constantly keep abreast of Members’ needs and issues and communicate their requirements through appropriate technical commissions and the Secretariat,

(5) That a mechanism is needed to address issues not handled by other working groups or task teams, in particular activities related to Expected Results 6, 7 and 8 of the WMO Strategic Plan 2012–2015,

140 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Decides:

(1) To re-establish the Management Group of Regional Association VI (RA VI-MG) with the following terms of reference:

(a) To advise and assist the president of RA VI on all matters related to the work of the Association, in particular:

(i) On emerging matters requiring action during the intersessional period;

(ii) In prioritizing, planning, coordinating and actively managing the work of the Association and its subsidiary bodies, as well as to monitor progress in accordance with the established work programme;

(iii) In ensuring adequate internal structure, including establishment of relevant task teams on proposals by the chairs of the working groups and working methods of the Association and to make necessary adjustments as needed to achieve the desired outcomes;

(iv) In addressing emerging issues and challenges as identified by Regional Association VI at its sixteenth session, and ensuring that these issues are adequately included in the work programmes of the working groups;

(v) In ensuring continuity of the strategic planning process and developing coordinated regional inputs for the future WMO Strategic Plan and related Operating Plan, including regional priorities and key outcomes;

(vi) In maintaining and promoting partnership and collaboration with other international and regional partner organizations, such as the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, the Network of European Meteorological Services, the Interstate Council on Hydrometeorology of the Commonwealth of Independent State (ICH/CIS) and other organizations and research institutes contributing to different WMO Programmes;

(vii) In seeking ways of improving coordination with relevant bodies of the European Union to foster participation and representation of Members in relevant programmes and activities;

(b) To coordinate and monitor the implementation of the RA VI Operating Plan and other regional implementation plans approved by the president; to assess and evaluate the performance of Regional Association VI as per the WMO Strategic Plan;

(c) To oversee, in collaboration with the Secretariat, the activities of the regional centres (Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres, Regional Climate Centres, Regional Instrument Centres, WMO Information System centres, Regional Training Centres, etc.);

(d) To coordinate the activities of the Association and its subsidiary bodies with respect to cross-cutting issues, such as the implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services, disaster risk reduction and capacity development, taking into account the needs of Members and the existing resources and capacity-development mechanisms;

(e) To address, on a systematic basis, the need for harmonization of the capabilities for the provision of meteorological, climatological and hydrological services between different subregions;

(2) To invite the president to act as chair of the Management Group, which is composed of the president, the vice-president, the regional hydrological adviser to the president, the following Directors of NMHSs: Mr Petteri Taalas, Finland; Mr Gerhard Adrian, Germany; Ms Henia Berkovich, Israel; Mr Alexander Frolov, Russian Federation; Mr Ismail Günes,

RESOLUTIONS 141

Turkey; Mr Jorge Miguel De Miranda (Portugal), the co-chair of the Working Group on Climate and Hydrology, the chair of the Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership, and the chair of the Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation;

(3) The president may also invite, as appropriate, other Directors of NMHSs, the Chair of ICH/CIS or other experts to participate in the meetings of the RA VI Management Group, as necessary;

Authorizes the president to take needed decisions on urgent matters on behalf of the Association after consultation with the Management Group;

Requests the president;

(1) To observe a balanced geographical and gender approach in the work of the Management Group;

(2) To ensure that, subject to available resources, the Management Group meets annually or as needed, preferably in conjunction with other meetings and events, using electronic means to the extent possible;

(3) To report to the Association during the intersessional period as needed and at its next regular session on the activities of the Management Group and relevant decisions taken on behalf of the Association;

Requests the Secretary-General to take into account the work of the Management Group of Regional Association VI (Europe) in the provision of support to the Region, especially through the Regional Office for Europe.

______ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 3 (XV-RA VI), which is no longer in force.

Resolution 9 (RA VI-16)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI WORKING GROUP ON TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting:

(1) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (WMO-No. 1077),

(2) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the Fifteenth Session of Regional Association VI (Europe) (WMO-No. 1046),

(3) The WMO Strategic Plan 2012–2015 (WMO-No. 1069),

(4) The WMO Operating Plan 2012–2015 (October 2011 version),

(5) The RA VI Operating Plan (2012–2015),

(6) The RA VI WIS Implementation Plan (December 2012 with updates),

(7) The RA VI WIGOS Implementation Plan (approved by RA VI-16),

142 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

(8) The Report of the Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (2010–2013),

Considering:

(1) That the implementation of the WMO Information System (WIS) and the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) by RA VI Members has been accorded highest priority by the RA VI Management Group,

(2) The need for a harmonized and synchronized implementation throughout the Region of all components of WIS, WIGOS and the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS) as a crucial factor for ensuring successful implementation and shared ownership of the systems, as well as to maximize benefits for RA VI Members,

(3) The need to promote further regional cooperation with regard to ensemble prediction systems and the forecasting of severe weather events,

(4) The need to ensure the quality of observational data through vigorous control of compliance by Members with WMO regulations related to calibration and maintenance of observing instruments,

Decides:

(1) To re-establish the Regional Association VI Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation (WG-TDI) with the following terms of reference:

(a) Under the guidance of the RA VI Management Group and in collaboration with appropriate bodies of technical commissions and the Secretariat, to provide overall technical guidance, assistance and support for the implementation of WIGOS and WIS in Regional Association VI:

(i) To coordinate the activities under the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan (R-WIP) and support WIGOS implementation activities to gain operational acceptance;

(ii) To coordinate and monitor the activities under the R-WIP and provide assistance to Members, as necessary, in establishing the planned national, regional and global WIS centres in order to meet the established deadlines;

(iii) To address relevant issues related to the implementation of the Regional Meteorological Data Communication Network (RMDCN) and advise Member countries on appropriate technical solutions to join the RMDCN or tentative alternate solutions, as necessary;

(iv) To continue monitoring and guiding the migration to Table Driven Code Forms in Region VI with a view to meeting the established target date for full implementation;

(b) To monitor developments in the GDPFS, including regional collaboration in numerical modelling, and promote greater access to, and exploitation of, ensemble prediction products, severe weather forecasting and nowcasting techniques and long-range forecasting;

(c) To make recommendations to strengthen collaboration and represent the Region in the Inter-Commission Team on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (ICT-GDPFS);

(d) To provide guidance on further harmonization of, and greater access to, weather radar data with the respective data policy;

RESOLUTIONS 143

(e) To foster an efficient collaborative network of Regional Instrument Centres in RA VI and promote enhanced compliance by Members with the requirements for calibration and maintenance of the observing instruments, including regular interlaboratory calibration comparisons;

(f) To liaise with the Working Group on Climate and Hydrology and the Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership on matters related to technology development and implementation by engaging observers as necessary;

(g) To propose, in cooperation with relevant bodies of the technical commissions, regional capacity development events in the areas covered by its terms of reference and contribute to the organization of such events;

(2) That the Working Group shall be composed of:

(a) A chair and a vice-chair;

(b) Task teams as decided by the Management Group, with the task-team leaders serving as core members of the Working Group;

(c) Other experts as necessary, taking into account that, due to funding constraints, the composition of the Working Group should be kept to a minimum whilst allowing its effective operation during the intersessional period;

(3) To designate, in accordance with Regulation 32 of the WMO General Regulations, Mr Dieter Schroeder, Germany, as chair of the Working Group and Mr Ercan Büyükbas, Turkey, as vice-chair;

Requests the chair:

(1) To submit to the Management Group within six months a work programme for the period 2014–2017 with due account being taken of the deliverables outlined in the RA VI Operating Plan;

(2) To submit to the Management Group a proposal for the establishment of task teams, including terms of reference, as necessary, to facilitate successful implementation of the RA VI Operating Plan in the area of responsibility of the Working Group;

(3) To provide an annual progress report and a final report at least three months before the next session of the Association;

Invites Members:

(1) To nominate experts who are committed to serve actively on the Working Group, with due attention being paid to gender balance;

(2) To support the activities of the Working Group. _______ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 6 (XV-RA VI), which is no longer in force.

144 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Resolution 10 (RA VI-16)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI WORKING GROUP ON CLIMATE AND HYDROLOGY

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

Noting:

(1) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (WMO-No. 1077),

(2) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the Extraordinary Session of the World Meteorological Congress, (WMO-No. 1102), 29–31 October 2012,

(3) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the First Session of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services, (WMO-No. 1124), 1–5 July 2013,

(4) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the Fifteenth Session of Regional Association VI (Europe) (WMO-No. 1046),

(5) The WMO Strategic Plan 2012–2015 (WMO-No. 1069),

(6) The WMO Operating Plan 2012–2015 (October 2011 version),

(7) The RA VI Operating Plan (2012–2015),

(8) The Report of the Working Group on Climate and Hydrology (2010–2013),

Considering:

(1) The need for the implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) by RA VI Members to be accorded highest priority in the next intersessional period,

(2) The need for a harmonized implementation throughout the Region of all components of the GFCS as a crucial factor for ensuring successful implementation and shared ownership, as well as to maximize the benefits for RA VI Members,

(3) The role played by the WMO in the Region in the field of hydrology and water resources, in particular with respect to the implementation of the European Union Water Framework Directive,

(4) The need to promote broad regional cooperation in climate and hydrology, particularly in support of the World Climate Programme, Hydrology and Water Resources Programme and the Agricultural Meteorology Programme,

(5) The need to coordinate regional activities in climate and hydrology, jointly and individually, in accordance with the WMO Strategic Plan and RA VI Operating Plan,

Decides:

(1) To re-establish the Regional Association VI Working Group on Climate and Hydrology (WG-CH) with the following terms of reference:

(a) Under the general guidance of the president and RA VI Management Group and in collaboration with appropriate bodies of technical commissions and the Secretariat, to provide overall guidance, assistance and support for the implementation of the GFCS in Region VI;

RESOLUTIONS 145

(b) To seek cooperation with relevant regional bodies and organizations on issues related to implementing user-oriented climate and hydrology services for key sectors (e.g. agriculture, water resources, health) as well as disaster risk reduction and to foster and promote best practices in establishing and implementing the GFCS at national level;

(c) To promote enhanced utilization and broadening of WMO RA VI RCC-Network products and services, particularly in support of national GFCS implementation, based on an updated analysis of user requirements and feedback on their effectiveness;

(d) To improve the link between the RCC Network and Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOF)s and to assist in sustaining and strengthening RCOF mechanisms in RA VI, including cooperation with other WMO Regions in the Mediterranean, Asia and polar areas;

(e) To promote and guide the implementation of the RA VI Climate Watch System at regional, subregional and national level, taking into consideration the inclusion of hydrological and agrometeorological aspects;

(f) To coordinate with Members and relevant partners the climate and hydrology data- rescue activities in the Region and the establishment of high-quality data-management standards, including the implementation of modern Climate Data Management Systems;

(g) To support the regional implementation of hydrological data operations and management, including the development of data-collection networks;

(h) To provide guidance to Members in tailoring agrometeorological services and products at the local scale, taking into account climate-change impacts on the whole agricultural production chain, including related education and training;

(i) To contribute to the research, services and monitoring systems related to water scarcity and drought, taking into consideration existing mechanisms, as well as gaps in drought information services, and support the regional and national aspects of the Integrated Drought Management Programme activities;

(j) To monitor the regional developments related to hydrological modelling, forecasting and warning systems and promote regional cooperation and utilization of best practices;

(k) To assist Members in the development and application of hydrology and water resources services for adaptation to climate change;

(l) To sustain and develop further the European Hydrology Forum as an effective collaborative mechanism between the National Hydrological Services (NHSs) in Europe;

(m) To foster closer collaboration between National Meteorological or Hydrometeorological Services and NHSs at national level by studying and promoting best practices;

(n) To coordinate regional activities with relevant WMO technical commissions, particularly the Commission for Climatology, the Commission for Hydrology and the Commission for Agricultural Meteorology, the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services (IBCS) and other WMO and UN programmes;

(o) To liaise with the Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation and the Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership on matters related to climate and hydrology by engaging observers as necessary;

(p) To liaise with European Union bodies and other relevant regional partners to promote the above objectives;

146 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

(2) That the Working Group shall be composed of:

(a) A co-chair on climate matters and a co-chair on hydrology matters;

(b) Task teams as decided by the Management Group, with the task team leaders serving as core members of the Working Group;

(c) Other experts as necessary, taking into account that, due to funding constraints, the composition of working groups should be kept to a minimum, whilst allowing its effective operation during the intersessional period;

(3) To designate, in accordance with Regulation 33 of the WMO General Regulations, Ms Anahit Hovsepyan, Armenia, as co-chair of the Working Group on Climate Matters, and Mr Dominique Berod, Switzerland, as co-chair on Hydrology Matters and as Regional Hydrological Adviser;

Requests the co-chairs:

(1) To submit to the Management Group, within six months, a work programme for the period 2014–2017 with due account of the deliverables outlined in the RA VI Operating Plan;

(2) To submit to the Management Group proposals for the establishment of task teams, including their terms of reference, as necessary, to facilitate successful implementation of the RA VI Operating Plan in the area of responsibility of the Working Group;

(3) To provide annual progress reports and a final report at least three months before the next session of the Association;

Invites Members:

(1) To nominate experts who are committed to serve actively on the Working Group, with due attention being paid to gender balance;

(2) To support the activities of the Working Group. ______ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 4 (XV-RA VI), which is no longer in force.

Resolution 11 (RA VI-16)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI WORKING GROUP ON SERVICE DELIVERY AND PARTNERSHIP

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting,

(1) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (WMO-No. 1077),

(2) Resolution 4 (EC-65) – Implementation Plan for the “WMO Strategy for Service Delivery”,

(3) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the Fifteenth Session of Regional Association VI (Europe) (WMO-No. 1046),

(4) The WMO Strategic Plan 2012–2015 (WMO-No. 1069),

RESOLUTIONS 147

(5) The WMO Operating Plan 2012–2015 (October 2011 version),

(6) The RA VI Operating Plan (2012–2015),

(7) The Report of the Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership (2010–2013),

Considering:

(1) The need for the regional associations to make full use of the WMO Strategy for Service Delivery in developing specific plans appropriate to RA VI, and engaging in regional partnerships,

(2) That the regional associations should seek every opportunity to transfer knowledge through advanced capacity-development approaches presented in the Strategy,

(3) The need to ensure continuity of the work being carried out in accordance with the RA VI Operating Plan (2012–2015) in the field of service delivery and enhancing partnerships,

Decides:

(1) To re-establish the Regional Association VI Working Group on Service Delivery and Partnership (WG-SDP), with the following terms of reference:

(a) Under the general guidance of the president and RA VI Management Group and in collaboration with appropriate bodies of technical commissions and the Secretariat, to provide overall guidance, assistance and support for the implementation of the WMO Strategy on Service Delivery in the Region;

(b) To provide guidance on best practices and methods in providing early warning services, strengthening the collaboration, partnership and outreach activities at the national and international levels between Members’ NMHSs and end-users, including disaster prevention and civil protection agencies;

(c) To provide guidance on best practices and methods of defining and determining the socio-economic benefits (SEB) of meteorological, climatological and hydrological service provision and promote implementation of SEB analysis by Members’ NMHSs;

(d) To provide guidance on best practices with a view to improving Members’ communication and public relation skills in addressing stakeholders and the public;

(e) To inform Members, through the Secretariat, on opportunities and projects provided by relevant programmes of the European Union, the World Bank and other partners and provide advice on related application processes so as to increase the engagement of the NMHSs and other relevant national institutions in weather-, climate- and water-related projects;

(f) To keep under review the regional developments in aeronautical meteorology, liaise with relevant regional stakeholders and advise Members on technical and institutional aspects of the future provision of services for aviation;

(g) To cooperate with technical commissions and their expert teams in addressing the service delivery needs of the Region;

(h) To liaise with the Working Group on Technology Development and Implementation and the Working Group on Climate and Hydrology on relevant aspects of service delivery and partnership by engaging observers as necessary;

(2) That the Working Group shall be composed of:

(a) A chair and a vice-chair;

148 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

(b) Task teams as decided by the Management Group, with the task-team leaders serving as core members of the Working Group;

(c) Other experts as necessary, taking into account the fact that, due to funding constraints, the composition of working groups should be kept to a minimum whilst allowing its effective operation during the intersessional period;

(3) To designate, in accordance with Regulation 33 of the WMO General Regulations, Mr Axel Thomalla, Germany, as chair and Mr Adriaan Perrels, Finland, as vice-chair of the Working Group;

Requests the chair to:

(1) Submit to the RA VI Management Group, within six months, a work programme for the period 2014–2017 with due account being taken of the deliverables outlined in the RA VI Operating Plan;

(2) Submit to the RA VI Management Group proposals for establishment of task teams, including their terms of reference, as necessary, to facilitate successful implementation of the RA VI Operating Plan in the area of responsibility of the Working Group;

(3) Provide annual progress reports and submit a final report at least three months before the next session of the Association;

Invites Members:

(1) To nominate experts who are committed to serve actively on the Working Group, with due attention being paid to gender balance;

(2) To support the activities of the Working Group. _______ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 5 (XV-RA VI), which is no longer in force.

Resolution 12 (RA VI-16)

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting paragraph 3.7.1 of the general summary of the Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the Ninth Session of the Executive Council (WMO-No. 67.RC.14),

Considering:

(1) That a number of resolutions adopted before its sixteenth session have been revised and incorporated in resolutions of the sixteenth session,

(2) That other 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 11 (XI-RA VI) and 16 (XIII-RA VI);

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

RESOLUTIONS 149

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

______

Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 7 (XV-RA VI), which is no longer in force.

Annex to Resolution 12 (RA VI-16)

Resolution 11 (XI-RA VI)

USE OF INMARSAT FOR THE COLLECTION OF SHIPS’

METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC REPORTS

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

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 VI,

(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 VI,

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

RECOGNIZING WITH APPRECIATION that certain Members operating INMARSATCES have already arranged through their CES to accept ships’ meteorological and oceanographic reports that are of general value to all Members of WMO,

BEING CONCERNED, however, 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 every effort to ensure the timely redistribution of reports collected through INMARSAT to countries in the areas of the geographical origins of those reports;

(2) All Members in the Region operating VOS equipped with INMARSAT-C to make every effort for those ships to be supplied with the new software package for the compilation and

150 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

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 16 (XIII-RA VI)

SUPPORT FOR THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR

OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

NOTING:

(1) Resolution 14 (Cg-XIII) – Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM),

(2) IOC Assembly Resolution XX-12 – The Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM),

(3) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions and Recommendations of the First Session of the Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (WMO-No. 931),

CONSIDERING that oceanographic and marine meteorological observations not only make a significant contribution to operational meteorology and the provision of marine services, but are also essential to global climate studies generally,

RECOGNIZING:

(1) That JCOMM is now the appropriate and sole WMO body for the international coordination and regulation of a global operational ocean observing, data management and services system,

(2) That some Members of the Association are actively involved in the deployment and maintenance of a variety of ocean observation facilities, for both operational and research purposes,

(3) That Members of the Association are also increasingly being required to provide coordinated meteorological and oceanographic services for a large variety of marine user groups,

(4) That GTS will continue to be essential for the operational collection and exchange of many types of ocean data,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER that a substantial increase in the amount of ocean data available operationally is needed to satisfy the requirements of operational meteorology, oceanographic services and research and global climate studies for such data,

URGES Members:

(1) To continue and, where possible, expand their existing operational ocean observing system facilities and activities, as contributions to the WWW, GCOS and GOOS and with international coordination effected through JCOMM;

RESOLUTIONS 151

(2) To participate actively in the planning and implementation of these systems and in the work of JCOMM;

(3) To coordinate with appropriate national oceanographic agencies and institutions to ensure

the long-term operational maintenance of oceanographic observing systems; (4) To coordinate with appropriate national oceanographic agencies and institutions in

developing oceanographic data management capabilities and oceanographic services; (5) To enhance two-way ship-shore telecommunication arrangements for oceanographic data

and products, in particular through the greater use of satellite-based telecommunications facilities such as the Inmarsat and Argos systems;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General to take any action considered necessary, and within the available budgetary resources, to assist Members to participate in the development and maintenance of JCOMM. _______ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 10 (XII-RA VI), which is no longer in force.

RECOMMENDATION ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Recommendation 1 (RA VI-16)

RECOGNITION OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL INSTITUTE OF BIOMETEOROLOGY, FLORENCE, ITALY, AS A WMO REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRE

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE),

Noting the processes and procedures outlined in the WMO Technical Regulations for the recognition and renewal of training institutes as WMO Regional Training Centres (RTCs),

Noting further:

(1) Statements from the Permanent Representative of Italy with WMO and the management of the Institute regarding their interest and willingness to assist RA VI Members address their education and training needs in areas such as agricultural meteorology,

(2) RA VI Members’ requirements for education and training support particularly in (or inter alia) agricultural meteorology,

Recommends to the Executive Council that the National Research Council Institute of Biometeorology (CNR-IBIMET) Florence, Italy, be considered for recognition as a WMO Regional Training Centre to meet the education and training needs of RA VI Members and, from time to time, WMO Members in other Regions;

Invites the Secretary-General to provide support for the EC Panel of Experts on Education and Training to conduct a study of CNR-IBIMET programmes and support options and facilities in line with the RTC review requirements;

Invites the Permanent Representative of Italy with WMO to facilitate the necessary national coordination and commitment that would ensure that the proposed Regional Training Centre, if approved by the Executive Council:

(1) Will provide services that address the expressed education and training needs of RA VI in a sustainable manner, as well as of other WMO Regions, as necessary; and

(2) Will be adequately resourced to provide services that are not reliant upon WMO funding;

Invites the president of RA VI to ensure that RA VI Members are informed of the capabilities and opportunities offered by the Centre and that its performance is monitored in collaboration with the Secretariat.

ANNEXES

ANNEX I

Annex to paragraph 4.6.20 of the general summary (VCP-TF, VCP-coordinated, VCP-bilateral, major projects)

Infrastructure and operational facilities development (VCP)

Table 1. VCP(F) support in the Region  

Country   Title/focus   Support   Year  of  request  

Completed  

Armenia   Provision  of  GPS  radiosondes  and  balloons   GCOS     2010   2012  

Armenia   Provision  of  hydrometeorological  thermometers  

VCP(F)   2011   2012  

Azerbaijan     In-­‐country  assessment  of  NMS  capacity   VCP(F)   2009   2009  

Belarus   Fact-­‐finding  mission   VCP(F)     2008   2008  

Cyprus   Agris  for  Climate  Data  Management     VCP(F)   2009   2009  

Georgia     Expert  mission  for  the  re-­‐organization  of  the  telecommunication  and  connection  to  RAVI  RMDCN  

VCP(F)   2008   2008  

Georgia     Mission  for  the  establishment  of  a  cost  recovery  and  QMS  for  the  provision  of  meteorological  services  to  international  aviation  

VCP(F)   2009   2009  

Table 2. Bilateral support in the Region  

Country   Title/focus   Support   Year  of  request  

Completed  

Armenia   The  installation  of  the  CLIWARE  climate  data  processing  system  

Russian  Federation   2012   Ongoing  

Azerbaijan     Supply  of  a  hydrologist-­‐forecaster  automated  workstation  and  basic  weather  forecasting  station  

Russian  Federation   2013   Ongoing  

Belarus   Provision  of  Alisa  workstation,  installation  and  users  training  at  Belarus  NHMS  

Russian  Federation     2009   2011  

Belarus   Delivery  of  technical  equipment  and  software  of  the  combined  technology  MITRA-­‐GIS  Meteo    

Russian  Federation     2012   Ongoing  

Republic  of  Moldova   Installation   of   CLIWARE   climate   data  processing  system  

Russian  Federation   2012   Ongoing  

Republic  of  Moldova   Completion   of   the   hydrologist-­‐forecaster  automated  workstation  project  

Russian  Federation     2011   Ongoing  

Tajikistan   Installation   of   CLIWARE   climate   data  processing  system  

Russian  Federation   2012   Ongoing  

154 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Table 3. Unmet requests from the Region  

Country   Title/focus   Support   Year  of  request  

Armenia       Provision  of  GPS  radiosondes  and  balloons   None   2010  

Belarus   Hardware/software  complex  for  the  visualization  of  the  meteorological  data  and  presentation  of  specific  messages  

None   2012  

VCP  Bi-­‐lateral  –  See  IPM  Reports  2009  /  10  /  11  /  12/13  

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/vcp/documents/IPM_2013_Report.pdf

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/vcp/documents/IPM_2012_DRAFT_Report_26052012.pdf

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/vcp/documents/IPM_2011_Final_Report_Consolidated.pdf

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/vcp/documents/IPM2010FinalReportConsolidated.pdf

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/vcp/documents/IPM2009FinalReportConsolidated.pdf

Table 4. VCP(F) and VCP financing 2007–2012, including RA VI Members

2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

Donor Member VCP(F)

VCP(ES) Equipment & Services

through WMO

Total VCP(F)

VCP(ES) Equipment & Services

through WMO

Total VCP(F)

VCP(ES) Equipment & Services

through WMO

Total VCP(F)

VCP(ES) Equipment & Services

through WMO

Total VCP(F)

VCP(ES) Equipmen

t &

Services through WMO

Total

Australia 52 022 51 774 51 774 51 774 41 731 41 731 50 000 147 700 197 700 50 000 87 000 137 000 China 10 000 145 000 155 000 10 000 107 754 117 754 10 000 27 000 37 000 10 000 10 000 37 000 47 148 20 000 Finland 263 750 263 750 150 000 150 000 7 343 7 343 France 4 479 4 479 Germany 38 700 38 700 40 800 40 800 Ireland 9 555 9 555 8 760 8 760 Japan 50 000 524 472 574 472 54 230 608 663 662 893 128 000 514 300 642 300 91 000 105 000 196 000 106 000 22 000 128 000 Kenya Maldives 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 10 000 10 000 1 000 1 000 Mauritius 1 674 1 674 1 674 1 674 1 537 1 537 1 460 1 460 2 685 2 685 Myanmar 486 486 972 972 Netherlands 133 000 133 000 270 000 270 000 133 620 133 620 Norway 70 000 70 000 54 852 54 852 Pakistan 978 978

Republic of Korea 30 000 335 000 30 000 30 000 30 000 30 000 30 000 27 700 27 700 27 500 27 500

Russian Federation 25 812 25 812 40 000 40 000 10 000 10 000 Saudi Arabia 13 579 13 579 Spain 53 448 53 448 243 500 243 500 443 312 443 312 Switzerland 200 000 200 000 53 448 53 448 9 734 9 734 UK 38 701 38 701 71 000 71 000 USA 697 087 697 087 410 867 410 867 812 606 812 606 654 912 654 912 1 096 180 1 096 180

Total 144 696 2 162 821 1 972 268 148 678 1 788 084

1 936 762 212 754 1 673 123 1 885 877 269 715 1 243 668

1 513 383 289 747 1 719 219 1 944 818

156 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

ANNEX II

Annex to paragraph 4.6.22 of the general summary

Major hydromet development projects supported by RA VI Members through WMO and bilaterally

Beneficiary countries Project title Additional information Implementing agency – partners

Donor

South-East Europe Building resilience to disasters in western Balkans and Turkey

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/99) and Turkey

WMO/UNISDR EC

Africa Afrimet: Conference of Directors of the West African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services

West Africa Marine Meteorology Project West Africa Agriculture Meteorology Project Countries Emerging from Conflict and Natural Disasters Project (Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo)

WMO Spain

West Africa AgriMet-Ops (Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cape Verde, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo) 2012–2014

WMO Government of Norway

East Africa Severe Weather Forecasting Project (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda), 2012–2014

WMO Government of Norway

West Africa Programme of Cooperation for Climate Change Adaptation in West Africa/Greece Trust Fund for Central Africa

(1) GFCS (2) GCOS (3) AgriMet (4) Data Rescue (5) CHWG (Burkina Faso, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan, Niger, Chad)

WMO Government of Greece

East Africa IGAD HYCOS € 5 000 000 (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda), 2011–2014

WMO/IGAD/ICPAC EC

Kenya Global GAW Station Kenya, equipment and personnel expenses including Kenya-Switzerland Trust fund

MeteoSwiss and EMPA regularly provide capacity-building and consumables to the global GAW stations in Kenya: 2012 US$ 191 300

MeteoSwiss, EMPA Government of Switzerland

Madagascar Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) project Beneficiary countries: Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles

Meteo-France International

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ANNEXES 157

Beneficiary countries Project title Additional information Implementing agency – Partners

Donor

Malawi SMS weather warning service and climate-change training to national Red Cross federations

November 2011–November 2013 Project also includes Mozambique

FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Mozambique Implementation of an automated early warning system for disaster risk reduction in the Búzi and Save River Basins

Support to the Mozambique Meteorological Institute (INAM) in the improvement of hydrometeorological services (regional weather forecasts for early warning and agriculture, wave

DWD, Brazil, GIZ

158 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Beneficiary countries Project title Additional information Implementing agency – Partners

Donor

Bolivia Regional Climate Change Project & Flood Early Warning System pilot for a cross-border river catchment area

Expected 2013–2015 (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia)

FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Bolivia Adaptation of agriculture and agricultural water use to climate change in the Andean countries

2012 DWD GIZ

Colombia Adaptation of agriculture and agricultural water use to climate change in the Andean countries

2012 DWD GIZ

Bhutan Capacity development to support modernization of observation networks, management and services of NMHS

Expected 2013–2015 FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

India Climate change, modelling and observations FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Kazakhstan Pilot Weather Information System January–June 2012 FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Kyrgystan CAWa Project DWD, GFZ, DLR, CAIAG, Federal Foreign Office

Government of Germany

Nepal Capacity development to support modernization of observation networks and management of NMHS

February 2010–December 2012 FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Nepal Wind energy/environmental risks Kolarctic FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Turkey Environment and air quality December 2010–December 2012 FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Viet Nam Observation network, weather radar products and modernization of the NMHS

May 2010–December 2012 FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Pacific Second phase of cooperation with SPREP for the development of weather and climate services in the Pacific

2013-2015, all SPREP countries SPREP - FMI Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

ANNEXES 159

ANNEX III

Annex to paragraph 4.6.23 of the general summary

(VCP-bilateral, major projects)

Infrastructure and operational facilities development (VCP)

Bilateral VCP support 2008–2012 (US$), including RA VI Members

Amount listed includes contributions for equipment and services and fellowships and training and development projects, as reported by Members.

Member 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Argentina 8 300 69 214 8 300 Australia 372 000 600 500 7 559 226 5 416 978 Canada 450 000 710 000 680 000 546 700 4 397 500 China 904 076 716 770 2 181 030 1 686 511 Hong Kong, China 35 000 30 800 Italy 6 500 000 Finland 768 500 768 500 2 335 732 2 250 000 1 859 925 France 941 486 941 486 1 210 051 1 054 535 2 086 000 Germany 804 838 804 838 5 277 772 1 777 911 3 314 800 Indonesia 70 945 Japan 250 000 250 000 250 000 New Zealand 1 200 000 1 909 820 1 906 817 333 000 Norway 2 500 000 2 500 000 Republic of Korea 1 671 300 212 500 1 669 800 1 655 094 1 320 094 Russian Federation Spain 387 230 319 297 383 292 2 600 000 300 000 Switzerland 2 393 200 188 500 2 393 200 UK 1 004 529 1 120 410 1 448 619.10 1 718 126 USA 1 229 688 1 114 294 1679133 1 392 910 Total 14 249 430 6 841 338 19 069 441 27 451 779 28 829 089

160 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

ANNEX IV

Annex to paragraph 5.3.13 of the general summary

Experts awarded certificates by the sixteenth session of Regional Association VI (Helsinki, Finland, September 2013) for their contribution to regional activities

Name of expert Country Institution RA VI body

Anahit Hovsepyan Armenia Armstatehydromet WG-CH Co-chair

Josef Eitzinger Austria Institute of Meteorology of University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences

WG-CH member

Herbert Gmoser Austria Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics WG-SDP member

Thomas Turecek Austria Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics WG-SDP TT member

Branka Ivancan Picek Croatia Meteorological and Hydrological

Service WG-SDP member

Kreso Pandzic Croatia Meteorological and Hydrological Service INTAD-6 Chair

Eva Červená Czech Republic Czech Hydrometeorological Institute WG-TDI TT member Markku Pupponnen Finland WG-CH Co-chair

Esko Kuusisto Finland Finnish Meteorological Institute WG-CH expert Adrian Perrels Finland Finnish Meteorological Institute WG-SDP member Hannele Kaija Finland Finnish Meteorological Institute WG-SDP TT member

Maria Hurtola Finland Finnish Meteorological Institute TT Strategic and Operating Plan

Matteo Dell’Acqua France Météo-France WG-TDI TT member Laurent Perron France Météo-France WG-TDI TT member Kamel Rebaï France Météo-France WG-TDI TT member Jacques Roumilhac France Météo-France WG-TDI TT member

Caroline Wittwer France Service Central d’Hydrométéorologie et d’Appui à la Prévision des Inondations WG-CH member

Jean-Pierre Ceron France Météo-France WG-CH expert

Marc Gillet France Météo-France TT Strategic and Operating Plan

Axel Thomalla Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-SDP Chair Jochen Dibbern Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-TDI Chair Klaus-Jürgen Schreiber Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-TDI TT member

Geerd-Rüdiger Hoffmann Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-TDI TT member

Hermann Asensio Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-TDI TT member Bernd Richter Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-TDI TT member Stefan Rosner Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-CH member Johannes Cullmann Germany Federal Institute of Hydrology WG-CH expert

Joachim Saalmüller Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-SDP member

Leander Jamin Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst WG-SDP TT member Detlev Frőmming Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst INTAD-6 vice-chair Zoltán Fodor Hungary Meteorological Service of Hungary WG-SDP TT member Giuseppina Monacelli Italy Institute for Environmental Protection

and Research WG-CH member

ANNEXES 163

Name of expert Country Institution RA VI body Joseph Schiavone Malta Meteorological Office WG-SDP TT member

Ivana Pavicevic Montenegro Institute of Hydrometeorology and Seismology WG-SDP TT member

Frank Kroonenberg Netherlands Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute WG-SDP member

Heidi Lippestad Norway Norwegian Meteorological Institute WG-SDP TT member Roar Skålin Norway Norwegian Meteorological Institute WG-TDI TT member Bogdan Ozga-Zielinski Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water

Management WG-CH member

Lukasz Legutko Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management WG-SDP member

Pawel Rola Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management WG-SDP member

Janusz Filipiak Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management

TT Strategic and Operating Plan

Leonid Bezruk Russian Federation Roshydromet WG-TDI TT member

Dmitry Kiktev Russian Federation Roshydromet WG-CH member

Jose Antonio Guijarro Spain Agencia Estatal de Meteorología WG-CH member

Ernesto Rodriguez Camino Spain Agencia Estatal de Meteorología WG-CH expert

Francisco Espejo Spain Agencia Estatal de Meteorología WG-SDP TT member

Ilmar Karro Sweden Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute WG-CH member

Mats Johansson Sweden Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute WG-SDP TT member

Dominique Berod Switzerland Federal Office for the Environment WG-CH member Thomas Frei Switzerland MeteoSuisse WG-SDP TT member Ali Umran Komuscu Turkey Turkish State Meteorological Service WG-CH member

Chris Little United Kingdom Met Office WG-TDI TT member Keith Groves United Kingdom Met Office WG-SDP member Patricia Boyle United Kingdom Met Office WG-SDP TT member Adrian Broad United Kingdom Met Office WG-SDP TT member

Simon Gilbert United Kingdom Met Office TT Strategic and Operating Plan

Manuel Fuentes ECMWF WG-TDI TT member Baudouin Raoult ECMWF WG-TDI TT member Lothar Wolf EUMETSAT WG-TDI TT member

APPENDIX

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

1. Officers of the session President Ivan CACIC Vice-president Vida AUGULIENE (Ms) 2. Representatives of WMO Members within the Region Armenia Levon VARDANYAN Principal Delegate Austria Michael STAUDINGER Delegate Belarus Anatoli PALISHCHUK Delegate Belgium Daniel GELLENS Principal Delegate Bosnia and Herzegovina Almir BIJEDIC Principal Delegate Igor KOVACEVIC Delegate Muhamed MUMINOVIC Delegate Bulgaria Georgi KORTCHEV Principal Delegate Tatiana SPASSOVA (Ms) Delegate Croatia Ivan CACIC Principal Delegate Kreso PANDZIC Alternate Branka IVANCAN PICEK (Ms) Delegate Dijana KLARIC (Ms) Delegate Borivoj TEREK Delegate Czech Republic Václav DVORÁK Principal Delegate Martin TOMCO Alternate Jan DANHELKA Delegate Pavla SKRIVÁNKOVÁ (Ms) Delegate Karel VANCURA Delegate Denmark Lars PRAHM Principal Delegate Estonia Svetlana PUDOVA (Ms) Principal Delegate

APPENDIX 163 Finland Petteri TAALAS Principal Delegate Marja AARNIO-FRISK (Ms) Delegate Juhani DAMSKI Delegate Maria HURTOLA (Ms) Delegate Juhana HYRKKÄNEN Delegate Johanna IKÄVALKO (Ms) Delegate Sylvain JOFFRE (Ms) Delegate Matti KERÄNEN Delegate Hannu KOSKINEN Delegate Jaakko KUKKONEN Delegate Vesa KURKI Delegate Ari LAAKSONEN Delegate Keijo LEMINEN Delegate Kari LUOJUS Delegate Leena NEITINIEMI-UPOLA (Ms) Delegate Jaakko NUOTTOKARI Delegate Kari ÖSTERBERG Delegate Minna PALMROTH (Ms) Delegate Adriaan PERRELS Delegate Harri PIETARILA Delegate Pekka PLATHAN Delegate Jouni PULLIAINEN Delegate Markku PUUPPONEN Delegate Tarja RIIHISAARI (MS) Delegate Reija RUUHELA (Ms) Delegate Niina TURUMÄKI (Ms) Delegate Yrjö VIISANEN Delegate France François JACQ Principal Delegate Bernard STRAUSS Delegate Caroline WITTWER Delegate Georgia Ramaz CHITANAVA Principal Delegate Germany Gerhard ADRIAN Principal Delegate Detlev FRÖMMING Alternate Jochen DIBBERN Delegate Ulrich LOOSER Delegate Dieter SCHRÖDER Delegate Axel THOMALLA Delegate Greece Christos KONTOVOUNISIOS Principal Delegate Vasilis MESCHINIS Alternate Dimitrios SKOUTAS Alternate Hungary Eszter LÁBÓ (Ms) Principal Delegate Péter KOVÁCS Alternate Iceland Arni SNORRASON Principal Delegate Jorunn HARDARDOTTIR Delegate

164 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI Ireland

Liam CAMPBELL Principal Delegate Eoin MORAN Alternate Israel Henia BERKOVICH (Ms) Principal Delegate Italy Luigi DE LEONIBUS Principal Delegate Paola PAGLIARA (Ms) Alternate Maria Carmen BELTRANO (Ms) Delegate Martina BUSSETTINI (Ms) Delegate Roberto CREMONINI Delegate Vincenzo LEVIZZANI Delegate Silvano PECORA Delegate Giancarlo PEDRINI Delegate Antonio RASCHI Delegate Stefano TIBALDI Delegate Antonio VOCINO Delegate Latvia Inita STIKUTE (Ms) Delegate Lithuania Vida AUGULIENÉ Principal Delegate Montenegro Luka MITROVIC Principal Delegate Ivana ADZIC (Ms) Delegate Netherlands Frits J.J. BROUWER Principal Delegate J.N. (Hans) ROOZEKRANS Alternate Gé VERVER Alternate Norway Anton ELIASSEN Principal Delegate Jens SUNDE Alternate Heidi LIPPESTAD (Ms) Delegate Camilla Husum VOLD (Ms) Delegate Poland Mieczyslaw S. OSTOJSKI Principal Delegate Janusz FILIPIAK Alternate Janusz ZALESKI Alternate Justyna KIEC (MS) Delegate Lukasz LEGUTKO Delegate Edyta WOZNIAK-DUDZINSKA (Ms) Delegate Portugal Jorge Miguel A. DE MIRANDA Principal Delegate Pedro VITERBO DE SOUZA AZEVEDO Delegate Romania Ion SANDU Principal Delegate

APPENDIX 165 Russian Federation A. MAKOSKO Principal Delegate A. NURULLAEV Alternate L. BEZRUK Delegate S. CHICHERIN Delegate V. KHAN (Ms) Delegate Serbia Vladan KOCIC Principal Delegate Jugoslav NIKOLIC Delegate Slovakia Martin BENKO Principal Delegate Vladimir PASTIRCÁK Delegate Jana POÓROVA (Ms) Delegate Slovenia Klemen BERGANT Principal Delegate Spain Estrella GUTIERREZ MARCO (Ms) Principal Delegate Francisco ESPEJO GIL Delegate Sweden Lena HÄLL ERIKSSON (Ms) Principal Delegate Bodil AARHUS ANDRAE (Ms) Alternate Ilmar KARRO Alternate Cristina EDLUND (Ms) Delegate Switzerland Christian PLÜSS Principal Delegate Alex RUBLI Alternate Dominique BÉROD Delegate Gerhard ULMANN Delegate Turkey Ismail GÜNES Principal Delegate Ercan BÜYÜKBAS Alternate Hayreddin BACANLI Delegate Mehmet Fatih BÜYÜKKASABBASI Delegate Ukraine Vitalii SHPYH Delegate United Kingdom Mike GRAY Principal Delegate Jane WARDLE (Ms) Alternate Harry DIXON Delegate Fiona GREEN (Ms) Delegate Ian LISK Delegate Steve MANKTELOW Delegate 3. Representatives of WMO Members outside Region VI United States of America Renee TATUSKO (Ms) Observer

166 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE SIXTEENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI 4. Invited experts David GRIMES WMO President Anahit HOVSEPYAN Co-Chair of RA VI, Working Group on Climate and Hydrology Tim OAKLEY Lecturer Nadia PINARDI (Ms) Lecturer Stefan RÖSNER Lecturer 5. Representatives of intergovernmental organizations

ECOMET Willie MCCAIRNS Network of European Meteorological Services (EUMETNET) Christophe JACOB Stefan KLINK Bart NICOLAI Steve NOYES

Sergio PASQUINI Gé VERVER European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL) Pieter GROENEMEIJER Association of Hydro-Meteorological Equipment Industry (HMEI) Jim ANDERSON Rey BENADERO World Food Programme (WFP) Emily NIEBUHR (Ms)

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