Varysian Guide Issue 2 : simplebooklet.com

+ + + 003 Foreword005 ForewordInitiatives007 The UN Early Warnings for All initiative 009 Supporting countries to close the basic weather and climate data gap 010 CREWS initiative – annual report ndings 011 WIS 2.0 update Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain015 Solid solutions018 Groundwater management in Namibia021 Tackling today’s climate change needs local to national-scale GIS solutions028 PICSA030 Transmitting accurate intelligence034 Managing vulnerabilities and opportunities in Cabo VerdeEarly Warning Systems037 Weathering the storm040 Multi-hazard early warning system case study - Advanced Radar Company043 A human-centred understanding of disaster risk046 A Jamaican early warning systemWorld of Data050 Towards better ood and drought monitoring054 The future of weather observation057 Flood disaster management in Ghana060 Make the most of next generation satellite data062 Camera-based ow measuring system for stream and river monitoringThe Future of the WMO065 A conversation with WMO Secretary General Elect, Professor Celeste SauloFunding077 Unlocking nancial resources080 Varysian hosts climate funding webinar series082 Writing an effective nance tenderPublic Private Partnerships085 Partnerships with academia in the Caribbean087 The return of HydrometCARIBBEAN092 Varysian Supports WMO RA IV 45th Hurricane Committee Meeting 093 HydrometLATAM 096 Strength and solidarity in the PacicDirectory102 DirectoryAbout usPublished by VarysianEditor/Senior Content ManagerKeri AllanChief Executive OfcerTom CoppingManaging DirectorLuke PierceOperations ManagerKatie BarkansPartnerships Manager – Private SectorLiam SmithEditorial DesignerRosie LinhamOur address The Old Sunday School,Chapel Street,Waterbeach,CambridgeCB25 9HR,UK Contact UsTel: +44 01223 863289 info@varysian.comwww.varysian.com The views expressed in these articles are those of the authors and not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. While every care has been taken during production, the publisher does not accept any liability for any errors that may have occurred. © 2023* * * *Contents

Page 3

Page 4

Until the early 2000s NMHSs in the Global South had been predominantly shunned, unable to do their role through a lack of funding, or archaic project design that leads to graveyards of weather data gathering potential, and worse capacity than before, hailed development projects.Today, after billions of dollars of ‘investment’ we nd dilapidated NMHS across much of the developing world not having enough funding for wages and dealing with broken data sets and a lack of organisational continuity when compared with their Global North contemporaries. NMHSs in the Global South are often at the behest of loans with project structures that have rarely worked, facing more challenges after projects than before. And yet these are the countries most impacted by the effects of climate change.While it’s positive that lowering carbon footprint is high on the climate agenda, it only does so much to help the situation by offering mid to long term mitigation. The real ght, right here, right now, is to build capacity in the Global South in order to improve resilience to extreme weather events. Private sector investment needs to come through impact investment and projects also need to be restructured to provide sustainability. Thankfully this is beginning to happen through initiatives like the WMO’s SOFF for example, and I’m excited for the positive change WMO Secretary General Elect, Professor Celeste Saulo, will enact. I had the pleasure of speaking with her during her campaign, where we discussed her ideas on how to improve the WMO’s engagement and communication with NMHSs in the Global South, as well as all key stakeholders from across the public, private and academic sectors. You can read about these, as well as her thoughts on regional ofces and potential new secretariats, in our exclusive interview on page 065.You can also read the latest from SOFF on page 009, part of our Initiatives section that also provides updates on other programmes including the WMO’s WIS 2.0 (page 011) and the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative (page 007).Early warning systems are a key focus for the sector right now, and rightly so, which is why we also have a dedicated section beginning on page 037, which includes examples of EWS projects in the Caribbean and Latin America. There’s this and much more in this issue of the Varysian Guide, so I hope it educates, informs and engages you all. If there’s anything you’d like to see in a future issue, or would like to reach out to Varysian to discuss, please feel free to get in touch – our contact details are on page 003.Yours Sincerely,+ + varysian.com+ 005 CEO, Varysian LtdThomas CoppingAccuracy - Eﬃ ciency - Reliability - Speed3D Total Lightning Visibility and SolutionsCG & IC incl. Emission HeightLooking for the highest precision, speed and reliability in lightning detection and lightning data? Then nowcast is your one-stop-shop. Why settle for less, when nowcast can meet your requirements at a reasonable price? Opt for the best-in-class 3D-real-time technology and take advantage of the highest quality. Choose our data services or get your own large area high-precision lightning detection network.BUILT FOR ACCURACY. MADE FOR SPEED.Tailored to Your Needs: Lightning Data Services Visualization Software as a Service Individual Alert Services Autonomous Large Area NetworksLet’ s get in touch:+49 89 5529 71 370contact@nowcast.dewww.nowcast.deForeword

Page 5

Page 6

InitiativesInitiatives01007 The UN Early Warnings for All initiative 009 Supporting countries to close the basic weather and climate data gap 010 CREWS initiative – annual report ndings 011 WIS 2.0 update + Initiatives + 007The UN Early Warnings for All initiativeThis past July was declared the hottest month ever recorded. This set the way for the hottest three-month period on record. In addition, the summer was marked by an alarming number of hazardous weather events. These included severe rainfall and ash oods wreaking havoc in Beijing and causing thousands of deaths in Dema, devastating wildres ravaging regions like Corfu and Arctic Canada, and unprecedented heatwaves scorching Phoenix, Arizona. With human-induced climate change leading to more extreme weather conditions, the need for early warning systems is more crucial than ever. According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, giving just 24 hours’ notice of an impending hazardous event can reduce damage by 30 per cent. Investing just US$800 million in such systems in developing countries would prevent losses of $3 to $16 billion annually.Despite the urgent need, only half of the countries worldwide report having adequate multi-hazard early warning systems, and even fewer have regulatory frameworks that connect early warnings to emergency and response plans. There also are big gaps in the global observing system required to generate forecasts.Early warnings for allIn response to this we’ve seen the launch of the UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative to ensure everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027. The Early Warnings for All initiative is co-led by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Ofce for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), with support from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and other partners. The initiative is also engaging development partners through existing partnerships and coalitions such as the Alliance for Hydromet Development, the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership and other regional partnerships and alliances.Additional implementing partners include the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Ofce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Educational, Scientic and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Risk Informed Early Action Partnership (REAP) and the World Food Programme (WFP).The Early Warnings for All initiative is built on four pillars to deliver effective and inclusive multi-hazard early warning systems: risk knowledge and management, observations and forecasting, dissemination and communication, and preparedness to respond. Safeguarding individuals demands prioritisation of inclusive early warning systems, especially for vulnerable communities. To ensure a comprehensive approach, our A global commitment to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027+ earlywarningsforall.orgThe EW4All executive action plan’s four pillars for implementation. Image credit: WMO

Page 7

Page 8

+ Initiatives + 009+ Initiatives+ 008+ earlywarningsforall.orgSupporting countries to close the basic weather and climate data gapefforts must span multiple sectors: food security, clean energy, water and sanitation, good health, wellbeing, gender balance and economic prosperity. Only through such a holistic approach can we protect those at risk.In 2023, the focus is on executing at the national level. National rollout has begun across countries as per the ve steps detailed here on the right. Spotlight on The MaldivesNational consultations kicked off this July, starting in The Maldives, which held a national workshop as part of its commitment to the EW4All initiative. This brought together participants from government, local councils, civil society, the private sector, the UN Country Team and EW4All pillar leads. The event reviewed the current state of early warning systems in the Maldives, identied priority areas for action and strengthened multi-stakeholder early warning coordination. Participants agreed to formulate a common agenda to guide the scale-up of national early warning systems, which will be implemented with the support of the partners of the EW4All initiative. Participants also engaged in the further elaboration of an UNEP-led planning exercise for a GCF early warning proposal. We’ve also seen consultations in Tajikistan, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Nepal and Lao. More are planned for the rest of the year. Notably, there’s also a new Early Warnings for All Action Plan for Africa, announced at the Africa Climate Summit in September. The same month, at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit, a number of multilateral development banks announced their commitment to the EW4All initiative, including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and European Investment Bank. This builds on the GCF announcement to fund EW4All and ensure universal coverage.Looking aheadWith COP 28 around the corner, now’s the time for the global community to unite and dedicate concerted effort to the Early Warnings for All initiative as we stand at a critical juncture in tackling the climate crisis and fortifying adaptation and resilience for future generations.For more information on the EW4All initiative please visit earlywarningsforall.org. SOFF is already working with 62 countries and rapidly expandingThe Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a specialised UN fund co-created by the WMO, UNDP and UNEP. Its goal is to close the basic weather and climate observations data gap in countries with the most severe shortfalls in observations, prioritising least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). SOFF is a delivery vehicle of the UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All initiative, aiming to protect everyone on Earth with early warning systems by 2027.SOFF as a new way of nancingSOFF provides long-term nancial and technical assistance to support the acquisition and international sharing of basicweather and climate observations, according to the internationally agreed Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) regulations.SIDS and LDCs represent areas of high priority for better weather forecasts and climate projections. These will receive technical and nancial support to build human capacity, and install or improve the needed infrastructure to collect and share data, as well as sustain operations and maintenance. Speedily moving to implementationSOFF support is provided to countries in three phases: readiness, investment and compliance. Countries eligible for overseas development aid (ODA) qualify for the rst SOFF phase, SIDS and LDCs for all three. SOFF operations are implemented through a close collaboration between those countries, implementing entities – consisting out of multilateral development banks and UN organisations – peer advisors and advanced national meteorological services. At the time of writing, 62 countries are programmed to start with the readiness phase. A total of 36 have already started implementation and approximately 20 countries saw funding approved in September. By the end of 2023, we expect to see around 10 countries move to the investment phase. Upon successfully completing all phases, countries are sustainably compliant with Global Basic Observing Network (GBON).Regionally-coordinated actionSOFF promotes regional and sub-regional approaches to optimise GBON implementation and explore options for effective procurement, operations, maintenance and learning exchange. Regional workshops are planned for the upcoming months including one in Cabo Verde for Atlantic SIDS in November and one in Fiji for the Pacic countries in January 2024. These will be followed with workshops for Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Indian Ocean countries. The details for these will be conrmed in due course.Further information on the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) can be found at: un-so.orgAuthor: Pauline Trepczyk, Communications Lead, Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF)Danmarks Meteorologiske Institut working with Tanzania. Copyright Danish Meteorological Institute+ un-so.orgSTEP 1. Stakeholder mapping: to identify and map out all relevant stakeholders in the country, to clearly aid in dening roles, responsibilities and gaps in engagement and coordination. The mapping includes government agencies, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, private sector entities, communities at risk and donors. STEP 2. National consultative workshop: to present the initiative, secure institutional buy-in, present ongoing early warning work in the country, identify an appropriate coordination mechanism, discuss gaps and priority technical needs for support. A key outcome is agreement on the most appropriate coordination mechanism for EWS and identication of priority technical areas of support required. STEP 3. Gap analysis: to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing early warning systems and highlight areas for improvement. A Minimum Core Capability Checklist developed by the EW4All Initiative can be made available for the gap analysis at country level. STEP 4. National plans/roadmaps for technical support: the action plan or roadmap should set out how to bridge the identied gaps and outline the key actions, technical support and capacity required to improve the effectiveness of early warning systems, as well as agreed timelines and budget. STEP 5. Implementation, monitoring and reporting: to monitor progress in countries, and to strengthen reporting on Target G of the Sendai Framework, which tracks progress on early warning systems. Authors: Daniela Cuellar Vargas, Roberta Boscolo and Jesse Cruz, World Meteorological Organisation

Page 9

Page 10

The latest WMO Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) annual report was published in June, and focuses on the work achieved during 2022.According to the 2022 report, the CREWS initiative made signicant progress in establishing effective early warning systems last year. Aligned with the UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All initiative (AW4ALL, see page 007) CREWS expanded its support to least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). The initiative launched three new national and regional projects in Malawi, Central Africa, East Africa, and the Greater Horn of Africa, bringing the total number of CREWS-funded projects to 18. Moreover, a new project was approved for East Africa, with a US$7 million investment over four years. While some CREWS projects faced challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions, others continued to progress. During 2022 CREWS implemented operational guidelines and procedures to ensure that early warning solutions reached those most at risk. These guidelines emphasised the involvement of women, communities and local organisations in the design, implementation and monitoring of early warning systems. The International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies facilitated consultation with its national societies, ensuring their contribution and nancing for translating early warnings into anticipatory and early actions.New pathways to access early warning nancingNew pathways to access early warning nancing were also created. CREWS introduced the Accelerated Support Windows initiative, providing short-term interventions to LDCs and SIDS. Additionally, collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) allowed for scaling up early warning system nancing. Successful implementation of CREWS-funded projects made countries eligible to access up to US$25 million per project through the GCF’s Simplied Approval Process (SAP) for further early warning system development. The GCF-SAP-CREWS Scaling Up Framework for Early Warning was established to pilot the process of accessing early warning nance through the GCF.Signicant strides takenOverall, in 2022 the CREWS initiative made signicant strides in strengthening early warning systems for climate risk reduction. Through expanded projects, new funding mechanisms and people-centred approaches, CREWS aimed to reduce the impact of disasters on lives, livelihoods and infrastructure. By enabling communities to take early action and save lives and assets, CREWS played a vital role in building resilience and preparedness in vulnerable regions worldwide.In 2023, the CREWS Steering Committee has initiated US$20 million in nancing to develop projects in the Caribbean (next phase), Niger, Djibouti and to support the kick-off countries of the EW4ALL Initiative. In addition, the initial countries for the GCF-CREWS Scaling Up Framework have started to be discussed. The countries put forward are Belize, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.The next Annual Report covering the progress made in 2023 will be published in June 2024.Author: CREWS Secretariat, WMO + Initiatives+ community.wmo.int/en/activity-areas/wis/wis2-implementation+ 011+ Initiatives+ 010+ crews-initiative.org/enWIS 2.0 updateCREWS initiative – annual report ndingsStrengthening early warning systems for climate risk reductionWIS 2.0 is the WMO data-sharing framework for the 21st centurySince the global telecommunication system (GTS) entered operational life in 1971, it has been a reliable real-time exchange mechanism of essential data for WMO members. In 2007, the WMO Information System (WIS) was developed to complement this system, providing a searchable catalogue and global cache to enable additional discovery, access and retrieval.The success of WIS was limited as the system only partially met the requirement of providing simple access to WMO data. Today’s technologies developed for the Internet of Things (IoT) opens the possibility of creating a WIS 2.0 able to stand to its expectations of delivering an increasing number and volume of real-time data to WMO NWP centres to improve their forecast skills.Benets of WIS 2.0WIS 2.0 has been designed to meet the shortfalls of the current WIS and GTS, support the WMO’s Unied Data Policy and Global Basic Observing Network (GBON), and meet the demand for high data volume, variety, velocity and veracity. It’s simple, effective and able to share high volumes of authoritative data in real-time. Its implementation started at the beginning of this year and already has more than 40 participating countries sharing observations data in real-time through WIS 2.0 nodes or providing global services. Before the end of the year, ECMWF and EUMETSAT will also publish their data on WIS 2.0.The upgrade has been designed around three foundational pillars: simpler data exchange, cloud-ready solutions and open standards. Access, discovery, use and sharing of weather, climate and water data will be improved, helping members to develop effective and reliable data processing workows.For example, the prioritisation of the internet over private telecoms networks will make access easier, while the use of open standards will avoid the building of bespoke solutions that create niche markets and force NMHSs to procure special equipment. This is also supported by the use of cloud-ready technologies, as cloud infrastructure enables easier deployment ofsolutions and allows the implementation of reliable processing systems without the need to build local infrastructure that is difcult to sustain for many countries.Cloud also enables WIS 2.0 to deploy infrastructure and systems more efciently, with minimum effort from NMHSs, by shipping ready-made services and implementing consistent data processing and exchange techniques. ImplementationA collaborative implementation approach has been adopted for WIS 2.0, taking into consideration lessons learnt from the original development and implementation of WIS. This path was chosen in order to lower barriers and increase participation by WMO members and partner organisations. The implementation of WIS 2.0 began this year with a 12-month pilot phase. Training rst took place in Africa in March, where representatives from 13 member countries came together in Namibia.Boys walk along the man-made dyke separating ood water (and submerged houses) from relatively dry land in the village of Panyagor in Twic East, Jonglei State in South Sudan.Credit Mark Naftalin UNICEFMozambique Red Cross taking part in an early warning drill in a small community outside of Mopeia. Credit Damien Schumann IFRCWIS 2.0 training session in Namibia

Page 11

Page 12

+ Initiatives+ 012In the Caribbean, training took place in Trinidad and Tobago, which was attended by 15 member countries from across the region, and a nal training session took place in Jakarta this October, attended by a further 11 member countries. Training concludes with attendees requested to develop a plan on return to their organisations for implementation of WIS 2.0. The WMO supports the development of the national WIS 2.0 implementation plan, and the countries qualifying for funding by the SOFF (Systematic Observations Funding Facility, see page 009) are supported by another NMHS as a peer advisor in identifying the gaps in their transmission systems and implementing WIS 2.0.The interest in WIS 2.0 implementation is very high among WMO members and the training sessions facilitate the initial experimental implementation of WIS 2.0 nodes, which are used to share real-time national observation data. Consequently, in September this year, over 30 WIS 2.0 nodes shared data in real-time through WIS 2.0. The data from the WIS 2.0 nodes are shared by the global services that are already operational and provide the entry point to WIS 2.0 to user communities around the world. At the time of writing, seven countries are providing WIS 2.0 global services.Entering the operational phaseAs the pilot phase closes at the end of 2023, WIS 2.0 will enter the pre-operational phase. This will lead into the operational phase in early 2025, which is when WMO members will be required to migrate from GTS to WIS 2.0.Once completed, members (and WMO-afliated organisations)will have the option to switch off their GTS reception and transmission equipment. WMO will operate gateways bridging between GTS and WIS2 ensuring that data remains available to all WMO members throughout the transition period.This process is expected to be fully completed by 2033, however the WMO aims to have 90% of members migrated to WIS 2.0 by 2030. For more information on WIS 2.0 pleasevisit community.wmo.int/en/activity-areas/wis/wis2-implementation.Authors: Dr Enrico Fucile, Head of the WMO’s WIS Data and Information Management Division, Rémy Giraud of Météo France and Chair WMO Standing Committee on Information Management and Technology, Jeremy Tandy of the Met Oce and vice-Chair WMO Standing Committee on Information Management and Technology, Tom Kralidis of Meteorological Service Canada and Chair WMO Expert Team on Metadata Standards, and Varysian’s Senior Content Manager Keri AllanWIS2 in a boxWIS2 in a box (wis2box) was created to provide a reference implementation to verify WIS 2.0 architecture, but also to provide a low-cost solution for LDCs, small island developing states (SIDS) and developing countries. wis2box is free, open-source software using open standards and can be readily deployed on-premise or in the cloud. The software is available at docs.wis2box.wis.wmo.int, along with user and reference guides, as well as community documentation. + community.wmo.int/en/activity-areas/wis/wis2-implementationWIS2 training session in Namibia Copyright © 2023 Esri. All rights reserved. ArcGIS® FOR METEOROLOGYWith the increasing challenges of severe weather events and climate change, geographic information system (GIS) technology has become essential for meteorological organizations worldwide.GIS technology brings meteorological data to life, allowing organizations to integrate diverse spatial data types, create interactive maps and applications, perform spatial analysis and modeling, and support decision-making processes. By leveraging ArcGIS® capabilities, meteorologists can better understand and respond to the challenges posed by severe weather events and climate change.Learn more: go.esri.com/appmet Esri, a leading GIS software provider, offersin-depth information on applied meteorology.

Page 13

Page 14

+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ leonardogermany.com+ 015Solid solutionsLeonardo’s latest remote sensing solutions for the met community Companies that create advanced radar and lidar systems for weather prediction face many difcult technical challenges when developing practical solutions that meet their customers’ needs. LEONARDO Germany GmbH’s approach to creating effective solutions is built on three main pillars. These are: high-end radar and lidar products, cutting-edge algorithms and meeting customer requirements by tailoring customised solutions. Weather surveillance systems enable users to monitor and predict atmospheric conditions. This process starts with the remote sensing sensors that gather the information for numerical weather prediction (NWP). Because of this, users need to have condence in the accuracy of the data. Remote sensors need to be versatile and capable of meeting a client’s bespoke operational, technical and economic requirements. Solutions that meet all these high-performance needs will be complex, and therefore likely require a signicant nancial investment. Today the most successful way forward for weather sensor manufacturers is to embrace open technology and follow a solution-oriented approach. World-leading weather solution providers like Leonardo have a presence all over the world, and this puts them in a great position to gather knowledge and understand the needs of various settings.Leonardo’s latest solutionsLeonardo has developed innovative remote sensing solutions that take advantage of articial intelligence (AI), which led to the creation of its latest sustainable weather radar that uses cutting-edge solid-state technology.This radar complements Leonardo‘s existing METEOR C-band product line, and is known as the METEOR 2000C. Alongside this, Leonardo offers the world’s only high-performance lidar and has recently introduced new software algorithms to further enhance its solutions.METEOR 2000C – Solid-state weather radarThe exibility in design and performance of Leonardo’s new solid-state weather radar METEOR 2000C enables the delivery of different transmitter power levels. The recommended output power for the METEOR 2000C is 8kW (2x4 kW) or 16kW (2x8 kW); however, 4kW (2x2 kW) or 32kW (2x16 kW) can also be chosen. All power levels can be provided without any changes to the radar’s basic design. The existing C-Band METEOR product line enables upgrades to all types of transmitter power levels in the future. In order to support sustainability while enabling the meteorological community to benet from Leonardo’s latest product developments, previously delivered systems are designed to be easily upgradable to solid state.Capacity Building Capacity Building | Hydromet | Hydromet Value ChainValue Chain02015 Solid solutions 018 Groundwater management in Namibia021 Tackling today’s climate change needs local to national-scale GIS solutions 028 PICSA 030 Transmitting accurate intelligence 034 Managing vulnerabilities and opportunities in Cabo VerdeMETEOR 2000C solid-state weather radar system

Page 15

Page 16

+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain + 017The International Data Center for Quality Assurance at Leonardo aims to create a centralised framework for operational data quality surveillance as a service. To achieve this, it will assess and analyse representative operational parameters from sensors, data processing components or even complete Leonardo solutions. All of these components generate a substantial amount of hardware and software monitoring data. Currently, this data is used for real-time system monitoring, historical issue checks ranging from a month to a year, sub-systems performance checks, calibration and adjustments, debugging and reporting. This data assists engineers and customers in assessing system status and deriving further operational statistics. AI: The new standard for innovative data processing The placement of 3D scanning remote sensors requires suitable spots with unobstructed views from all angles. But in places like airports, mountains and cities, it’s often not feasible, so there are trade-offs to make. These compromises usually lead to areas where data can’t be collected, causing gaps in measurements. This issue becomes more pronounced when two devices, like a radar and lidar combination need to be set up close to each other for an all-weather windshear system. In these scenarios, blockages are unavoidable. Leonardo’s software uses machine learning to address challenges in sensor placement using advanced computational techniques. Physics-informed neural networks (PINN) are used to ll in the missing areas of radial velocity PPIs measured by radar or lidar. The neural network is trained to approximate a solution based on the Navier-Stokes equation, where the measurements from adjacent lines of sight (LOS) act as the boundary conditions. PINN can also be used to extend the operational range of the Doppler lidar. By measuring only at sparse azimuth angles ‘spoke scan’, the accumulation time per LOS can be increased while the total PPI measurement time remains the same. PINN is then used to ll in the gaps between these sparse measurements, creating a complete PPI with an extended range. An example of a PPI with range extension provided here (Figure 3, middle) demonstrates that the range can be extended to 25km while maintaining the total recording time of 30 seconds as for the reference PPI scan (Figure 3, right) featuring only a maximum range of approximately 12km. OutlookLeonardo offers a collection of powerful remote sensing sensors that use the latest advanced technology. These sensors work together with software modules that include AI algorithms.This combination ensures that Leonardo’s success story will continue, and customers will receive the solid, customised solutions they require. Authors: Dr Christina Stanzel and Dr René Grasselt, Sales Managers and Senior Aviation MET Experts at Leonardo+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 016SKIRON3D – High-end lidar systemComplementary to a weather radar is a lidar for clear-air detection (in the absence of any precipitation or even fog) of atmospheric hazards. To make sure operations are fast and timely, the design aims were simple: do as much as possible more quickly, and up to a high maximum range. The lidar’s performance is determined by its gure of merit (FOM). In the case of the SKIRON3D, its FOM is high at 120mJ*sqrt(Hz). The gure of merit is the most important parameter and the quality of different systems should be measured by this number. The FOM is directly related to the lidar detectability and as such determines the maximum operational range at a certain integration time, i.e. scanning speed. The maximum operational range of any heterodyne Doppler lidar is dependent on the state of the atmosphere and therefore cannot be part of a rigorous technical specication. Leonardo chose to use four independent wavelength channels to achieve the SKIRON3D’s high FOM, achieving an effective PRF of typically 18kHz, while the unambiguous range corresponds to only 4.5kHz and is therefore 33.3km. SKIRON3D supports PPI generation in about 30 seconds, so windshear warnings can be provided once a minute as well as a full volume scan every ve minutes. This provides a complete picture of the surrounding atmosphere, even with special scans including RHI for explicit monitoring in one direction (e.g. glide paths). The modular design of the SKIRON3D allows for easy maintenance and a quick exchange of any modules or line replaceable units. The high reliability and uncomplicated maintenance in combination with the offered performance secures SKIRON3D the pole position in the lidar sector. AI: the new standard for remote sensing data quality Leonardo uses machine-learning techniques to enhance the monitoring of operational data quality. The new Leonardo data centre approach strives for the transformation from a sensor system service view to a solution-oriented service view. This new and unique Leonardo concept brings together the full potential of new technologies and insights from user experiences. It introduces novel approaches to asset performance management (APM) and forms a strong foundation for automation of failure management.Figure 2: Sector blanking reconstruction of radial velocity using physic-informed neural networks and 3D scanning remote sensing sensorFigure 3: Left: Range extension scan, middle: PINN reconstructed full 360° PPI, right: reference scan+ leonardogermany.com + leonardogermany.comSKIRON3D lidar in combination with a Leonardo X-Band weather radarFigure 1: Leonardo International Data Centre

Page 17

Page 18

+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ mawf.gov.na+ 019+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 018+ mawf.gov.naGroundwater management in NamibiaAssessing groundwater management in part of the Tsumeb-Otavi-Grootfontein Subterranean Water control areaNamibia’s reliance on groundwater across most parts of the country prompted the government to delineate water control areas and regulate the long-term sustainable abstraction amount. However, regular groundwater balance is lacking. The B2 water control sub-region was recommended in 2004 to abstract a maximum of 6.2 Mm3/a (million cubic metres per year) for irrigation, and is currently licensed to abstract 10.9 Mm³/a. To assess the groundwater management of the B2 sub-region, this study focused on its recharge amount and groundwater abstraction for irrigation purposes and covers the 2008–2015 period where the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) had sufcient, requisite data.Figure 1: Water control areas and the TOG sub-regionsThe water table uctuation (WTF) method was employed, which requires specic yield (Sy) and water level to estimate the recharge. Groundwater abstraction volumes were obtained from 44 compliant irrigation farmers, while the groundwater level was derived from 22 monitoring boreholes. The Sy values were obtained from literature, with the Sy for dolomite obtained from literature carried out in the study area. However, the Sy value for calcrete within the study area could not be obtained. Instead, it was taken from similar hydrogeological settings outside the study area. HydrogeologyThree aquifer types occur within the study area. The dolomite aquifer consists of fractured rock of low primary porosity and is directly recharged from rainfall in the area. The permeability of the dolomite aquifer is locally enhanced due to intense fracturing and karstication, especially at contact and tectonic shear zones with yields exceeding 100 m3/h. The calcrete aquifer is unconsolidated, porous and may often be compacted, fractured and locally karstied due to the abundance of calcareous cementing material. It is a moderate potential with yields typically ranging from 5 to 30 m3/h. The quartzite aquifer is a minor aquifer which is regionally considered as aquitard due to its overall low permeability. Figure 2: Location of the 22 monitoring boreholes and the geology of the study areaResultsRecharge values of the 22 monitoring boreholes were spatially interpolated for each year using ArcGIS-10.0. The results indicate that the recharge was highest in the calcrete, with an average of 82mm/a and 8.2mm/a using the Sy value of 0.05 and 0.005 respectively, and lowest in the dolomite, with an average recharge of 0.88 mm/a with Sy value of 0.0005. The highest recharge was recorded in 2012, following the wettest 2011 during the study period. The lowest was in 2013; the second driest year. The overall average recharge from the two recharge maps created was 8.3Mm3 and 81Mm3.Rainfall, abstraction and rechargeThis annual average abstraction is comparable to the recommended amount, but nearly half the licensed abstraction long-term volume. Additional recharge may be from irrigation return ow and groundwater inow from adjacent sub-aquifers. High variation in recharge values within the calcrete is attributed to the literature-based Sy values, which points to the need for empirical value to ensure a robust groundwater

Page 19

Page 20

Tackling today’s climate change needs local to national-scale GIS solutions+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ esri.com+ 021ArcGIS oers a way to derive powerful intelligence to tackle today’s biggest problems+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 020+ mawf.gov.naClimate change is one of the most pressing challenges in the 21st century. It’s linked to intensifying global temperatures, sea level rise, disruption of ecosystems and extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, oods, wildres and storms. Such events can cause devastating, far-reaching impacts on the environment, the economy and society, and demand urgent action on both global and local scales.We’re increasingly seeing the effects of climate change at the local level these days. I didn’t grow up with oods, extreme heat, drought or frequent and intense wildres. Yet in the three months prior to writing this article, my childhood neighbourhood in Nova Scotia, Canada, witnessed extreme heat and wildres due to drought, despite being in a mid-temperate zone with constant rain and fog. The community subsequently saw extreme ooding. According to a risk assessment from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, the province faces an increased risk of oods, wildres and crop-killing intense heat because of climate change. The assessment indicates that warmer temperatures extend the growing season and bring greater potential for drought and oods. Like those in Nova Scotia, many people across the globe can speak about climate change’s impacts wreaking havoc in their neighbourhoods, causing signicant economic losses. Understanding the world around us is key to addressing climate change.The ability to understand climate change with GISGeographic information system (GIS) powerful spatial analysis tools add geographic context to weather and climatedata, making it easier to identify patterns, trends and anomalies that may not be apparent in traditional tabular or textual formats.When data like temperature change, sea level rise, extreme weather, deforestation and urbanisation information is visualised on maps and in three dimensions, we can better understand climate trends and regions often exposed to extreme hazards. With ArcGIS from Esri, meteorologists and climate scientists can apply articial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques. These accelerate scientic analysis, climate predictions and environmental change monitoring, while adding real-time dynamic and animated maps and portals increases collaboration, understanding and our ability to identify potential risks.Within seconds, visualising 60 years of tornadoes in ArcGIS Online Map Viewermonitoring framework for sustainable use in the study area. The average abstraction was 5.3Mm3 for the 2008–2015 period in the study area. Figure 3 Left: Spatial and temporal distribution of recharge based on the WTF method employing the Sy value of 0.05 for 2008 to 2015 and the average recharge. Right: Spatial and temporal distribution of recharge based on the WTF method employing the Sy value of 0.005 for 2008 to 2015 and the average rechargeThe results show that the highest rainfall occurred in 2011, of which the entire B2 sub-region received more than 600mm rainfall (see gure 3 – right). The average rainfall was between 450 and 550mm during the study period and the years 2009 and 2012 also received above average rainfall. The lowest rainfall occurred in 2015, ranging between 200 and 300mm. ConclusionAlthough meaningful results were obtained, especially for the dolomite aquifer, the present study is not without limitations, which must be addressed in future research. First, the Sy value allocated for the calcrete aquifer appears to cause resultant high recharge values and should be used with caution. Over the study period, the abstraction for irrigation has been increasing yearly and there is no evidence of overexploitation from the recharge. Results from the water balance show that the difference between recharge and abstraction is 2.9Mm3 and 75.7Mm3, resulting in an overall positive groundwater balance with a considerable difference between recharge and abstraction. However, for the conservative recharge the recharge is directly caused by rainfall, and in years of low rainfall, abstraction exceeds recharge.The groundwater abstraction for irrigation is clearly below the recharge of the entire study area. Although the 10.9 Mm3 licensed abstraction for the B2 sub-region may appear to be a conservative gure, more research is required to condently conrm this hypothesis. It is observed that during dry years the abstraction for irrigation is high, which is mainly due to the prolonged irrigation period that extends into the dry rainfall months.Provided that no groundwater abstraction for mining activities is presently taking place, some of the previously abstracted volumes of water for the mines may still be available for irrigation, as the water eventually ows out of the system. RecommendationsFuture studies may employ an improved recharge assessment for the calcrete aquifer, using a different method and new reliable Sy values. However, it is worth noting that the three aquifers should be treated separately, as the recharge values are highly variable between them. Further research is required, which was beyond the scope of this study. Efforts to encourage long-term monitoring for irrigation abstraction need to be focused on and improved. Government should introduce a hybrid of remote sensing (estimating irrigated areas) and in situ groundwater abstractions to accurately estimate groundwater abstractions from both registered compliant irrigation farmers and non-registered non-compliant farmers. Should a negative trend in rainfall be visible, it is indicative that there will be a resultant reduction in recharge, and thus the amount of groundwater abstracted will have to be minimised and no new permits should be issued. Namibia’s DWA should instigate campaigns to share knowledge on the importance of compliance for irrigation farmers.Authors: Hydrogeologist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform for Namibia Gettie Mulokoshi, Lecturer at the University of Namibia Martin Hipondoka PhD, and Lecturer at the University of The West of England (UWE) UK Heike Wanke PhD

Page 21

Page 22

+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ esri.com+ 023+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 022+ esri.comEmergency response and disaster managementGIS is invaluable in emergency response and disaster management scenarios. When a hazard like a wildre occurs, GIS can assist in predicting its paths and impacts. Meteorologists can generate risk assessments and develop evacuation plans by integrating real-time weather data with topographic maps, population density data and critical infrastructure locations. GIS helps predict storm paths, identify evacuation routes, locate emergency shelters and assess the potential impact on affected areas. GIS also aids in post-event analysis by visualising the extent of damage and helping prioritise recovery efforts.Climate change solutions at all scalesAs climate change transcends geographic boundaries, GIS technology enables the creation of effective climate change solutions and strategies everywhere, from entire nations to small communities. GIS solutions empower governments, organisations and communities to address climate change proactively by promoting sustainability and encouraging agency and organisation collaboration at the national scale – and community engagement at the local scale. Local-scale GIS solutionsAt the local level, GIS plays a crucial role in assessing communities’ specic vulnerabilities and risks due to climate change. Incorporating scientic data helps people better understand what’s happening with the changing climate locally. Local communities can use GIS to monitor and manage resources efciently.National-scale GIS solutionsAddressing climate change at the national scale is advanced by geospatial data portals incorporating geography and technology. National agencies and organisations are turning to GIS portals to bring together everyone’s data, tools and apps to help better understand climate change’s complexities and empower residents, scientists, policymakers and program leaders with insight. The Daily Operations Weather Brieng Portfolio app is part of the ArcGIS Instant Apps collection in ArcGIS Online. The app contains a series of national weather service maps with live information feeds for situational awarenessBy understanding vulnerability and at-risk regions, we can make better-informed decisions, enhance preparedness and mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather events. GIS helps expand our understanding by visually communicating ideas to everyone, from to the project manager to the public.GIS technology for creating a common groundArcGIS collaborative features encourage community engagement and collaboration in addressing climate changechallenges. ArcGIS software provides a means for communities to contribute geospatial data, observations and local knowledge that enhance the accuracy and relevance of analyses. For instance, tracking water usage, forestry and agriculture trends can lead to sustainable practices that help mitigate climate change. With the ability to easily create web-based applications and dashboards to disseminate weather and climate information, display real-time data and engage with the community, more transparent, accessible and effective communication is a reality. By providing accessible, user-friendly maps and data, local governments can engage the public in decision-making processes in climate action.Weather forecasting and warning systems for building resilient communitiesGIS is used extensively in weather forecasting and warning systems. Meteorologists can create predictive models forvarious environmental factors by integrating real-time data with historical weather records. GIS aids in identifying patterns, analysing trends and predicting the trajectory of weather systems – crucial information for issuing timelywarnings, preparing emergency response plans and mitigating the impact of severe weather events.Weather warnings and watches issued by regional and national authorities are the primary means of communicating the risk of severe weather to the public. Operationally, this communication requires cross-agency collaboration and coordination, which are made easier with cloud-based GIS technology such as ArcGIS Online. GIS technology improves the accuracy of weather hazard warnings and enhances communication between forecasters and the public through an open and extensible built-in collaborative framework. It facilitates the delivery of briengs during dynamic situations with current live streaming capabilities and virtual chat functionality to allow agile, tactical decision-making for enhanced hazard mitigation and resource deployment. Agencies and organisations are moving toward dynamic, digital versions of their briengs. New tools and workows and broader data access provide insights into weather patterns, forecasts and predictions faster and of higher quality than ever. Apps like the Daily Operations Weather Brieng Portfolio, built on ArcGIS Online technology, provide a robust way to deliver briengs and reach the public. GIS helps manage hurricane or cyclone response with live feeds and sensor data through the Esri Disaster Response Program

Page 23

Page 24

The portal lets users explore and download historical and projected precipitation, temperature, sea level observation and socioeconomic data. Users can access apps, examples of climate data in action and various resources like work on climate change completed by ArcGIS users. Similarly, the UK Met Ofce dashboard brings together data from respected institutes and research groups worldwide to provide a complete picture of what’s happening regarding climate. The portal and resources allow users to help develop science-based services that enable the most effective approach to managing climate risk.User-driven solutions—business and technologyArcGIS solutions align with users’ needs to optimise workows that help make data-driven decisions. The solutions leverage authoritative data to improve operations, provide new insight and enhance services in government, utility, defence, public safety and telecommunications organisations. User-driven ArcGIS solutions’ Weather Operational Effects and Flood Impact Analysis congurations are two examples beneting weather and climate-based applications. The Weather Operational Effects solution helps defence organisations understand weather conditions within an area of responsibility, analyse its potential effect on operations and share information among staff and leadership. Built on ArcGIS technology, Weather Operational Effects provides maps, a data structure and step-by-step instructions that help expand unit intelligence capabilities. Intelligence staff use an ArcGIS Pro project to compile weather data for an area of responsibility and analyse it for specic operations. The project applies doctrinal operational thresholds against weather forecast data to determine the favourable, marginal, or unfavourable weather conditions for specic types of operations and equipment. With the resultant tactical decision aids, charts, dashboards and overlays, planners and leaders can see weather effects over space and time, maximising operational effectiveness and reducing operational risk. + Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ esri.com+ 025+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 024+ esri.comIn partnership with the US’ National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Esri built the Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) portal on ArcGIS Hub technologyThe US Severe Weather public information map lets you manage your organisation’s severe weather response with live feeds and sensor data for tornados, hailstorms, windstorms, winter storms and severe thunderstormsThese portals generate opportunities for knowledge advancement, interdisciplinary cooperation and information sharing. Integrating real-time data on key climate issues – including wildre, ooding, drought, heat and coastal resilience – with GIS generates one central data location to create visualisations and understanding accessible to all societal tiers.The CMRA portalClimate-related hazards are affecting US communities every day. The United States national government embarked on a mission to create the Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) portal.Built on ArcGIS Hub technology, this integrates authoritative data from multiple agencies and organisations to help local and national governments see their exposure to climate-related hazards. The CRMA portal allows anyone to view real-time statistics and maps documenting where people, property and infrastructure experience hazards like wildre, drought, inland and coastal ooding and extreme heat. The portal brings together cities, counties, states and tribesto make better decisions. Knowing which hazards could harm the things you care about is the rst step in protecting them. The CMRA portal is one example of how the national government helps its people understand what climate-related hazards they may face, now and in the future. The Met Ofce national climate data portalThe UK Met Ofce, the United Kingdom’s national weather service, has a signicant role in monitoring and understanding climate patterns and changes and providing weather and climate-related information and services.Like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in America, the UK Met Ofce has a climate portal built on GIS technology. It too offers climate-related data, reports and services. UK Met Oce climate data portal, built on ArcGIS technology

Page 25

Page 26

Users of the Flood Impact Analysis solution can analyse the impact of ooding on critical infrastructure and share ood impact maps with internal and external stakeholders.When heavy rains or storm surges descend on a community, rich geospatial data (such as ood depth, ground elevation and public asset information) and spatial analysis help staff understand the impact of ooding and produce a series of ood impact maps. These maps help communicate the extent of ooding events and provide government ofcials and the public with valuable information about the affected areas and the potential risks and hazards. They also help emergency management agencies develop mitigation strategies, plan road closures and prioritise evacuation areas. Any delays in producing ood impact maps could affect a community’s emergency response plans and reduce its resiliency to ooding events. Geographic information system (GIS) analysts use the Flood Impact Analysis solution to investigate the impact of ooding on critical infrastructure.+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 026+ esri.comAuthor: Dr Lorraine Tighe, Director of Earth Sciences Solutions, EsriArcGIS solutions: Expanding Intelligence OperationsFlood Impact Analysis VisualisationGIS technology is advancing climate risk and resiliency understanding as our changing climate continues to deliver a wide range of costly impacts Weather resiliency starts with real-time, accurate observations.Vaisala weather radars are built for a single goal: to preserve what matters. Trusted around the world, the technology provides fast, precise weather data through industry-leading data processing and hardware that meets the most demanding requirements. Modern design gives you all of this and more, in a compact architecture with high reliability and low lifetime costs. Get started with the future of weather radar.vaisala.com/weather-radarsTrusted weather observations for a sustainable future

Page 27

Page 28

+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ research.reading.ac.uk/picsa+ 029by USAID, UNDP and recently under the CLIMSA project by European Union; (iii) University of Florida through USAID; and (iv) the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru through the ENANDES project. PICSA plays a crucial role in advancing farmer climate risk management and adaptation in the LAC. Figure 2: Organisations that have been involved in promoting the implementation of PICSA across the LAC region Effects of PICSA for farmersPICSA implementations have had positive effects for farmers, signicantly impacting their decision-making and livelihoods. It has been shown that enhanced participation of farmers and institutions makes a substantial difference in the use of climate information, creating effective climate services. For example, 73% of the farmers in Honduras expressed that PICSA was key to the success of their harvest despite the challenging 2019 season. “Thanks to PICSA, I implemented poultry farming and bought a pig to raise and sell to improve food security and household income. I feed them with homemade concentrate. The income generated by the pig will be for my son’s graduation and studies expenses.” -Honduras farmer “I observed an increase in yield in my cabbage crops, which helped in the availability of food and income in my household. My farm produce was also sold locally, throughout my community.” -Dominica farmer “After growing a new variety of maize that matured faster, I earned enough to buy some pepper seeds to grow for home consumption. Also, my wife started selling small commodities through petty trading, and our children had some pocket money to buy food before school” -Haiti farmerAs a result of PICSA engagement, most farmers made changes in their crops and livestock, which had effects on their food security and income. Particularly in LAC, farmers changed the crop they grew, adjusted crop and land management practices, altered planting dates, modied inputs and experimented with different crop varieties.Effective climate services for farmersPICSA has demonstrated not only that literacy challenges can be overcome through discussion and training, but also that farmers appreciated the bottom-up, participatory approach. This has enabled them to be at the centre of the decision-making process. The process has successfully brought together meteorological services, government, extension and academia alongside other actors to support farmers in the innovation system.Scaling up the PICSA approach by adapting it to local knowledge contexts requires time and investment in the capacity development of staff in relevant institutions. However, once integrated, it can t within the operations of existing structures. Notably, the inclusion of the PICSA approach within the Climate Resilience Plan of the national bean chain in Honduras and the exploration of gender dynamics in the rural sector of Guatemala demonstrate the approaches’ potential to be integrated into existing systems/initiatives. The PICSA approach can be a part of a broader transformation of the institutional, knowledge and innovation networks in the region. Transforming climate services to better account for why and how farmers make relevant decisions could herald a new era in climate action for agriculture, with signicant implications for future adaptations in Latin America and the Caribbean. It would also contribute to building capacity and expertise in local communities, empowering them to manage their resources and implement measures for climate adaptation in a systematic and effective manner.Authors: Research Fellow Diana Giraldo¹ and ², Senior Research Fellow Graham Clarkson¹ and Professor Peter Dorward¹.¹ University of Reading, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, United Kingdom.² International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali, Colombia.+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 028+ research.reading.ac.uk/picsaParticipatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA)Climate services for farmers in Latin America and the CaribbeanParticipatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) is an agricultural extension and climate services approach that supports farmers in making plans and decisions tailored to each farmer’s own ‘context’ in their production systems. It is implemented by facilitators (e.g., extension ofcers, non-governmental organisation eld staff, community volunteers and researchers) through a series of meetings with groups of farmers. Rather than focusing on the delivery of information, PICSA integrates information with decision-making tools: resource allocation maps, agroclimatic calendars, crop, livestock and livelihood option matrices and participatory budgets. The underlying principlesPICSA was developed at the University of Reading and is built around the following two principles: 1. The farmer decides: using a set of participatory tools designed to help farmers identify, plan and make their own choices that are most suitable for their specic needs and circumstances.2. Options by context: recognising that each farmer operates within their unique biophysical and socioeconomic context, and as a result, different options will be appropriate for different situations. Scale and reach of PICSAPICSA has experienced a surge of interest and demand from governments as well as regional and nongovernmental organisations. As a result, since 2015 it has been implemented in at least 30 countries worldwide and beneted hundreds of thousands of households. PICSA in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)PICSA is an innovative approach that challenges the traditional top-down information /technology-transfer methods that currently limit farmers’ participation in the region. In 2017, PICSA was piloted in Colombia, followed by Nicaragua in 2018. This provided the opportunity to test, learn, reect, contextualise and adjust the range of participatory tools to add innovative adaptations, such as dream maps. Today, several organisations/projects have been promoting the implementation of PICSA across LAC since their rst pilot. The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) implemented PICSA through the Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS) program and World Food Programme (WFP); (ii) The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) through projects funded The locations and numbers of farmers trained in and using PICSA by 2022.This is based on eld monitoring conducted by implementing organisations in each countryReferencesDorward, P., Clarkson, G., & Stern, R. (2015). Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA): Field Manual.Clarkson et al., (2022). Stimulating small-scale farmer innovation and adaptation with PICSA: Lessons from successful implementation in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and South Asia. Journal Climate Services.Giraldo et al., (2021). Creating opportunities for young coffee farmers in Honduras using climate services. CGIARStaub, C. G., & Clarkson, G. (2021). Farmer-led participatory extension leads Haitian farmers to anticipate climate-related risks and adjust livelihood strategies. Journal of Rural Studies.

Page 29

Page 30

+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain + 031Contemplate a nancial cushionSeveral considerations must be deliberated when budgeting for a weather radar system. When choosing a radar, ensure enough capital is budgeted to purchase the radar and, more importantly, to maintain the equipment. Best practice is to ensure there’s enough funding upfront if considered a capital expense or to have funds allocated for suitable spare parts in the future. Baron recommends that a customer has a budget to maintain the radar for the rst ve years. The annual operating costs can be between 5-10% of the radar’s purchase during the system’s lifetime. Remember to account for infrastructure, maintenance and monitoring needs when making this purchase to avoid the frustration of not being able to reap the full benets of the radar.Consider long-term upkeepWhen it comes to radar maintenance, Baron recommends that entities plan preventative checks at least once or twice a year. Providing proactive inspections and maintenance can be planned around weather events and minimise the risk of downtime when hazardous weather emerges.This maintenance can be conducted to check transmitter power and ensure internal power systems as well as pedestal drivetrain are working at peak performance. The tower’s infrastructure should also be inspected, and the radome should be examined for possible cracks or punctures.It’s important to consider the maintenance of all the moving parts when purchasing. All radars are generally built with the same functioning parts regardless of transmitter type. Baron has engineered the motors and gears in the pedestal, which rotate and change the elevation of the radar to reduce maintenance. The bearings and gears are integrated into a single sealed unit which does not require annual greasing. There are fewer maintenance consumables, less waste and less manpower. The C-Band magnetron tubes typically last 8-12 years. S-Band magnetron tubes typically last 10-15 years and klystron tubes can last 15-20 years. + Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 030+ baronweather.comTransmitting accurate intelligenceChoosing the right radarRadar is the most effective tool for assessing meteorological conditions and providing superior intelligence to those affected by weather’s impact on a local area. Yet choosing the best radar for an entity’s needs is no easy feat. Some key elements must be carefully considered during the decision-making process.Baron high-precision radars are available in multiple congurations so th at ev er y orga ni sa ti on ca n n d the bes t so lutionChoose the right transmitter Selecting a transmitter is undoubtedly a critical decision. While three types of transmitters are typically used in weather radar design, Baron highly recommends choosing a magnetron or klystron transmitter. Klystrons and magnetrons are large vacuum tubes that amplify the radio frequency signal for high-performance radar systems to provide unparalleled resolution and efciency. Both transmitters are well-known for signal stability, which helps remove data contamination like ground clutter, buildings and cellular towers from the display. Keep calibration in mind The radar must be calibrated regularly for peak operational capacity and reliability. Baron was the rst to develop auto-calibration technology and multi-radial ZDR calibration, setting an even higher standard for radar accuracy. This patented, ground-breaking technology solves several calibration and operational challenges, even in fast-changing meteorological environments. Baron’s auto-calibration checks numerous parameters with every volume scan. The calibration interval can be selected by the user as frequently as desired. Even when operating in adverse environments, the hardware can correct for temperature-related drift – particularly useful for daily (diurnal) temperature uctuations. This keeps Baron Gen3 radar systems reliable, accurate and easier to operate and maintain.Baron’s multi-radial calibration is automatically calculated with each sweep, more than 300 times per hour, thus eliminating the need for human intervention to keep radar differential reectivity precise. That means constant accuracy, less downtime and less money spent on upkeep. Every Baron radar system is built to the highest accuracy, precision and durability standards. Baron radars come standard with exclusive calibration and clutter suppression technologyDeliberate the locationThe climate must be considered when choosing suitable radar and equipment. For example, if the area experiences ooding, the de facto standard in ooding conditions is a magnetron or klystron radar. These transmitters, which excel during any type of weather event, can accurately detect features like heavy rain, hail cores, tornadic signatures and wintery precipitation. Timely evacuation of at-risk communities with a high possibility of ooding is critical to reducing the loss of lives and property. Baron radars can help entities detect areas and people in danger quickly and more eectively+ baronweather.com

Page 31

Page 32

+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ baronweather.com+ 033Insights into rainfall accumulations, temperature, wind patterns, storms and more can ensure an entity stays ahead of weather events to make informed decisions that optimise resource allocation and maximise operational efciency.Study sustainabilityA Kenyan proverb sums up the idea of sustainability quite nicely. The saying goes, “Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It was loaned to you by your children.”When it comes to tube transmitters, most of the metal parts can be reused or recycled to avoid going into landlls. Yet, sustainability is more than just environmentalism. The term recognises the roles of social and economic dimensions in delivering long-term prosperity. More and more leaders are integrating sustainability principles into their organisations.The radar provides sustainability for citizens and societies, alerting us to take action during severe weather. Therefore, the meteorological process itself is sustainable. The whole purpose of the radar is to provide clear-cut forecasts enabling earlier warnings. And careful, complete forecasts are a foundation for a more sustainable world. Baron Weather has always focused on designing components to last as long as possible. Baron, who has been in the industry for decades, creates products and services to support customers over the long haul. Partnering with Baron means a client has an expert resource and advocate throughout the process. Author: Jon Tarleton, Vice President – Integrated Weather Systems at Baron Weather.+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 032+ baronweather.comMagnetron tubes can be easily switched by a technician in about 30 minutes. Because magnetron tubes can be easily rebuilt by replacing the cathode structure, the old tube can also be rebuilt if desired to reduce waste and cost.Baron works with customers to help determine the best path for extending equipment life based on needs and budget. Support is a crucial element in ensuring maximum operational success. Lastly, purchasers should consider the computer requirements. Baron has reduced the number of computers and transitioned to a high-performance computer with multiple virtual machines to increase performance, reduce computing power consumption and future electronic waste.This equipment will wear down or need to be oiled or replaced. No matter the brand, every radar has some electronic and mechanical parts that are subject to wear. And, if spare parts are purchased ahead of time, a repair doesn’t take as long as if the entity must order the part as some of these may have long lead times. Request a warranty Baron suggests securing a warranty for at least three to ve years. This covers the equipment with the highest wear and tear such as motors, and other components that make up the radar. Baron can also offer a congurable warranty based on customer needs.A magnetron or klystron transmitter, the most expensive radar component, rarely requires repairs, and most last up to 20 years. Think through tendersCertain aspects get overlooked repeatedly in tenders (see page 081). For example, a tender might reveal that an entity wants multiple radars and a one-year warranty but won’t ask for extra parts or a more extended warranty. Sometimes there’s also no consideration for the ongoing cost of maintenance. Remember that a one-year warranty isn’t sufcient since that radar will likely be operational for at least 20-25 years. Baron also recommends consulting with manufacturers to ensure sustainability has been built into the tender—no matter the desired radar. Baron is available for aiding organisations in evaluating and identifying their radar needs. Don’t forget numerical weather predictionRadar data combined with numerical weather prediction means improved short-term local modelling accuracy when early warning systems are most critical. Baron Weather acts as a client’s modelling partner and can provide a three-kilometre model for a specic region or area processed on a local computing device or at Baron. The assimilation of radar data into high-resolution models delivers improved model performance and more accurate forecast predictions.Baron’s advanced high-resolution models generate precision forecasts tailored to an operational area’s unique weather dynamics. Baron also offers several options for managing local atmospheric or hydrological models, thus enabling clients to monitor weather situations or prepare alerts and notications to mitigate risk.Reliability and sustainability are essential to the performance of your radar network. Baron provides improvements to your overall network as new technologies and engineering improve radar performance.Baron Weather is the go-to for many countries when in need of a radar. Its best-in-class radar support team is available 24/7/365. Baron also oers guidance during the tender process.

Page 33

Page 34

+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ inmg.gov.cv+ 035Precipitation is predicted to reduce by 5%, even when some models show that the country will face more frequent and intense tropical cyclones, which will bring ooding and landslides.Data analysis also forecasts the shortening of the rainy season, with a concentration of heavy, localised rains in a short period of time, causing high water discharge and run-off, and soil erosion. OpportunitiesCabo Verde is very rich in terms of green resources such as wind, solar and sea, and although geothermal is yet to be explored, there are indications of great potential. Other opportunities include the use of solar energy instead of fossil fuels by introducing electric vehicle eets. The recent approval of a new plastics law, as well as the process for the approval of the climate law, aims to create new investment and nancing opportunities for environmental protection.In the face of climate change, Cabo Verde has seen an increase in tourism thanks to its geographical location in a geostrategic region. This geostrategic position is also relevant for meteorological data collection – surface, altitude and marine. Capacity and resilience buildingThe INMG has been making some progress in developing this by working to optimise its network of meteorological stations. Several automatic weather stations have been installed across the country, in addition to a system named NETSYS, which has helped connect all the islands and therefore improve communication. The INMG is also developing an app for its early warning system called TEMPO CV, which is at time of writing available for testing on the Google Play store. This will allow the organisation to disseminate all warnings and alerts, including those related to the maritime and agriculture industries. It’s also working to provide warnings in simple language in order to reach the most vulnerable. The national met institute is also taking its rst steps in capacity building its Eta model, plus it aims to install an agrometeorological model (SARAH-O or AquaCrop) that will allow the met service to provide crop yield forecasts that will help to mitigate crop losses.It is also looking to improve its maritime network and acquire some weather radars to support decision makers with improved real-time information, but this will require further funds to be achieved. The biggest challenge Cabo Verde currently faces is building resilience in the face of climate change and its National Adaptation Plan breaks down a detailed climate resilience and action strategy.The aim of this is to ensure that by 2030, Cabo Verde can “minimise the impacts of climate change through planned and concerted actions at all levels and will be a safe small island state, with all the necessary capacities favourable to seize the opportunities provided by climate change to become more sustainable, innovative and resilient”. Author: Denise Semedo de Pina, Executive Administrator at the National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics of Cabo Verde.+ Capacity Building | Hydromet Value Chain+ 034+ inmg.gov.cvManaging vulnerabilities in Cabo Verde, AfricaBuilding resilience in the face of climate change Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is a small island developing state (SIDS) that sits in the Atlantic Ocean around 550km from the West African coast. It’s an archipelago with 10 volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited, with the tenth an important partial nature reserve.These islands vary signicantly in shape and geology, with some being shallow and others mountainous. The latter have steep terrain, with peaks like Pico de Fogo reaching 2,829 metres and Topo de Coroa at 1,979 metres.Cabo Verde is located in the Sahel, a zone of arid and semi-arid climates that covers the whole of Africa south of the Sahara and lies in the transition strip between the Sahara Desert and humid tropical regions. This shapes the archipelago’s arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. Rising temperatures and reduced precipitation According to the country’s latest National Adaptation Plan, published in October 2022, the average air temperature has a low thermal amplitude, with an average annual value of between 8-10°c. Between 1991-2020, the annual temperature averages were approximately 23.7°c in Sal and 25.5°c in Praia City; slightly higher than the 1981-2010 average. The monthly average varies regularly and reaches its maximum value in September and October and its minimum in January and February. Where and when rainfall occurs is very varied and the country has a very short rainy season, which is between August and October. The irregularity in precipitation is largely due to the islands’ geology and position in relation to the prevalence of the wind. The average annual rainfall is around 244mm. Impacts of climate changeGiven its Sahelian and SIDS status, Cabo Verde is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which includes extreme weather events like droughts, hurricanes, landslides and oods. Rapid rural-urban migration, continuous land degradation, persistent poverty and the risk of natural disasters like volcanic eruptions heighten its vulnerability further. Without continuous water courses, natural forest mineral resources, climate change is expected to further intensify oods and droughts in the country, as well as exacerbate sea-level rise, sandy beach erosion and coral reef bleaching. The impact of climate change is already being felt across the islands, from disruption to water and energy supplies and infrastructure damage through to coastal erosion. Agriculture is one of the biggest sectors impacted, in particular due to lower rainfall, with crop losses, salt intrusion and salination of agricultural soil. The tourism sector is also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, due to coastal erosion and rising sea levels. A quarter of the country’s GDP comes from tourism, so this is of big concern. Other sectors, including biodiversity, health and transport, are also considered vulnerable. Future projections Projections made using a climate rationale model indicate a temperature increase in Cabo Verde between 2011-2040 of approximately 10°c. This could rise by up to 3ºc by the end of the 21st century. Praia Branca, São Nicolau Island. First plot of land to be cultivated within the scope of the Praia Branca hydro-agricultural project.Image credit Paulo Barros.Achada Fazenda, Santa Cruz, Santiago Island. Horticulture production zone. Image credit Paulo Barros.

Page 35

Page 36

+ Early Warning Systems+ uwi.edu+ 037Weathering the stormEarly Warning Early Warning SystemsSystems03037 Weathering the storm 040 Multi-hazard early warning system case study - Advanced Radar Company 043 A human-centred understanding of disaster risk 046 A Jamaican early warning systemWhy early warning systems?According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) early warning systems (EWS) provide four key services:• Meaningful grassroots engagement• Public education and risk awareness• Effective communication• Promote consistent readiness and timely mitigationThese four services are critical in managing the impacts of natural hazards and particularly so in vulnerable populations and communities, where their perception and understanding of risks associated with natural hazards are indispensable to a successful EWS. It requires risk assessments that determine the likelihood of occurrence of a hazardous event, characteristics and circumstances of the susceptible population and vital utilities including laws and regulations, havens and potential effects, adaptability and management strategies. These ndings should be iteratively included in the EWS with a goal of clarity, universal comprehension and building public condence in the information shared. The information mechanisms must endure hazards and include procedures to conrm receipt of information and to communicate dissipation of a hazard and effects. Training should be conducted among various actors such as community-based organisations, faith leaders and businesses. The efcacy of alert communication and readiness to initiate action should be consistently evaluated. EWS require institutional synergy, consistent observation and identication of hazards, systematic data storage and examination of performance. They should accommodate innovations. Disparities in vulnerability on different scales should be assessed and considered. These may be structural, systematic or personal. A cost-benet analysis of an EWS could be documented.Moreover, the window of time required to initiate management mechanisms before an impact should be considered, with attention paid to additional needs such as the elderly and persons with disabilities or illnesses. This will be facilitated by greater accuracy which supports public condence.Prediction in tropical climates encompasses challenges owing to the haphazard, intense and variable nature and the spatial and temporal scale of events in these regions. The record of effects of events should be used to extrapolate and advise communities likely to be affected by an imminent event. Threats should be communicated as the status at the moment of dissemination. Comparisons to known experiences can be made to enhance understanding. Early warning systems in the Caribbean EWS have been under development in the Caribbean since 2001. Enhanced EWS form a key deliverable of the Regional Strategy on Comprehensive Disaster Management 2014 – 2024 of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).EWS in the region focus on hydrometeorological hazards such as tropical cyclones and droughts among other types of threats. Two projects between June 2017 and April 2020 facilitated the improvement of EWS in the region.The rst beneted Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by enabling risk avoidance, management and action among stakeholders.It was a collaboration among the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and CDEMA, with nancing from the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid of the European Union (ECHO). Assembling early warning systemsStream gauge installed at the Caparo River in central Trinidad

Page 37

Page 38

+ Early Warning Systems+ uwi.edu+ 039+ Early Warning Systems+ 038+ uwi.eduThe second project was amongst Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, UNDP, IFRC, ECHO, CDEMA and the United Nations Ofce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. This focused on local and regional institutions. Outcomes included:• Information dissemination on tropical cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic• EWS for ood management• Apparatus for common alerting protocol (CAP)• Legislation for a national EWSSome areas for future work in the project countries included:• Enhancement of stream network gauging in the Dominican Republic• Local engagement, data gathering and assessment on streams and skill development to manage apparatus in Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesThe Regional Early Warning Systems Consortium, headed by CDEMA, formed in December 2019 under the Climate Risk Early Warning Systems (CREWS - see page 010) Initiative to provide guidance in the improvement of EWS. It is made up of the following organisations: • Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute • Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre• Caribbean Community Secretariat • Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology• Caribbean Meteorological Organisation• Caribbean Public Health Agency• Caribbean Telecommunications Union• Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana • Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientic and Cultural Organisation-led Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions • National Emergency Management Ofce (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)• National Meteorological Service (Jamaica)• Ofce of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (Jamaica)• The University of the West IndiesObservers include the Organisation of Eastern and Caribbean States (OECS), IFRC, CREWS and UNDP (Barbados and OECS).Healthy coral reefs are indispensable to storm defence and livelihoods, and The Caribbean Climate Change Centre collaborated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop the Coral Reef EWS. This monitors air temperature, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, photosynthetically available radiation and ultraviolet radiation (among other variables) and was undertaken in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. StrategiesThe WMO highlighted the diversity of disaster management systems among territories in the Caribbean. In some instances, a territory is served by its own meteorological and disaster management agencies, while others rely on support partially or fully from other territories. Moreover, different information sharing strategies exist.In Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, the meteorological service communicates directly with stakeholders while the meteorological services in Belize, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago maintain technical communication with the disaster management agency which then shares information with stakeholders and the public. The meteorological and disaster management agencies of the Bahamas, Jamaica, Suriname, and the French West Indies communicate systematically to different stakeholders. Robust communicationThe WMO recommends that robust connection between meteorological services and disaster management agencies remains indispensable to a multi-hazard EWS. CAP entails a tripart structure that outlines the nature of the threat, the degree of danger and suitable protective actions that can be taken. Universal understanding can be facilitated using graphics and a colour scheme for the rst two components. EWS should include the exibility to cater to industrial needs. For example, the capture of the native languages of non-anglophone tourists from port authorities and communication should be coordinated with their accommodation. Anguilla demonstrated the use of inclusive, multilingual, multi-hazard CAP. The ICT4Fisheries Consortium and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanisms created the Fisheries Early Warning and Emergency Response System to socially and nancially safeguard stakeholders in this industry. It allows technical communication and grassroots exchange of information. Utility companies may require information that allows them to secure a nation’s resilience in the face of an imminent threat. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society demonstrated a ood early warning system pilot project in two ood-prone areas in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, the Water Resources Agency, The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Ofce and the Ministry of Works and Transport Highways and Drainage Divisions.A high density of instruments has been attributed to Cuba’s low vulnerability to hydrometeorological hazards despite high exposure.Moreover, the EWS for tropical cyclones uses an extensive historical record. However, uncertainty is inherent in an EWS with a large spatial extent. Actions are considered based on characteristics of the system, accessibility of vulnerable communities and time of day. Strategies are revised according to practitioners’ needs and published annually during the dry season. Additionally, experts in monitoring, forecasting and communication engage in continuous training to enhance accuracy. Weather information is delivered to the public in a recurrent education campaign. Nevertheless, Cuba’s deployment of an EWS also demonstrates that effectiveness ultimately depends on citizens’ willingness to adhere to recommendations.Authors: Ronald Roopnarine of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago and Kervelle Baird of Université Côte D’Azur, Nice, France.Solar powered data logger that transfers information in real-time to the Water Resources Agency (WRA)

Page 39

Page 40

+ Early Warning Systems + 041+ Early Warning Systems+ 040Multi-hazard early warning system case study - Advanced Radar Company Customised and ecient MHEWS for Buenos AiresAdvanced Radar Company’s (ARC) observation, surveillance and alert hydro-meteorological system is a multi-hazard early warning system (MHEWS) delivered to the Gobierno de la Ciudad Buenos Aires (GCBA) to address weather nowcasting and forecasting needs specic to the city.This is a forecaster-oriented system that ingests data from numerous sources such as weather radar, satellite, surface and hydrological observations, numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, radiosonde observation and a lightning network. The system integrates and processes these data through a series of meteorological algorithms, and displays the data in a logical way for the forecaster to analyse and interpret in the weather decision-making process.Automated and human-generated hazardous weather alerts are created and sent to emergency managers and the public. The image below illustrates the delivered system. All meteorological data are centralised and processed using hardware installed at the Buenos Aires Emergency Management Centre, which is also the location of the forecast ofce. There are several processing components which include:• Warning Decision Support System – Integrated Information (WDSS-II) – developed at the US National Severe Storms Laboratory for weather radar processing.• Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System II (AWIPS-II) – meteorological data processing and display system developed by Raytheon for the US National Weather Service.+ advancedradarcompany.comAuthor: Neil Brackin, President, ARC and RadiometricsForecast oce at Buenos Aires Emergency Management Centre• Danish Hydrological Institute hydrological model – used to forecast pipe system and stream water levels along with providing inundation mapping of the city.• GIS-based Alert and Messaging System (GAMS) – integrates system results and an asset database to produce automated alerts based on user-selected thresholds on various weather parameters. • GRAnalyst – three-dimensional weather radar viewer built by Gibson Ridge software.• iMAP – web-based user interface to display various datasets, system alerts and messages.Automatic alerts are generated for a number of parameters including rain gauge quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), basing average quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF), thunderstorm intensity, hail and damaging winds potential. Several meteorological datasets and products are archived and available for playback to examine previous weather events.Overall, the ARC MHEWS delivered is a cornerstone forecasting and warning system for Buenos Aires. ARC staff designed, implemented and maintained this system to incorporate the comprehensive aspects of WMO best practices and globally accepted EWS standards. Our staff have experience with our own manufactured instrumentation, multiple OEMs and, most signicantly, the proven ability to integrate these resources into an efcient and effective multi-hazard early warning system. + advancedradarcompany.com

Page 41

Page 42

+ Early Warning Systems+ undrr.org+ 043A human-centred understanding of disaster riskWhile being covered by multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) is critical to mitigating loss of lives and livelihoods in the face of a disaster, to progress towards the goal to ‘leave no one behind’, it’s equally critical to ensure that these systems and the policies that govern them are designed with and for the individuals and communities they are intended to serve.An effective MHEWS needs to be end-to-end, people-centred (as well as nature-centred) and consider all components of a warning system – systematically, from risk knowledge to the implementation of preventive and preparedness actions to reduce risks and protect exposed populations – whose design considers all the complexities that different groups may have in order to implement protective measures and early action against the potential disastrous impacts of different hazards.A human-centred risk perception study The many coastal vulnerable communities across the Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) are increasingly exposed to extreme climatic events, which are becoming more intense, unpredictable and frequent due to climate change. To ensure that MHEWS consider the needs of their users and communities and can adequately address them, last year the UNDRR conducted a study in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, national Red Cross Societies and national and local disaster ofces. Financial support was provided by the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative (See page 10). This study was performed in four Caribbean communities – Tobago in Trinidad and Tobago, Arnos Vale in St. Lucia, Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Portland, Jamaica. Its goal, to better understand the human sociocultural factors, such as trust in institutions, risk perceptions, migrant status and language, that may present barriers to not taking, or not being able to take, early action in the face of a disaster. The purpose of the study was to increase understanding of the risk and early warning systems perceptions of institutions and communities and facilitate increased engagement of MHEWS stakeholders and practitioners, including private sector entities and groups mobilising women, persons with disabilities and youth.UNDRR studies human sociocultural factors that present barriers to taking early action in the face of a disasterPhoto credit: UNDRR website

Page 43

Page 44

People-centred early warning systems Trust is critical to effective risk communication. Where communities feel they’re not receiving or able to understand or trust the warnings being disseminated, they are less likely to take action in the face of a hazard. Spaces for dialogue, such as those created in the development of this study, are critical sites for building trust and connection between policymakers and communities. The workshops demonstrated that meaningful and sustainable community engagement allows communities to share their voices and experiences. It helped communities better understand the role of policymakers and the processes as well as the limitations of their roles and knowledge, and how they can create partnerships to better engage or transmit information throughout the community. Traditional and local knowledge that has been developed and tested within a community over generations can be a source of knowledge when it comes to disaster risk management. Part of this knowledge comes from observing changes in nature such as the rapid fall in sea level as the ocean retreats, exposing sh and rocks on the sea bottom.The workshops also highlighted the experience of some of the more vulnerable parts of the community. For instance, the study highlighted the need for warnings to meet different segments of society, including the need for translations to meet non-native language speakers, such as migrants or tourists.While the full results and report are still being nalised, preliminary recommendations will work towards integrating these human-centred risk insights into policy as well as strengthening disaster risk knowledge, institutional architecture through community, private sector, media and NGO partnerships, community integration mechanisms and addressing underlying socioeconomic factors that limit capacities. It will also recommend improving infrastructural capacity, the understandability of warnings, promoting impact-based forecasting and enhancing feedback. We must measure and monitor how effective warnings are and strengthen the governance framework for MHEWS. This article was originally published on the United Nations Oce for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) website + Early Warning Systems+ undrr.org+ 045+ Early Warning Systems+ 044+ undrr.orgThe study also aimed to strengthen the effectiveness of MHEWS by identifying the gaps in perceptions between policymakers and community users of MHEWS.The UNDRR study supports recommendations for risk perception studies based on gap analyses conducted for several Caribbean countries, which found that in many instances “when warnings are issued some people do not take heed for various reasons, such as afnity and invincibility”. This study therefore delved deeper to understand the human factors and perceptions that promote or hinder responses to warnings. Study participants and methodologyA total of 143 people participated in the study, with 58% representing authorities and 42% representing the community. Of the total participants, 43% were male, while 57% were female. These participants, along with a mix of community members and policymakers at the national and local levels, were brought together for in-person workshops facilitated by local and national disaster risk management ofces, national Red Cross Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The study’s methodology adapted the Resilience Performance Scorecard by Khazai (2018) and asked participants a series of questions based on ve parameters: • Awareness and advocacy – measuring awareness of hazards and disasters in their community or their country (e.g. through participation in events)• Social capacity – measuring access to warning information via basic services and social networks and the impact this has on people’s capacity to respond to the warnings• Legal and institutional arrangements – measuring a community’s trust and condence in authorities with respect to forecasting and the impact this has on how people respond and act when warnings are issued• Early warning systems infrastructure – measuring a community’s understanding that the infrastructure for early warnings is sufcient (e.g. via sirens, social media and traditional media)• Emergency response and preparedness capability – measuring the capability of a community to take prompt and protective action when they have received warnings (e.g., how many people in your community have an emergency preparedness bag)

Page 45

Page 46

+ Early Warning Systems+ worldclimateservice.com+ 047+ Early Warning Systems+ 046+ worldclimateservice.comA Jamaican early warning systemThe World Climate Service served as a Jamaican drought EWSThe user: Meteorological Service of JamaicaJamaica experienced a drier-than-normal season heading into Spring 2023, motivating Jamaica’s Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Portfolio Minister to determine whether he should initiate drought mitigation actions. The Minister turned to Evan Thompson, Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (MSJ) and Jacqueline Spence-Hemmings, the MSJ Climate Branch Head.“Given the time of year, this was a critical subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) timescale forecast, and we needed to understand the chances of different outcomes,” says Spence-Hemmings. “While there are many sources of S2S forecast information, it’s scattered all over the web and not necessarily prepared consistently. I didn’t have much time to prepare our brieng, so I wanted to obtain as much valuable information as possible in one application.”The early warning system: The World Climate ServiceSpence-Hemmings contacted the folks at the World Climate Service, having met them earlier in the year at Varysian’s HydrometCARIBBEAN symposium in Kingston, Jamaica.The information provided by the World Climate Service web portal was the critical information source for preparing their S2S forecast briengs.The information included: 1. Calibrated, probabilistic subseasonal forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Global Ensemble Forecast System and Climate Forecasting System2. Calibrated probabilistic seasonal forecasts from the ECMWF, NOAA and the wide range of forecasts from data originating from Europe’s Copernicus project3. Analogue analysis and forecasts to complement the dynamical forecast information4. Forecasts of both seasonal and subseasonal climate indices such as the El Niño/Southern Oscillation and the Atlantic Multi-decadal oscillation5. Historical climate data in an easy-to-use ECMWF Reanalysis v5 data viewerJamaica experienced a drier-than-normal April and May 2023St Catherine’s Parish, Jamaica

Page 47

Page 48

World of DataWorld of Data04050 Towards better ood and drought monitoring 054 The future of weather observation 057 Flood disaster management in Ghana 060 Make the most of next generation satellite data 062 Camera-based ow measuring system for stream and river monitoringThe World Climate Service served as a Jamaican drought early warning system to help the government understand if it should implement drought mitigation efforts. The S2S forecast information allowed the MSJ to provide the probabilistic forecast context, weighing the likelihood of different outcomes.“There are various sources of information available to enable long-range forecasts,” says Thompson, “and yet, making sense of all that data is enabled with a common framework to post-process both dynamical model and observational data sets. “The World Climate Service not only improved our understanding of the risks implied by the forecasts, but we also got the benet of the sub-seasonal timescale that the portal provides in its web-based location.”The future: mitigating climate riskOur changing climate is increasing climate variability, which increases the risks of dangerous and disruptive weather and climate conditions having material and even deadly impacts on businesses, countries and governments.National meteorological services worldwide seek pre-existing, ready-to-use S2S forecasting systems to improve their early warning system capacity. The MSJ plans to continue to use the World Climate Service for the foreseeable future to ensure its government is prepared for the climate risks that will inevitably impact the island nation.What to do next? Contact info@worldclimateservice.com to request more information about the World Climate Service, or visit www.worldclimateservice.com.Author: Dr Jan F. Dutton, CEO, Prescient WeatherThe early warning forecast was supported by World Climate Service calibrated probabilistic subseasonal forecasts indicating elevated probabilities of drier than normal conditions three weeks in advance+ 048+ worldclimateservice.com

Page 49

Page 50

+ World of Data+ eumetsat.int+ 051+ World of Data+ 050+ eumetsat.intTowards better ood and drought monitoringWhen Dr Wolfgang Wagner rst saw the extent of open waters as he mapped Pakistan’s devastating 2022 oods using radar images from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite, he thought that there must have been something wrong with the data.But after his team triple-checked the data and algorithms used to detail the evolution of the oods as part of a new Copernicus service to improve ood monitoring, Wagner – based at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Austria – realised that the data were telling the dramatic story of an unprecedented catastrophe.The post-ood analysis showed that at their peak, the massive oods submerged an area the size of Belgium – some 30,000km2. Large swathes of land continued to be submerged by ood waters even months after the event.More than 1,700 people were killed, 33 million affected and more than two million homes were damaged or destroyed. It was one of the costliest natural disasters ever recorded.Getting the bigger pictureAs the major component of the water cycle, rainfall is the most critical and direct cause of ood disasters. However, it is not the end of the story. Wagner says that efforts to better monitor and predict oods can benet from observations of other key variables, such as the water within snow, vegetation and soil.“Soil moisture accounts for just a minor fraction of the world’s water resources, yet it has substantial inuence on air temperature, humidity, rainfall and other highly dynamic exchanges between the land and lower atmosphere,” says Wagner, whose team contributes to EUMETSAT’s Satellite Application Facility on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H SAF).“Knowing the soil’s wetness or dryness can make important contributions to understanding the likelihood of oods or drought in a particular area. With the help of the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) onboard EUMETSAT’s Metop polar-orbiting satellites we can produce soil moisture maps within around two hours after sensing.“For example, in our analysis of the Pakistan oods, we saw in our ASCAT soil moisture data that soils were saturated long before the ooding. If we can better understand the correlations and get this information to authorities quicker, then it could help community response.”Developing algorithms To retrieve soil moisture data from ASCAT, Wagner’s team develops algorithms that lter soil moisture data from other features that impact the ‘backscatter’ from the satellite’s microwave signal, such as the roughness of the land surface, vegetation such as crops and forests, and concrete in urban areas.“ASCAT transmits pulses of microwave energy towards Earth and records the resulting echoes,” he says. “From these signals, we can obtain estimates of the moisture in the soil, because the soil dielectric constant – the electrical properties of the soil – depends strongly on its wetness or dryness.“Satellite scatterometers were preliminarily intended to measure wind speeds over the ocean, but luckily, ASCAT works at a microwave frequency that also guarantees a high sensitivity to soil moisture.“While in situ observations are invaluable, the power of satellite data is that they provide observations worldwide in near-real-time. This is especially important when looking to predict and respond to extreme How innovative approaches to remote sensing data are improving understanding of oods, droughts and the challenges posed by climate changeweather events such as oods and droughts, which are often preceded by events that happen across large regions, such as continents.“Another benet of satellite radar data is their ability to penetrate clouds, rain and darkness – therefore providing regular, reliable inputs that many applications depend on. This includes everything from ood prediction and drought monitoring, to agricultural yield modelling, climate studies and numerical weather predictions.“‘These applications benet immensely from EUMETSAT H SAF’s near-real-time soil moisture data services, which launched in 2009 and provide global soil moisture observations within 130 minutes after sensing.”Future focusOnce soil moisture data have been obtained from the microwave signal, there are still substantial challenges.“It’s not simply a case of taking data and feeding it into models,” Wagner says. “We need to account for limitations such as the resolution of the observations and to provide these data in a way that is accessible and timely for a wide range of users.Examples of H SAF soil moisture products H SAF provides ASCAT soil moisture products in near-real-time and in the form of data records spanning from 2007 to the present. This enables comparisons of present-daysoil wetness with historic soil moisture conditions, which can help in the assessment of the risk of hydrometeorological extremes such as oods and droughts.The map below shows ASCAT soil moisture anomalies in July 2022 compared to the years 2007-2021. One can observe, for example, the very wet conditions in Pakistan, India and Australia, and dry conditions in China and Europe.The ASCAT soil moisture anomaly map for July 2022 was created by Sebastian Hahn from TU Wien based on ASCAT soil moisture data provided by H SAF.“Another issue is that there are still a lot of areas where it is very hard to obtain accurate soil moisture data – for instance in mountainous and heavily forested regions, or in desert regions. While soil moisture does not uctuate quite as dramatically as rainfall, it’s still a highly dynamic variable. Experts are still learning how to relate signals in the data to impacts on the ground.

Page 51

Page 52

+ World of Data+ eumetsat.int+ 053+ World of Data+ 052+ eumetsat.int“For example, deviations from the average may mean one thing for relatively dry countries such as Kenya and another thing entirely for relatively wet countries such as India or Western Europe. And within these different contexts, what do lower or higher than average soil moisture levels mean for vegetation growth in the long term? How does drought in spring affect the probability of extreme weather events in summer? Can we nd clear relationships between soil saturation levels, rainfall and ash oods?”Answering these questions also presents exciting opportunities, Wagner says.“We can identify what soil moisture readings in spring might mean for crop harvests in summer, to develop more timely drought and ood warnings, to use the data to infer other measurements such as rainfall, or even imagine entirely new applications,” he says. “The dawn of next-generation satellite programmes such as the EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation (EPS-SG) will expand our technical capacities, whilst also enriching datasets with more observations.“ASCAT has provided a avour of what is possible: the scatterometer on board Metop Second Generation satellites will improve the spatial resolution of soil moisture measurements by a factor of two – it will be a fantastic instrument that will radically increase our ability to observe key aspects of the Earth’s water cycle.“Combining these observations with bounties of data collected by other satellite missions and in situ measurements will enable better observations of global soil moisture uctuations. Assimilating these datasets with other meteorological observations will enhance applications relating to oods, crop growth, numerical weather forecasts, nowcasts and much more. “Science rarely follows a dened path. To really integrate the data and come up with answers that are of benet to society, this interdisciplinary work requires collaboration with experts spanning social scientists, water managers, modelers, machine learning experts, programmers and more.“There are a range of factors impacting community vulnerabilities to extreme weather events, including demographic changes, human impacts on the landscape and climate change, which studies show likely worsened the Pakistan oods – a reality we are now seeing in many parts of the world.“It’s therefore critical that we do everything we can to make the most of remote sensing data that can help authorities to predict, prepare and respond to these threats.”This article was originally published on EUMETSAT’s website The 2022 Pakistan oods are estimated to be amongst the most costly natural disasters ever. The oodwaters submerged large areas of cities such as Tando Adam in Pakistan’s Sindh province. Image credits: UNDP/ Jamil Akhtar

Page 53

Page 54

+ World of Data + 055+ World of Data+ 054+ campbellsci.comThe future of weather observationWMO-compliant stations at the forefrontBy 2027, an expected US$3.1 billion will be invested globally in early warning systems (EWS).The United Nations (UN) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are working together to ensure every country operates an EWS to help save lives and infrastructure. The Early Warnings for All Initiative (EW4All, see page 07) is an effort jointly funded by the UN and the WMO to focus on early hazard warning and climate adaptation for the world’s most vulnerable populations. Their goal is to have every person on Earth protected by an EWS by 2027.One of the four pillars of EW4All focuses on the detection, observation, monitoring, analysis and forecasting of hazards in order to deliver accurate and timely warnings. Campbell Scientic provides a range of weather and water monitoring solutions designed to help emergency managers make informed, data-driven decisions and take decisive action.Make informed, data-driven decisionsNational and regional weather networks globally depend on Campbell Scientic automatic weather stations (AWS) backed by network management software to deliver ‘Measurements to Insights™’. There are several signicant challenges to overcome when building a robust weather network. Successfully operating weather station networks often requires a team of highly-skilled technicians who benet from a regular training regimen. High personnel turnover driven by budgetary constraints is amplied when system solutions are complex and require specialised skills.Closed ecosystem solutions also limit the ability for organisations to cultivate in-house, long-term expertise. Inadequate capacity building can lead to eventual network failure.Challenges to overcome Many surface weather networks struggle to continually produce high-quality data due to budgetary constraints for operations and maintenance. Although new funding mechanisms, such as the WMO’s Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF, see page 009) are beginning to address long-term funding issues, networks need to nd long-lasting solutions that have a high return on investment (ROI) over the lifespan of the equipment.Operations and maintenance challenges are often compounded by difcult environmental conditions out of the weather network operator’s control. Equipment needs to be durable to withstand hazardous or extreme weather, interactions with wildlife and insects, security concerns and unreliable remote communications infrastructure.Together with our world-class support services, Campbell Scientic’s WMO-compliant AWS solutions address the challenges weather network operators face. Our systems are robust, high quality, simple and upgradeable, and when properly maintained will give years of dependable service.Our WMO-compliant, complete AWS offers a comprehensive range of environmental measurements designed as permanent installations for NMHS organisations and mesonets serving a diverse set of stakeholders. Similarly, our WMO-compliant, basic AWS offers a select range of environmental measurements designed as permanent installations for NMHS organisations to meet minimum standards for conformance to the WMO’s Global Basic Observation Network (GBON) requirements.The GBON initiativeThe GBON initiative will facilitate a signicant overhaul of the methods for the international exchange of observational data, which underpin all weather, climate and water services and products.The impetus for the GBON project is that although local weather forecasts depend on access to 24/7 global observations, there are large geographical gaps in data availability. In some parts of the world, weather observations are either not made or not exchanged internationally, and in other parts they are not made or exchanged frequently enough.Once completed, GBON will improve the availability of the most essential surface-based meteorological data. This will have a direct positive impact on the quality of local weather forecasts, help scientists gather data to assist in the understanding of climate change and other human-made environmental impacts, and support countless organisations, institutions and national agencies in providing more efcient meteorological and hydrological services to their people.Durable and long-lasting systems and sensors, such as those earmarked for the GBON initiative, are vetted by weather networks globally and return high-quality data suitable for numerical weather prediction, EWS and climate science.Campbell Scientic systems represent a tremendous lifetime value proposition as a sensor-agnostic, future-proof and open-platform solution – ideal for both modernising legacy AWS networks and implementing new stations.The Malawi team successfully integrates sensors with Campbell Scientic dataloggers as part of a UNDP-funded project. Credit for both images in this article goes to Gcobane Quvile in Business Development for Campbell ScienticA Campbell Scientic weather station in MalawiAuthor: Garrett Wheeler, Application Engineer II, Campbell Scientic + campbellsci.comKey benets: • Equipment is eld-tested for durability in extreme environments• Flexible and innovative solutions incorporate a customised ‘t-for-purpose’ design• Using low-power, modular devices allows for capacity building and simplies maintenance• Campbell Scientic’s AWS is a complete solution for weather networks seeking SOFF funds• Required measurements include surface wind, air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, atmospheric pressure and snow depth where applicable

Page 55

Page 56

+ World of Data+ www.nadmo.gov.gh+ 057Flood disaster management in GhanaFlood disasters have become a recurrent and devastating issue in Ghana, signicantly impacting economic growth and the wellbeing of the population. The country’s increasing exposure to ood disasters is due to a combination of factors including its geographical location, the increased frequency of intense rainfall events and rapid urbanisation.Flooding events predominantly occur in the rainy season, from June to November, with high-risk areas including the northern regions, coastal areas and urban centres like Accra and Kumasi. The country’s vulnerability to ooding has been exemplied by several tragic episodes over the last decades, causing loss of life, displacement of people and substantial damage to property and infrastructure.Historically, ooding events have been recorded in Ghana since the 1930s, but they have grown more frequent and severe over recent decades. A signicant episode occurred in 1999 when oods affected approximately 300,000 people across the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions. Later, the infamous 2007 oods – one of the worst in Ghana’s history, resulted in the deaths of over 30 people and affected more than 630,000. In 2015, a combined ooding and re explosion in Accra led to approximately 150 casualties. These and numerous other instances reveal a concerning pattern of recurring ood disasters.In the northern part of the country, the White Volta River Channel; the downstream area of the Bagre Dam located in Burkina Faso, has become highly susceptible to perennial oods. Flooding in this area is predominantly driven by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, and usually occurs from July to September. Primary triggers for oodsSeasonal heavy rainfall is a primary trigger for ooding leading to two effects. First, heavy rains cause maximum saturation of the ground and increase the surface runoff, and secondly the spillage of excess water from the Bagre Dam reservoir. Other factors include the geographical characteristics, such as low-lying topography and the nature of the White Volta basin, also contribute to the vulnerability of this area to ooding. Human activities have also signicantly exacerbated the ood risks. The spread of rural settlements, agriculture activities and deforestation have disrupted the natural drainage systems, leading to increased surface runoff and waterlogging during rainy seasons.The impacts of these oods are multi-faceted and severe, usually resulting in signicant loss of life, displacement of people and destruction of property and infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable rural communities. Moreover, these oods usually trigger outbreaks of waterborne diseases, impact agricultural productivity and cause long-term socioeconomic disruptions, undermining national efforts towards sustainable development and poverty reduction.The impact of satellite technologyNADMO Operation sta on search and rescue mission in communities that have been cut o

Page 57

Page 58

+ World of Data+ www.nadmo.gov.gh+ 059+ World of Data+ 058+ www.nadmo.gov.ghGhana’s current ood disaster management strategies are multi-pronged, involving a range of policies, agencies and activities aimed at reducing the country’s vulnerability to oods. These strategies are mainly coordinated by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), which is tasked with managing disasters and similar emergencies in the country. The approach encompasses four major phases namely mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Adopting satellite technology for ood disaster managementThe adoption of satellite technology for ood disaster management in the country is still in its developing stages but shows promising growth. The Ghanaian government, in collaboration with international space agencies and organisations, has made strides in leveraging satellite technology for various applications, including disaster management. The country is a part of international initiatives such as the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, which provides timely satellite data during major disaster events. At the national level, institutions like the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) have been instrumental in promoting the use of space technology. GSSTI, in collaboration with other agencies, has used satellite data for ood forecasting and mapping, particularly in the Volta Basin.Satellite technology has had a notable impact on managing recent ood events in the area. During the heavy rains and subsequent oods in the northern parts of the country in 2020, satellite data proved invaluable in identifying the extent of the ooding and directing response efforts.Images from earth observation satellites provided real-time insights into the situation on the ground, aiding NADMO in targeting rescue operations and relief provision. Satellite-derived ood maps were used to understand the progression of the ood and predict future ood-prone areas. Moreover, in the aftermath of the oods, the use of satellite imagery helped in assessing the damage to homes, infrastructure and agricultural lands, enabling NADMO to prioritize recovery efforts and allocate resources effectively.Overcoming obstacles to the use of satellite technologyOne of the main obstacles to the use of satellite technology is the high costs associated with acquiring, operating and maintaining satellite systems, as well as processing and analysing the data they generate. This is particularly challenging for developing countries with limited resources. Even the technical expertise required to use and interpret satellite data effectively has been inadequate. Thus, there’s a need for capacity building and training to ensure that this technology is used optimally. Issues of data access and availability can pose yet more difculties, particularly during emergency situations when timely data is crucial. Satellite imagery is often subject to cloud cover interference, which can limit its usefulness in real-time ood monitoring and assessment. Additionally, integrating satellite data into existing disaster management frameworks and practices can be complex and requires strong coordination among various stakeholders. Lastly, legal and policy issues, such as data sharing and privacy regulations, can also present challenges. Numerous opportunitiesDespite the challenges, the use of satellite technology in disaster management presents numerous opportunities and potential solutions. The cost issue can be addressed through international cooperation and partnerships, with developed countries and international organisations offering support in the form of shared resources, funding and capacity-building initiatives. This is exemplied by programs such as the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, which provides free satellite data during major disaster events. For technical challenges, educational and training programmes can be instituted to enhance local expertise in satellite technology and data analysis. The advent of cloud-based platforms and open-source software has also democratized access to and processing of satellite data.Advances in satellite technology, like the development of cloud-penetrating radar satellites, can overcome issues related to cloud cover interference. Legal and policy frameworks can be developed and rened to facilitate data sharing and ensure privacy and security. Harnessing these opportunities requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, space agencies, research institutions and communities.A promising futureThe future of satellite technology in disaster management in Ghana looks promising. As the technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, its potential applications in ood disaster management will likely expand. Small satellites, AI, and machine learning, in particular, are areas of growing interest. These advancements can enhance real-time data collection and analysis, leading to more accurate predictions, timely responses and efcient recovery.With increased investment and capacity building, more local institutions will likely incorporate satellite data into their operations. There is also an increased push towards international collaborations and data sharing initiatives, which can enhance access to satellite resources. Finally, it is important to note that efforts are underway to engage local communities in using satellite-based tools and information, further decentralising disaster management.Author: Timothy Elikem Harvor, Principal Disaster Ocer of the Geospatial and Big Data Unit, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), GhanaFlood analysis map 15th August 2021(left)-27th August 2021(middle)-Dierence(right)Director General presenting relief items to ood victims

Page 59

Page 60

+ World of Data+ 060+ eumetsat.int.+ World of Data+ eumetsat.int.+ 061Make the most of next generation satellite dataNext-gen EUMETSAT satellite data training oered to met services across Europe, Africa and the Middle EastTo ensure met services are able to make the most of the vastly increased amount of information its next gen satellite systems will produce, EUMETSAT is rolling out dedicated training to users.This will not only be available to meteorological services in its member states, but also across the Middle East and Africa – the latter thanks to agreements between the EUMETSAT Council and the African Union Commission (AUC).The new training framework, developed specically with its next-gen systems in mind, builds upon EUMETSAT’s long-standing training programmes, which reached more than 2,500 users of EUMETSAT data in 2022 alone.A revolution in satellite meteorologyThe next generation systems, Meteosat Third Generation and EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation, represent a step up in terms of satellite meteorology. The rst of EUMETSAT’s next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite eet – the Meteosat Third Generation Imager 1 – was launched last December, and uses infrared to record a wide range of wavelengths and frequencies.“We can look at where there’s water vapour in the atmosphere, whether the particles on top of a cloud are big or small, whether they’re ice or water etc,” says Dr Mark Higgins, EUMETSAT Training Manager. “This will help meteorologists to better forecast thunderstorms for example, and whether there will be hail or heavy rain. There’s a lot more information produced that can help us work out how big a storm will be.”This rst satellite also includes a lightning imager, which detects lightning ashes day and night. This will help met services to know where the most intense parts of a storm are, and see how it’s evolving in a particular way. Data validation underwayThe rst set of images from the Meteosat Third Generation Imager 1 were released earlier this year and EUMETSAT experts then began their work to verify and validate that the processing chain was working exactly as they expected.“Over the summer we’ve shared the data with a small user group and then made it more public this autumn – although it’s not yet labelled as ready for operational use,” says Higgins. He’s also been coaching his training team, ready for them to visit met services and show them how they’ll be able to use this new data in their operations, such as severe storm forecasting. Training for African met services In the case of Africa, the rst ‘trainer training’ session took place in Kenya this October and Higgins also has plans to run several testbeds across Africa. This rst training event was an English language course, but EUMETSAT also plans to run the same session in French in early 2024.“We work with four training hubs, or centres of excellence, in Africa that are part of the African Satellite Meteorology Education and Training (ASMET) project. These are in Morocco, South Africa, Kenya and Niger, and support the regional met services,” says Higgins.Higgins expects that the new data will start being rolled out to African weather services at the start of next year and that the higher capacity services will start making use of it “pretty fast”.“They’re going to get really big benets from it – as will those with slightly lower capacity, where this new data will be even more valuable because many of these met services don’t have access to radar data. With this new system they’ll be getting so much more information to base their forecasts on. This is something we’re really excited about,” he enthuses. Further InformationTo nd out more about EUMETSAT training courses, please visit the Eumetsat Training Zone at eumetsat.int.Cloud phase RGB image of Storm Agnesobserved by the Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) on board MTG-I1Meteosat Third Generation - Imager 1 rst image data release, Flexible Combined Imager, 11:50 UTC, 18 March 2023Meteosat Third Generation - Imager 1 rst image data release, Flexible Combined ImagerAuthor: Keri Allan, Senior Content Manager, VarysianEUMETSAT updates data policyAt the end of 2022, the EUMETSAT Council approved changes to the agency’s data policy to reect the vastly increased amount of data that will be produced by its next generation satellite systems. “We’re committed to making our data available as widely as possible,” says Phil Evans, EUMETSAT’s Director-General. “The WMO’s Unied Data Policy resolution will remain the reference for our data policy, which will continue to offer full and non-discriminatory access to as much as possible of our data under documented licensing conditions, while protecting the value of EUMETSAT membership.“Our data policy is designed to empower data users worldwide and to support initiatives that assist communities in relation to weather-related disasters, such as the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All. Our policy ensures the data we disseminate can help to protect communities and boost economies.”

Page 61

Page 62

+ World of Data+ 062+ seba-hydrometrie.comCamera-based ow measuring system for stream and river monitoringBenefits: World Climate Service123Multiple variablesComprehensive45Monitor important modes in subseasonal, monthly, andseasonal climate timeframesAnalyze index impact on weather eventsIncludes: El Niño/La Niña, Indian Ocean Diploe, Polar Vortex, + many others123World Climate ServiceCLIMATE EARLY WARNING FORECASTS & MONITORINGA SINGLE SOURCE FORComprehensive Information:Improve long lead forecasts1Save time:Single source for subseasonal and seasonal climate prediction2Be conﬁdent:Calibrated ensembles ensure tuned, accurate probabilities3Ease of use:Web interface simpliﬁes access to ensemble modelsand reanalysis data4Global Coverage:WCS provides forecasting information for the entire globe5Experience:Expert team with decades of forecasting experience6www.worldclimateservice.com | info@worldclimateservice.comModel-Based Probability Climate ForecastsMultiple Forecast ModelsSubseasonal, Monthly, SeasonalUpdated DailyClimate Index Monitoring and ForecastingHistorical Analog Forecasts & Tools123Examine prior events based on conditions similar to today.Understand long-term climate risks associated with current conditionsAnalyze days, week, months aheadDischargeKeeper case studyReal-time stream ow monitoring, particularly during extreme events, has become more and more important in recent years. Reliable river water level, velocity and discharge data are crucial for ood monitoring and for the design of ood protection measures. Conventional measurement methods, however, reach their limits precisely then, as they often rely on a sensor installed inside the ood area. Image-based ow measurement systems offer a exible non-intrusive alternative with real time measurement. Unlike conventional measurement methods, the ratio of measurement signal to measurement noise is optimal for extreme events. This article presents a case study of the camera-based discharge system developed by SEBA Hydrometrie and Photrack called DischargeKeeper. The measuring system, which is based on the surface structure image velocimetry (SSIV) method, consists of an IP camera, an infrared illuminator for measuring at night and a central unit with remote data transmission. The implemented algorithm is running in real-time on the device to provide on-site measurement and evaluation. The measuring process including recording image streams takes less than one minute. This enables very short measuring intervals which is very benecial for ood monitoring.In addition to the digitised measured values of the water level, mean ow velocity and discharge, proof images and videos are stored and can be transmitted to an FTP server.A DischargeKeeper system was permanently installed in northern Spain two years ago. In November 2021 an event with a 500-year return period was recorded there. Most of the conventional measuring systems installed at this station were destroyed during the ood event, but the camera-based system remained intact because it was mounted on the side of the cross-section far enough away from the ood water. The measured discharge at the ood peak was 980 m3/s.The high ows destroyed much of the intrusive sensors. The water even reached the house where the IP-camera was installed, but not the camera itself. Figure 1 shows three different ow conditions with discharge values from 100 m3/s to 980 m3/s. While the left image shows a sudden water level increase which occurred at night, the image in the middle shows a relatively moderate ood event with about 200 m3/s discharge. The image on the far right shows the maximum condition with about 975 m3/s discharge close to the ood peak.It was possible to get the river stage using an existing water level sensor which is housed inside the monitoring station and was not affected by the ood. The transmitted proof images were very helpful for the optical verication of the measurement, especially during the ood events and to support the customer’s early warning system.Figure 2: hydrograph of the ood event – including the peak – measured by the DischargeKeeper site in SpainAuthor: Dr Issa Hansen, Product Manager, SEBA HydrometrieFigure 1. Proof images at dierent ow and lighting conditions on a DischargeKeeper site in Spain

Page 63

Page 64

+ The Future of the WMO+ public.wmo.int+ 065A conversation with WMO Secretary General Elect, Professor Celeste Saulo The Future of The Future of the WMOthe WMO05Varysian CEO, Tom Copping, was given an exclusive opportunity to interview WMO Secretary General Elect, Professor Celeste SauloTom Copping: Professor Celeste Saulo, it’s a pleasure to speak with you and I wanted to start by asking where you began in meteorology and how you ended up where you are today? Celeste Saulo: Well, I come from academia; I’m still a Professor at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina and a researcher in the eld of atmospheric sciences. My expertise lies in numerical weather prediction and data simulation. For some time, I was Director of the Department of Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences there, and then moved into the role of Director of the Argentinian Met Service around a decade ago. So, it’s a great mix of experience across two different worlds that I’ve really enjoyed. TC: An illustrious career, and congratulations on being chosen as the latest Secretary General of the WMO. I wanted to ask what made you decide to run? CS: Well, I saw it as an opportunity to help the developing world raise its voice in the organisation, which is critical. Coming from the Global South, I’m highly motivated to really work for our countries, and help every NMHS achieve their mission. We’re discussing all the time that no ‘one solution ts all’, but we’ve not been doing much as an organisation to support each and every member country. That’s what motivates me, as I think we can make a big difference.Ensuring the Global South is heardTC: I think that the WMO have been criticised in recent years for not allowing those in the Global South to be heard. Do you feel that’s been the case and is something you want to work on?CS: Yes, denitely. That’s why the organisation has undergone important reforms in terms of governance, to put more emphasis on support in the regions. But that’s far from being in place yet. I think those in charge hadn’t paid strong enough attention to regional necessities. Up to now the organisation’s had lots of high-level initiatives that sound very good, but in the end the ones that have to implement these ideas are the NMHSs and that’s a challenge for them. I think we have to work much more in connection with each country if we really want to roll out these initiatives successfully. TC: Are you saying that the WMO has been working ‘top down’, but that you want to be using the regional ofces more to get messages and support out to the met services, as opposed to it all coming from Geneva? CS: Yes, the only way you can engage all the actors is through a bottom-up approach. Of course, you always need a top-down approach for things like decision-making or political advocacy, but in the end, the only way to really have success with these initiatives is by taking a bottom-up approach. I’m fully convinced of this as in my experience the processes are always more efcient and the results stronger when this path is taken. TC: I also wanted to discuss with you some of the ndings of Varysian’s 2023 global survey. We had responses from 600+ people in the hydromet sector, from 161 countries. This is really important as it’s the Global South that are in most need of mitigation, adaptation and resilience to extreme weather. Improving communicationAt Varysian we’ve felt at times that there hasn’t been much reach or consultation on matters with and within these countries. The lack of communication is shocking – half of the met service directors in Africa I speak with weren’t even aware of SOFF or the Early Warnings for All initiatives! As Secretary General, how do you plan to ensure members in the Global South will be better engaged with and heard?

Page 65

Page 66

+ The Future of the WMO+ public.wmo.int+ 067+ The Future of the WMO+ 066+ public.wmo.intCS: Communication is very important if we want to fully engage with all our members. I have to say that from my experience, your example from Africa is repeated across the global south.In the past the WMO has conducted surveys, but it seems it does little to analyse that information to better understand what’s happening with each member.I think communication needs to be simple and direct if we’re going to be able to help address their problems – which are unique to each member – in Argentina we may be going in a completely different direction to a country in Africa for example. Communication needs to improve within each country too – some projects are being funded within Argentina without the knowledge of the NMHS! That cannot happen, it’s ridiculous to repeat efforts. I’m going to do my best to ensure we reach everyone, and that communication across our industry in general also improves. It’s important that the WMO responds when members contact us, and address the issues they raise. If we don’t, then they’ll give up trying and we’ll never get these countries engaged. TC: Yes, communication and stakeholder engagement are key. I remember during your campaign you said that co-development with the scientic and educational sector and public private cooperation and engagement are pillars to strengthen NMHSs and the integral development of countries.CS: Engaging with education is so important, we have to move away from this idea of knowledge being assumed. To me, co-development, co-production, are key at every level; be that stakeholder, interagency, academia or the WMO. This will change the results of what we are doing. Let’s smash the silosTC: At a global level I believe the challenge is the current siloed approach we have, which as you said often leads to doubling up of projects. I think we need more joined-up thinking – if we can truly match NMHS’s requirements with the challenges in their countries we’re going to have a much better opportunity to succeed. I know from your work in Argentina there have been a number of projects to create resilience to extreme weather, but during our conversations, it’s quite clear you’ve seen this siloed approach. From that perspective, do you think that the WMO will become instrumental in changing this in the coming years? CS: I agree there’s been a siloed approach, with secretariats working separately and I’d like to look at ways we can overcome this. Internal communication within the organisation should be improved.I believe we have to build teams inside the WMO at regional levels, and then within them, team members that work closely with each country.By discussing – and listening to – each region’s areas of concern, it’s possible to create regional solutions. For example, in South America, in three years we were able to bring together six countries to develop a coordinated system to deal with droughts. We asked the WMO, US and Mexico for support, as they had projects underway and were experts in this area and together, we built this system. We weren’t expecting a drought in the near future, but then Argentina was hit by the most severe drought in our history and thanks to this pilot we were prepared. I really want to put a lot of emphasis on solutions like this; where you work together on a shared problem potentially following roadmaps from other countries that are a step ahead and can possibly assist you in the development. Public private partnerships are a necessityTC: Moving on, our survey also looked at the sectors affected by extreme weather, and results showed that 90% of all industries are impacted. Agriculture is the largest at over 24%, but what does this have to do with NMHSs beyond providing monitoring and forecasting data?In my opinion, quite a lot! While the WMO’s WIGOS and GBON initiatives are a necessity for all national met services and civilians, when we talk about industries, the private sector needs data to mitigate risks related to supplying goods. Whether this is through transportation to get medical supplies to hospitals or the need for weather index-based insurance for farmers these all link together, and that’s where this public private engagement needs to happen. Public private partnerships need to happen because we’re all in this together. NMHSs aren’t just important for the public, they’re also important for the private sector. Sometimes this sector is seen as the ‘dark side’, but if not for these companies, we all lose out. NMHSs should be thinking about selling raw data for monitoring and forecasting, but also developing weather products that can be sold. I understand there’s resistance to this, and that the WMO policy is that it should be free to all and I agree free data should be made available to civilians, but there’s different kinds of data and services that NMHSs should have the capacity to create revenue from.Soybean crop damaged by drought in Argentina

Page 67

Page 68

+ The Future of the WMO+ public.wmo.int+ 069+ The Future of the WMO+ 068+ public.wmo.intWhen you look at most of the countries in the Global South, there’s not much money owing around. Money isn’t a bad thing, although a lot of people think it is. Because the private sector deals in revenues and bottom lines they will pay for data and services that help optimise their businesses. In these contexts, selling this data isn’t bad. How do you think that the WMO should approach this? CS: I like the way you’ve posed this issue, as it’s denitely something we need to talk about much more because it’s not the same for the Global North as the Global South. I think the WMO needs to assist NMHSs with two things. Firstly, maintaining an up-to-date, robust and reliable network. This is important, because, as you mentioned index assurance calculations, you need something robust in order to make these kinds of decisions. Making the most of our dataThe WMO also needs to help NMHSs to implement systems to gather meteorological data generated by different sources so that they’re, in a way, the guardians of this information and can provide added value. As you said, NMHSs are often seen as just data providers, but we have to move away from that view of our role – we’re part of the value cycle. The WMO needs to help met services to add value to raw data, which is critical to building capacity in these countries and also providing the public sector with something that’s useful to their decision-making processes. That means engaging with academia and also explaining the NMHS’s needs and their value to their country’s policymakers. This would make NMHSs more visible. As it currently stands, tailoring information for the different private sectors is impossible for many met services. In Argentina, for example, we have more than 1,000 staff but are unable to cover all bases. We need to engage with the private sector and other partners throughout the value chain in order to support a wider range of industries. TC: Moving on, our survey looked at the key challenges NMHSs face globally. It appears that different regions have different strengths and weaknesses, but that a lot of the same challenges come up. For example, the Caribbean is very advanced when it comes to knowledge sharing and institutional frameworks, but it struggles with limited funding and capacity building.These two challenges come up time and time again and funding is a big issue that appears to be holding the sector back. What are your thoughts on this? CS: I believe many NMHSs face this problem, but certainly in Argentina my experience has been that we hear about green funds, opportunities from development agencies etc, but putting together a proposal is very complex. Sometimes you need to ll in a form you don’t really understand because of its complexity, or perhaps the language barrier. A new department for the WMO?I believe the WMO needs to help countries to really benet from this funding. I think the WMO should create a new proposal writing division that helps members not only write proposals, but also follow them along the process of applying for funding until they succeed. From my own experience, it took Argentina ve to six years to get funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It was very complicated. We have the funding now, but not as much time to achieve our goals. Think about achieving early warnings for all in ve years. Do we have ve years to write the proposal? No! So, the WMO needs to set up an ofce to write these proposals together with each country, or possibly each region if they share very similar problems, as these funding mechanisms aren’t reaching us all currently. TC: Yes, it’s about expediting funding proposals and acceptance. I remember when I worked in the private sector, an African NMHS put together a proposal relating to an issue that had taken place that year, but it took ve years to get the funding. Imagine the number of changes that can occur during that time – it was a completely different country with different needs by then. If you’re able to set up this new department it will be pioneering because this will expedite funding and get all these projects up and running much quicker. Maintaining infrastructureOther areas of concern include building and maintenance of equipment and training. There always seems to be problems around this. I personally think the onus is on the different stakeholders to make these things work, but could something be done, like set aside part of the funding specically for maintenance?WMO Headquarters, Geneva. Image credit: WMO

Page 69

Page 70

+ The Future of the WMO+ public.wmo.int+ 071+ The Future of the WMO+ 070+ public.wmo.intCS: I think the WMO’s SOFF initiative is the rst time the organisation has captured the issue of building the capacity and maintaining infrastructure. System sustainability is part of the problem. I’m really glad to see this is starting to work. It took time, because we needed donors, countries on board.Another interesting thing is SOFF brings the beneciary NMHS together with one from the developed world and they work together right from the start. This is really important to building capacity and understanding what’s required to maintain the new infrastructure. I think this model should be replicated and enlarged so that in ve years’ time if the developing world has less funding than expected it doesn’t suddenly have to search for alternatives to ensure everything can keep going. But it’s not just about money for capacity building either, we also need people at the local level in order to keep things going. People are a critical component of all these initiatives. TC: I believe the SOFF initiative was going to have $400 million in funding, but it’s got $25 million so far and is already over a year into the programme. Capacity building, maintenance and training is a great focus, but we both know that unless you have the actors on the ground to do all of this then it’s not going to work. And it’s not the NMHSs that should do all of that, there will be other actors, like civil works engineers for example, doing installation and training. How is the private sector going to come back into this?Let’s say there’s a problem in two or three years and the private sector got its money and already moved onto the next project. Who is going to fund the private sector to come back and do maintenance, or will it be someone on the ground? CS: That’s a very good question and I think that we have to work on the developed world’s commitment to funding adaptation and mitigation. There’s $100,000 million that the developed world has committed to the developing world because of climate change, and as a community we need to work hard to get that money into efforts like SOFF. It’s not just about communication between the WMO and donor countries though. It needs to be a global effort if we’re going to succeed in the Paris Agreement. We need to keep things moving in order to keep capacity building and achieve the long-term goal of having better observation and early warning systems. Air quality monitoringTC: Our survey ndings highlight that a lot of the projects completed in the last three to four years focused on early warning systems and disaster risk reduction (DRR), so that’s a positive thing. Another focus area was precipitation, which we highlighted earlier is of great concern to many NMHSs, but I also wanted to talk with you about air quality.As Secretary General how are you going to bring these topics into the conversation? I ask because we’re seeing more and more tenders from the private sector with air quality additions to meteorological tenders because air quality and pollution is a massive problem all around the world. How can you promote the WMO to be more involved in this topic?CS: Air pollution and air quality is very hard to really measure in a precise way and I would say it’s very expensive, but we all know that we need that. We’re speaking with countries that have this component very well developed regardless of whether it is done by a met service of any other agency and some other countries where this isn’t a priority. I think that the WMO needs to engage with other UN agencies to really look at this because met services in many parts of the world really won’t be able to handle this too. But that doesn’t mean we should leave NMHSs out of the conversation. We need to stay connected, as does the private sector, because many markets will set requirements in the future around air pollution, but we’re not there yet. So again, the private sector could play an important role here, engaging with NHMSs from the beginning, perhaps around developing new equipment, but also cheaper products that are just as good. This could lead to better revenues for all parties. Lobbying for policy changeTC: One more thing I wanted to raise was about policy and lobbying. As we discussed earlier, many national met services aren’t able to provide data for a cost. I appreciate that policies can be difcult to change, so how do you go about lobbying the ministries to make it easier for NMHS’ to make revenue from the services and data they have? CS: I think that these regional or continental-level organisations like the African Union are terribly important in getting voices heard – they become louder and clearer when everyone collaborates. In terms of policy making, we should be working closer with these groups. Hydromet network puts questions to Professor SauloTC: I also have some questions from members of our Hydromet Network, if you don’t mind. Firstly, what are your plans to enhance the participation of Africa in the WMO?Air quality and pollution is a problem all around the world

Page 71

Page 72

+ The Future of the WMO+ public.wmo.int+ 073+ The Future of the WMO+ 072+ public.wmo.intCS: Well, I don’t know if you are aware, but I’ve been looking into the geographical breakdown of WMO staff and today around half are from Europe. The rst thing to do is when we have posts open, we need our African colleagues to apply because, if we want to represent the diverse world, we need diversity within the organisation.I would also like to highlight that the WMO needs to understand and address Africa’s issues. I would say the largest regional ofces we have are in Africa, but they’re still not enough. We need to really build engagement. I’d love to hear people’s suggestions of course, but I had one from a South African colleague about having internships in Geneva for people coming from Africa or other developing world countries to help to build bridges. TC: Next up is how can the WMO leverage its global inuence to reach politicians at national level to provide more support to NMHSs – noting that many have limited human resource capacity due to limited funding?CS: Many met services have limited human resources capacity and funding for staff remuneration, including my own. I think the WMO needs to do more to get politicians understanding that it’s their NMHS that’s helping them achieve their commitments to the Sendai Framework and Paris Agreement.To do so, we need to speak in the same language as them. They don’t care about the need for more observations, we need to put all our efforts into translating how the work we do will help them achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) they committed to. So, the WMO needs to help met services translate our results into steps towards achieving SDGs and also speak to governments about the importance of a strong NMHS in achieving a variety of SDGs; not just climate action but also zero poverty and hunger. The key is translating hydromet language into policymaker language.TC: Another question we have relates to the WMO’s view on capacity building. CS: For me, capacity building is at the centre of everything and the only way to achieve sustainability. Currently the WMO’s capacity building system isn’t strong enough and we have to change that. Also, there are different aspects of capacity building we need to consider, including training and staff numbers. Each NMHS is unique in its set up and challenges and we need to develop a programme with exibility to suit each situation. We also need to build on educational paths too, so we can build expertise on key topics.TC: Another member of our network asks what are your plans regarding hydrology? CS: Well, for me hydrology and meteorology are one. The WMO understands that hydrology is crucial; water security is crucial. I think we need to nd a way to more efciently incorporate hydrology into our agenda though, as it’s still very much in a silo. We see the same issue within NMHSs however; in some cases, they’re in the same department, in other cases separate. TC: Finally, noting the range of climate services NMHSs will have to provide in the coming years, how do you see the training and role of the meteorologists and hydrologist changing? CS: Well, everything is evolving so fast. The rst thing that I imagine is that we need much more exibility at the level of capacity building and training etc, because as you mentioned we’ll be providing services for sectors including health, energy, transportation and food security and we couldn’t cope with everything. I think social sciences are critical to help us really translate and work with these sectors to provide better climate services. 75th Session of the Executive Council in Geneva, June 2022. Image credit: WMO

Page 73

Page 74

Page 75

Page 76

+ Funding+ varysian.com+ 077Unlocking nancial resourcesFundingFunding06077 Unlocking nancial resources 080 Varysian hosts climate nance webinar series 082 Writing an effective funding tenderExploring funding sources Met services based in countries with developing economies often require nancial support to enhance their capacityand/or operations and there are a wide variety of funding sources available – if you know where to look. Here we share some of the funding sources met services could be taking advantage of. GovernmentThe majority of met services receive funding directly from their respective governments, but the amount is inuenced by political priorities and budgetary constraints. To advocate for increased budget allocations, met directors could dedicate time to engaging with the relevant government ofcials and policymakers and present a clear case highlighting the societal benets of well-funded meteorological services. Also reach out to fellow government agencies/departments that have links to climate and disaster management.These will understand the importance of accurate weather forecasts, climate projections and early warning systems, and may be willing to allocate some of their own budget to capacity building projects.Climate nance fundsFunds including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Adaptation Fund (AF) are available to help address the challenges posed by a changing climate and can support projects related to early warning systems, data collection, technology upgrades, community engagement and more. “For example, the Green Climate Fund has dedicated sector guidelines regarding climate information and early warning systems with three pathways,” says Paques Sidonie Kouam-Gwet, Regional Investment Lead at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Africa and a speaker on Varysian’s recent Climate Finance webinar series (see page 080). “These are strengthening climate information services (CIS), promoting impact-based multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) and early action, and improving climate information and early warning systems (CIEWS) for investment and nancial decisions. “The objective of the strengthening capacity pathway is to make robust climate information services widely available for informed decision making through the modernisation of

Page 77

Page 78

+ Funding+ varysian.com+ 079+ Funding+ 078+ varysian.comhydromet services by operationalising the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), sustainable business delivery and quality management models, and policy de-risking to drive uptake and investment in CIS,” she continues. “The promoting impact-based MHEWS and early action pathway focuses on making people-centred, end-to-end and impact-based early warning and action services widely available through the modernisation of disaster management institutions, community-based organisations and related institutions. “The Improving CIEWS for investment and nancial decisions pathway will support CIEWS for strengthening systemic resilience frameworks, asset design and structuring, and innovative nancial solutions to reduce climate risks.” It’s also worth noting that the GCF can, in certain situations, provide pre-funding towards early-stage consultancy. These take the form of Project Preparation Facility (PPF) grants. Bilateral and multilateral funding sourcesClimate nance can also come through bilateral, regional and other multilateral nancial institutions and development agencies. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are great places to start, as these regularly announce funding opportunities and capacity building initiatives. The UNDP, for example, has a Small Grants Programme (SGP), which is part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This aims to support initiatives that promote environmental conservation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. In certain scenarios, fast-track approval procedures can ensure funds are made available quickly in response to urgent situations. Partnering with international entities not only provides nancial backing, but also grants access to a global network of experts, knowledge sharing and best practices. The list of potential funding donors is vast, but includes the World Bank, African Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), New Zealand Aid Programme and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Further examples are available on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat’s website. Monetise your dataMet services could look to develop weather products to the private sector for a fee. You must keep in mind the WMO’s “commitment to the free and unrestricted exchange of data, which has been the bedrock of WMO since it was established”, and so data could of course continue to be freely available to the public, but added value services and specialised data could become revenue sources, critical to building capacity. For instance, commercial airlines may pay for specic weather forecasts and meteorological data to optimise ight planning and safety, while agricultural industries may purchase climate information and predictions to enhance crop management. This idea is discussed in more detail in our Q&A with incoming WMO Secretary General, Professor Celeste Saulo, on page 065. Public private partnerships (PPPs)Taking this a step further, look to establish partnerships with private entities such as commercial weather service providers, technology companies, energy providers and the insurance industry – to name but a few. These partnerships may not only involve sharing resources, expertise and data, which can be monetised to generate additional funding, but also private partners directly providing the funds necessary to support specic projects that offer mutual benets. Research grantsMet services can seek external funding through research grants provided by governmental agencies, non-prot organisations and international collaborations. These usually support scientic investigations, technology development and innovation within the meteorological eld. Consider engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations with research institutions, universities and climate research centres, but be sure to formulate research proposals that demonstrate the potential impact of the study on met services and the broader scientic community.Private foundations Private foundations are becoming a more common source of nancing for climate projects, especially for smaller or more economically disadvantaged countries, as these organisations appear to be particular interested in investing in areas where resources are limited. There are several well-known private foundations and philanthropic organisations that are actively involved in funding climate-related projects and initiatives. These include the Bill and Melinda Gates, David and Lucile Packard, MacArthur, Rockefeller, Ford, ClimateWorks and Open Society Foundations. Membership dues and contributionsSome meteorological organisations operate on a membership basis, where participating countries or institutions pay annual dues or contributions. These funds are pooled to support joint initiatives, research programs and capacity-building activities. Examples include regional meteorological organisations like the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). Author: Varysian

Page 79

Page 80

+ Funding+ varysian.com+ 081+ Funding+ 080+ varysian.comVarysian hosts climate nance webinar seriesEach year Varysian releases a research survey to 20,000 global weather and climate contacts to better understand what challenges they face and what initiatives are underway. This past year, one main topic that came up time and again was climate nance. Varyisan worked with its international contacts to pull together experts on this topic and in September ran a series of informative lectures, which are now available to view on demand.Climate nance resources mobilisation for meteorological servicesPresenting this webinar was Paques Sidonie Kouam-Gwet, Regional Investment Lead, Africa for the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The GGGI is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organisation focused on supporting developing and emerging countries to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Included in their work is a 2030 global strategy which encompasses ve global operational priorities and 11 pragmatic solutions including green investments, climate-resilient agriculture and waste management. The GGGI green investment services offering includes national nancing vehicles, sustainable nance instruments and international climate nance including; upstream support, funding proposals and technical assistance. Results of green investment services Between 2015-2022 the GGGI raised over US$8 billion in green investment commitments, enabled 54 green growth policies to be adopted by 15 countries and established 16 climate funds in 11 countries. Additionally, over 2000 ofcials were trained in over 48 countries. Climate nancing for meteorological servicesKouam-Gwet explored the different types of nancial structures available to meteorological services, then moved on to examples of where the GGGI has supported climate services, including in Malawi, the Philippines and Guatemala.The Malawi-based project, which has a total value of US$16.3 million, aims to enhance capacity of hydromet networks and staff to generate climate-related data and forecast extreme weather and climate change, develop and disseminate tailored climate products and decision support systems, as well as strengthen capacities of communities of early warning systems (EWS) in response to climate-related disasters. She then went on to discuss with the online audience topics such as the limited access to climate nance information, how national meteorological and hydrological services (NHMSs) can go about securing nance for innovative solutions, and the role of technology transfer in enhancing meteorological servicing via climate nance. Facilitating private sector investments in climate nancePresenting this session was Ayaka Fujiwara, a climate investment specialist from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), focused on the private sector facility. The private sector facilityFujiwara started off by sharing the four pillars of how the private sector facility works within the GCF; creating a conducive investment environment, accelerating climate innovation, mobilising nance at scale and strengthening domestic nancial systems. It’s believed that by collaborating with the private sector on these core approaches, sustainable growth can be fostered while making a real impact on climate change.Concessional capital’s role in the future of climate changeShe explained that the facility believes they can create a powerful nancial mechanism by blending capital from investors with different kinds of risk tolerance levels. She went on to explain that in the nascent market of climate nance, private sector participants are interested but also hesitant to jump into deals because of the lack of a proven track record standardised approach, and although it’s the reality of the pipelines, the GCF offers a safety net that shields private sector investors from bearing that rst loss rates, and that this should encourage greater participation from private sector.“We’re trying to make public investment more affordable and accessible, and we believe that this approach is extremely important. But as we try to ll the nancing gap that currently exists and climate nance, in itself needs a lot of capital, there is an almost 90% nancing gap that needs to be lled, and there’s no way that public sector money like GCF can ll all of that. So that’s the reason why in private sector facilities, we try to act as a bridge to ll that gap by de-risking private sector investors.”Fujiwara went on to answer some questions relating to the risk associated with investment in climate nance and how to overcome these risks, which often involves waiting until there is a track record and some liability shown within the project. She also discussed the geographical challenges related to this topic stating that, especially in developing countries, the necessary regulations or disclosure policies and frameworks are not necessarily in place, so investors can be left in the dark about what they are investing in. Climate nance panelTwo panellists, Srinivasan Ancha, Principal Climate Change Specialist and Climate Change Focal Point for Southeast Asia, from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Katherine Cooke, Principal Consultant in Climate Finance and Policy from Oxford Policy Management took part in this discussion. Needs vs. reality Current climate investment levels are nowhere near enough to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees – Srinivasan showed that currently we are at 1/10th of the funding required to hit this goal. Specically for adaptation nance, the nancial needs are around US$180 billion, and are currently at around US$46-49 billion. However, the level of adaptation nance available is increasing, which is a positive sign, rising from US$14 billion in 2011 to US$56 billion available in 2020. However, there’s still more to be done to hit our target of 1.5 degrees of global warming. What is ADB doing? Asian Development Bank President Asakawa announced at COP26 an ambitious goal of “US$100 billion of cumulative climate nance from our own resources by 2030”. US$20 billion was added in addition to an original $80billion target to support ve main areas:• New avenues for climate mitigation • Scale up of transformative adaptation projects • Increase in climate nance in ADB’s private sector operations • Support for a green, resilient and inclusive recovery from COVID-19• Support to advance policy reforms in developing member countries Cooke opened up her presentation with an introduction to Oxford Policy Management’s work and projects, including work with India’s Green Growth Equity Fund and the Policy and Institutions Facility (PIFS). She then went on to give some details of her experience in Fiji, working as the Commonwealth National Climate Finance Advisor, and covered the challenges that the Pacic region faces in accessing and applying climate nance, as well as the ability to use data for climate rationale. Utilising geospatial data Katherine’s role in Fiji was specically working with the CommonSensing platform, designed to enable users to visualise, analyse and compare data to produce actionable insights. This, alongside geospatial data in conjunction with the local government, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC), assessed project pipelines with the objective of using satellite remote sensing technology and earth observation data to feed into climate nance proposals, with the goal of making them more evidence-based and robust. Katherine went on to describe many more projects going on in the region, including in relation to the Fiji Rural Electrication Fund.DiscussionsBoth panellists then responded to questions from the audience, ranging from the sustainability of projects with a focus on relying on the maintenance of technology rather than applications for funding for new technology, to the best ways to inform developing countries regarding the process of applying for funding for EWS.Author: Katie Barkans, Operations Manager, VarysianClimate Finance Resources Mobilization for Meteorological Services with Paques Sidonie Kouam-Gwet

Page 81

Page 82

+ Funding+ 082+ varysian.comWriting an effective funding tenderOptimise your chance of securing fundingSecuring funding through successful tender applications is crucial for met services to maintain and enhance operations. Writing a funding tender requires a strategic approach that emphasises the importance of your organisation’s work and aligns with the interests of the funding source you’re targeting.By following the tips below, you can increase your chances of securing the funding you require to maintain infrastructure and build capacity. 1. Understand the purpose and scopeBefore beginning the writing process, ensure you have a clear understanding of the funding purpose and scope. Dene the specic projects or initiatives that require nancial assistance and align them with the overall goals and priorities of your organisation. Identify the key challenges that the funding will address and articulate the potential impact of the proposed projects on stakeholders and the community.2. Research potential funding sourcesThoroughly research potential funding sources that align with the objectives of your organisation and/or specic project.Explore government grants, private foundations, international organisations and public-private partnerships that focus on meteorology, climate change, disaster preparedness, or related elds. (see page 77)Tailor your tender to match the interests and priorities of each funding organisation.3. Clearly outline the budgetDevelop a detailed and transparent budget that demonstrates how the funding will be used. Divide the budget into specic categories, such as personnel costs, equipment acquisition, research and development, data collection and outreach programs.Ensure that each expense aligns with the proposed projects and presents a clear rationale for the cost estimates.4. Emphasise the importance of your service and/or projectHighlight the signicance of your met service and/or specic project in supporting public safety, economic planning and environmental sustainability. Emphasise the value of accurate weather forecasts, early warning systems and climate change analysis in mitigating risks, reducing losses and enhancing decision-making. Showcase success stories and real-life examples of how you have made a positive impact on various sectors. The more relevant to the funding you’re currently requesting, the better. 5. Demonstrate expertise and experienceEstablish credibility by showcasing the expertise and experience of your meteorological team. Highlight the qualications, achievements and contributions of key personnel involved in the proposed project. Mention any relevant certications, accreditations or partnerships that add weight to your organisation’s capacity to deliver high quality services.6. Address sustainability and long-term impactFunding organisations often seek projects with sustainable outcomes and long-term impact. Clearly outline the measures you will take to ensure the continuity and expansion of the proposed projects beyond the funding period. Discuss plans for ongoing research, capacity building and community engagement to make a lasting difference.7. Present a compelling narrativeCraft a compelling narrative that weaves together the goals, challenges and potential solutions of the proposed project. Use clear and concise language to communicate complex ideas effectively. Engage the reader with stories, statistics and visuals that illustrate the importance of this project.8. Seek expert supportExperts are available that can come in and help you write a funding tender – where possible take advantage of these individuals. Then, before submitting your funding tender, seek further input and feedback from subject matter experts, colleagues or consultants. This is because an external review can help identify any gaps, inconsistencies or areas that need work.Author: VarysianCampbell Scientiﬁc empowers NHMS organizations to make informed, data-driven decisions and take decisive action in theface of increasingly frequent extremeweather events.Designed as ﬁt-for-purpose, complete monitoring solutions to meet SOFF-funded GBON projects, Campbell Scientiﬁc's AWS is ideal for both modernizing legacy networks and implementing new stations.Our open-platform, sensor-agnostic hardware offers a tremendous lifetime value proposition. Equipment is vetted by weather networks globally and ﬁeld tested for durability to consistently deliver Measurements to Insights™.campbellsci.com/aws-meteorology

Page 83

Page 84

+ Public Private Partnerships+ uwi.edu+ 085Public Private Public Private PartnershipsPartnerships07085 Partnerships with academia in the Caribbean 087 The return of HydrometCARIBBEAN 092 Varysian Supports WMO RA IV 45th Hurricane Committee Meeting 093 HydrometLATAM 096 Strength and solidarity in the PacicPartnerships with academia in the CaribbeanIn the context of competing priorities and resource constraints, partnerships involving academia, the public and private sector, donor agencies and multilaterals are critical for small island developing states (SIDS) like Jamaica. These partnerships have been important to advancing the Caribbean’s agenda to develop early warning systems (EWS) and decision support tools for planning, and safeguarding lives, properties and the environment. Here we briey present four examples of how these partnerships are being used in a weather and climate context to assist Jamaica and the region to respond to a changing climate.Bushre warning indexFrom 2016 to 2019, the number of bushres across Jamaica increased from approximately 3,716 to 5,838. With warmer and drier conditions being experienced on average under a changing climate, a bushre warning index holds great potential for improving re management and response. A Jamaica Bush Fire Warning Index has been implemented by the Meteorological Service, Jamaica (MSJ) which forecasts the risk of re outbreaks in the country. The index is a geographic information system (GIS) -driven instrument that combines meteorological data with physics to determine the areas in the country at risk of bush res. It is premised on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) which early research has shown is a useful indicator of bushre potential for Jamaica. The research has also identied other skilful indicators such as water potential that can be included in future versions of the warning system. Several partners have enabled the research and implementation of this index including, but not limited to The University of the West Indies (UWI), the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Forestry Department, National Environment and Planning Agency, Ofce of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority.Currently, when generated, the Jamaica Bush Fire Warning Index is shared with key stakeholders including the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority.Real-time rainfall data captureAnother manifestation of a changing climate is an increased intensity in rainfall extremes. To enable closer monitoring of rainfall amounts across Jamaica, a Data Acquisition System for the Meteorological Service Jamaica has been designed by the UWI. Key to early warning eorts, planning and monitoring impactsAn installation in St. Thomas that is tted with a module to enable transmission of weather data in near real time for the Data Acquisition System for the Meteorological Service Jamaica

Page 85

Page 86

+ Public Private Partnerships+ 086+ uwi.edu+ Public Private Partnerships + 087+ varysian.comFollowing the success of the 2019 Caribbean Symposium in Barbados, and with travel opening up post-pandemic, Varysian kicked off 2023 with its second physical conference in the region – HydrometCARIBBEAN.Held from 31 January-2 February in Kingston, Jamaica, the symposium brought together all 16 Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO) member directors of NMHSs, as well as key professionals from academia, NGOs and the private sector. Roughly 25 speakers and panellists took to the stage over the three days. These included met service directors from across the region, World Bank Consultant Stefan von Gruigenen, Professor and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Tannecia Stephenson, Network Manager of Caribbean WaterNet and Lecturer of agri-environmental disaster risk resilience Ronald Roopnarine, CEO of the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica Keith Campbell, and Senior Director of Tourism Policy and Monitoring at Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, Osbourne Chin.Addressing regional challengesThe symposium’s aim was to create a space to foster new connections and facilitate conversations with policy and programme makers, as well as the NHMS themselves, on how best to tackle these issues. Varysian worked closely with Dr Arlene Laing, Coordinating Director of the CMO and Evan Thompson, Director of the Jamaican Meteorological Service and WMO RA IV President, to develop an agenda that would address the main challenges faced in the region. It was also an honour to have them co-chair the event.Theme for 2023 – early warnings for all The overarching theme of the symposium was the strengthening of early warning systems (EWS), as this is a key focus for the region’s NMHSs, and day one focused on identifying where the region is on its journey to ensuring EWS for all.The event opened with a presentation from Dr Arlene Laing, who discussed the goals of the symposium; to identify gaps The return ofHydrometCARIBBEAN Symposium focuses on strengthening early warning systems in the CaribbeanKatie and Co.Panel session at HydrometCaribbean 2023The system enables (near) real-time data capture from select automatic weather stations in Jamaica with data access by the MSJ Staff enabled via an online platform. The system also has a functionality to trigger warnings when rainfall recorded at the stations has exceeded pre-dened thresholds. The systems are powered by solar energy to improve the sustainability of this effort. In the rst phase, 10 stations have been added to the system with another suite of stations to be added in the next phase. Other partners have included the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Inter-American Development Bank through the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience funded by the Climate Investment Funds.The Simple Model for Advection of Storms and Hurricanes (SMASH)Extremes are also experienced via tropical storms and cyclones traversing the region. In an effort to better understand impact the Simple Model for Advection of Storms and Hurricanes (SMASH) has been developed by the UWI. Landing page of UWI Climate Tools hosting SMASH and RealTMSSMASH allows users to examine different scenarios of tracks, intensities and forward speeds of select hurricanes that have traversed the Caribbean and to output the associated rainfall rates and windspeeds. The outputs can then be fed into models to determine impacts of these storms on different sectors. Partners have included Newcastle University and the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom; Instituto de Meteorología (Cuba), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and CCRIF SPC for updates to the system.Real Time Monitoring System (RealTMS) for Water Quality Real Time Monitoring System (RealTMS) for Water Quality is a technological solution that allows environmental regulators, industry practitioners and other stakeholders to monitor the water quality in rivers, drains and other moving bodies of waters.The system enables monitoring of parameters including biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), potential hydrogen (pH), temperature and conductivity. This was inspired by a private sector need for monitoring water quality and partners have included the CCRIF SPC in advancing the re-commissioning of the system. Effective partnershipsThese tools have been designed for the Caribbean within the Caribbean through effective partnerships and are representative of the capacities to be found in the region to address regional problems. There is scope to do more within the region and to nd innovative solutions t for the Caribbean. This will require further developing capacities by expanding the pool of professionals available to solve problems in the region. It requires more regional institutions recognising the merits of collaboration in developing responses to region-specic questions. It requires more attention being placed on data collection and compilation across the physical and social sciences to underpin the development of new tools.It requires funders recognising that there are competences in the region which can be leveraged. It requires governments being willing to increase nancial support to local professionals working on regional problems and even facilitating a pool of funds to support efforts to address priority areas identied by them over pre-determined cycles. If we are able to work on these approaches, more may be accomplished by the region to support its planning and monitoring activities.Authors: Professor Tannecia S. Stephenson, Deputy Dean of the UWI, Mona Faculty of Science and Technology, Jacqueline M. Spence-Hemmings, Meteorological Service of Jamaica Climate Branch Head, Dr. Jayaka D. Campbell, UWI Lecturer, Mona Department of Physics and Professor Michael A. Taylor, Dean of the UWI, Mona Faculty of Science and Technology

Page 87

Page 88

+ Public Private Partnerships+ 088+ varysian.comin each pillar where NMHSs should contribute and to take concrete actions to advance or enhance EWS in the Caribbean through partnerships with the private sector, academia, civil societies and development agencies. Each day consisted of a mix of presentations, panels and round table discussions, and highlights from day one included the panel on best practice in operation, which showcased the variety of EWS currently in place or being developed in the region. Solutions presented included an EWS for multiple hazards, an EWS with community input, an EWS which used forecasts from a third party and a hydrology-focused EWS.“The symposium was fantastic – very educational! I’ve already spoken with my director on a way forward in setting up our met service.” - Jacob Adolphus, Emergency Communications Ofcer at the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Department of Disaster ManagementThe round table topics for the day were closing the gaps, capacity building – in particular developing predictive capabilities, and EWS data management and sharing. Feedback from these sessions included: • Data sharing and integration are critical to advancing EWS• It’s better to develop skills for use of NWP from global centres for most applications, but stick to local and regional models for convection• NMHSs should collaborate for nancing and resource mobilisation• AI can be useful for some applications• NMHSs should consider crowd-sourcing to aid observations and improve engagement with the community, but it’s key to closely manage the data qualityThe importance of partnershipsDay two focused on the importance of partnerships, and included a panel session on public private partnerships (PPP) and a presentation on partnerships with academia. The round tables were particular highlights, with participants discussing everything from regional partnerships (A) and the role of the private sector in advancing EWS in the region + Public Private Partnerships + 089+ varysian.comA round table session in full ow(B), through to the development and renement of standard operating procedures between different departments and organisations (C).Discussions on table A included what difference cross-border collaboration and regional integration can make towards the goal of EWS for all, examples of successful regional partnerships and what the Caribbean can do to support the growth of these.Over on table B, private sector participants put a key question to the met directors: what are your biggest challenges around EWS – from the early stages of gathering data through to getting the information out to the public? From here the discussion moved to whether the technology currently exists to overcome these challenges, and if not, whether manufacturers are able to develop the technology to bridge these gaps and help NMHSs progress on their EWS journey. On table C, attendees discussed the WMO-CDEMA project focused on standard operating procedures between met services and national disaster ofces, as well as the role of different organisations and sectors in the process. “A fabulous job – all parties appeared to nd it super valuable. Forging these partnerships is a particular passion of mine and I think Varysian is playing a unique role in brokering a space for creative deal-making.” - Janot-Reine Mendler de Suarez, Climate-Smart Development Consultant, World BankThe last mile – communication and dissemination of warningsThe third and nal day revolved around the last mile of EWS, which is the communication and dissemination of information. A double session was given to this exact topic, which saw a great array of panellists from the telecoms, broadcast and tourism sectors, as well as academics that work closely with local communities. The discussions between the panellists and audience – as well as on the later round tables – covered improving dissemination of information, the importance of community-level early warning systems and the role of the media and telecommunications in getting early warnings out to everyone. PPP Panel

Page 89

Page 90

Page 91

Page 92

+ Public Private Partnerships+ varysian.com+ 092Varysian had the pleasure of supporting the WMO RA IV 45th Hurricane Committee meeting, held in San José, Costa Rica this March. This was the committee’s rst face-to-face meeting since 2019. The committee’s function is to coordinate and improve forecasting capacity and issuing of hurricane warnings, therefore reducing loss of life and property in RA IV. Meeting annually, the event’s main goal is to review and update the operational plans for the upcoming hurricane season. This latest meeting took place over ve days, and consisted of high-level talks and presentations between stakeholders including NMHSs and regional NGOs and IGOs. Key topicsAttended by over 100 delegates from across the public sector, key topics of discussion at the meeting included:• Annual review of the Operational Plan on Hurricanes and the Tropical Cyclone Program• Improving facilities and procedures in order to have effective and efcient early warning systems• Impact-based forecasting• The need for countries affected by tropical cyclones to continue collaborating and redoubling their efforts to reduce human and material losses• Accelerated modalities of action for small island developing states (Samoa Pathway)• Coordinating the operational procedures for forecasting and warning of tropical cyclones• Promoting cooperation between the WMO and other international organisations regarding preparedness and prevention of disasters by tropical cyclonesThe committee made the decision to retire Fiona and Ian from the rotating lists of Atlantic tropical cyclone names because of the death and destruction they caused in Central America, the Caribbean, the United States and Canada. Farrah will be used to replace Fiona in the lists of names, whilst Idris will replace Ian.The meeting also focused heavily on Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL, see page 007)– the UN’s global early warning initiative for the implementation of climate adaptation, which was announced at COP27. Varysian was invited to organise a private sector exhibition for the event. This showcased advancements in technology to support the development of early warning systems in the region. Eight key organisations participated in the exhibition, and the private sector delegates were also invited to participate in a number of sessions in order to offer an insight into the technology required to achieve the stakeholders’ goals. This also provided them a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of RA IV’s key challenges. The next RA IV Hurricane Committee meeting will take place in Panama in 2024. Varysian supports WMO RA IV 45th Hurricane Committee MeetingNurturing public private engagement Author: Keri Allan, Varysian Senior Content Manager+ Public Private Partnerships+ varysian.com+ 093Last December, Varysian hosted HydrometLATAM 2022; a three-day technical symposium that brought together approximately 70 key professionals from across the public, private and academic sectors.Taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the aim of this event was to create an opportunity for WMO RA III NMHS technical managers to discuss the challenges and potential solutions around capacity building in South America, particularly in the areas of operations, technology and science and research. Main challenges for South American NMHSs Attendees cited the biggest challenges RA III NMHS’s face as:• Having an adequate vision, mission and developed plan• Being able to deliver high quality and timely services and products• Having full knowledge of critical success factors• Knowing, understanding and satisfying all of their stakeholders’ needsFrom a technology standpoint, the following were called out as key technological requirements for capacity building:• Knowledge of the latest technologies available• Empowering technical managers and providing them with the required resources• Knowledge and experience sharing between the public and private sectors • Linking project development with sustainability The symposium was split into a variety of sessions including presentations, panels, innovation talks and round tables, which created opportunities to share experiences and ideas, as well as nurture potential partnerships both between regional NMHSs and the public and private sector. This was encouraged through the event’s exhibition area, where technical managers were given the opportunity to network with representatives from leading hydrometeorological equipment and services providers.HydrometLATAMCapacity building in South AmericaVarysian CEO Tom Copping welcomes delegates to HydrometLATAM

Page 93

Page 94

+ Public Private Partnerships+ 094+ varysian.comThe future of South American NMHSs Renowned speakers participated in the event, including the incoming Secretary-General of the WMO, Dr Celeste Saulo, who discussed the short and medium-term future of South American NMHSs. Conclusions from her session, and the linking round table, included that many climate observations are currently underexploited due to a lack of consistency in their processes, interoperability and useability, and that more training was required on the available observation systems in order to highlight, predict, mitigate and adapt to changes in the climate system. The need to develop “service-oriented science” was discussed, in order to provide value-added services that will support local economies, as well as the need for NMHSs to have access to state-of-the-art technology in order to develop their impact-based forecasting and comply with the Early Warnings for All initiative (See page 007). Finally, discussions revolved around enabling capacity building through strategic alliances, which could be inter-institutional, inter-regional, international or inter-sectorial in nature.Technical advancesDr Diego Oliveira de Souza, CEMADEN Situation Room Technologist, took to the stage for his presentation entitled ‘Hydrometeorological and environmental monitoring systems’ technological advances, control systems and data processing, and new technologies’.He stated that it’s important for NMHS staff, and in particular technical managers, to know about the latest technical innovations, especially as these may support NMHS capacity building and help to introduce operational efciencies. He also discussed that staff needn’t fear for their jobs, as automation will only be there to support, rather than replace, and that when considering the purchase of new equipment, it’s imperative that technical managers and their colleagues consider monitoring and maintenance costs. Quality management systems and their impact on technical managersAnother session, run by Dr Guillermo Navarro and Dr Marco Erize – international experts in the implementation of quality management systems (QMS) – discussed QMS and their impact on technical managers. The speakers highlighted the benets of QMS, noting that they can help to keep employees motivated and strengthen relationships between stakeholders, as well as ensure the NMHS is able to full all its customers’ needs by optimising efciencies. They also directed attendees to look at the WMO’s Guide to the Implementation of QMS for NMHS and Other Relevant Service Providers. EconomicsThe event also looked at Latin American NMHSs’ need for signicant investment in order to provide timely, reliable and accurate forecasts of severe weather events. Katie and Co.+ Public Private Partnerships + 095+ varysian.comTherefore, it’s imperative that they can calculate the economic and social value of their services in order to gain access to more funding. Furthermore, having a strong understanding of the economics of any given project will help technical managers to optimise their use of resources and ensure cost efciency.Conclusions pointed to NMHSs in low and middle-income countries beneting from incorporating their plans into those of national development, poverty reduction and climate adaptation plans. The role of technical managersTechnical managers are well placed to help structure development plans, but a key part of their role also lies in ensuring compliance with WMO guidelines, as well optimising the exchange of knowledge, experiences and good practice in the technical eld. This topic was broached in a presentation by Dr Elian Wolfram, Director of Observation Networks of the National Meteorological Service of Argentina, and during a later roundtable session. These covered a number of topics, including the importance of NMHSs complying with WMO programmes like observation networks criteria, the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) and the Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review (OSCAR). Discussions highlighted that technical managers’ role in this was to ensure data traceability and quality – the latter through meta data management, calibration and adequate instrumentation, as well as integrating partners’ data networks when necessary. These challenges could be overcome by the use of multi-disciplined team and systems thinking tools, as well as improving technical managers’ ability to deal with environments where the only constant is change. Author: Keri Allan, Varysian Senior Content ManagerVarysian would like to thank everyone who made HydrometLATAM possible; from those involved in the planning sessions through to the speakers, moderators, sponsors and attendees. We truly appreciate your support. Technical managers from across LATAMRicardo Aguilar (left), Sales director for LATAM and the Caribbean, Campbell Scientic deep in discussion at the HydrometLATAM exhibition

Page 95

Page 96

+ Public Private Partnerships+ 096+ sprep.org+ Public Private Partnerships + 097+ sprep.orgStrength and solidarity in the PacicOn 13-15 August, the Secretariat of the Pacic Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Government of Fiji and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) co-hosted the Sixth Meeting of the Pacic Meteorological Council (PMC-6) in Nadi, Fiji.Bringing together heads of the Pacic national meteorological and hydrological services (NMHSs) to deliberate across three days, the PMC-6 led into the donor round table on 16 August and the Third Pacic Meteorological Ministers Meeting on 17 August.The Pacic Meteorological Council (PMC) serves as aspecialised subsidiary body of the SPREP meeting, responsible for facilitating and coordinating the scientic and technical and activities of the regional hydrological and meteorological services. The sixth PMC meeting encompassed an examination of strategic issues on a national and regional scale, with over 200 delegates present over the ve days.The PMC-6 also brought together the national disaster management ofce directors from across the Pacic, civil society and development partners. The private sector was also present throughout the week, as Varysian partnered with the co-hosts to organise a technical exhibition and expert panels. This was a vital part of the event in terms of public-private partnerships (PPPs).On the last day of the meeting, ministers responsible for meteorology also joined, in order to be briefed on the role of NMHSs and their contributions to both national and regional safety and sustainable development through the provision of weather, climate, hydrology, ocean and related services.PMC-6 goalsThe goal of the PMC-6 was to serve as a platform for discussing strategic matters of signicance in the region. Key topics of focus included updates on the progress made in implementing the Nuku’alofa Ministerial Declaration, which pertains to sustainable weather and climate services Progressing resilience to extreme climate and weather events in Fiji at the PMC-6 Varysian CEO Tom Copping with Ben Churchill, WMO Regional Oce Director for Asia and the South-West Pacic

Page 97

Page 98

+ Public Private Partnerships+ 098+ sprep.org+ Public Private Partnerships + 099+ sprep.orginformation PPPs in the long term, as well as shared experiences of how met service clients have reached their audience (public, media, ministers, etc.) specically when discussing early action and preventive measures. It was an opportunity for attendees of the PMC-6 to ask the panel questions and share experiences, working towards the improvement of public-private partnerships. Raising awareness of gender, disability and the vulnerable during disastersMembers of the PMC-6 were urged to remember the needs of people with disabilities in their work to protect members of Pacic communities from all hazards.The message from the Pacic Disability Forum (PDF) was voiced by Ms Litia Naitanui of Fiji, who reminded the Council that in times of disasters, the needs of people with disability are often ignored, resulting in many individuals being left behind, or becoming vulnerable to extreme weather impacts.The need for a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to early warning alerts and processes was highlighted, for example, taking into account those who are sight or hearing impaired, as well as accommodating wheelchair users in evacuation centres.One presentation highlighted the leadership value of women during extreme climatic events but also the challenges and expectations they face post-disaster, which was a poignant topic, considering that more women than ever were present at the PMC-6 than any preceding meeting.This reected the PMC’s mission to improve the gender balance within meteorological services and introduce more women and girls to the world of science and technology. Weather Ready PacicDeveloped as a result of a call from the PMC, the Weather Ready Pacic Decadal programme of Investment (WRP) was developed as a critical part of the Pacic’s response to predictions of more intense tropical cyclones, increased heat stress, extreme rainfalls, storm surges, droughts, sea level rise and marine heatwaves.WRP has a goal of US$167 million for ten years to implement the work, with the Government of Australia providing initial funding support of AU $30 million. As NMHSs strive to improve their services, critical gaps remain in areas such as observation networks, governance, computing, communications, forecasting and training. This sustained sequence of investment is designed to provide a collaborative regional approach to address these issues. It also aims to reduce the economic and human cost of extreme climate events, to protect livelihoods and lives.During the event, a proposed roadmap for the next steps in the programme were presented and discussed among the members, with plans for further review and discussion on how to best move forward. Moving forwardThe PMC-6 and related meetings were an opportunity to call for further support from governments, development partners and donors to ensure that NMHSs in the Pacic have the necessary capacity to support sustainable and resilient development. The event ended on a high note, with the future safety of the Pacic islands relying on programmes such as the WRP programme as well as a sense of solidarity and unity, something encouraged by Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of SPREP, who had strong messages of togetherness in his closing speech.The PMC was duly ofcially closed by Bipen Prakash, Acting Head of the Fiji Meteorological Service with Vanuatu hosting the next meeting (PMC-7) in 2024.Author: Katie Barkans, Operations Manager, Varysianfor a resilient Pacic, as well as the Honiara Ministerial Statement on sustainable weather, climate, oceans and water for a resilient Pacic. Emphasis was placed on utilising the gathering of high-level delegates to discuss developing services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Pacic communities. Special attention was given to the Weather Ready Pacic Programme of Investment, a ten-year programme to strengthen the Pacic region’s ability to anticipate, plan for, and respond to high impact and extreme weather, water, and ocean events.PMC-6 outcomesImproved crop resilience for the people of VanuatuMs Moirah Mato, Project Manager for the Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redi, Adapt mo Protekt, (VanKIRAP) project introduced a new tailor-made tool which gives the people of Vanuatu the ability to make informed decisions to improve crop resilience based on what is happening in the local climate. Vanuatu is the rst country to use the WMO’s Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review tool (OSCAR) in the Pacic.Taking into account technical expertiseOn day three of PMC-6, ten private sector organisations showcased their work and products during an exhibition event organised by Varysian in partnership with the event hosts.This exhibition was an opportunity for the private sector to build relationships and network with members of the PMC, as well as to understand the unique challenges and threats the Pacic region and its people increasingly face.Representatives from ten companies ew in from around the globe to be at PMC-6, some bringing examples of their technology, visualisations and technical information for attendees to interact with. The technologies presented ranged from weather radars and automatic weather stations to rain gauges, software and more, it provided the PMC members a tangible idea of how technological challenges and gaps within their meteorological services can be remedied. Varysian also arranged for a side event which consisted of a panel of private sector representatives.Panellists discussed successful examples of weather information PPPs from other regions, and how their experiences could be applied to the Pacic Island context as well as benets of private sector involvement in weather information provision. Financing models and funding mechanisms Also discussed were potential nancial models and funding mechanisms that can be employed to sustain weather L-R: Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of SPREP, Bipen Prakash, Chair of PMC-6, and Petteri Taalas, Secretary General, WMO.Varysian’s Managing Director, Luke Pierce, right

Page 99

Page 100

Page 101

Page 102

+ Directory+ 102 + Directory + 103DirectoryAdvanced Radar Company (ARC)3771 Eureka Way, Fredrick, CO 80516 USA+1 303-449-9192info@advancedradarcompany.cominfo@radiometrics.comwww.advancedradarcompany.comwww.radiometrics.comAdvanced Radar Company was founded in 2006 by the UCAR Foundation to bring a new generation of radar hardware and software technology to the market. Our scientic and application background brings the user perspective to our collaboration with customers. In 2021, our acquisition of Radiometrics Corporation allows customers to access the leading wind radar and radiometer product line in the world in order to stay ‘Ahead of the Weather’.In addition to these reliable and globally recognised systems, we provide engineering and scientic services for network design and multi-sensor integration. Our team is experienced in the development and implementation of early warning systems and can bring innovative solutions via public-private-partnership models to assure a sustainable solution for our customers. We are proud of our support to a diverse client base that reaches all seven continents including offshore and maritime installed systems.Building on our scientic and research-based history, ARC and Radiometrics remain committed to bring innovative solutions to the market and have a strong history of long-term collaboration with our partners and customers. Baron Weather4930 Research Dr. Huntsville, AL 35805, USA+001 256 881 8811www.baronweather.comsolutions@baronweather.comBaron Weather Inc. knows how difcult it can be to integrate and use weather data and technology in a way that benets your organisation.We believe you deserve to be optimally equipped to make informed decisions for your organisation that will protect your assets and improve safety. That’s why we’re passionate about helping you prepare for the challenges weather brings to your operation.Baron Weather provides best-in-class critical weather intelligence to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the globe.With a history of continuous innovation, we develop life-saving meteorological tools that have set the industry standard for radar engineering, hydrological modelling, data integration, storm tracking and early warning systems.Baron radars feature exclusive calibration and clutter suppression technology. Our forecast modelling demonstrates weather conditions like precipitation, wind, winter weather, ooding and air quality with robust accuracy.From the detection of dangerous weather to the communication of alerts and warnings to the public, Baron can help you transform your meteorological organisation into a more efcient and effective operation with the most actionable and accurate displayed weather data. We ensure you’re treated as a partner, not a data point.To learn more, contact Jon.Tarleton@baronweather.com.Campbell Scientic815 West 1800 North Logan, Utah 84321, USA+1-435-227-9080sales@campbellsci.comwww.campbellsci.comProviding dependable instrumentation since 1974, Campbell Scientic has been globally recognised as a leading producer of measurement solutions for mitigating severe weather casualties; gathering data to understand climate change and environmental impacts; and helping organisations, institutions and national agencies provide hydromet and aviation services to their communities. We offer world-class instrumentation hardware and software with unrivalled lev els of insight and end-to-end project delivery and maintenance solutions. Campbell Scientic aviation weather observing stations (AWOS) have provided critical, continuous data for safe and efcient aircraft operations in conditions ranging from the extreme cold and snow to intense heat and humidity. At the heart of Campbell Scientic AWOS solutions is the powerful and exible Campbell Aero software. We work with air trafc controllers to customise displays that meet local require ments, allowing users to modify these displays as their project needs evolve. Campbell Scientic WMO-compliant, complete Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) offer a comprehensive range of environmental measurements for national meteorological and hydrological services (NMHS) organisations serving a diverse set of stakeholders. Durable and long-lasting systems and sensors are vetted by weather networks globally and eld tested for durability in extreme environments. Our stations consistently return high-quality data suitable for numerical weather prediction, early warning systems and climate science.LeonardoLEONARDO Germany GmbH, Raieisenstrasse 10, 41470 Neuss, Germanywww.leonardogermany.cominfo@leonardogermany.com+49 (0)2137 782-0LEONARDO Germany GmbH occupies a worldwide leading position in the design, manufacture, sales and service of weather radar systems, sensors and system solutions for meteorology, hydrology and aviation.With our METEOR product line, featuring state-of-the-art S-, C- and X-Band weather radar technology, we spearhead the weather radar industry, serving a wide base of international customers including aviation authorities, national weather services, military services, hydrological institutions and research agencies. With the introduction of SKIRON3D®, our proprietary Doppler lidar system, we are further enhancing our outstanding meteorological portfolio.LEONARDO Germany GmbH focuses on providing customised system and turnkey solutions that reect a deep concern for the individual customer.nowcastFürstenrieder Str. 279a D-81377 Munichwww.nowcast.de+49 89 552 97 13 70info@nowcast.denowcast is a German-based organisation fully focused on lightning research, detection, warning technologies and associated risk proles.The exceptional quality of nowcast’s commercial data and solutions, which enable ultra-precise detection of lightning strokes, is regularly conrmed both by scientic research and customer’s satisfaction.Those high precision lightning data help national weather services and as well as many different industry sectors to protect lives and assets and are a perfect enabler for increasing operational efciency and nancial performance.The World Climate Service (WCS), provided by Prescient Weather Ltd, implements proven meteorological science to improve long-range forecasts. WCS enables global subseasonal and seasonal climate monitoring, forecasting and analysis to enable early warning regarding the risks of signicant climate events. This is achieved by providing advanced dynamical model forecasts, analog and statistical analysis and climate monitoring capabilities. WCS saves our users time while enabling an improved long-range forecast. The World Climate Service is used by the UN FAO in its locust early warning system. The Danish Meteorological Institute uses WCS to prepare its public subseasonal forecasts.The World Climate ServiceDr. Jan F. Duttoninfo@worldclimateservice.com www.worldclimateservice.com+1 (434) 260-0529SEBA Hydrometrie GmbH & Co. KG state-of-the-art measurement and monitoring systems: value, storage, transmission and evaluation. New methods and algorithms, especially in the eld of ow measurement, nd their way into the hydrometry sector. In close cooperation with our clients and partners, SEBA Hydrometrie offers monitoring solutions that cover the entire range of applications in the areas of surface water, groundwater, water quality and meteorology.Our experts and engineers are supporting in concept, design and implementation. Users can always rely on our after-sales assistance to ensure that investments provide reliable and high-quality measurement data. Customer satisfaction is our ultimate goal.SEBASEBA Hydrometrie GmbH & Co. KG, Gewerbestr. 61 A 87600 Kaueuren, Germanywww.seba-hydrometrie.cominfo@seba.de+49 (0) 8341/9648-0Vaisalawww.vaisala.com/contactusTrusted weather observations for a sustainable future.Vaisala’s industry-leading weather observation technologies, instruments and solutions lay the foundation for you to improve your ability to measure and forecast weather. Futureproof effective and accurate weather observations and forecasts.Get superior weather data quality and availability through industry-leading data processing and hardware, designed to meet even the most demanding requirements. For more information, please visit vaisala.com/meteorology.ESRI380 New York Street, Redlands, California, United States of America1 (888) 377-4575www.esri.comEsri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping.Since 1969, we have supported customers with geographic science and geospatial analytics, what we call The Science of Where. We take a geographic approach to problem-solving, brought to life by modern GIS technology.We are committed to using science and technology to build a sustainable world.

Page 103