Context:
In the recently held United Nations Water Conference 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation’s Hydrological Status and Outlook System offered a data analysis tool for simulation.
Relevance:
GS I: Geography
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS):
- World Meteorological Organisation
Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS): Overview and Objectives
- Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS) is an initiative envisioned by the Commission for Hydrology and overseen by the WMO Hydrological Assembly.
- Its aim is to provide crucial global scale information needed to help water users understand the current status of the world’s freshwater systems.
- HydroSOS will be delivered by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), offering simple and accessible hydrological information to users such as government bodies, basin managers, funding institutions, etc.
Phases of HydroSOS Development:
HydroSOS is being developed in phases, with the first one being a pilot phase (2017-2021). During this phase, pilot basins have been identified in Africa and South Asia. The development of HydroSOS will proceed through several phases:
- Pilot Phase (2017-2021): During this phase, pilot basins were identified in Africa and South Asia.
- Development Phase (2021-2024): The focus of this phase will be on developing an operational system and expanding the coverage to more regions.
- Implementation Phase (2024-2026): This phase will focus on the implementation of HydroSOS in NMHSs and other relevant institutions worldwide.
Benefits of HydroSOS:
- Improved water management: HydroSOS will provide critical information that can help water managers make more informed decisions regarding water management.
- Better water resource planning: HydroSOS will enable better planning for the future by providing information on the hydrological status and outlook of freshwater systems.
- Enhanced disaster risk reduction: HydroSOS will provide information that can help to reduce the risk of hydrological disasters such as floods and droughts.
- Greater data sharing: HydroSOS will promote greater sharing of hydrological data, which is essential for effective water management.
World Meteorological Organisation
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is an intergovernmental organization responsible for promoting international cooperation on weather, climate, and water issues.
- It was established in 1950 and operates under the auspices of the United Nations.
Functions:
- Facilitating international cooperation and coordination in meteorology, hydrology, and related fields.
- Promoting the standardization of meteorological and hydrological observations and measurements.
- Encouraging the development and exchange of meteorological and hydrological information, products, and services.
- Providing guidance and support to National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and other organizations in the implementation of their programs and activities.
- Supporting research and development activities related to weather, climate, and water issues.
Activities:
- Development of global observing systems for weather, climate, and water.
- Provision of climate and weather services to support decision-making in various sectors such as agriculture, aviation, energy, and disaster risk reduction.
- Coordination of global research programs such as the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW).
- Management of international agreements on climate, weather, and water issues such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
Structure:
- The WMO is composed of 193 member states and territories, which are represented by their National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).
- The highest body of the WMO is the World Meteorological Congress, which meets every four years to set the strategic direction of the organization and elect its leadership.
- The day-to-day work of the organization is carried out by the Secretariat, which is headed by the Secretary-General.
- The WMO plays a critical role in addressing global challenges related to weather, climate, and water. Through its programs and activities, it provides essential information and services to support decision-making in various sectors and helps countries to build their capacity to address climate and weather-related risks and opportunities.
-Source: The Hindu
