Strengthening Weather and Climate Information and Decision-Support Systems (WCIDS)

BACKGROUND

To help implement the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 (HFA), GFDRR established a program to strengthen weather and climate information and decision-support systems (WCIDS). Strengthening WCIDS is important for climate adaptation and sustainable development. Through its Disaster Risk Reduction Mainstreaming Program, GFDRR already provides ex-ante assistance to developing countries to strengthen their WCIDS and EWS capacities.

The GFDRR Program for Strengthening WCIDS will mainstream development of modern, sustainable, service-oriented weather and climate information systems into the GFDRR and World Bank portfolio.

                               
                                     *Note: The Partnership Learning Series (PLS) is a course series within the GFDRR Learning section.

 

THE PROGRAM'S THREE KEY PILLARS

1. Analytical Support and Knowledge Management: This program pillar will build analytical knowledge of weather and climate information systems through reviews of WCIDS development trends on global, regional and national levels, assessment of knowledge available for sector application, and analysis of how to achieve sustainability of WCIDS and increase their societal value. Reviews will draw on input from a network of experts drawn from NMSs and international, academic, and private sector organizations.

2. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: The Program will assist country clients, GFDRR and World Bank teams working on DRM, climate change adaptation and other objectives where WCIDSS capacity plays an important supporting role. Workshops, training sessions and study tours will be prepared and direct consultations and advisory assistance provided to interested teams. Outputs may include: (i) training courses and materials; (ii) agreed good practices for investment in WCIDS and NMSs; (iii) identification of innovative practices in using weather and climate information for improving EWSs and reducing disaster risk.

3. Porfolio Development and Operations: A special project preparation facility for development of EWS and WCIDS projects (or major components under broader programs) will be launched. The Program will provide support to GFDRR/World Bank teams who identify major opportunities to advance the DRM agenda by strengthening WCIDS. Project preparation funds will be allocated for promising or innovative project proposals.

RESOURCES

• WCIDS Program Overview: GFDRR Program for Strengthening Weather and Climate Information and Decision-Support Systems (WCIDSs) (2011) 
• Presentation: Climate Smart Agriculture - Adaptation to Weather and Climate Extremes (Pai-Yai Whung, Ph.D., Science Adviser, ARD/SDN (2011)
• Presentation: User’s Perspective - Application and Utility of Weather, Climate and Water Information in Sustainable Development (2011) (Click here for available background information)
• Report: WCIDS Report of Stakeholders Consultations and Program Launch (2011)
• Report: Managing and Delivering National Meteorological and Hydro-meteorological Services (2011)
• Report: Implementing Hazard Early Warning Systems (2011)
   

 

 

 

 

 

WCIDS Program Coordinator
Vladimir Tsirkunov
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery
E-mail: vtsirkunov@worldbank.org