Commission for Hydrology

WEATHER CLIMATE WATER Abridged final report with with resolutions and recommendations final Abridged report 7–13 2016 December Rome sessionFifteenth forCommission Hydrology WMO-No. 1184

WMO-No. 1184 © World Meteorological Organization, 2016

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CONTENTS

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GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (CHy-15/Doc. 1) ...... 1

1.1 Opening of the session ...... 1

1.2 Consideration of the report on credentials ...... 1

1.3 Adoption of the agenda ...... 1

1.4 Establishment of committees ...... 1

1.5 Concepts guiding the conduct of the session ...... 2

1.6 Organizational questions ...... 2

1.7 Date and place of the sixteenth session of the Commission for Hydrology ...... 2

1.8 Closure of the session ...... 2

2. REPORT ON THE HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME (CHy-15/Doc. 2) ...... 2

2.1 Report by the president of the Commission ...... 2

2.2 Reports by the Advisory Working Group members ...... 2

2.3 Report by the Secretary-General ...... 3

2.4 Regional activities related to the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme ...... 3

3. DECISIONS OF CONGRESS AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF RELEVANCE TO HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (CHy-15/Doc. 3) ..... 3

4. SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL HYDROLOGICAL SERVICES VALUE CHAIN .... 5

4.1 Measuring, monitoring and infosystems (CHy-15/Doc. 4.1(1)) (CHy-15/Doc. 4.1(2)) (CHy-15/Doc. 4.1(3)) ...... 5

4.2 Hydrological applications, products and services and water resources management (CHy-15/Doc. 4.2(1)) (CHy-15/Doc. 4.2(2)) (CHy-15/Doc. 4.2(3)) ...... 13

4.3 Proposal to develop a pilot WMO Global Hydrological Status and Outlook System (CHy-15/Doc. 4.3) ...... 18

5. CAPACITY-BUILDING IN HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (CHy-15/Doc. 5) ...... 18

6. COOPERATION WITH WATER-RELATED PROGRAMMES OF OTHER ORGANIZATIONS (CHy-15/Doc. 6) ...... 20

7. FUTURE PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE COMMISSION INCLUDING INTERACTIONS WITH REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS (CHy-15/Doc. 7) ...... 24 iv ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Page

8. STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION AND NOMINATION OF ADVISORY WORKING GROUP MEMBERS (CHy-15/Doc. 8) ...... 24

9. WMO STRATEGIC PLAN 2020–2023 AND MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF THE HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME (CHy-15/Doc. 9) 25

10. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (CHy-15/Doc. 10) ...... 26

11. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS (CHy-15/Doc. 11) ...... 26

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Final Session No. No.

1 3/1 Response of the Commission for Hydrology to decisions of Congress of relevance to hydrology and water resources management ...... 27

2 4.1(1)/1 Further implementation of the Quality Management Framework – Hydrology and the Commission for Hydrology strategy on regulatory material ...... 28

3 4.1(1)/2 Project for the assessment of the performance of flow measurement instruments and techniques ...... 30

4 4.1(2)/1 Governance of the Global Hydrometry Support Facility ...... 32

5 4.1(3)/1 Data operations and management ...... 35

6 4.2(1)/2 The Flood Forecasting Initiative and the contribution of the Commission for Hydrology to the Disaster Risk Management Programme ...... 37

7 4.2(1)/1 Contribution of the Commission for Hydrology to the future integrated and seamless WMO Data-processing and Forecasting System ...... 38

8 4.3/1 Development of a pilot WMO Global Hydrological Status and Outlook System 39

9 5/1 Capacity-building in hydrology and water resources management ..... 41

10 8/1 Work programme and structure of the Commission for Hydrology ...... 47

11 11/1 Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the Commission for Hydrology ...... 53

RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Final Session No. No.

1 4.1(3)/1 Data representations for hydrological information ...... 54

2 9/1 Contribution of the Commission for Hydrology to the formulation of the WMO Strategic Plan 2020–2023 ...... 58

3 11/1 Review of the resolutions of the Executive Council based on previous recommendations of the Commission for Hydrology ...... 59 CONTENTS v

Page

ANNEXES

I Report by the president of the Commission (paragraph 2.1 of the general summary) ...... 60

II Reports by the Advisory Working Group members (paragraph 2.2 of the general summary) ...... 65

III Report by the Secretary-General related to the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme (paragraph 2.3 of the general summary) ...... 73

IV Regional activities (paragraph 2.4.1 of the general summary) ...... 85

APPENDIX. List of participants ...... 87

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (agenda item 1)

1.1 Opening of the session (agenda item 1.1)

1.1.1 The president of the Commission for Hydrology (CHy), Mr H. Lins, opened the fifteenth session of CHy on Wednesday, 7 December 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in the Barceló Aran Mantegna Hotel, Rome, Italy. Mr Lins expressed his desire for a fruitful and productive meeting. On behalf of Mr Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of WMO, Ms Elena Manaenkova, Deputy Secretary-General welcomed the participants to CHy-15.

1.1.2 At the official opening ceremony held on Wednesday, 7 December at 6:30 p.m. at the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), seat of the Municipality of Rome, Mr Fabrizio Curcio, Head of the Department of Civil Protection welcomed the participants to Rome and stressed the importance of hydrology for civil defence, especially for the protection of life and property. Ms Elena Manaenkova, Deputy Secretary-General of WMO reminded the participants of the important linkages between weather, climate and water and the role of the WMO in this regard and thanked ISPRA for hosting the session. Mr Bernardo de Bernardinis, President of Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA) noted that, in a changing world, access to freshwater resources was becoming increasingly important and therefore the hydrological community would continue to play a significant role in national development. Mr Harry Lins, president of CHy, commended Italy for its strong role in hydrology at both the national and international levels and expressed his appreciation to the Italian Government for hosting CHy-15. Mr Roberto Battiston, President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), underlined the strong contribution that satellite data and remote sensing are providing to hydrological science and its application.

1.2 Consideration of the report on credentials (agenda item 1.2)

At the request of the president, the representative of the Secretary-General presented a list of the delegations present, including the capacities in which they were attending the session, whose credentials had been found to be in order. A total of 140 participants attended the session, representing 57 Members of WMO and 11 international organizations. The list of participants is given in the appendix to the present report. The Commission appreciated the increase in the percentage of women attending, which had reached a record 31%.

1.3 Adoption of the agenda (agenda item 1.3)

The proposed annotated agenda for the session was unanimously adopted, as contained in CHy-15/Doc. 1.

1.4 Establishment of committees (agenda item 1.4)

1.4.1 The Commission established a Selection Committee composed of: RA I – Ms Meriem Alaouri (Morocco) RA II – Mr Songkran Agsorn (Thailand) RA III – Ms Rocio Sanchez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) RA IV – Mr Jean-François Cantin (Canada) – Chair RA V – Mr John Fenwick (New Zealand) RA VI – Ms Cristina Alionte Eklund (Sweden) 2 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

1.4.2 The Commission also established a Coordination Committee composed of the president of CHy, vice-president of CHy and the Chair of the Selection Committee, supported by the WMO Secretariat.

1.5 Concepts guiding the conduct of the session (agenda item 1.5)

The WMO Secretariat described the innovative approach in which the session would be conducted. This consisted on reducing the time dedicated to reporting, and focusing on planning future activities while emphasizing the interlinkages with other relevant WMO Programmes and international processes.

1.6 Organizational questions (agenda item 1.6)

The Commission also noted that, with an aim to increase the involvement in its decision process of those Member countries that had not been able to send a delegation to attend the session physically, and to introduce new subjects and solicit comments from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, an online Pre-session Discussion had been carried out for a number of agenda items. Nineteen experts participated directly in the discussion and provided 45 written inputs, while the website received over 2 000 unique visitors. The outcomes of the Pre-session Discussion had been presented to the Commission and included in the pre-session documents under the relevant agenda items. The Commission was pleased to see the level of interaction created by the Pre-session Discussion and recommended that a similar approach be used for the sixteenth session. The Commission was also pleased to note that ISPRA had organized Video Streaming of the fifteenth session of CHy and that there had been, on average, 300 visits per day.

1.7 Date and place of the sixteenth session of the Commission for Hydrology (agenda item 1.7)

The Commission decided that its sixteenth session would be held late in 2020. An initial offer to host the session was received from Ethiopia.

1.8 Closure of the session (agenda item 1.8)

The fifteenth session of the Commission for Hydrology closed at 11:33 a.m. on 13 December 2016.

2. REPORT ON THE HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME (agenda item 2)

2.1 Report by the president of the Commission (agenda item 2.1)

The Commission noted the report of the president of the Commission for Hydrology, Mr Harry Lins (United States of America) included in Annex I to the present report, and commended him on the progress achieved by the Commission during the past intersessional period. The Commission discussed the future directions proposed by the president and thanked him for his leadership and dedication to the success of the Commission.

2.2 Reports by the Advisory Working Group members (agenda item 2.2)

The Commission noted the reports of the Advisory Working Group (AWG) members (see Annex II to the present report) and expressed appreciation for the contribution that they had made to the coordination and delivery of the activities of the Commission with the assistance of OPACHEs during the past intersessional period. The following AWG members (or their representative) presented their reports:

(a) Vice-president of CHy - Zhiyu Liu (China); GENERAL SUMMARY 3

(b) Water, Climate and Risk Management - Jan Danhelka (Czechia);

(d) Invited expert responsible for WHOS development - Silvano Pecora (Italy);

(e) Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction - Yuri Simonov (Russian Federation), Johnson M. Maina (Kenya);

(f) Water Resources Assessment - Sung Kim (Republic of Korea); Antonio Cardoso Neto (Brazil);

(g) Quality Management Framework - Hydrology - J.F. Cantin (Canada).

2.3 Report by the Secretary-General (agenda item 2.3)

The Commission noted the report of the Secretary-General on the activities undertaken in the framework of the HWRP, included in Annex III to the present report, and recognized the progress achieved by the joint efforts of the Commission, through its Advisory Working Group, and the WMO Secretariat during the past intersessional period.

2.4 Regional activities related to the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme (agenda item 2.4)

2.4.1 The Commission noted the report of the activities undertaken through the regional associations in relation to the HWRP included in Annex IV to the present report. The Commission was also informed of the process by which the Commission ensured that the needs of the regional associations were incorporated into the work programme of the Commission, discussed under agenda item 7.

2.4.2 The Commission noted the overall benefits that had derived from all regional associations maintaining their working groups related to hydrology and water resources and from the inclusion of the Regional Hydrological Advisors in the Management Groups of regional associations.

3. DECISIONS OF CONGRESS AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF RELEVANCE TO HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (agenda item 3)

Congress

3.1 The Commission was informed that the seventeenth session of the World Meteorological Congress (Cg-17), after reviewing the implementation of the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme, expressed its general satisfaction with the Programme and adopted the following resolutions to further advance the work of the Commission:

(a) Resolution 18 (Cg-17) – Hydrology and Water Resources Programme;

(b) Resolution 19 (Cg-17) – World Hydrological Cycle Observing System Office.

3.2 The Commission noted that, in addition to adopting the above resolutions, and those discussed in the relevant documents of the current session of the Commission, Congress took the following decisions of relevance to CHy:

(a) It approved, through Resolution 10 (Cg-17), WMO’s participation in the international network for multi-hazard early warning systems (IN-MHEWS). It also requested technical commissions to assist with the development of IN-MHEWS, in particular the development of science-based methodologies and tools and appropriate training modules. In this context, the Commission noted the plans to 4 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

hold an International Conference on MHEWS in conjunction with the fifth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in May 2017 in Cancun, Mexico;

(b) It approved, through Resolution 16 (Cg-17), Recommendation 2 (CCl-16), to calculate climatological standard normals based on 30-year period of record and updated every 10 years. The Commission noted that the AWG had proposed, in the future programme of work of CHy, to issue a statement on the definition of hydrological normals;

(c) It approved, through Resolution 31 (Cg-17), Recommendation 9 (CBS-Ext.(2014)), to establish a Satcom users’ forum. The Commission noted that Satcom2016, the first formal session of the WMO-IOC International Forum of Users of Satellite Data Telecommunication Systems (SATCOM) was held in Madrid, Spain, in September 2016. Satcom2016 noted the significant relevance of involving CHy and CAgM in the Satcom forum in addition to JCOMM and decided to explore the possibility of establishing a “WMO branded disaster alerting tariff” considering hydrological community (flood warnings) as a test case and find candidate projects. The Commission noted the importance of Satcom systems for the collection of data from remote sites and in support of early warning systems;

(d) It requested technical commissions, in Resolution 39 (Cg-17), to lead the development and implementation of the components of GCOS for which they are responsible in the light of advice from the GCOS Steering Committee. The Commission noted the new GCOS Implementation Plan which contains a total of 201 actions, 24 of which are particularly of interest to CHy. The Commission appreciated the substantive contributions towards the GCOS Implementation Plan by the Global Terrestrial Network – Hydrology (GTN-H) through its federated global data centres including GRDC, GPCC, IGRAC, HYDROLARE;

(e) It decided, through Resolution 40 (Cg-17), that concerted efforts continue to be made to engage technical commissions to improve services in high-latitude and high altitude regions by promoting observations and predictive capability on timescales from hours to centuries. In this respect, the Commission noted the significant contributions made by its experts to the implementation of Arctic-HYCOS and HKH-HYCOS;

(f) It decided, in Resolution 43 (Cg-17), to mainstream and implement the Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) in WMO Programmes as a cross-cutting activity and requested technical commissions to include this activity in their work programmes in order to fully accommodate the cross-programme nature of GCW;

(g) It recognized, in Resolution 52 (Cg-17), the Department of Hydrology of the Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee as a fourth component of the Regional Association II RTC hosted in India;

(h) It decided, in Resolution 59 (Cg-17), to amend the WMO Policy on Gender Mainstreaming and rename it WMO Gender Equality Policy and requested the technical commissions to develop action plans on implementation of the Policy within their areas of responsibility; to continue compiling statistics on the participation of men and women in their work; to take action on the outcomes and recommendations of the Conference on the Gender Dimensions of Weather and Climate Services; and report to the Executive Council and the World Meteorological Congress on progress. The Commission was pleased to note the progress it had achieved in response to these requests, in particular the successful organization of the Women Leadership in Hydrology Workshop, immediately before the present session. One of the benefits of this pioneering event was the increased participation of female delegates at CHy-15; GENERAL SUMMARY 5

(i) It requested, through Resolution 67 (Cg-17), the technical commissions to investigate the opportunities and challenges related to partnerships with the private sector, developing guidance and advice which includes identifying opportunities for dialogue with the private sector in their workplans, documenting positive and constructive examples of partnership, identifying existing relevant WMO principles, policies, guidelines and standards that require consideration and advise the Executive Council accordingly, to help both the public and private sectors to avoid conflicts and encourage cooperation;

(j) It requested, in Resolution 68 (Cg-17), the technical commissions to define relevant urban activities to be addressed in their upcoming sessions; their working bodies to integrate the urban dimension in their activities in a coherent manner; and include reference to urban activities in their reports to the Executive Council. The Commission noted that the AWG had proposed, in the future programme of work of CHy, to include urban aspects in the activities on the Flood Forecasting Initiative under the Focus Area Hydrological Applications, Products and Services.

The Commission recorded its decisions on the above issues in Resolution 1 (CHy-15) – Response of the Commission for Hydrology to decisions of Congress of relevance to hydrology and water resources management.

Executive Council

3.3 The Commission recalled that in the intervening period from November 2012 to June 2016, four sessions of the Executive Council, from EC-65 to EC-68, had been held. The Commission noted that decisions of the sessions of relevance to CHy include:

(a) EC-65 noted the report and resolutions of CHy-14 through Resolution 7 (EC-65) and reaffirmed the importance of WHYCOS, while requesting the president of CHy to oversee the adoption of the recommendations of its external evaluation, through Resolution 8 (EC-65);

(b) EC-68 adopted Decision 59 (EC-68), in which it endorsed the proposed new structure and focus areas of CHy, as well as the recommendation made by AWG to limit the workload in each focus areas to no more than six activity areas;

(c) EC-68 also adopted Resolution 6 (EC-68) on the GHSF and Decision 7 (EC-68) on the Flood Forecasting Initiative and Decision 8 (EC-68) on the Flash Flood Guidance System, which are referred to in the relevant documents of the current session.

4. SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL HYDROLOGICAL SERVICES VALUE CHAIN (agenda item 4)

4.1 Measuring, monitoring and infosystems (agenda item 4.1)

4.1.1 Quality Management Framework – Hydrology

Further implementation of the Quality Management Framework – Hydrology (QMF-H)

4.1.1.1 The Commission recalled that QMF-H had been a thematic priority area for the intersessional period 2013–2016, and discussed the way forward for the further development and wider use of QMF–H. It took note of the request in Resolution 7 (Cg-17) to the presidents of technical commissions to continue developing the quality management aspects relevant to their activities in a coordinated way under the overarching WMO QMF, and the actions and working arrangements for developing further the WMO QMF described in Decision 76 (EC-68).

4.1.1.2 The Commission expressed its appreciation to the various experts that contributed to developing a dedicated QMF-H website http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/qmf-h/index.php to 6 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

provide strategy documents, advice, guidance and tools for the NHS to attain quality, efficiency and effectiveness in their functioning. A Checklist for Developing a Quality Management System (QMS) for a National Hydrological Service had also been prepared, identifying the basic steps required to establish a credible QMS as outlined by the International Organization for Standards (ISO) and containing case studies from NHSs having implemented QMS.

4.1.1.3 The Commission noted the short report analysing the results of the survey carried out in early 2016 to assess the current level of QMS implementation in NHSs, in particular that among the 44 responding to the questionnaire about one third had no formal QMS in place. It also noted the recommendations contained in the report and the results of the pre-session discussion on this topic and recorded its decisions in Resolution 2 (CHy-15) – Further implementation of the Quality Management Framework – Hydrology and the Commission for Hydrology strategy on regulatory material.

Regulatory Material

4.1.1.4 The Commission noted that, in the framework of the Agreement on Working Arrangements between WMO and ISO, the Manual on Stream Gauging (WMO-No. 1044) had been proposed to be adopted as a ISO Technical Report. The Commission expressed its appreciation to ISO TC 113 (Hydrometry) for the in-depth review in of the Manual undertaken by its members, and for making proposal for its upgrading and ensure its compliance also with ISO requirements. The Commission was also pleased to note that the revision of the Manual, taking into account the suggestions formulated by ISO, was expected to be completed by March 2017.

4.1.1.5 As regards the decision by CHy-14 concerning the development of new technical material, the Commission noted that a team of international experts had been established for the preparation of the Manual on Water Resources Assessment and that a final draft had been completed and was currently undergoing the peer review process. The Commission also noted that guidance material for determining environmental flows was being developed. The Manual on Flood Risk Mapping is discussed in paragraph 4.2.1.6 of the general summary.

4.1.1.6 The Commission also took note of Decision 42 (EC-68), whereby the Commission was requested to include guidance material on service delivery as part of the process of updating the Guidelines on the Role, Operation and Management of National Hydrological Services (WMO-No. 1003) which is currently being undertaken by a CHy expert.

4.1.1.7 The Commission noted that EC-68 had adopted, through its Decision 93 (EC-68), a Roadmap to an enhanced Framework for WMO Technical Regulations in which it requested technical commissions to prioritize in their workplan the review and update of their relevant part of the Technical Regulations and related regulatory publication by the time of Cg-18 in 2019. The Commission was informed that the AWG members responsible for QMF-H had attended the Training Workshop on Preparation and Promulgation of WMO Technical Regulations in November 2015 and subsequently had developed the document on the CHy Strategy for Regulatory Material for the CHy pre-session discussion, which gives the background information and explains the different alternative options available to CHy to respond to Decision 93 (EC- 68). The Commission, after noting the comments received in the pre-session discussion, debated further the issue and recorded its decision in Resolution 2 (CHy-15).

4.1.1.8 The Commission recognized the value of regulatory material in supporting water resources management activities, such as water withdrawal licensing. It further recognized that the requirements derived from ensuring compliance can provide a rationale for financing and extending the monitoring networks and other hydrologic activities. GENERAL SUMMARY 7

CHy project on the Assessment of the Performance of Flow Measurements and Techniques (Project X)

4.1.1.9 The Commission was informed of the progress achieved in the implementation of the workplan of the project for the assessment of the performance of flow measurement instruments and techniques, such as the new report on the survey on field discharge measurement instrumentation and techniques used operationally, the progress achieved in the development of an Uncertainty Analysis Decision-Aid Tool (UADAT), the advanced stage of preparation of guidelines for conducting and reporting on the calibration and verification of the performance of discharge measurement instruments, and of guidance on in situ comparison events for flow measurements and techniques (regattas). It also noted that reports on progress of all of the above mentioned project outputs are available at the project website: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/Flow/index.php.

4.1.1.10 Of particular interest to the Commission was the information that the first module of the UADAT, a software for calculation of uncertainty of discharge measurements performed with the Velocity-Area method, was currently being developed and would be ready for free distribution to NHSs in 2017.

4.1.1.11 The Commission thanked the experts that had been so actively involved as members of the Management Committee (MC), namely: J.F. Cantin (chairperson, representing CHy), D. Bérod (representing WMOs RWGHs), M. Muste (IAHR), J. le Coz (IAHS), T. Yorke (ISO), J. Petry (HMEI) and J. Fulford, D. Mueller, D. Kim, O. Gabaldò, J. Gonzalez and E. Jamieson (invited experts).

4.1.1.12 The Commission noted that the MC had reviewed its terms of reference and had suggested changes to the section on membership based on its experience during the intersessional period (see the annex to Resolution 3 (CHy-15)). The MC had also recommended that the current seven Project Outputs should be maintained, but the tasks should be streamlined in updating the workplan at the beginning of the next intersessional period in early 2017.

4.1.1.13 The MC also recommended the following additional activities to be considered in the future workplan of the project:

(a) Under PO 4, prepare a short document on References and Reference Standards in laboratories and regattas (limitations of the practices of averaging measurements, transference process for the references, traceable standards) to complement the two Guidance materials prepared in this period;

(b) To assist NHSs in understanding and controlling every step of the measurement:

(i) Promote development and adoption of standards for water level and discharge computation algorithms;

(ii) Promote development and adoption of standards for water level and discharge- related data formats;

(c) Demonstrate to the UADAT “user community” the value of uncertainty quantification of discharge measurement in improving operational practices and management decisions through, for instance:

(i) Workshops with follow-up actions;

(ii) Examples;

(iii) Surveys;

(iv) Webinars;

(v) Include UA considerations in the WMO trainings on stream gauging; 8 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

(d) Provide guidance on how to report and communicate uncertainty in discharge estimations and related/derived products;

(e) Collaborate with the GHSF in the assessment of emerging flow measurements technologies.

4.1.1.14 Finally, the MC agreed that the focus area for the next intersessional period should be the standardization of discharge calculation.

4.1.1.15 The Commission discussed the recommendations of the MC and recorded its decisions in Resolution 3 (CHy-15) – Project for the assessment of the performance of flow measurement instruments and techniques.

4.1.2 Global Hydrometry Support Facility

Background

4.1.2.1 The Commission was informed that, following the recommendations of the Comprehensive Review of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (2011), Congress, through Resolution 19 (Cg-17), had requested the Secretary-General to establish a WHYCOS Office. The president of CHy, together with the Secretariat, developed a more comprehensive proposal for a Global Hydrometry Support Facility (GHSF), which was endorsed by Resolution 6 (EC-68). In it, the Executive Council requested the Secretary-General to establish the GHSF Office, to be funded by voluntary contributions. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will support the GHSF for the 2017–2020 period, in particular by financing three professional positions.

4.1.2.2 The elements of the GHSF are:

(a) The World Hydrological Cycle Observing Programme (WHYCOS);

(b) The Global Innovation Hub;

(d) A Hydrological Services Information Platform;

(e) A Help Desk.

4.1.2.3 The governance of the GHSF will be ensured by an Advisory Council that will replace the current WHYCOS International Advisory Group (WIAG).

Implementation of GHSF

4.1.2.4 The GHSF is designed to become fully functional in 2018, establishing seamless mechanisms between existing activities such as WHYCOS, WHOS and INFOHYDRO, and new functions such as the Innovation Hub and the Help Desk. The first four-year period should allow WMO to secure sustainable operation of the GHSF, beyond the initial support of the SDC.

4.1.2.5 The description of the different components of the GHSF can be found in the concept note on the HWR website: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/index_en.php.

4.1.2.6 What follows is a synthesis of the elements of the implementation strategy for the next period for each GHSF component. GENERAL SUMMARY 9

WHYCOS

4.1.2.7 Shape the WHYCOS and the different HYCOS projects in order to substantially respond to global challenges by satisfying national and regional needs, taking into account new technology (measurement techniques, citizen observatories, new information technologies, …) and open data policy. The clear definition of sustainable hydrological products and services for societal challenges is a major objective of WHYCOS. The new momentum given by the GHSF, particularly the Innovation Hub, should help create this new dynamic.

4.1.2.8 Reinforce relations with key technical and financial partners from international, regional and national organizations.

4.1.2.9 Continue the implementation of new HYCOS projects while providing new opportunities to assist in the sustainability of those that have terminated, according to the priorities established by the GHSF Advisory Council.

WHOS

4.1.2.10 The implementation strategy for WHOS is discussed in paragraphs 4.1.3.2 to 4.1.3.9 of the general summary. The successful development of WHOS will allow the GHSF to showcase its progress at a global level.

Hydrological Services Information Platform

4.1.2.11 In cooperation with the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) managed by the World Bank, the existing WMO Hydrological Information Referral Service (INFOHYDRO) will evolve into a Hydrological Services Information Platform (HSIP) to provide potential funders of hydrometeorological projects with current information on governmental and non-governmental water monitoring organizations, their capabilities and structure, as well as their network and data sharing characteristics. Where possible, information on the services provided by these organizations and the benefits to be gained from such services will also be provided.

Global Innovation Hub

4.1.2.12 The role of the innovation hub will be to develop and implement innovative tools for water monitoring and information systems (could be measurement devices, citizen observatories, information systems, product and service deliveries, etc.). The Hub will issue calls for innovative hydrometric designs, coordinate with ongoing projects and donors and, together with WHYCOS, coordinate the testing and implementation of new monitoring technology and methodology in HYCOS projects.

Help Desk

4.1.2.13 The Help Desk will be an online support resource for GHSF stakeholders. It will be modelled on the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM) Help Desk and adapted to suit hydrometry needs. In principle, it will provide users with three types of online support: Get Help, where specialized assistance and guidance can be requested; Help Yourself, where tools, publications, educational materials, will be archived and stored for viewing online and downloading, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions section called Provide Help, where organizations can advertise their capabilities for helping others.

Organization, Management and Administration of the GHSF

4.1.2.14 The governance of GHSF is secured through an Advisory Council that will provide guidance for the GHSF office and ensure that the GHSF is visible at the relevant political levels. The GHSF office will operate under the broad framework of WMOs Climate and Water (CLW) Department and will report to the Basic Systems in Hydrology Division. The Advisory Council supersedes the current WHYCOS International Advisory Group (WIAG) by incorporating the 10 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

most essential functions of that group. The Commission recorded its decisions on the matter in Resolution 4 (CHy-15) – Governance of the Global Hydrometry Support Facility.

4.1.2.15 The Commission recalled that Resolution 6 (EC-68) had requested the president of CHy, in consultation with the WMO Secretariat, to constitute the GHSF Advisory Council and therefore adopted its terms of reference and membership, as reflected in Annex 1 to Resolution 4 (CHy-15).

4.1.2.16 Finally, as the Innovation Hub will require specialized guidance, it is proposed that an Innovation Hub Committee (InnoC) be established as a subgroup of the GHSF Advisory Council, with ad hoc additional members from research institutes and SME. The proposed terms of reference and membership of InnoC are listed in Annex 2 to Resolution 4 (CHy-15). The InnoC will assist the GHSF Advisory Council in driving and strengthening innovation in hydrometry. It shall ensure a strategic and consolidated view of GHSF relevant innovation activities and will focus on the development, implementation and expansion of new solutions.

Outreach and branding

4.1.2.17 The GSHF components are crucial tools for improving water monitoring and providing decision-makers with essential information. A key for success will be contributions from WMO Members, from experts, and from financial partners. To attract these contributions, the GHSF must have a clearly recognizable identity and be accepted as a key player on the hydrology landscape, including social media. The present name unambiguously describes the function of the facility and should be maintained as the official name. However, to provide a focused and memorable label for public relations purposes, it is proposed that the GHSF be referred to simply as the HydroHub. Thus, in official documents, the designation WMO Global Hydrometry Support Facility (HydroHub) should be used. In all other applications, however, the label HydroHub is appropriate.

4.1.3 Data operations, management and exchange

4.1.3.1 The Commission noted that many countries had not yet met the requirements in terms of monitoring networks and standards to ensure that hydrological data can be used in water management decisions. Free and unrestricted access to hydrological data is not yet a general common practice. For these reasons, data and information management issues are one of the priorities of the WMO regional associations. Enhanced support is required to help countries meet their needs. In this context, particularly in the domain of production and management of data, WMO provides its Members support through the Global Hydrometry Support Facility (GHSF) and WHYCOS (both discussed in paragraphs 4.1.2.1 to 4.1.2.17 of the general summary), WHOS, MCH, the adoption of standards to facilitate and promote data exchange, such as WaterML 2.0, and the global data centres, namely GRDC, GPCC, IGRAC and HYDROLARE.

WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS)

4.1.3.2 The Commission was informed that in 2014 the president of CHy, with the support of the AWG, had proposed the establishment of the WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS). After working on the concept, the president presented his proposal to Cg-17 in 2015. Congress had welcomed the effort and had urged the president of CHy to continue guiding WHOS to full implementation.

4.1.3.3 WHOS was conceived as the hydrological input to WIGOS to be implemented in two phases, a short-term capability to access the hydrological data of NMHSs that are already freely and openly available online, launched as a demonstration in July 2015 (see WHOS webpage), and a longer-term capability that is WIGOS and WIS compliant and makes use of a hydrological information system enabling data registration, data discovery, and data access. GENERAL SUMMARY 11

4.1.3.4 During its second phase, WHOS aims at developing Information Technology Infrastructure and services to support the advancement of hydrologic science and information as a principal component of WIGOS/WIS, aimed at supporting operational water issues (surface and ground water, water quantity and quality). Hydrologic information science involves the description of hydrologic environments in a consistent way, using data models for information integration and software tools to directly interact with the deployed data storage and communication components. In particular, WHOS will support, in close cooperation with relevant global data centres, storage of hydrologic observational data, publication via web services on the internet, federation with hydrologic observations published by NHSs, and search across the various data holdings in the network. These advanced data access and analysis capabilities are provided through the use of web services using standardized data formats and service types. Utilizing a collection of WMO and OGC web services, WHOS is designed as a “services stack framework” that shares catalog data, metadata and data with users. The services stack framework identifies three types of services as essential to sharing hydrologic information across the web: catalog services, metadata services and data services. These three services work together to completely index, describe and provide access to hydrologic information: catalog services provide users with an index of hydrologic metadata; metadata services identify collections of time series available over a domain of space and time; data services provide the user with data for a specified temporal period and spatial area. This framework is designed to publish and distribute time series, but it can be extended to include other data formats, e.g. maps.

4.1.3.5 The individual components of WHOS each serve an important role in the data discovery and fetching process. Original data providers are the principal locations for storing hydrologic data, specifically time series. Within the provider itself, data and metadata are managed in a database and then exposed through its Principal GISC as well as through a suite of web services, so that remote users can then access the data through the web.

4.1.3.6 Another component is the hydrologic metadata catalog. The registry is the component which facilitates the discovery of hydrologic data that has already been published by the data providers, as required in the Manual on WIS (WMO-No. 1060), section 3.6.8 “Describe information with metadata”. Within WHOS, data providers are the primary repositories for hydrologic data, while the registry is the primary repository for hydrologic data services. The registry provides an interface where users can search registered data services by specifying keywords and metadata that describe the hydrologic data of interest. The registry is like a search engine for discovering hydrologic time series information. Data publishers can register their data on the registry and provide brief descriptions of the datasets they want to share. This is an important aspect of WHOS because it allows for data to be organized and discovered in an efficient, structured and methodical process.

4.1.3.7 The third and final component of WHOS is the web or desktop client. The client is the component of WHOS that allows for accessing hydrologic information at the locality of one’s own computer or analytical system as per the Manual on WIS (WMO-No. 1060), section 3.6.7 “Provide access to information”. The client is a platform located on the user’s machine and communicates with both data services and the registry. Users can directly download hydrologic information from data providers if they already know of their existence or can search the registry for data that they might not know about. Once the data of interest have been discovered, users can download the information onto their local databases.

4.1.3.8 In the context of its role in WIGOS/WIS, WHOS will publish discovery metadata allowing WMO users to access a range of services. A potential future phase of the WHOS is to pilot possible extensions of WIGOS/WIS functions and services tailored to the needs of the hydrological community, but potentially beneficial to other programmes, including databases, simulation models, web-GIS and other tools.

4.1.3.9 The Commission, after noting the numerous comments made in the pre-session discussion on WHOS, discussed Phase I and the concept of Phase II of WHOS and recorded its decisions in Resolution 5 (CHy-15) – Data operations and management. 12 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

MCH

4.1.3.10 The Commission was informed of the Meteorological, Climatological and Hydrological Database Management System (MCH), which utilizes only open-source software. MCH is designed for use primarily by small NMHSs that don’t have a database management system, or other capability to digitize, store and process large volumes of data; and/or NMHSs looking for a simple, customizable and license-free solution to store, analyse data and generate reports on large amounts of meteorological, climatological and hydrological data.

4.1.3.11 The Commission was pleased to note that, as requested by CHy-14, a community of practice on MCH had been established in 2014. It was informed that the MCH community was quite active and that, besides allowing access to the software and manuals in English, French and Spanish, and to additional modules developed by members of the community, it features a forum to exchange experiences between developers and users.

4.1.3.12 MCH, which is available free of charge, has been installed in approximately 20 countries, and in all cases NMHS staff have been trained in the operation and management of the system. The Commission noted that MCH can be very beneficial for many National Services that do not have their own data management system, or lack the means for maintaining updated a commercial one.

WaterML 2.0

4.1.3.13 The Commission noted the actions taken by the AWG member responsible for data operations and management and by the invited expert S. Pecora (Italy), with the support of the Secretariat, to respond to its requests made through Resolution 3 (CHy-14). It noted that those requests had put in motion a series of efforts that advanced several data and data-sharing activities described in the pre-session discussion on Standardized data sharing in hydrology.

4.1.3.14 The Commission noted that, as data representation for hydrological information is an important contribution to WIS and WIGOS, its approval needs to be coordinated with the WMO Commission for Basics Systems (CBS). It therefore noted Recommendation 12 (CBS-16) and adopted Recommendation 1 (CHy-15) – Data representations for hydrological information.

4.1.3.15 The Commission expressed its satisfaction with the work undertaken by the joint WMO/Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC) Hydrology Domain Working Group (HDWG). It noted that the HDWG was co-chaired by two CHy experts and considered the need of further defining the terms of reference of its representatives in the future, to ensure that the very valuable work developed by the HDWG is even more responsive to the operational needs of NHSs.

Global data centres

4.1.3.16 The Commission expressed its gratitude to Germany, the Netherlands and the Russian Federation for hosting the four global data centres under the auspices of WMO, which had continued to provide support to water resources management worldwide through the maintenance of repositories of data and information made available in accordance with WMO data policies:

(a) The Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC), hosted in the Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, Germany;

(b) The International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC), hosted in UNESCO-IHE, Delft, the Netherlands;

(c) The International Data Centre on Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs (HYDROLARE), hosted in the State Hydrological Institute, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation;

(d) The Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), hosted by the German Weather Service, Offenbach am Main, Germany. GENERAL SUMMARY 13

4.1.3.17 The Commission noted that a task team should be established to prepare a response to the request by Cg-17 to report to the Executive Council with regard to the evolving role of these data centres and their contribution to CHy initiatives, taking into account WHOS phase II and the GHSF and recorded its decision in Resolution 5 (CHy-15).

4.2 Hydrological applications, products and services and water resources management (agenda item 4.2)

4.2.1 Flood Forecasting Initiative

Flood Forecasting Initiative Advisory Group (FFI-AG)

4.2.1.1 The Commission was pleased to learn that the Executive Council, through Decision 7 (EC-68), had endorsed the FFI-AG and its workplan for 2016–2019.

4.2.1.2 The Commission was satisfied with the general direction being taken by the FFI-AG, as it considered it was both appropriate and necessary to focus activities and assist Members in advancing flood forecast early warning systems. The Commission expressed support for the development of assessment guidelines for End-to-End Early Warning Systems (E2E EWS) for flood forecasting and in assisting Members capabilities in this regard.

4.2.1.3 Furthermore, the Commission expressed the need to establish a compendium of freely available technology that could be recommended to Members to strengthen areas identified as weaknesses in the assessment process. As mentioned also in paragraph 5.8 of the general summary, this E2E EWS interoperable technology to enhance flood forecasting could constitute the basis of a new CHy community of practice. It was envisaged that such technology should be interoperable at all levels from data collection to informing users and decision-makers.

4.2.1.4 The Commission recalled that freely available technology exists within the CHy community, which could potentially support E2E EWS, such as the DEWETRA and the Meteorological, Climatological and Hydrological Database Management System (MCH) systems. These two systems were considered excellent examples of building blocks of E2E EWS covering the value chain from data acquisition and processing to decision support. The Commission noted that combining the community of practice approach with assistance offered through a HelpDesk is an excellent means of overcoming perceived weaknesses identified through the assessment process. Several delegates noted that there were global and regional efforts that could either complement or be contributions to the community of practice on E2E EWS for flood forecasting, thereby increasing the availability of local products to National Hydrological Services. As well, ICHARM noted that it has developed free runoff and inundation simulation software, such as the Integrated Flood Analysis System (IFAS) and the Rainfall Runoff Inundation (RRI) model and has been implementing these in developing countries. It noted the complementarity between its efforts and those of the WMO FFI, and indicated its desire to cooperate with the WMO FFI to promote the enhancement of E2E EWSs.

4.2.1.5 The Commission also noted that this endeavour would complement the request made in Decision 5 (EC-68) to the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) to coordinate with other technical commissions the preparation of practical guidance materials for the step-by- step implementation of multi-hazard impact-based forecast and warning services, as part of the implementation of the WMO Strategy for Service Delivery.

Manual on Flood Risk Mapping

4.2.1.6 The Commission noted that, although with some delay, work had commenced on the preparation of the Manual on Flood Risk Mapping through the efforts of a Task Team. Thus far a review of the earlier material assembled on the topic had been undertaken, a new revised annotated Table of Contents had been prepared, and experts had been assigned to revising and preparing new material for the Manual. Given the importance of Members having at their disposal recommended practices and procedures for assessing flood risk, the Commission was 14 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

pleased to learn that the effort would be continued to its completion. The Commission was also pleased to learn of the kind offer of the government of Mexico to contribute to the preparation of the Manual and to make available various tools that it has developed for broader use.

WMO/GWP Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM)

4.2.1.7 The Commission noted with appreciation the continued support of the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the dedication of the 30 Support Base Partners to the success of APFM.

4.2.1.8 The Commission was informed that the APFM is currently in its fourth Phase. The overall goal of the APFM Phase IV is to mainstream Integrated Flood Management (IFM) into practice, while keeping active the production of guidance materials and maintaining the services provided through the HelpDesk.

4.2.1.9 The Commission was also informed that the Management Committee decided to support a new strategic direction for the APFM that increases its E2E EWS focus within IFM. This new approach, explained in detail in the 2016 APFM Advisory and Management Committee Report, recognizes the need for developing an end-to-end forecast and warning system as part of the process of implementing IFM and is designed to strengthen the contribution of NMHSs in applying IFM to communities and river basins. It also requires the establishment of a project office that is customer oriented, with the primary client being Members and their national agencies as it will be necessary for APFM to assume a facilitative role to coordinate the involvement and roles of national governments, users, donor(s), NMHSs, Support Base Partners and other players in the implementation of IFM. A new business model should be developed and put into practice within 18 months to allow financial sustainability of the programme.

Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) with Global Coverage Project

4.2.1.10 The Commission, having noted the great advances made in the implementation of FFGS in various regions, and the enhancements currently being made to the system, complimented the partners of WMO in this endeavour, namely the Hydrologic Research Center, NOAA NWS and USAID/OFDA, and thanked them for the great contribution they are making to the enhancement of the NMHSs capabilities in the preservation of human lives and property. The Commission was informed that the FFGS functioning in Central America had recently provided valuable guidance to participating Members concerning Hurricane Otto. It was also reminded of the need to keep such valuable systems up-to-date and the value of sustainability planning for the sustenance of such early warning capabilities.

4.2.1.11 The Commission also noted that EC-68 had endorsed the proposal to hold a “Global Flash Flood Guidance Workshop: Advancing Operational Use”, in Turkey in March 2017, funded by USAID/OFDA. The Commission was also informed that the workshop will likely now be held in the last quarter of 2017. The main objectives of this event is to share experiences and lessons learnt, discuss new developments in support of the FFGS applications, develop a network of FFGS operational users, and engage disaster management agencies for more efficient coordination of warnings and responses. The main outcome of the event will be a series of recommendations on how the FFGS should evolve, including additional efforts that are needed for the FFGS to be locally sustainable for delivering the weather and hydrological services necessary to reduce losses of lives and property due to flooding.

4.2.1.12 The Commission also noted and applauded the increased collaboration between the Severe Weather Forecast Demonstration Project (SWFDP) and the FFGS. It recognized that this closer collaboration increased the capability of Members to provide timely and accurate warnings of hydrometeorological hazards and was proof that the FFI was working to the benefit of Members. The Commission also noted and agreed that it was important that Initial Planning Meetings of the FFGS with Members also consider the possible implementation of a SWFDP application, if one does not already exist over the area. GENERAL SUMMARY 15

Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP)

4.2.1.13 The Commission was informed that Cg-17 had noted its continued support for CIFDP and its four demonstration projects, which are to be completed by Cg-18. The Commission expressed its appreciation to Messrs Simonov and Smart for their contributions on behalf of CHy, but noted that a higher number of CHy representatives were needed to address all relevant hydrological issues properly.

4.2.1.14 The Commission discussed the possible future of such integrated approaches in coastal areas given that the CIFDP was presently limited to four demonstration projects, and it was recognized that additional countries could receive benefits from adopting a similar approach, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as several are vulnerable to coastal inundation. The Commission noted the advances that had been made in the projects and noted that additional efforts would be needed to advance the multidisciplinary approach and concepts into national practices. The Commission discussed the transitioning of the demonstration phase to one of operational nature that would allow more countries to benefit from what has been attained through the CIFDP, and recorded its decision in Resolution 6 (CHy-15) – The Flood Forecasting Initiative and the contribution of the Commission for Hydrology to the Disaster Risk Management Programme.

Links with the DRR Programme

4.2.1.15 The Commission noted that in order to support the disaster risk reduction (DRR) priority of the Organization, WMO is realigning its DRR Programme with the Sendai Framework, while considering the provisions of other global frameworks that are highly relevant to DRR. As a first step, a WMO DRR Roadmap is being developed that will guide WMO activities in all components of disaster risk management as well as their further enhancement and coordination across WMO constituent bodies and Programmes. The WMO DRR Roadmap, after several round of consultations, is expected to be approved by the President of WMO on behalf of EC in the near future. The Commission expressed that its AWG would consider the WMO DRR Roadmap when developing its new Work Plan in this area. The Commission also noted that Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) is one of the seven global targets adopted by the Sendai Framework, and it was pleased to learn that in November 2016, the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group (OIEWG) completed a report on indicators for submission to the UN General Assembly. The Commission noted that it would be beneficial to consider these indicators when developing FFI activities and, in particular, how the activities contribute to achieving the desired targets.

4.2.1.16 The Commission also noted that EC, through Decision 6 (EC-68), had requested CHy to investigate the applicability and advantages of new protocols, such as the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), in public alerting for hydrological hazards, and recorded its decision in Resolution 6 (CHy-15).

4.2.1.17 It also noted that Decision 4 (EC-68) requested the technical commissions and relevant WMO Programmes to provide/nominate experts to assist the EC WG/DRR’s WMO Inter-Programme Task Team on Cataloguing Extreme Weather, Water and Climate Events (IPTT-CWWCE) and asked its AWG to nominate for this purpose one of its members addressing the theme Hydrological Applications, Products and Services.

The WMO Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS)

4.2.1.18 Congress, through Resolution 11 (Cg-17), decided to initiate a process for the gradual establishment of a future enhanced integrated and seamless WMO Data-processing and Forecasting System. At the same time it recognized that this will have an impact on the work of the technical commissions and WMO Programmes, and requested the technical commissions to include this activity in their work programmes, as appropriate, depending on the guidance from the Executive Council, in order to fully accommodate the cross-programme nature of this integrative initiative. 16 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

4.2.1.19 Subsequently EC-68 acknowledged that seamless spans over several dimensions including not only time but also disciplines, including hydrology (flood, inundation, and water management). EC-68 also decided to establish a Steering Group, chaired by the president of CBS, with representation from CHy, that will provide guidance and monitor the development of the process for the gradual establishment of a future enhanced integrated and seamless WMO Data-processing and Forecasting System.

4.2.1.20 The Commission recognized that, in order for the hydrological community to make best use of the advances in this area, it would have to consider:

(a) Reviewing its definitions of forecasting ranges in hydrology;

(b) Developing an appropriate governance structure;

4.2.1.21 The Commission noted that, in order to initiate the debate, familiarize its members with this issue and gather the opinions of experts around the world, a document on the contribution of CHy to the GDPFS was included in the pre-session discussion and the comments it elicited can be seen at http://www.whycos.org/wordpress/?page_id=828. The Commission further noted that this effort had provided the hydrological community valuable insights into the potential utility of GDPFS. The Commission noted that there may be a need to be flexible in its design to reflect national administrative structures, which might require an additional layer of centres. It also noted the importance of engaging users within this overall process.

4.2.1.22 The Commission recognized the increasing number of global and regional activities and projects that aim to provide global or regional hydrological forecasts. These projects and activities represent an advanced research implementation in the field of hydrological modelling making use of in situ, radar, and satellite data, high resolution NWP models, and local data such as reservoir state. Although such advances are viewed positively, the Commission expressed its concerns on the danger of violating the single voice principle in provision of flood forecasts and warnings by NHSs. Recognizing the advances in global observing and forecasting systems and their ability to enhance the warnings issued by NHSs, and taking into account the results of its pre-session discussion on the topic, the Commission adopted Resolution 7 (CHy- 15) – Contribution of the Commission for Hydrology to the future integrated and seamless WMO Data-processing and Forecasting System.

4.2.2 Drought management

4.2.2.1 The Commission recalled that, through Resolution 5 (CHy-14), it had decided to develop, in collaboration with the Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (CAgM) and the Commission for Climatology (CCl), activities to support the drought prediction capabilities of NMHSs and the drought management capabilities of national or regional organizations mandated to deal with droughts, through the establishment of an Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) and to support the setting up of a HelpDesk for the benefit of Members in the areas of drought management policy and strategy, and capacity-building in support thereof.

4.2.2.2 Following its launch at the High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policies (HMNDP) in March 2013, WMO has been implementing jointly with the Global Water Partnership (GWP) the IDMP. The goal of IDMP is to support stakeholders at all levels by providing them with policy and management guidance through globally coordinated generation of scientific information and sharing of best practices and knowledge in support of integrated drought management.

4.2.2.3 The Commission was pleased to note that, among the proposed activities in the CHy programme of work for 2017–2020, the topic of drought management had been included GENERAL SUMMARY 17

under the focus area of Hydrological Applications, Products and Services. Under this focus area, three Advisory Working Group (AWG) members, with support from the Open Panel of Commission for Hydrology Experts (OPACHE) experts as required, will maintain responsibility, among other tasks, for developing and/or recommending tools for water resources assessment and planning to assist decision-making including under climatic variability and change.

4.2.2.4 In the WMO Secretariat, the IDMP Technical Support Unit (TSU) is under the Agricultural Meteorology Division. Noting that this organizational arrangement, while perfectly justified, might lead to IDMP focusing on the drought issue predominantly from an agrometeorological point of view, the Commission discussed ways to ensure the provision of drought management services from a hydrological perspective. The Commission expressed its desire to have the AWG, assisted by the OPACHE, prepare a concept that addresses the needs of hydrology through a Community of Practice on Droughts. It further expressed that the AWG, assisted by the OPACHE, should undertake activities associated with the new Community of Practice, once the concept has been adopted by the AWG and recorded its request in Annex 1 to Resolution 10 (CHy-15).

4.2.2.5 Recognizing that needs of Members in drought management are continuously expanding, the Commission noted the need identified by the Advisory and Management Committees (AC/MC) of IDMP to mobilize resources in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative. The AC/MC has also recommended making an effort to combine the HelpDesk for Integrated Drought Management with the HelpDesk for Integrated Flood Management to provide a single User Interface Platform on extreme events. The Commission noted that this recommendation was aligned with what is proposed in the WMO Strategy on Capacity Building in Hydrology and Water Resources Management (see agenda item 5).

4.2.3 Hydrological and climate services

4.2.3.1 The Commission noted that most of the decisions and recommendations included in Resolution 1 (CHy-14) – Contribution of the Commission to the GFCS, had been implemented or were under implementation, with a slight modification in the one contained in Recommends to the Secretary-General (1), as, for practical reasons, the Joint CCl/CAgM/CHy Expert Group on Climate, Food and Water had been replaced for this task by the AWG member for Water, Climate and Risk Management, acting as focal point of CHy for GFCS, who coordinated a small group of WMO Secretariat and GWP experts that provided input to the GFCS process. As a consequence, the GFCS Operational and Resources Plan (2015–2018) activities include the development of help desk services for flood and drought, and fostering the development of climate services in water-sensitive regions and their inclusion in developing and implementing flood, drought and water resources management.

4.2.3.2 The Commission also noted that the secretariat offices of GFCS and GCOS have been integrated under the CLW department, thus improving the opportunities for cooperation and synergies of climate and water activities.

4.2.3.3 The Commission also noted that drafts of guidance material on Seasonal Hydrological Prediction (SHP) and of guidelines for the use of climate model data and downscaling techniques in hydrological applications had been prepared by two informal CHy expert groups led by the AWG member responsible for Water, Climate, and Risk Management, and had been shared with selected OPACHE members. The Commission invited OPACHE members to provide comments, suggestions and inputs to the SHP catalogue of case studies, in order to finalize both documents. The relevance of these documents had become evident by the fact that several Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) had established “water user forums” taking place back-to-back with annual RCOF meetings. Recognizing the need of users’ feedback from the hydrological community with a view to increasing the reliability of RCOFs’ delivered products for use in hydrological applications, RCOFs organizers had started to request assistance from CHy. Initial use of the draft material had been made in South Asia, Central America and the Spanish Caribbean. The Commission invited RCOFs organizers to continue and strengthen the dialogue between the hydrological and climatological communities at regional and national scales and recorded in Annex 1 to Resolution 10 (CHy-15) its request 18 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

to the AWG aimed at enhancing the relevance and usability of RCOF products and services for supporting the development of capabilities of NHSs in the field of sub-seasonal to seasonal to inter-annual hydrological forecasting and prediction for hydrological and water resources management applications.

4.2.3.4 Finally, the Commission also took note of the participation of its experts in the Joint CCl, CAgM and CHy Expert Group on Climate, Food and Water and of the organization in November 2013 in the Republic of Korea of an International Symposium on Climate, Food and Water: Better Climate Services for Food and Water Security. It was informed that the Group was in the process of updating the previous WMO Brochure on Weather, Climate, and Food security by adding water aspects to the theme, based on its proposal, which had been supported by Cg-17. In view of the important role that water plays in connecting several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and of the opportunities it offers for synergies and integration within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Commission discussed the relevance of proposing to CCl and CAgM the revitalization of the activities of the Joint Expert Group to promote the SDGs' water-related targets and ensure that they are translated into national and local action plans.

4.3 Proposal to develop a pilot WMO Global Hydrological Status and Outlook System (agenda item 4.3)

4.3.1 The Commission considered with interest the proposal on the development of a pilot WMO Global Hydrological Status and Outlook system presented by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Commission noted that the initiative was aimed at providing an operational WMO system capable of assessing the current hydrological status and its likely near-future outlook for all areas of the globe. The system would be a collaboration between NMHSs and incorporate a range of different driving data, scientific approaches and technological capabilities. It would directly build on other current WMO initiatives and existing capabilities to deliver a unique operational system providing up-to-date hydrological information from NMHSs to a range of end-users. Agreeing that such a system had the potential to be of benefit to NMHSs, the Commission agreed to the establishment of the initiative and approved implementation of a pilot phase during the coming intersessional period to further test the concept and adopted Resolution 8 (CHy-15) – Development of a pilot WMO Global Hydrological Status and Outlook System.

4.3.2 Following an intervention by the Republic of Korea, the Commission noted with interest the advances made in the development of a Dynamic Water Resources Assessment Tool (DWAT) and agreed that further testing of the approach would be beneficial. The Commission noted that such a Tool could be used to obtain more detailed information on regional, national or local water resources for planning and operational purposes.

4.3.3 The Commission further noted that other members may have tools or technologies for consideration during the development phase of water resources projects.

5. CAPACITY-BUILDING IN HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (agenda item 5)

WMO Strategy on Capacity-building in Hydrology and Water Resources Management

5.1 The Commission noted that the implementation of the WMO Strategy on Education and Training in Hydrology and Water Resources, as it had been adopted at its fourteenth session, had been of great assistance in optimizing the available resources, by concentrating WMO support in those areas identified by the “WMO hydrological community” as requiring priority attention. However, it recognized that the strategy needed to be revised to adapt it to the new challenges faced by NMHSs, as discussed under agenda items 3 and 9. It therefore decided to widen its scope to address capacity-building issues and therefore adopted the Strategy on Capacity Building in Hydrology and Water Resources Management for the 2017– GENERAL SUMMARY 19

2020 period, as indicated in Resolution 9 (CHy-15) – Capacity-building in hydrology and water resources management, and its annex.

Education and Training in Hydrology and Water Resources Management

5.2 The Commission was pleased to note that, through the collaboration of WMO with COMET and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Distance Learning (DL) activities in hydrology had continued to develop and had become a regular feature in RAs I, II and IV, thanks to the support of the WMO RTCs in India, Kenya and Barbados. The Commission learned that the Basic Course was now completely based on the international edition of COMET modules, while the adaptation of modules for the Advanced Course was in progress. Plans for designing and delivering in 2017 a DL course on hydrometry for SIDS of RA V through the collaboration of COMET, NIWA (New Zealand) and WMO were appreciated. It was recognized that the challenge for the near future was how to develop such courses in other languages.

5.3 It was noted that the community of practice for instructors on stream gauging now contained the comprehensive training material developed in the previous intersessional period in four languages. It learned that several instructors had downloaded it, either partially or in full, to use it for regional and national training events, organized by WMO and other organizations. However, it was also noted that there had been very limited use of the forum and other facilities to promote the exchange of experiences and promote the sharing of additional material.

5.4 The Commission thanked the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering (IAHR) and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) for their continued collaboration in the delivery of stream gauging courses to a wider audience. It suggested that a review of the content of such courses be undertaken to incorporate lessons learned from previous joint editions, and that cooperation in education and training activities could be expanded to other areas of common interest.

5.5 The Commission was informed that in the last intersessional period the number of WMO fellowships assigned to hydrology had continued to increase and in particular noted that WMO had established an agreement with the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands, to co-finance fellowships for MSc programmes of interest to staff of NMHSs, and continued its cooperation with the Leibniz Universität, Hannover, Germany, to support fellows to the WATENV MSc programme in water resources and environmental management. Furthermore, fellowships for BSc and MSc programmes in Hohai University, Nanjing, and in the Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHU), were offered as part of the cooperation with China and the Russian Federation. The Commission considered that these efforts should be maintained and increased in the long term, as a limited number of professionals with a high academic level could be the leaders of tremendous improvements in NHSs of developing countries.

5.6 The Commission also noted that ICHARM had contributed to capacity building through its Master and PhD courses in Japan geared to strengthen government officials' practical capacities in terms of water issues in the world. ICHARM has also conducted training to strengthen capacities in flood forecasting and inundation analysis using ICHARM hydrological models (IFAS/RRI) in Japan and other countries.

Technology transfer and knowledge management

5.7 The Commission recalled that Resolution 6 (CHy-14) had endorsed the approach to technology transfer and knowledge management consisting in moving from a long catalogue of pieces of technology with limited provision of support, such as the Hydrological Operational Multipurpose System (HOMS), to a robust system with full technical support for a limited number of activities, and asked the Secretariat to develop open-source and community of practice solutions to promote the transfer of technology for: database management systems; training material for stream gauging courses; training material for flood forecasting and warning courses; a decision-support tool for uncertainty analysis of flow measurements (uncertainty analysis 20 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

decision-aid tool); delivery of distance learning courses in hydrology; and requested the AWG to consider developing similar solutions for low flow estimation and prediction. This approach was to be complemented by the establishment of Help Desks and websites of other initiatives.

5.8 In reviewing the experiences of the last four years, the Commission noted that some of the communities of practice had been successful, with a high level of participation and contributions, others had been useful as a repository of material, and some had not awoken much interest. One possible improvement proposed by several experts would consist in creating communities of practice to support the value chain of particular NHSs products, such as for flood forecasting, from data collection, management and quality control to modelling, forecast production and dissemination. It was felt that such a comprehensive approach could be more attractive than that based on individual elements of the chain.

5.9 The Commission recalled its decision to maintain without updating the online version of the HOMS Reference Manual (HRM), in English, French, Spanish and Russian, until it was felt that its contents were no longer relevant to the National Hydrological Services (NHSs) of developing countries. In this regard, the Commission noted that requests for components had been very few in the last four years and many of the components were nowadays either outdated or easily found through the Internet.

Replacement of the Guidelines for the Education and Training of Personnel in Meteorology and Operational Hydrology (WMO-No. 258), Volume II

5.10 The Commission noted that the WMO/UNESCO Joint Task Team on the Basic Instruction Packages (JTT-BIP) and competency standards for Hydrologists and Hydrological Technicians had met once in 2015 and had agreed on a workplan to accomplish its task. It noted with some concern that, due to temporary staff shortage in the WMO Secretariat, progress had been slow, but was informed that recently work had resumed and a first draft of the Manual on the Implementation of Education and Training Standards in Meteorology and Hydrology, Volume II – Hydrology was expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

5.11 The Commission also noted that, following its guidance, the final composition of the JTT-BIP included members from different regions, with both operational and academic backgrounds, representatives from WMO, UNESCO-IHP, IAHS and IAHR and was supported by a representative from the EC Panel of Experts on Education and Training. The Commission was informed that at the first meeting of the JTT-BIP, IAHS and IAHR expressed interest in becoming co-leaders of the JTT and eventually co-authors of the resulting publication. Considering that a joint publication from four of the leading hydrological organizations would have a greater authoritativeness, the Commission encouraged pursuing such an approach.

6. COOPERATION WITH WATER-RELATED PROGRAMMES OF OTHER ORGANIZATIONS (agenda item 6)

6.1 The Commission noted with interest the statements delivered by the various partner organizations attending the session. To avoid having to edit down those statements, the full version has been provided in the following link: http://www.whycos.org/CHy15/ bgdocs/CHY-15-d06_ANNEX-statements-from-partners.pdf.

6.2 The Commission noted that activities developed in cooperation with water-related programmes of other organizations, both within the United Nations (UN) system and outside of it, were being increasingly coordinated through the mechanism of UN-Water, which currently comprises 31 members (UN entities) and 38 partners. After considering the current status of the UN-Water mechanism itself, the Commission reviewed the main issues of bilateral cooperation with some selected organizations, including those which are not part of UN-Water, such as regional arrangements and river basin authorities. GENERAL SUMMARY 21

UN-Water

6.3 The Commission was informed that the Secretary-General of WMO had been chairing UN-Water from February 2012 to February 2016, when he was succeeded by the Director General of ILO. UN-Water, which is now widely recognized as an example of the UN system trying to improve its coherence and coordination in a very complex area, has played a major role in the approval of the Sustainable Development Goal on water and sanitation and its targets. Under the UN-Water umbrella, an inter-agency initiative called Integrated Monitoring of Water and Sanitation Related SDG Targets (GEMI) was established in 2014 with a Steering Committee composed of UNEP, UN-Habitat, UNICEF, FAO, UNESCO, WHO and WMO. The initiative’s focus is to expand, integrate, develop and test indicators and monitoring methodologies to verify progress towards the achievements of the SDG-6 water-related targets on drinking water and basic sanitation, wastewater treatment and water quality, water use and use-efficiency, integrated water resources management and water-related ecosystems.

6.4 The Commission noted that WMO, as a contribution to UN-Water, hosts in its Geneva headquarters the Technical Advisory Unit (TAU) of UN-Water. This has brought several direct and indirect benefits to WMO, such as a direct line of communication between the TAU and the Climate and Water Department of WMO, an increased visibility of the WMO water programme among sister UN agencies and water-related NGOs, and probably the establishment of the Geneva Water Hub offices in the WMO building.

6.5 In addition to the above, WMO continues coordinating the UN-Water Thematic Priority Area on Water and Climate Change, which has produced a Policy Brief and two videos on water-related adaptation to climate change and hydro-climate services for all, and has organized side events at both UNFCCC COPs 21 and 22 on those topics.

6.6 The Commission welcomed the important role that WMO is playing in UN-Water, as it considered that it is enhancing the awareness of partner organizations and Governments of the contributions that WMO in general, and NHSs in particular, can provide to the solution of water issues.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

6.7 The Commission was pleased to note that in November 2013 a new version of the Working Agreement between UNESCO and WMO in the field of Hydrology and Water Resources had been signed. In the spirit of these Working Agreements, WMO has participated in and contributed to various meetings of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) Council and IHP Bureau. UNESCO also participated and contributed to the meetings of the CHy AWG, as appropriate, and the organizations have co-organized meetings and side events at the UNGA and UNFCCC COPs. As regards joint panels, the WMO/UNESCO Joint Task Team on the Basic Instruction Packages (JTT-BIP) and competency standards for Hydrologist and Hydrological Technician should be mentioned. The revised agreement between UNESCO and WMO provides a very good mechanism for strengthening the cooperation between their two water programmes. Finally, WMO has been an observer at the UNESCO-IHP Governing Board since 2011, leading to a sensible improvement in the cooperation with this important institute, including an agreement to provide co-sponsored fellowships to candidates nominated by WMO Members, which has led to twelve such fellowships being awarded in the last four years.

6.8 The Commission noted that one area where some difficulties have been suffered due to the busy schedules of those involved, was in holding regular meetings of the UNESCO/ WMO Liaison Committee, and suggested the use of videoconferencing to improve the frequency of those useful coordination meetings.

International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)

6.9 The Commission was informed that WMO has regularly participated in the IAHS General Assemblies, as well as supported participants from developing countries and co- sponsored the IAHS/UNESCO/WMO International Hydrology Prize. The Commission was also 22 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

informed that at the next Scientific Assembly, to be held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in July 2017, WMO will be co-convening sessions on graduate schools in hydrology and innovation in hydrological measurements, with other sessions being considered. IAHS had almost always been represented and had actively participated in CHy AWG meetings.

6.10 The Commission noted that, together with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR), the association has been actively participating in the CHy project on the assessment of the performance of flow measurement instruments and techniques. IAHS has also joined IAHR and WMO as co-organizer of the advanced version of training events on stream gauging.

IAHR

6.11 The Commission was informed that in addition to the participation in the project on the assessment of the performance of flow measurement instruments and techniques, IAHR has made a significant contribution to the development and implementation of an advanced version of training events related to the WMO Manual on Stream Gauging, which since 2011 have been held in Italy, Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, New Zealand, with the next planned to be held in France in 2018. The Commission suggested a revision of the curricula of these joint events could be useful to incorporate lessons learned from previous editions.

ISO

6.12 The Commission was informed that the cooperation between WMO and ISO in the field of Hydrometry had continued. The Commission noted the efforts made so that, as part of the Quality Management Framework - Hydrology, the Manual on Stream Gauging be adopted as an ISO Technical Report, as discussed in paragraph 4.1.1.4 of the general summary.

6.13 The Commission noted that while some advances had been made regarding facilitating access to ISO standards to NHSs, an agreement had still not been reached by the two Secretariats, mostly due to lack of time to solve administrative and IT issues.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

6.14 The Commission also noted the ongoing cooperation with UNECE on international water issues. The Commission appreciated WMO support to the implementation of pilot projects on river and flood management in the context of climate change adaptation in the transboundary rivers of Neman/Nemunas (Belarus, Lithuania and Russian Federation) and Dniester (Ukraine and Republic of Moldova). The Commission encouraged further engagement within the different frameworks of UNECE water cooperation where relevant to the CHy community.

Global Water Partnership (GWP)

6.15 The Commission noted the long-standing and successful cooperation in promoting Integrated Flood Management through the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM), and the more recent initiative on Integrated Drought Management, IDMP. In particular, it noted the secondment of a GWP expert to WMO headquarters, which has contributed to a substantial increase in the activities of both initiatives.

International Groundwater Assessment Centre (IGRAC)

6.16 The Commission noted that in September 2016 a workshop on “Advancing Groundwater Monitoring in Pacific SIDS” had been held in Suva, Fiji, jointly by IGRAC, WMO, the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), with the objective to review the state of groundwater resources and monitoring in Pacific SIDS and introduce recommended GENERAL SUMMARY 23

groundwater monitoring and assessment techniques. The Commission also noted that similar workshops, if requested by CHy members, are envisaged in the WMO Strategy on Capacity- Building in HWR (see agenda item 5).

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

6.17 The Commission noted that the collaboration with the Water Resources Programme of IAEA will be reinforced thanks to the implementation of the WMO Global Hydrometry Support Facility (GHSF). Possible linked activities will be identified in the domain of water resources assessment, taking advantage of the expertise of IAEA in isotope hydrology for groundwater. The Commission noted the progress in the joint IAEA/WMO revision of TN-170 Meteorological and Hydrological Aspects of Siting and Operations of Nuclear Power Plants, in line with the Table of Contents approved by EC-68. The Commission also noted that additional joint activities are planned by IAEA and WMO, through CHy experts, to produce training materials related to the above-mentioned Technical Note.

Group on Earth Observations (GEO)

6.18 The Commission was informed that EC-68 decided to endorse ten key WMO-GEO collaboration areas including development of common protocols and methods to facilitate free and open data access, “Big Data” and related emerging issues, support for the GFCS priorities, further exploitation of the synergy of the WMO Information System (WIS) global and national infrastructure and the GEO Common Infrastructure (GCI). The Commission noted that a closer collaboration with GEO could be beneficial for Members, taking into account new GEO global initiatives such as GEOGLOWS (hydrological information for global water challenges) or GDiS (Drought initiative). The Commission noted further that synergies should be identified between the phase II of WHOS and GEOSS and, where common interests occur, mechanisms for interaction should be pursued.

World Bank

6.19 The Commission was informed that the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and WMO are finalizing a report on needs assessment and status of Hydrological Services, based both on a global desk assessment and in situ studies of selected countries, which will be a fundamental contribution to the Hydrological Services Information Platform of GHSF. The Commission noted that the collaboration with the World Bank should be intensified in the domain of hydrometry, within the framework of the GHSF.

6.20 The Commission also noted that the Climate Risk Early Warning System (CREWS) initiative, proposed at the Sendai DRR conference and launched at COP 21 in Paris in 2015, is being implemented by a partnership of WMO, France, ISDR and the World Bank. The Commission encouraged the Secretariat to ensure appropriate links to water-related issues are considered in projects sponsored by CREWS.

International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM)

6.21 The Commission was informed of the activities undertaken by ICHARM, a UNESCO category II Center, such as hosting the International Flood Initiative (IFI) Secretariat, and took note of the new IFI strategy and implementation plan which establishes five key actions; data and information statistics, integrated risk assessment, risk change identification, support in sound policy-making, and support for communities of practice. The IFI implementation plan consists of three phases; demonstration, prototyping, and operations based on the five key actions. A national platform for disaster risk reduction will be established that links the IFI partners with each participating country. The Commission welcomed ICHARM efforts to strengthen disaster risk management globally and invited its members to participate actively in the implementation of IFI. 24 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

7. FUTURE PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE COMMISSION INCLUDING INTERACTIONS WITH REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS (agenda item 7)

7.1 The Commission noted that the Advisory Working Group (AWG) had, during its last session in February 2016, continued with the practice of inviting Regional Hydrological Advisers and representatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering (IAHR) to discuss the future programme of work of the Commission for the period 2017–2020. The International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) could not attend on this occasion. The Regional Hydrological Advisers presented the results of consultations held in their respective working groups related to hydrology and water resources, regarding recommended areas to be included in the future programme of work of the Commission. Therefore, the regional and global needs of the members were considered by the AWG while preparing the proposal for the CHy future programme of work, which is presented in Annex 1 to Resolution 10 (CHy-15).

7.2 The Commission also discussed the request made by Congress, through Resolution 18 (Cg-17), to the president of CHy to encourage and support active collaboration between the Commission and the regional associations, in particular their groups related to hydrology and water resources management. It observed that, in addition to the participation of members of the AWG and CHy experts at sessions of the regional working groups, which had been appreciated and had led to important joint developments, an additional area of collaboration would be through the virtual fora on hydrology that several regional working groups had established. For instance, individual members of the AWG could be assigned as “liaisons” of the Commission with the regional working group of their Region, with the specific task to maintain a two-way communication at the working level between CHy and the regional experts.

7.3 The Commission expressed that the relationship between the AWG and the Regional Working Groups on Hydrology represents a demonstrable best practice. It encouraged the president of CHy to use every opportunity to document and promote the effectiveness of this arrangement throughout WMO. Accordingly, the Commission also agreed to continue to review and assess the accomplishment of water-related activities undertaken through the WMO Regions for application from a global perspective.

8. STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION AND NOMINATION OF ADVISORY WORKING GROUP MEMBERS (agenda item 8)

8.1 The Commission noted that the AWG had considered the structure of the Commission and had expressed the opinion that the existing structure, while generally effective, suffered from some practical inefficiencies. The AWG had reiterated the demonstrable value of organizing Commission activities under a single working group, as opposed to multiple working groups. However, it had noted the inefficiency in how thematic activities were assigned to the various AWG members, as well as in having four separate OPACHES wherein overlapping expertise existed. Accordingly, it had proposed adjusting the working structure of the Commission as follows:

8.2 The Commission should work with one AWG composed of:

(a) The president of CHy;

(b) The vice-president of CHy;

supported by one OPACHE. GENERAL SUMMARY 25

8.3 The AWG had further proposed organizing its activities under three generic themes:

(a) “Coordination and Implementation Support”, addressed by the president of CHy, the vice-president of CHy, and an AWG Member covering the role of “Project Facilitator”;

(b) “Measurement, Monitoring and Infosystems”;

8.4 The AWG had strongly recommended that CHy-15 limit the workload assigned to each of the three groups mentioned above to not more than six activity areas, to ensure that the identified priorities are accomplished.

8.5 Furthermore, two additional sets of desired outputs would be achieved by:

(a) A set of activities to be supported by the Secretariat, with support of experts from the OPACHE, without direct involvement of AWG members;

(b) A set of activities that in light of the limited resources could be implemented only if one or more Members will volunteer to lead their implementation.

8.6 The AWG also considered that a single OPACHE merging the previous four would be more efficient, provided the search capabilities of the current database are enhanced by including relevant keywords and that it is updated regularly. All groups would benefit from the support provided by experts included in the OPACHE, selected on a case-by-case basis according to their area of expertise.

8.7 Based on those AWG recommendations, and the deliberations as well as the resolutions it had previously adopted during the current session, the Commission adopted Resolution 10 (CHy-15) – Work programme and structure of the Commission for Hydrology and its annexes.

8.8 Noting the dynamic nature of the activities and the continuing requests coming to CHy during the intersessional period, the Commission requested the president of CHy to apply the required level of flexibility to the management of the AWG to ensure it operates in the most efficient and effective manner. Accordingly, the assignments of the selected AWG members will be finalized at the first AWG meeting in 2017.

9. WMO STRATEGIC PLAN 2020–2023 AND MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF THE HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME (agenda item 9)

Strategic Plan 2020–2023

9.1 The Commission noted that the goal of the WMO Strategic Plan is to set the direction and priorities to guide and coordinate the activities of all WMO Programmes and relevant constituent bodies to enable all Members improve their core information, products and services, maintain necessary infrastructures, and to directly benefit from advancements in science and technology. Together with the Operating Plan it also provides the foundation for developing the WMO Results-based Budget (RBB).

9.2 The Commission noted that Congress had decided to put in motion a mechanism for the preparation of the Strategic and Operating Plans for the eighteenth financial period (2020– 2023), as recorded in Resolution 71 (Cg-17). EC-68, through Decision 82 (EC-68), provided further guidance for the preparation of the Plans.

9.3 The Commission also noted that the Global Societal Needs (GSNs) adopted for the Strategic Plan for the period 2016–2019 could still form the basis for the WMO Strategic Plan 26 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

for the period 2020–2023 and that the provision of adequate water-related data and information plays a critical role for the fulfilment of most of them. The Commission also remarked that a specific goal “Ensure access to water and sanitation for all” was adopted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that WMO, through UN-Water, had contributed to the design of the relevant monitoring strategy, in which regularly observed and quality assured hydrological data play a key role.

9.4 The Commission discussed the emerging priorities in hydrology and water resources management and approved Recommendation 2 (CHy-15) – Contribution of the Commission for Hydrology to the formulation of the WMO Strategic Plan 2020–2023.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

9.5 The Commission noted that the WMO M&E System was fully implemented, covering all the Expected Results and that the Secretariat conducted two surveys to assess the impacts of achieved results on Members, with the first survey aimed at setting baselines conducted in 2012–13 and a second one in 2015. The surveys were answered by 54% of WMO Members, with significant regional differences, making a thorough assessment of progress and comparison with the past rather difficult. The Commission further noted that a review of the existing key performance indicators was under way, as several of the ones currently used were considered not be results-oriented.

10. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (agenda item 10)

Mr Harry Lins (United States) was elected president of the Commission for Hydrology for the next intersessional period and Mr Silvano Pecora (Italy) was elected vice- president.

11. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS (agenda item 11)

The Commission examined the resolutions and recommendations adopted at its fourteenth session, as well as the Executive Council resolutions relating to CHy activities which were still in force. The decisions of the Commission in that regard are incorporated in Resolution 11 (CHy-15) – Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the Commission for Hydrology, and Recommendation 3 (CHy-15) – Review of the resolutions of the Executive Council based on previous recommendations of the Commission for Hydrology.

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Resolution 1 (CHy-15)

RESPONSE OF THE COMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY TO DECISIONS OF CONGRESS OF RELEVANCE TO HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) Resolution 10 (Cg-17) – Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and WMO participation in the International Network for Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems,

(2) Resolution 31 (Cg-17) – Report of the extraordinary session (2014) of the Commission for Basic Systems relevant to centres and networks of the WMO Information System,

(3) Resolution 39 (Cg-17) – Global Climate Observing System,

(4) Resolution 40 (Cg-17) – WMO polar and high-mountain activities,

(5) Resolution 43 (Cg-17) – Global Cryosphere Watch,

(6) Resolution 67 (Cg-17) – WMO guidance on partnerships with the private sector,

Requests the Secretariat, and the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme in particular, to reflect adequately hydrological aspects in preparation of the International Conference on Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems in 2017 and dedicate a session of the Conference on advances being made by National Hydrological Services in providing early flood warnings and their role in this regard for reducing loss of life and property;

Requests the Advisory Working Group:

(1) To engage the SATCOM Users’ Forum in a discussion of the WMO-branded disaster alerting tariff and how best to establish a disaster alerting tariff test case on flood warnings, while encouraging the SATCOM Users’ Forum to establish good links with the WMO Disaster Risk Reduction Programme in order to share best practice and explore the wider requirements for such a tariff;

(2) To explore with the Global Cryosphere Watch Project Office possible joint activities and to propose a plan for collaboration that would allow the translation into practice of Resolutions 40 (Cg-17) and 43 (Cg-17) regarding high-latitude and high-altitude services, with a focus on observations and availability of data;

Recommends that, in view of the complexity of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Implementation Plan, one or more members of the Open Panel of CHy Experts (OPACHE) explore what actions might be needed to help GCOS make better use of CHy observing capabilities, particularly the WMO Hydrological Observing System, in its hydrology and water resources-related actions;

Decides to appoint a member of the OPACHE as a rapporteur on public–private partnership in hydrology to act on the requests of Resolution 67 (Cg-17) from the CHy perspective;

Requests the president of the Commission and the Advisory Working Group:

(1) To ensure that the work of the Commission continues to respond to requests and decisions from the Executive Council and Congress; 28 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

(2) To monitor and evaluate the continued implementation of the decisions affecting the Commission;

(3) To report back to Congress and the Executive Council on the actions taken by the Commission and how they deliver to the WMO Strategic Plan.

Resolution 2 (CHy-15)

FURTHER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK – HYDROLOGY AND THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY STRATEGY ON REGULATORY MATERIAL

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) Resolution 7 (Cg-17) – WMO Quality Management Framework,

(2) Decision 76 (EC-68) – WMO Quality Management Framework – Organization-wide approach,

(3) Decision 93 (EC-68) – Roadmap to an enhanced framework for WMO Technical Regulations,

(4) Decision 42 (EC-68) – Implementation of the WMO Strategy for Service Delivery,

Recognizing the importance of quality management and the adoption of standardized procedures to ensure that the core activities of National Hydrological Services in data acquisition and management and in delivery of products and decision-support services to economic sectors and the general public are performed effectively and efficiently, thus improving customer satisfaction and the credibility of the National Hydrological Services,

Appreciating the value and benefits of the continuous development and upgrading of its regulatory material deriving from the cooperation with the International Organization for Standardization and other international or regional standard-setting entities operating also in the domain of hydrometry,

Decides:

(1) To continue the development of the Quality Management Framework – Hydrology in conjunction with the work of other WMO technical commissions, and consistently with the overarching WMO Quality Management Framework;

(2) To engage in a review and update of the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), Volume III and related regulatory publications relevant to its mandate and responsibility by the time of the Eighteenth World Meteorological Congress in 2019, according to the following principles:

RESOLUTIONS 29

(a) To adopt in the Commission’s regulatory material a more prescriptive language when suitable, to promote a culture of compliance, recognizing the specificity of hydrology;

(b) To address the Technical Regulations and selected topics in the Guide to Hydrological Practices (WMO-No. 168), in the manuals on hydrology and water resources, and in guidance material and technical documents;

(3) To establish a task team of experts, operating under the Advisory Working Group, to review and assess CHy regulatory material, establish a detailed plan for updating it and oversee its implementation, prepare a revised text of the Technical Regulations, Volume III, to be submitted to the Executive Council in 2018, and consider the benefits and risks of aligning the hierarchy and naming of CHy regulatory material with WMO general practice and terminology;

Requests the Secretary-General to continue supporting the president of the Commission and the Advisory Working Group in:

(1) Providing training on quality management system (QMS) development during the next intersessional period to more effectively engage the National Hydrological Services in this priority;

(2) Giving priority to the translation of the guidance material on quality management systems, including the Checklist for Developing a Quality Management System for a National Hydrological Service and case studies, in other United Nations official languages, within the limits of available resources;

(3) Maintaining and further developing the Quality Management Framework – Hydrology website, http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/qmf-h/index.php;

(4) Finalizing the preparation and publishing the manuals on water resources assessment and on flood risk mapping;

(5) Considering the preparation of a manual on sediment measurement (bedload and suspended load);

(6) Finalizing the update of the Guidelines on the Role, Operation and Management of National Hydrological Services (WMO-No. 1003);

(7) Continuing the cooperation with the International Organization for Standardization, including identification of other material to be considered for adoption as common documents, and developing similar cooperation arrangements with other international and regional standard-setting entities, when relevant;

Invites Members to contribute to the translation effort by providing funds or volunteering in the translation of individual documents belonging to the Quality Management Framework – Hydrology;

Invites regional associations, through their working groups in charge of hydrology and water resources, to identify QMS champion(s) to promote the adoption of quality management systems by National Hydrological Services of other Members in their Region.

30 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Resolution 3 (CHy-15)

PROJECT FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF FLOW MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS AND TECHNIQUES

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting the progress achieved by the project during the last intersessional period in preparing guidance material to assist National Hydrological Services in the assessment of the performance of flow measurement instruments and techniques, including advice to National Hydrological Services on how to make a simple but sound uncertainty analysis of a discharge measurement,

Noting further:

(1) The recommendations made by the Management Committee as regards the future workplan of the project,

(2) That the tenure of members of the Management Committee concluded during the current session of the Commission,

Considering the excellent collaboration established with external organizations which share the interest of WMO in the objectives of the project, such as the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research, the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, the International Organization for Standardization, and the Association of Hydro- Meteorological Equipment Industry,

Decides:

(1) To continue with the implementation of the project during the next intersessional period;

(2) To approve the terms of reference and composition of the Management Committee of the project as provided in the annex to the present resolution;

Requests the Advisory Working Group, in its capacity as Steering Committee of the project, to approve the final workplan of the project for the next intersessional period 2017–2020 on the basis of the recommendations of the Management Committee and of the deliberations of the current CHy session; the workplan should include specific activities, deliverables, a timeline and an estimated budget;

Further requests the Advisory Working Group to establish mechanisms to ensure close collaboration between the project and the Global Hydrometry Support Facility in relation to best practice and innovation in flow measurement;

Requests the Secretariat to provide the necessary support to this important activity, in particular by activating the new composition of the Management Committee at the earliest and by providing the funds requested in the approved budget, within the limits of available financial resources;

Urges Members to participate actively in this project, in particular by promoting the utilization of the project outputs at the national level and by contributing their national guidance material to the database of the project;

Encourages the participating organizations to continue with their active involvement in the project, in particular by supporting their representatives in the Management Committee and promoting the initiative among their network of affiliates. _____ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 2 (CHy-14), which is no longer in force.

RESOLUTIONS 31

Annex to Resolution 3 (CHy-15)

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE PROJECT ON THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF FLOW MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS AND TECHNIQUES

(additions proposed by the Management Committee (MC) underlined)

1. Terms of reference

(a) To provide general guidance to the project and to develop, update and carry out the project workplan as necessary to take into account the different perspectives of the participating organizations;

(b) To identify gaps and future requirements in relation to the objectives of the project;

(c) To make recommendations to the participating organizations on activities that could be considered by those organizations in support of the project;

(d) Individual representatives of participating organizations should provide periodic progress reports to their constituent bodies, as required by them;

(e) To provide reports on progress and other issues deemed of importance to the president of the Commission for Hydrology, chairperson of the Steering Committee of the project.

2. Membership

(a) Representative of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR);

(b) Representative of the International Association for Hydrological Sciences (IAHS);

(d) Representative of the Association of Hydro-Meteorological Equipment Industry (HMEI);

(e) Representative of the WMO Regional Working Groups on Hydrology;

(f) Representative of the WMO Commission for Hydrology (chairperson).

Other experts may be called upon to assist the Committee in their personal and professional capacity, limited to no more in total than the total number of members and keeping the balance between operational, academic and user communities.

A vice-chairperson should be designated by the CHy president, to be chosen among all members and invited experts.

The term of membership coincides with the intersessional period of CHy. The same representative may be re-appointed by his/her parental organization for an indefinite number of terms.

If it is considered necessary for the implementation of the project, the president of CHy, after consultation with the four other organizations involved, may revise these terms of reference and the composition of the membership.

3. Secretariat support

The WMO Secretariat will provide secretarial assistance to the Committee through the WMO Hydrology and Water Resources Branch. 32 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

4. Modalities of work

Most of the work will be conducted by e-mail, teleconference and videoconference, with the possibility of holding physical meetings when deemed appropriate by the chairperson and if resources are available, but at least twice during an intersessional period, normally in its initial and final years.

Resolution 4 (CHy-15)

GOVERNANCE OF THE GLOBAL HYDROMETRY SUPPORT FACILITY

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) Resolution 19 (Cg-17) – World Hydrological Cycle Observing System Office,

(2) Resolution 6 (EC-68) – Global Hydrometry Support Facility,

(3) The Comprehensive Review of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System,

Noting further that the Global Hydrometry Support Facility (GHSF) is designed specifically to reach out to end users by improving operational systems and capacity in hydrometry and water monitoring, expand the base of hydrological data and exchange capabilities, and facilitate free and open data sharing, all of which it will do through the development and application of innovative monitoring and information systems, by supporting regional and local projects aimed at building sustainable hydrometeorological networks and freely accessible data, and by promoting the use of quality management principles,

Having learned that WMO and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation have signed an agreement for the initial funding of the Global Hydrometry Support Facility,

Approves:

(1) The structure, terms of reference and membership of the GHSF Advisory Council (see Annex 1 to the present resolution), replacing the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) International Advisory Group, which therefore ceases to exist;

(2) The terms of reference and membership of the Innovation Hub Committee, as contained in Annex 2 to the present resolution, and authorizes the Advisory Council to revise them if necessary;

Decides to formalize the name WMO Global Hydrometry Support Facility for use in official documents and correspondence, and to adopt, for outreach and other less formal purposes, the shorter name HydroHub;

Requests Members and funding agencies to support, as appropriate, the Global Hydrometry Support Facility, particularly the WHYCOS and Innovation Hub components.

RESOLUTIONS 33

Annex 1 to Resolution 4 (CHy-15)

ADVISORY COUNCIL OF THE GLOBAL HYDROMETRY SUPPORT FACILITY

1. Terms of reference

(a) To consider and advise the GHSF Office on the concept, objectives, expected benefits/costs, operational issues, and future development of the GHSF and its components;

(b) Review and assess the status of each GHSF component, and the progress toward fulfilling their respective objectives, and propose strategies for necessary remedial action;

(c) Review the relationship of the GHSF with other relevant international programmes, particularly from the point of view of coordination and avoidance of overlap/ duplication and recommend corrective actions;

(d) Periodically review and advise on its terms of reference and composition.

With regard to innovation activities:

(e) Approve the GHSF Innovation Strategy and Innovation Focus Areas;

(f) Appoint the Innovation Committee and periodically review its composition;

(g) Provide oversight of, and advice to, the Innovation Hub Committee in defining focus areas for the Hub, reviewing the respective calls for proposals, reviewing submitted proposals, and approving of funding;

(h) Advise on advances in innovative hydrometric technology and the individuals/ organizations doing so.

2. Membership

(a) The president, WMO Commission for Hydrology (CHy) (chairperson);

(b) One expert from the CHy Advisory Working Group with relevant responsibilities;

(d) One representative from the SDC;

(e) One WHYCOS stakeholder (someone with previous experience in a HYCOS project);

(f) One Innovation Hub stakeholder (someone with past or current experience);

(g) One representative of the Association of the Hydro-Meteorological Equipment Industry (HMEI);

(h) and (i) Two representatives from UN-system organizations with an interest in hydrometry.

Observers such as financial partners and WMO regional hydrological advisors may be invited. The Chief of the Basic Systems in Hydrology Division shall serve as Secretary to the Advisory Council. 34 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

The term of membership coincides with the intersessional period of CHy. The same representative may be re-appointed by his/her parental organization for an indefinite number of terms.

3. Other provisions

If it is considered necessary for the implementation of the project, the president of CHy, after consultation with the other organizations involved, may revise these terms of reference and the composition of the membership.

The GHSF Advisory Council shall meet preferably two times a year, mainly by videoconferences, and with at least one face-to-face meeting during the intersessional period. The Secretary will produce minutes and action points.

Annex 2 to Resolution 4 (CHy-15)

INNOVATION HUB COMMITTEE (INNOC)

1. Terms of Reference

Under the general guidance of the GHSF Advisory Council:

(a) Review, endorse and periodically update the Innovation Strategy and Innovation Areas;

(b) Endorse selection criteria for Innovation Activities, such as impact and benefit on the goals of GHSF, multiplication potential and probability to succeed, etc.;

(d) Endorse allocation of resources related to personnel and financial support of Innovation Activities through the Innovation Fund;

(e) Engage WMO departments and external partners in relevant innovation activities;

(f) Guide and support innovation activities to assure effectiveness and efficiency;

(g) Sound external resources and investments (e.g. outside innovation strategy) and supports the GHSF Management in preparing the respective request for approval;

(h) Define the confidentiality level of innovation activities;

(i) Endorse Patent Strategy and regularly review patent developments;

(j) Propose to the Advisory Council which third parties and organizations shall contribute to the definition and execution of innovation activities;

(k) Periodically inform the GHSF Advisory Council on progress of innovation activities.

2. Membership

(a) The chairperson of the GHSF Advisory Council or his designee (chairperson);

(b) One representative of the CHy AWG; RESOLUTIONS 35

(d) External members, reputed for their expertise in Innovation Areas;

(e) Two Industry Experts (HMEI);

(f) One representative from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) and/or from the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR); and

(g) One Scientific Expert from research or start-up.

The Chief of the Basic Systems in Hydrology Division shall serve as Secretary to the InnoC. The InnoC may invite guests to attend the meeting, such as further financial partners, WMO regional hydrological advisors or research institutes. The term of membership will be decided by the GHSF Advisory Council. The same representative may be re-appointed by his/her parental organization for an indefinite number of terms.

3. Other provisions

The WMO CLW Department will ensure the WMO Secretariat internal coordination and collaboration, particularly with the Weather and Disaster Risk Reduction Services (WDS) and Observing and Information Systems (OBS) Departments.

The InnoC shall meet according to the annual innovation cycle (preferably two times a year, mainly by videoconferences but at least one face-to-face meeting during the intersessional period). The Secretary will produce minutes and action points.

Resolution 5 (CHy-15)

DATA OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) The growing need of Members for appropriate hydrological data management and information systems,

(2) Resolution 23 (Cg-17) – Pre-operational phase of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System,

(3) The final report of the second session of the Inter-Programme Expert Team on Observing System Design and Evolution (IPET-OSDE),

Recognizing:

(1) The importance of including reliable hydrological observations and data in the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and the WMO Information System (WIS),

(2) That the initiative of the president of the Commission to launch a demonstration and testing portal for the first phase of the WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS) had been successful and had met with widespread approval, 36 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

(3) That the quality and sustainability of free and/or open-source software, such as the Meteorological, Climatological and Hydrological Database Management System, depends mainly on the number of its users and developers,

(4) That new and increased demands are now being placed on the global data centres, in particular in support of the global assessment and management of the world’s water resources in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Framework for Climate Services,

Recalling the request made by Congress at its seventeenth session to monitor progress in the area of data operations and management (see the Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the Seventeenth World Meteorological Congress (WMO-No. 1157), general summary, paragraph 4.1.110),

Acknowledging the long-standing contribution to its activities made by the global data centres, namely the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC), Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC) and International Data Centre on the Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs (HYDROLARE),

Approves the further implementation of phase I of the WMO Hydrological Observing System as well as the initial concept of phase II, as described under agenda item 4.1 (Abridged Final Report with Resolutions and Recommendations of the Fifteenth Session of the Commission for Hydrology (WMO-No. 1184), general summary, paragraphs 4.1.3.4 to 4.1.3.8), and requests the Advisory Working Group, with the support of the WMO Secretariat, to develop an initial implementation plan, covering issues such as governance, architecture, relationships with the WIGOS and WIS centres, provision of metadata into the Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool and a clear definition of the roles of the Commission, the Secretariat, the global data centres, and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, to be presented to the Executive Council at its seventieth session in 2018 for its endorsement;

Requests the president of the Commission:

(1) To form a small task team in charge of preparing a report to the Executive Council on the evolving role of the GRDC, IGRAC and HYDROLARE, and their relationship with WMO, with respect to the monitoring and measurement of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, their contributions to the Global Framework for Climate Services and support to the WMO Hydrological Observing System, Global Hydrometry Support Facility and other CHy initiatives;

(2) To liaise with the president of the Commission for Climatology so as to reach an agreement on including the GPCC in the task team and in the review of its evolving role mentioned above, in a manner similar to the GRDC, IGRAC and HYDROLARE;

(3) To continue ensuring an appropriate representation of the Commission for Hydrology in the Inter-Commission Coordination Group on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System and in other relevant WIGOS and WIS groups;

Requests the Advisory Working Group:

(1) To prepare a new version of the observational requirements and the Statement of Guidance for the Application Area “Hydrology”, taking into consideration the implementation plan of phase II of the WMO Hydrological Observing System, to be presented to IPET-OSDE in the second half of 2017 and made available to National Hydrological Services through the WHOS web page;

(2) To engage with the Commission for Basic Systems to ensure that phase II of the WMO Hydrological Observing System is fully aligned with the WIS 2.0 Strategy; RESOLUTIONS 37

Requests the Secretary-General to continue promoting the development of free and open- source software for hydrology (such as the Meteorological, Climatological and Hydrological Database Management System) according to user requirements and make them available to all users;

Invites Members:

(1) To contribute to global data centres in accordance with the recommendation of the report to the Executive Council mentioned above, to ensure that hydrological data and related information that is critical for WMO-supported programmes are available and accessible;

(2) To consider the Meteorological, Climatological and Hydrological Database Management System as a possible data management tool for their data operations;

Invites Members hosting global data centres to continue to provide sufficient resources to ensure the long-term operation and service-delivery capacity of these centres.

Resolution 6 (CHy-15)

THE FLOOD FORECASTING INITIATIVE AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY TO THE DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030,

(2) Resolution 10 (Cg-17) – Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and WMO participation in the International Network for Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems,

(3) Decision 6 (EC-68) – Implementation of the Common Alerting Protocol,

Recalling that the scope of the WMO Flood Forecasting Initiative includes all the hydrological forecasting activities, such as those related to flash floods and riverine floods, including seasonal forecasts and coastal flooding due to storm surges,

Observing that in order to enhance multi-hazard early warning systems, the individual components of early warning systems must be based on sound technical and scientific information as can only be provided by the respective specialists,

Recognizing the interest raised in countries outside the regions where demonstration projects are being implemented by the integrated approach of the Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project in the enhancement and delivery of coastal inundation early warnings,

Decides to reaffirm its support to the continued implementation of the Flood Forecasting Initiative in accordance with its Strategy and Action Plan, the recommendations made by the Flood Forecasting Initiative Advisory Group (FFI-AG) at its second meeting to strengthen the focus of the Initiative on activities associated with short- to medium-term forecasting, and the FFI-AG Workplan 2016–2019;

Emphasizes the importance of the Associated Programme on Flood Management and Integrated Drought Management Programme as excellent examples of an integrated approach 38 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

to risk management of floods and droughts and as fundamental contributions of the WMO hydrological community to disaster risk reduction and management activities;

Requests the president of the Commission, with the assistance of the appropriate members of the Advisory Working Group and Open Panel of CHy Experts:

(1) To ensure that the Commission continues to contribute actively to the disaster risk management activities of WMO while promoting the principles of integrated flood management and integrated drought management and increasing the visibility of other hydrological contributions, such as the promotion of end-to-end early warning systems for flood forecasting;

(2) To coordinate with the president of the Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology a joint assessment of the initial phase of the Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project and, depending on its results, to consider the desirability of developing a governance structure and procedures that would transition the Project to a more sustainable platform for the strengthening of national multi-hazard early warning systems to address flooding in coastal areas;

(3) To include under the focus area “Hydrological applications, products and services”, an activity consisting in investigating the applicability and advantages of new protocols, such as the Common Alerting Protocol, in public alerting for hydrological hazards.

Resolution 7 (CHy-15)

CONTRIBUTION OF THE COMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY TO THE FUTURE INTEGRATED AND SEAMLESS WMO DATA-PROCESSING AND FORECASTING SYSTEM

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) Resolution 11 (Cg-17) – Towards a future enhanced integrated and seamless Data- processing and Forecasting System,

(2) Decision 55 (EC-68) – Implementation of the seamless Data-processing and Forecasting System,

(3) The results of the CHy pre-session discussion on this topic,

Considering:

(1) The value of the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System in preparing and making available to Members in the most cost-effective way meteorological analyses and forecast products,

(2) That the vision for the seamless Data-processing and Forecasting System in 15 years expects increased accuracy, resolution and delivery of forecast products that provide accurate and detailed information on such things as closed water budgets over most watersheds to all WMO Members in accordance with their needs, RESOLUTIONS 39

Recognizing the growing ability of various forecasting centres to provide an effective and adaptable prediction system including hydrological products to enable Members and partners to support decision-makers in making better-informed decisions,

Decides to actively contribute to the development and implementation of a seamless Data- processing and Forecasting System and to include these tasks accordingly in its future workplan and activities;

Requests the president of the Commission or delegated members of the Advisory Working Group:

(1) To ensure that all hydrological aspects and specifics and in particular the needs and concerns of National Hydrological Services are properly reflected in the development of the new seamless Data-processing and Forecasting System;

(2) To consider reviewing the definitions of forecasting ranges in hydrology included in the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), Volume III, and recommend to the Executive Council the necessary modifications to be more consistent with those used in meteorology, but retaining differences and including other definitions appropriate for hydrology;

(3) To develop a proposal of a comprehensive structure for hydrology within the new seamless Data-processing and Forecasting System that would encompass hydrological data, analysis and forecasting and could include new entities such as world, regional and national hydrological centres, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities;

(4) To develop documentation describing the procedures for the designation, mandatory functions and activities of new centres, taking into account the principle that world and regional centres shall respect the primary roles and responsibilities of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the delivery of flood forecasting and warning services;

(5) To interact with various global and regional forecasting initiatives making them aware of this ongoing process, in particular of item (4) above;

(6) To report on progress of the seamless Data-processing and Forecasting System implementation to the Commission at its sixteenth session;

Urges Members to provide support for the implementation of hydrological aspects within the future seamless Data-processing and Forecasting System.

Resolution 8 (CHy-15)

DEVELOPMENT OF A PILOT WMO GLOBAL HYDROLOGICAL STATUS AND OUTLOOK SYSTEM

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) Resolution 11 (Cg-17) – Towards a future enhanced integrated and seamless Data- processing and Forecasting System, 40 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

(2) Decision 55 (EC-68) – Implementation of the seamless Data-processing and Forecasting System,

Noting also that a number of Members currently produce regular analyses of the current national hydrological condition and these are increasingly being complemented by forward- looking assessments of how the water situation may change over sub-seasonal to seasonal timescales,

Noting further that there are a number of global, regional and transboundary systems of relevance to this initiative, with the primary users of these systems being the National Hydrological Services,

Recognizing the current opportunity to bring together WMO developments in hydrological data sharing and meteorological forecast and climate prediction information with advancements from the global research community to enable the development of new hydrological status and outlook tools and services to complement Members’ existing needs,

Recognizing further the advances made in the provision of sub-seasonal to seasonal outlooks and the need for the hydrological community to continue to interact more closely with the Regional Climate Outlook Forums or similar activities to ensure that the requirements of the hydrological community are addressed,

Decides:

(1) To initiate the WMO Global Hydrological Status and Outlook System;

(2) To approve the formation of an expert task team to oversee the pilot phase of the initiative and report the findings to the Commission at its sixteenth session;

Requests the Advisory Working Group:

(1) To define the terms of reference and membership of the expert task team, giving due consideration to the involvement of representatives from developing countries;

(2) To support, through this initiative, the development of capabilities of National Hydrological Services in the field of sub-seasonal to seasonal hydrological forecasting as a contribution to the Global Framework for Climate Services;

Emphasizes the need to link this initiative closely with other related WMO activities, such as the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (in particular by making use of the opportunities provided by the WMO Hydrological Observing System) and the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System, and encourages liaison, as necessary, with other related activities;

Requests the president of the Commission to explore the opportunities for developing this initiative as an inter-commission activity with participation from other technical commissions;

Urges Members to provide support to the initiative by contributing expertise, current capabilities, information on their requirements and validation of the System products based on observed data.

RESOLUTIONS 41

Resolution 9 (CHy-15)

CAPACITY-BUILDING IN HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Considering:

(1) The growing importance that education and training issues are assuming in a rapidly changing environment, particularly in the fields of hydrology and water resources management,

(2) The special relevance of capacity-building activities in the successful implementation of recommended practices and standards developed under the Quality Management Framework – Hydrology,

(3) That only some of the CHy communities of practice have been very actively used by Members, and the possible reasons thereof,

(4) That the Hydrological Operational Multi-purpose System has been an outstanding system for technology transfer for more than thirty years, but its utility is nowadays almost null,

(5) The need to finalize the Guide to the Implementation of Education and Training Standards in Meteorology and Hydrology (WMO-No. 1083), Volume II,

Noting:

(1) That the practice of adopting at a CHy session a WMO Strategy on Education and Training in Hydrology and Water Resources for the next four years had produced positive results, by making explicit the guiding principles of the education and training activities of WMO in these areas and by concentrating the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme efforts on responding to the real needs of the National Hydrological and Hydrometeorological Services,

(2) That continuing efforts have been needed to mobilize additional extrabudgetary resources to meet the expanding needs of education and training, as only some of these needs can be met with the available resources,

(3) That recent requests of assistance from Members in hydrology and water resources usually entail more holistic capacity-building responses than just education and training activities,

Decides:

(1) That the WMO Strategy on Capacity-building in Hydrology and Water Resources Management, contained in the annex to the present resolution, should guide the activities of the Organization in this area for the period 2017–2020;

(2) To continue with the approach to technology transfer and knowledge management that consists of a robust system with full technical support for a limited number of activities;

(3) To close down the Hydrological Operational Multi-purpose System website;

Requests the Advisory Working Group and the Secretariat to consider developing open-source and community of practice solutions to promote the transfer of technology for the value chain of the most important products and services of the National Hydrological Services; 42 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Requests the Secretariat to increase its support to the WMO/UNESCO Joint Task Team on the Basic Instruction Packages in order to ensure that the resulting amendments to the WMO regulatory material are ready for adoption by the seventieth session of the Executive Council in 2018;

Encourages Members to support the implementation of the Strategy by offering courses in the priority areas; providing fellowships and instructors for the international courses organized or co-organized by WMO; actively participating in the communities of practice of their interest; and taking any other action they consider appropriate to further the capacities of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the fields of hydrology and water resources management. _____ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 6 (CHy-14), which is no longer in force.

Annex to Resolution 9 (CHy-15)

WMO STRATEGY ON CAPACITY-BUILDING IN HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT FOR THE PERIOD 2017–2020

General concepts and principles

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to lay down the guiding principles on which the education and training activities of WMO in the field of hydrology and water resources should be based in the period 2017–2020.

The document has been prepared taking into account:

– The experience accumulated during three intersessional periods (twelve years) of conducting business in a demand-driven way basing it on an overall conceptual framework defined through a strategic document;

– The fact that during recent WMO financial periods the financial resources available for Hydrology and Water Resources (HWR) in general (and for capacity-building in HWR in particular) in WMO have remained practically constant, while the demand from Members has increased proportionally to the rise of the “water” issue to the top of the international political agenda;

– The growing portion of extrabudgetary resources which, thanks to the resources mobilization efforts of WMO, are being allocated to capacity-building activities in hydrology and water resources management by donors, with an emphasis on areas related to the WMO strategic priorities, such as the Global Framework for Climate Services and Disaster Risk Reduction;

– The recognition that there continues to be a need to optimize the available resources, by concentrating WMO support, be it direct to organizers of education and training activities or through fellowships, to those courses which address areas identified by the “WMO hydrological community” as requiring priority attention, where WMO has the possibility of influencing in the development of curricula, that represent an adequate geographical balance, and are proven to be cost-effective; RESOLUTIONS 43

– The clear advantages derived from the greater involvement of the Commission for Hydrology in the design, implementation, monitoring and update of the strategy;

– The fact that, within the WMO Secretariat, the Education and Training Office is the key unit for the coordination of education and training activities and the assignment of fellowships is under the responsibility of the Fellowship Committee;

– The relative success of the concept of Regional Training Centres (RTCs) in the WMO community and the progress made in the Global Campus feasibility study;

– The need to review the Basic Instruction Package (BIP) for Hydrologists and Hydrological Technicians and develop competence standards for hydrology; and to focus the education and training activities of WMO to assisting NMHSs in developing staff with those qualifications and competencies, taking into consideration the regional needs as expressed by the regional associations and their subsidiary bodies dealing with hydrology;

– The education and training activities in HWR promoted by other agencies of the United Nations system, in particular the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and by other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, in particular the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) and the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering (IAHR).

On the basis of the above, the following mission, vision, main objectives, identification of target groups and mechanisms to establish priority areas and implementation means of the HWRP subprogramme “Capacity-building in Hydrology and Water Resources Management” were defined.

Mission

To support Members in developing their national technical capabilities and capacities in hydrology and water resources management, by providing both financial and technical assistance and/or mobilizing the necessary resources.

Vision

The National Hydrological Services (NHSs) contributing effectively to the integrated management of water resources in their countries, by generating, organizing and disseminating adequate information on the state of the water resources and providing the necessary hydrological services.

Objectives

– Provide the necessary IT and organizational infrastructure to promote the exchange of technical knowledge and experience, for instance through the establishment and maintenance of communities of practice and Help Desks:

– Assist Members in assessing their own education and training needs in HWR;

– Provide adequate education and training to personnel of the NHSs;

– Assist Members in developing/updating national curricula in HWR;

– Assist Members in adapting and using technology to increase national capabilities in HWR;

– Promote the cooperation between the hydrological and meteorological communities at national, regional and global level;

– Optimize the use of available resources and mobilize extrabudgetary resources. 44 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Identification of target groups

The primary target group is the technical and professional staff of the Hydrological and Hydrometeorological Services of Members of WMO, including managers, scientists, engineers, technologists and technicians. The secondary group is those academic and government agencies involved in hydrology and water resources. While it is common nowadays to include at a high level of priority the local communities, water users and civil society in general, it has to be recognized that they generally will be outside the scope of this strategy, in view of the specialized nature of WMO. Particular attention will be given to the needs of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) from developing countries, as they are the ones likely to benefit the most from WMO assistance.

Prioritization of subjects

Capacity-building and education and training activities supported by WMO should in principle be demand-driven. The requirements will be determined on the basis of inputs from the Members, regional association Working Groups on Hydrology (or similar groupings), CHy and its subsidiary bodies, and surveys undertaken by the WMO Secretariat.

This means that support given to course organizers as well as the approval of fellowships will be focused on those areas determined as indicated above. There would still be room to support requests on a case-by-case basis, but it should be limited.

Mechanisms for technology transfer and knowledge management

CHy-14 decided to change its approach by focusing on developing a thorough system of technical support to a limited number of activities. This has been implemented through the establishment of a series of CHy Communities of Practice and Help Desks.

Building on the lessons learned in implementing these mechanisms, it is proposed during the 2017–2020 period to develop at least two Communities of Practice to support the whole value chain of particular NHSs products, and to actively promote increased participation of NHSs in these communities. It is further proposed to assess if this more holistic approach is of greater added value to the staff of NHSs. In the case of Help Desks, in addition to the traditional one of APFM, others are foreseen in IDMP, GHSF and other initiatives. Consideration will be given to coordinate these useful initiatives as much as possible, always keeping in mind the user friendliness of the proposed solution.

The possibility of promoting and supporting cooperation between NHSs of the same region in specific topics, for instance by financing missions of experts from one country to train on-the- job colleagues from a different country, should be explored.

Types of education and training activities

In order to maximize the extent of the Capacity-building in Hydrology and Water Resources subprogramme, emphasis will be put on activities of a short duration, low cost and great potential impact with regard to number of beneficiaries, without compromising their quality. Given their proven value, activities such as training-of-trainers and roving seminars will be pursued principally, resorting to regional courses only when it is proven to be the most practical solution. Certification awards will be issued, recognizing the results, level of the course and hours of lecture.

Conferences/seminars/workshops/ on specific issues that are not covered by existing training centres will be organized, preferably through co-sponsorship arrangements.

On the basis of the positive experience gained in recent years in the use of distance learning and blended learning techniques, and application of latest available information technologies, emphasis will be made in the delivery of courses of a general nature using these techniques, RESOLUTIONS 45

making all efforts possible in involving RTCs and other academic institutions in the planning and delivery of the courses, in order to multiply the outreach in all WMO Regions.

Although they are recognized as having a great importance, this strategy does not consider public awareness or community training activities, as it is more convenient to separate these areas from those dedicated to the education and training of the NMHS staff.

Means of supporting the education and training activities

The support provided by WMO to education and training activities in HWR can take one of the following forms:

– Training events under the HWRP: In view of the available resources, only a handful of international courses will be organized or co-organized under this modality. In general, full support should be dedicated to the design, the development of training material and the delivery of the first edition of a course. Depending on the relevance of the course, editions in languages other than English should be envisaged. Subsequent editions would receive reduced support, preferably from extrabudgetary sources. Important criteria to decide whether a course qualifies for direct support are: (a) WMO should have the possibility of influencing the development of curricula; (b) adequate geographical balance, even if only at the regional level, should be ensured; (c) cost- effectiveness; and (d) replicability;

– Enabling support (partial) to activities by other organizations: Under this modality, course organizers request support from WMO in a range of ways, from the simple use of the WMO logo to a limited (normally less than US$ 10,000) financial contribution. Decisions, to be made on a case-by-case basis should be based on the priority of the subject areas treated, the tradition of cooperation of the organizers with WMO, the reputation of the organizing institution, the number and geographical representation of international participants, and the number of participants from developing countries;

– Support as part of projects under the HWRP: Various components of the regular HWRP of WMO, implemented through projects, such as the Global Hydrometry Support Facility (GHSF), the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS), the Flash Flood Guidance System with Global Coverage (FFGS) and the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM), regularly organize training activities on subjects related to their work. These training activities are funded from regular and extrabudgetary resources assigned to each project, and will continue in the future to be organized according to the guiding principles contained in this strategy;

– Fellowships: They have to be requested through the Permanent Representative of the candidate’s country to WMO. Preference should be given to those courses on priority subject areas and where a review by WMO of the content and level of the programme of study, to verify its concordance with the WMO Strategy on Education and Training in HWR, has been undertaken.

Mechanism of implementation

Given that ETRP has the leading role in coordinating education and training activities in the areas of interest of WMO, and that this programme has already well-established mechanisms and procedures, it is convenient to work through similar mechanisms and procedures. The establishment of new WMO RTCs or components thereof with a special focus in hydrology and water resource should be pursued, and joint activities with those centres already established should be promoted. Close attention should be paid to the development of the Global Campus concept.

Whenever feasible and applicable, a community of instructors should be established for a particular subject, in order to jointly design the curricula, share teaching material and experiences, and discuss common problems. These communities of instructors will, in addition, 46 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

constitute a pool of trainers that would be able, with limited supervision from the WMO Secretariat, to organize a training activity according to the CHy criteria established in this strategy.

Evaluation procedures for all courses in HWR supported by WMO will continue using the customary mechanisms designed for this purpose by the ETRP, and implementing additional ones if needed.

In addition to the above, particular emphasis will be placed on developing partnerships with academic institutions, professional and scientific associations active in the areas of HWR that are of interest to WMO, through for instance, promotion of exchanges of academic staff, co- sponsorship by institutions of the developed world of specific international courses organized by developing countries’ institutions, and technical assistance in the preparation of syllabi and course programmes.

Particular attention will be devoted to the cooperation with the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in general and with the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in particular, in order to take advantage of their high academic and scientific level, extended networks and excellent facilities.

Priority areas for 2017–2020

Following the recommendation of previous sessions of the Commission of developing training activities according to the needs expressed by the Working Groups on Hydrology and Water Resources of the regional associations (RA WGH) and on the utilization of the Guides and Manuals and other guidance material issued under the QMF-Hydrology, the following courses have been developed:

- Stream gauging;

- Flood forecasting and warning;

- Operation and maintenance of automatic stations;

- MCH database management system;

- Groundwater monitoring and assessment techniques (in cooperation with IGRAC);

- Distance Learning Course in Basic Hydrological Sciences;

- Distance learning Course on Advanced Topics in Hydraulics and Hydrological Sciences.

Others are under development, such as:

- Low flow estimation and prediction;

- Quality Management System (QMS) development for NHSs;

- Procurement, operation and maintenance of hydroacoustic flow measurement instruments;

- Hydrological data sharing;

- Distance Learning course on Hydrometry.

RESOLUTIONS 47

Finally, it is foreseen that the development of courses on the following areas may be initiated in the period 2017–2020, if appropriate partner institutions are found:

- Extended hydrological predictions;

- Flood risk mapping;

- Sediment transport (possibly in cooperation with UNESCO-IHP ISI).

Resolution 10 (CHy-15)

WORK PROGRAMME AND STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) Resolution 18 (Cg-17) – Hydrology and Water Resources Programme,

(2) The report by the president of the Commission for Hydrology,

(3) The reports by the members of the Advisory Working Group, which the Commission established at its fourteenth session,

(4) The report by the Secretary-General regarding the activities of the Commission during its previous intersessional period,

(5) The other resolutions adopted by the Commission during the present session,

Recognizing the valuable role played by the experts of national agencies in implementing the activities of the Commission,

Decides:

(1) To adopt the programme of work contained in Annex 1 to the present resolution;

(2) To re-establish the Advisory Working Group of the Commission for Hydrology, acting also as the Steering Committee for the project for the assessment of the performance of flow measurement instruments and techniques, with the structure given in Annex 2 to the present resolution;

(3) To establish one Open Panel of CHy Experts to support the work of the Commission, with experts selected for specific activities on a case-by-case basis according to their area of expertise;

(4) To invite the following experts to serve as the members of the Advisory Working Group:

(a) Mr Harry Lins (United States of America) – president of the Commission

(b) Mr Silvano Pecora (Italy) – vice-president of the Commission

(d) Mr Harry Dixon (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 48 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

(e) Ms Janice Fulford (United States)

(f) Mr Tom Kanyike (Uganda)

(g) Ms Hwirin Kim (Republic of Korea)

(h) Mr Yuri Simonov (Russian Federation)

(i) Mr Narendra Tuteja (Australia)

(j) Mr Marcelo Uriburu Quirno (Argentina)

(k) Mr Jianging Yang (China);

Urges Members to nominate additional experts to the Open Panel of CHy Experts, with due consideration to promotion of gender equality, and to ensure all members of the Open Panel are available to participate in the activities of the Commission. _____ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 7 (CHy-14), which is no longer in force.

Annex 1 to Resolution 10 (CHy-15)

FUTURE PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR CHY

1.1 In developing their activities, AWG members should liaise, as necessary, with other relevant bodies and Programmes of WMO, such as the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and the WMO Information System (WIS); the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme (DRRP); the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP); the Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP); the Severe Weather Forecasting Demonstration Project (SWFDP); the Commission for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS); the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS); the Commission for Climatology (CCl); the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS); the Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (CAgM); the Joint WMO-IOC Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM); the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS); Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) Project Office; the EC Panel on Education and Training; the Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology and groups working on WMO and related quality management frameworks and systems; and with other programmes and organizations, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); the UNESCO Institute for Water Education (UNESCO-IHE); the International Organization for Standardization (ISO); the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC); the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR); and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS).

Focus Area: Coordination and Implementation Support

1.2 The president of CHy, who is mandated by Congress to chair the WMO Flood Forecasting Initiative-Advisory Group (FFI-AG) and the GHSF Advisory Council, the vice- president of CHy, and an AWG Member covering the role of “Project Facilitator”, will provide links to relevant partners in WMO and beyond, aiming to transform opportunities into concrete project actions, and ensuring that the issues supported by the Secretariat receive the necessary CHy guidance. They will be responsible for the following activities: RESOLUTIONS 49

(a) RAs: ensure that the activities of regional associations, and, in particular, the Regional Association Working Groups on Hydrology (RA WGHs) are coordinated within overall Commission activities and that there is effective communication between the Commission and the RA WGHs;

(b) Capacity Development: identify and lead actions with regard to the education and training requirements of Commission activities under the adopted Strategy on Education and Training for HWR and the QMF–Hydrology. Consider developing open- source and community of practice solutions to promote the transfer of technology and knowledge management;

(c) APFM and IDMP: represent CHy, in concert with the relevant AWG member for hydrological applications, products and services, on the Advisory and Management Committees of APFM; and represent CHy on the Advisory Committee of the IDMP, as per the operational guidelines of the two programmes;

(d) WIS/WIGOS: represent CHy in ICG-WIGOS and coordinate the participation of relevant CHy experts in WIGOS and WIS expert teams;

(e) GFCS: represent CHy in the Task Teams on Operational and Resource Plan and Monitoring & Evaluation and liaise as necessary with the GFCS Secretariat (in cooperation with APFM/IDMP Technical Support Units) in matters relevant to hydrological contribution to/benefit from GFCS;

(f) GDPFS: oversee the process of designating global and regional hydrological centres (including negotiation and liaison with GloFAS/EFAS, UNESCO-IHP, GFP and others);

(g) Data Centres: establish a small task team to prepare a report with regard to the evolving role of GRDC, IGRAC and HYDROLARE, and liaise with the president of CCl with respect to the involvement of GPCC.

Focus Area: Measurement, Monitoring and Infosystems

1.3 The AWG members will, with support from OPACHE experts as required, be responsible for the following activities:

(a) WHOS: development and implementation of WHOS phase II, offering standardized web services, data hosting, archival, data rescue and dissemination, and relevant training, based upon data policies and adopted standards, and provide support to the GHSF functions related to WHOS;

(b) GHSF (including WHYCOS): serve as a member of the GHSF advisory council; provide technical guidance on WHYCOS activities to the GHSF office; support the hydrological services information platform and liaise with AWG members responsible for WHOS, Project X and Innovation and new data;

(c) Project X: Chair the Management Committee, finalize and test basic uncertainty analysis (UA) software, develop UA capacities for ADCP, including standardization of computation of discharge, discharge estimation via various techniques, and produce guidance documentation for calibration and performance testing, design of “regattas” for intercomparison of flow measurement instruments and techniques, ultimately supporting quantification of discharge uncertainties (with error bands at stated confidence levels);

(d) QMF-H: continue the development of relevant QMF-H guidance material, including training support material; deliver QMS training and guidance material to NHSs at all levels (measurements, monitoring, forecasting and related products) and promote adoption and appropriate implementation of QMS in NHSs; 50 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

(e) Networks: further develop guidance on hydrometric network optimization and prioritization of stations taking into account all users’ needs, including the modelling community; update recommendation on station density; also consider the possibility of promoting the concept of hydrological “heritage” stations;

(f) Innovation and new data: advise on calls for proposals and assess existing hardware and software issued by the Global Innovation Hub and other developers, with a view to their operational use in NHSs, including non-traditional data sources such as citizen observations, and remote sensing technologies including satellites. In this regard consider new developments and applications with respect to big data.

Focus Area: Hydrological Applications, Products and Services

1.4 The AWG members will, with support from OPACHE experts as required, maintain responsibility for the following activities:

(a) WRM and drought: develop and/or recommend tools for water resources assessment and planning to assist decision-making including under climatic variability and change, such as preparing guidelines for assessing hydrological drought severity and impacts for water resources management, possibly through the use of hydrological drought indicators. This could be achieved through the establishment of a Community of Practice on Droughts;

(b) Global Hydrological Status and Outlook: Oversee the establishment and work of the expert Task Team coordinating the pilot phase of the initiative;

(c) Seasonal Hydrological Prediction (SHP): follow and summarize the development of the usability of climate sub-seasonal to seasonal to inter-annual forecasts (including RCOFs outputs) for hydrological and water resources management applications (link with the Couple Hydrology-Atmospheric Modelling and Prediction (CHAMP) project and SASCOF SHP demonstration), assisting in building interfaces to water users (agriculture, energy production, health, etc.);

(d) DRR: contribute to the development of identifiers for cataloguing of hazardous events (promote hydrological perspective) and lead the finalization of the Manual on Flood Risk Mapping, including investigating the applicability of Common Alerting Protocols (CAP);

(e) Implementation Strategy for the End-to-End Early Warning Systems (E2E EWS) for flood forecasting (using the Community of Practice approach): develop assessment guidelines for NHSs to evaluate their E2E EWS for flood forecasting, furthering the earlier work on “Efficiency of flood forecasting services” (including testing developed procedures) possibly through the establishment of a Task Team/Working Group, consistent with the FFI-AG Work Plan of 2016–2019, develop access to the interoperable technologies including platforms and models for use in flood forecasting; provide access to training and guidance material, in conjunction with item 1.4(g) below, on the aforementioned items; and assist in the development of projects;

(f) FFI: ensure that all major projects under FFI (CIFDP, FFGS, SWFDP) include the requirements and reflect best practices for effective and sustainable flood forecasting, including urban areas, consistent with the FFI-AG Work Plan of 2016–2019. Co-chair the Project Steering Group (PSG) of CIFDP, participate in CIFDP sub-projects, coordinate closely with OPACHE member(s) participating in CIFDP and similarly contribute to the SWFDP and other projects/activities, ensuring improved flood forecasting early warning systems;

(g) APFM: work with APFM on provision of guidance and training material on E2E EWSs for Flood Forecasting through the IFM HelpDesk, and other topics such as preparation of guidelines on how to formulate numerical weather prediction information for use in RESOLUTIONS 51

flood forecasting, consistent with the FFI-AG Work Plan of 2016–2019. Represent CHy on the APFM AC/MC meetings.

Activities to be supported by the Secretariat, with support of experts from the OPACHE, without direct involvement of AWG members

(a) APFM: implement activities identified as priority by the Advisory Committee/ Management Committee (AC/MC);

(b) IDMP: liaise with AgMP to ensure hydrological input to the Programme, assisting in the implementation of activities to bring them in line with APFM;

(d) Develop a manual on sediment transport measurements (suspended and bedload) and prepare related training material;

(e) Prepare guidance on conveying probabilistic forecasting to different users of the water community;

(f) Review of CHy regulatory material hierarchy and style of documents, including reallocation of contents to different categories, in the context of WMO effort toward improved consistency and liaise with the AWG as required;

(g) Public Private Partnership: Respond to request of Resolution 67 (Cg-17) and liaise with the AWG as required;

(h) Complete the guidelines on environmental flows: hydrological processes, management and ecological response.

Activities to be implemented if one or more Members volunteer to lead their implementation

(a) Operational guidelines that represent water availability and water supply reliability (including indicators);

(b) Evaluation of hydrological aspects of rainfall harvesting and potential products;

(d) Evaluation of methods for design discharge estimation in consideration of climate variability and change;

(e) Organizing technical training and data exchange tools to support IWRM.

52 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Annex 2 to Resolution 10 (CHy-15)

STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Coordination and Implementation Support President, vice-president, 1 AWG member WIS/WIGOS, GFCS, GDPFS, RAs, ETR …..

Measurement, Hydrological Monitoring, and Applications, Infosystems Products and Services

Activities Supported CHy Member Activities

by Secretariat Activities requiring Activities supported by Sec. leadership by Members with help from OPACHEs

RESOLUTIONS 53

Resolution 11 (CHy-15)

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Considering:

(1) That the resolutions adopted prior to its thirteenth session are no longer in force,

(2) That Resolution 3 (CHy-XIII) – Hydrological forecasting and flood management is now obsolete as all actions under Decides have been implemented; Resolution 6 (CHy-XIII) – WMO Integrated Global Observing Systems and WMO Information System has become obsolete, as the Commission’s participation in and contribution to the WMO Integrated Global Observing System and the WMO Information System are treated in Resolution 5 (CHy-15); Resolution 4 (CHy-14) – World Hydrological Cycle Observing System has also become obsolete, as its decisions have either been implemented or have been superseded by Resolution 4 (CHy-15),

Noting with satisfaction the action taken by the competent bodies on the recommendations adopted prior to its fifteenth session,

Decides:

(1) To keep in force Resolution 1 (CHy-XIII) – WMO Quality Management Framework – Hydrology, with the changes to the annexes adopted by the Commission at its fourteenth session and the adaptations derived from the adoption of Resolution 2 (CHy- 15); Resolution 1 (CHy-14) – Contribution of the Commission to the Global Framework for Climate Services; Resolution 5 (CHy-14) – Establishment of an Integrated Drought Management Programme; and not to keep in force any of the other resolutions of its prior sessions;

(2) Not to keep in force any of its previous recommendations, as they have become redundant. _____ Note: This resolution replaces Resolution 8 (CHy-14), which is no longer in force.

RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

Recommendation 1 (CHy-15)

DATA REPRESENTATIONS FOR HYDROLOGICAL INFORMATION

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Recalling Resolution 3 (CHy-14) – Proposed adoption of Water ML 2.0 as a standard, which initiated a process, including testing, that could see the potential adoption of the WaterML 2.0 as a WMO standard for information exchange,

Recalling further that the WMO Hydrological Observing System requires the exchange of hydrological information between Members,

Noting that, since the fourteenth session of the Commission, WaterML 2.0 has evolved into a suite of components called “Parts”,

Noting further:

(1) That standardizing on a limited number of data representations offered potential savings of time and money for Members,

(2) That the Commission for Hydrology had worked closely with the Open Geospatial Consortium in developing WaterML 2.0 Part 1 “Time series” and WaterML 2.0 Part 2 “Ratings, gaugings and sections”,

(3) That the Manual on the WMO Information System (WMO-No. 1060) requires Members to create WMO Information System discovery metadata records to describe the information they wish to make available to other Members,

(4) The successful testing of WaterML 2.0 Part 1 “Time series” in several regional projects around the world,

(5) The information provided on WaterML 2.0 Part 2 “Ratings, gaugings and sections” during the pre-session discussion,

Concurs with Recommendation 12 (CBS-16) to the Executive Council, to adopt the draft Resolution – Data representations for hydrological information, contained in the annex to the present recommendation, with the addition of the “Requests the Open Geospatial Consortium” indicated therein and Annex 2 to that draft resolution.

Annex to Recommendation 1 (CHy-15)

DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AT ITS SIXTY-NINTH SESSION ON WATERML 2.0

DATA REPRESENTATIONS FOR HYDROLOGICAL INFORMATION

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,

Noting that the Commission for Hydrology had initiated the WMO Hydrological Observing System that would require the exchange of hydrological information between Members,

RECOMMENDATIONS 55

Noting further:

(1) That standardizing on a limited number of data representations offered potential savings of time and money for Members,

(2) That the Commission for Hydrology had worked closely with the Open Geospatial Consortium in developing a standard representation of time series of hydrological information known as WaterML2 Part 1 and a standard representation of streamflow information known as WaterML2 Part 2,

(3) That the Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306) Volume I.3 records data representations derived from data models,

(4) That the Manual on WIS (WMO-No. 1060) requires Members to create WIS Discovery Metadata records to describe the information they wish to make available to other Members,

(5) That the published edition of the Guide to Hydrological Practices, Volume I (WMO- No. 168) pre-dates the WMO Information System and the work of the Open Geospatial Consortium on data representations for hydrology,

Decides:

[Note: Decides (1) and Annex 1 are provided to CHy-15 for information to show the complete context of the Resolution. CBS-16 will consider their contents and recommend any changes that are needed.]

(1) To amend the Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306) Volume I.3 to introduce WaterML2 Part 1 and WaterML2 Part 2 as data representations that are suitable for the exchange of hydrological information as specified in Annex 1 – Introduction of WaterML2 Part 1 and WaterML2 Part 2;

(2) To amend the Guide to Hydrological Practices (WMO-No. 168) Volume I as specified in Annex 2;

Requests the Secretary-General to amend the text of the Manual on Codes (WMO No. 306) Volume I.3 and WMO-No. 168 as specified in Annexes 1 and 2 respectively and to make editorial changes as needed.

Requests the Open Geospatial Consortium to revise the non-normative (informative) material on the basis of the comments to be provided by the CHy representatives in the Hydrology Domain Working Group (HDWG).

______

Annexes: 2

Annex 1 to the draft Resolution for consideration by EC-69 on WaterML 2.0

Introduction of WaterML2 Part 1 and WaterML2 Part 2 into Volume I.3 of WMO–No. 306 Manual on Codes

Amend WMO-No. 306 Manual on Codes Volume I.3 as follows.

In the section “FM system of extensible markup language representations” add the following entry. 56 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

FM 331 Ext. Hydrological Timeseries. Allows a monotonic series of observations WMLTSXML over time to be described to the level of detail required for accurate representation as timeseries, with specific consideration for Hydrological data.

Res. X (EC-69)

FM 332 Ext. Ratings, Gaugings and Sections. Allows the description of the WMLRGSXML process and conversions used to determine hydrological observations such as river discharge.

Res. X (EC-69)

Add new section FM231: WMLTS-XML and FM232 WMLRGS-XML following section FM 221: TMSL-XML.

FM 231: WaterML2 – Time series

FM 231-16 WMLTS -XML WATERML2 TIME SERIES OBSERVATIONS

231.1 Scope

WMLTS-XML shall be used for the exchange in extensible markup language (XML) of time series of hydrological information conforming to the “WaterML2.0 Part 1 Timeseries” conceptual model. WMLTS-XML may be used directly to represent time series information or incorporated as components within other XML encodings.

Note: WaterML2.0 Part 1 Timeseries was developed jointly by the World Meteorological Organization and the Open Geospatial Consortium.

Note: The WMLTS-XML application schema and XML encoding are both described in the document OGC/IS 10-126r4 WaterML 2.0: Part 1 - Timeseries. A copy of that document is available at http://wis.wmo.int/WMLTS and the reference version of the associated schema is available from http://schemas.opengis.net/waterml/2.0 (WMO retains a copy of the schema at http://schemas.wmo.int/waterml/2.0).

Note: Further information on handling application schema and data modelling can be found in the informal document Guidelines on Data Modelling for WMO Codes (available in English only from http://wis.wmo.int/metce-uml).

Note: representation of non-hydrological information in time series should use FM-221 TMSL.

FM 232: WaterML2 – Ratings, Gaugings and Sections

FM 232-16 WMLRGS -XML WATERML Ratings, gaugings and sections

232.1 Scope

WMLRGS-XML shall be used for the exchange in extensible markup language (XML) of hydrological information conforming to the “WaterML2.0 Part 2 Ratings, Gaugings and Sections” conceptual model. WMLRGS-XML may be used directly to encode Ratings, Gaugings and Sections information or incorporated as components within other XML encodings. RECOMMENDATIONS 57

Note: WaterML2.0 Part 2 Ratings, Gaugings and Sections was developed jointly by the World Meteorological Organization and the Open Geospatial Consortium.

Note: The WMLRGS-XML application schema and XML encoding are both described in the document 15-018r2_OGC_WaterML2.0_part_2_-_Ratings_Gaugings_and_Sections (Version 1.0). A copy of that document is available at http://wis.wmo.int/WMLRGS and the reference version of the associated schema is available from http://schemas.opengis.net/waterml/part2/1.0 (WMO retains a copy of the schema at http://schemas.wmo.int/waterml/part2/1.0).

______

Annex 2 to the draft Resolution for consideration by EC-69 on WaterML 2.0

(Modifications are marked as either added text or deleted text)

Add the following new paragraph before the first paragraph of section “10.4.2 Catalogues of data availability” to read:

The first step in using data is to discover what is available and where to find more information about it. For data that are exchanged between Members, the Manual on the WMO Information System (WMO-No. 1060) defines “WIS Discovery Metadata Records” that are published in the WIS Discovery Metadata Catalogue that is available from all the Global Information System Centres (http://wis.wmo.int/giscs). These records describe the datasets of information that are available; a record could describe as little as a single report or as much as a complete archive of all observations from a country at the discretion of the owner of the data. They should include enough information to allow a potential user to decide whether the data are likely of use and are focused on describing the datasets. The Manual on WIGOS (WMO-No. 1160) defines the complementary station metadata that describe the conditions under which observations were made, and these records, compatible with the advice in section 10.2.3.2, are available from http://oscar.wmo.int/surface).

Amend the first paragraph in section 10.4.6 to read as follows:

There are currently no standards Standards for data exchange formats for hydrological data have been developed but not widely adopted. The only standards that exist are The most common exchange formats are the de facto standard formats produced by the most common data loggers and database software systems. Current data exchange formats generally fall into two categories, as follows.

Amend the final two paragraphs in section paragraph 10.4.6 to read as follows:

One major advantage of XML is that it can be specialized in particular subjects. For example, libraries have defined an international format for describing the tags and rules for storing information about books in XML. These standards indicate that all libraries can provide data that can be read and understood by all other libraries. The same is gradually occurring in the more complex area of environmental science. Already there are emerging XML formats for a wide range of applications, including the description of molecules and the Climate Science Modelling Language. GIS data now have a comprehensive XML-based standard called the Geography Markup Language (GML) that will allow the interaction of digital maps from all sources, and could be used for the dissemination of spatial data. GML is the XML grammar defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) to express geographical features defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and adopted by the International Organization for Standardization as ISO 19136-2 (Cox and others, 2004). GML serves as a modelling language for geographic systems as well as an open interchange format for geographic transactions on 58 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

the Internet. In addition, Observations and Measurements (O&M) is an international OGC1 and ISO2 standard which defines a conceptual schema encoding for observations, and for features involved in sampling when making observations. The standard can be used to describe observation acts and their results, both within and between different scientific and technical communities.

Many of the definitions of these XML specialisms (areas in which XML specializes) are still evolving and thus should be used with care. However, some successfully defined languages have achieved ISO standard recognition. An XML specialization in the field of hydrology has not yet been developed, although the United States National Weather Service has established a Hydrology XML consortium and produced a draft hydrology XML schema. The World Meteorological Organization and the Open Geospatial Consortium have jointly developed representations for time series of hydrological data (WaterML2.0 Part 1) and for ratings, gaugings and sections (WaterML2.0 Part 2). These standards include references to more fundamental OGC and ISO standards, including both GML and O&M, in support of harmonized data encoding and interoperability. Standard references for these representations are available from the Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306) Volume I.3 as FM-231 and FM-232. 1. Observations and Measurements. http://www.opengeospatial.org/standards/om 2. ISO 19156:2011. Geographic information -- Observations and measurements. http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=32574

Recommendation 2 (CHy-15)

CONTRIBUTION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY TO THE FORMULATION OF THE WMO STRATEGIC PLAN 2020–2023

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting:

(1) Resolution 71 (Cg-17) – Preparation of the Strategic and Operating Plans 2020–2023, and especially the request that technical commissions lead the formulation of the scientific and technical aspects of WMO Programmes and activities falling within their respective responsibilities,

(2) Decision 82 (EC-68) – Preparation of WMO Strategic and Operating Plans 2020–2023,

Considering that water-related issues will have an increasing relevance in the global agenda, as they represent fundamental components in the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015– 2030, the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA Pathway), the UN-Water Strategy 2014–2020 and other international agreements and policies,

Requests the president of the Commission to ensure that the contribution of the Commission's activities towards the integrated, service-oriented strategic priorities of WMO is clearly communicated to the Executive Council so that the essential role of hydrology is understood and appropriately influences the Strategic Plan 2020–2023;

Recommends to the Executive Council:

(1) That water issues be given a higher visibility in the Strategic Plan 2020–2023 by elevating them to the level of a strategic priority, while recognizing their cross-cutting relevance; RECOMMENDATIONS 59

(2) That it consider establishing “Support for sustainable water management” as a strategic priority, emphasizing the important role of WMO in contributing to the water-related Sustainable Development Goals;

(3) That the following needs of the hydrological community be explicitly considered in formulating the Strategic Plan 2020–2023:

(a) Innovative ways to address the decline of observing networks and the weak human and technical capacity of National Hydrological Services to collect, store and analyse hydrological data, through the Global Hydrometry Support Facility and the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System, and to provide relevant services to the society, with particular emphasis on supporting the development of innovative technologies in hydrology and hydrometry (big data, citizen observatories, crowdsourcing, low-cost instruments, remote-sensing, products based on satellite data, etc.);

(b) Hydrological information systems and the promotion of data exchange, development of the WMO Hydrological Observing System and support to National Hydrological Services’ active participation in and contribution to it;

(c) Design, development and delivery of tailored hydrological services taking into consideration weather and climate data and information in order to address the increasing pressure on water resources due to population growth, urbanization increase, climate variability and change, water scarcity, land-use changes and emerging requirements from internationally agreed actions;

(d) Advancing Members’ capabilities of providing timely and accurate predictions and early warnings of various hydrological hazards, in particular by issuing impact- based forecasting and risk-based warnings and supporting decision-makers under uncertainty conditions.

Recommendation 3 (CHy-15)

REVIEW OF THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BASED ON PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY,

Noting with satisfaction the action taken by the Executive Council on the previous recommendations of the Commission for Hydrology addressed to it,

Considering that some of these recommendations still bear significance for future activities, while others have become redundant,

Recommends:

(1) That Resolution 7 (EC-65) – Report of the fourteenth session of the Commission for Hydrology, be no longer considered necessary;

(2) That Resolution 5 (EC-LVII) – Participation of WMO in the International Flood Initiative, be kept in force. _____ Note: This recommendation replaces Recommendation 1 (CHy-14), which is no longer in force.

ANNEXES

ANNEX I Annex to paragraph 2.1 of the general summary

REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION

Introduction

1. The fourteenth intersessional period of the Commission for Hydrology (November 2012 to December 2016) has been unusually eventful, productive, and transformative. It has been a time during which water and the work of CHy have become more recognized as critical elements of the mission of WMO. The Commission’s participation in the priority activities of WMO (e.g., WIGOS/WIS, GFCS, DRR, etc.) has enhanced the reputation of its technical, administrative, and leadership capabilities throughout the Organization. Its active engagement with the regional associations on a broad array of technical support and capacity development issues has made it a model for other Commissions to follow. By almost every measure, the Commission for Hydrology’s ability to support the work and priorities of both the National Hydrological Services and WMO Programmes other than HWRP is stronger and more durable than at any time in recent memory. Significantly, several new opportunities have arisen, unforeseen at CHy-14, that enable dramatically improved capabilities and services for members as we enter the fifteenth intersessional period and beyond. It is from this perspective that I present the following report of CHy’s accomplishments during the fourteenth intersessional period along with an explanation of the factors affecting the activities being proposed for the fifteenth intersessional period.

2. The programme of work adopted by CHy-14 focused on five thematic priorities: Quality Management Framework – Hydrology; Data Operations and Management; Water Resources Assessment; Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction; and Water, Climate and Risk Management. The accomplishments in each of these areas have been significant and, in many cases, have far exceeded what was requested by CHy-14. Details of these accomplishments are documented in other parts of the CHy-15 report and will not be repeated here. There is one point regarding accomplishments that I will make, however, because it does not appear in any of the individual thematic reports. The success that CHy has enjoyed during the fourteenth intersessional period is largely the result of the outstanding technical and personal qualities of its Advisory Working Group members and several closely affiliated experts. These individuals not only met the requirements of their respective terms of reference, but also distinguished themselves with their technical and leadership contributions to numerous WMO task teams and working groups. It has been gratifying for me to hear from other technical commission presidents, as well as from senior managers within the WMO Secretariat, that the quality of input from the CHy AWG members and experts has been instrumental to the success of several critical WMO priorities. Clearly, CHy-14 did an excellent job in vetting and selecting its Advisory Working Group and I thank and congratulate the Commission and each AWG member for their respective efforts and contributions.

3. The remainder of this report will address three topics. Firstly, the CHy response and contributions to WMO’s role and activities on key issues at country to global levels through the decision-making bodies and mechanisms within WMO such as Congress, the Executive Council and the Meetings of Presidents of Technical Commissions. Secondly, it will describe the basis for and thinking behind the Advisory Working Group’s recommendations for CHy’s future direction, work and activities. Finally, it will address emerging challenges that affect global water resources issues and how CHy and WMO should respond to these challenges. Other aspects of the Commission’s work carried out within WMO will be addressed in several of the other reports.

ANNEXES 61

WMO Congress, Executive Council, and Presidents of Technical Commission Meetings

4. During the seventeenth session of Congress (Cg-17) in 2015, I reported on the alignment of CHy activities with WMO priorities. Particular focus was given to how the ongoing work within our Quality Management Framework – Hydrology, and Data Operations and Management thematic areas were directly supporting the implementation of WIGOS and WIS; how our Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction, Water Resources Assessment, and Water, Climate and Risk Assessment themes supported WMO’s Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts; and how a very broad suit of nearly all of our thematic activities supported the Global Framework for Climate Services. These linkages were also highlighted and reinforced at Executive Council (EC) and Presidents of Technical Commission (PTC) meetings.

5. CHy’s support for WIGOS and WIS is manifest in our activities associated with ensuring data quality and the use of standards, in our project to assess the performance and uncertainty of flow measurement instruments and techniques, and in our production of guidance materials and training. Perhaps of more significance, however, has been the establishment of the WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS), which is the centrepiece of the CHy contribution to WIGOS. WHOS is conceived as a portal to facilitate access to already available on-line real-time and historical data, drawing from the water information systems of countries around the world that make their data freely and openly available, including HYCOS projects. An initial phase of WHOS has already been implemented. At this session, the Commission is being presented with a vision of a second phase of WHOS that will facilitate a fully WIS compliant services-oriented framework linking hydrologic data providers and users through a hydrologic information system enabling data registration, data discovery, and data access. This element is a realization of what CHy-14 aimed to achieve with its resolution to evaluate WaterML-2.0, and is a validation of the success of that process. In four short years, we have gone from virtually no engagement with WIGOS and WIS to being one of their premier components.

6. Our efforts in Disaster Risk Reduction have continued to advance steadily and to be recognized by others within WMO. The Flood Forecasting Initiative Advisory Group (FFI-AG), established by Congress in 2011 (Resolution 15 (Cg-XVI)), held its first two meetings during the period. The first one focused on the development of a workplan containing nine broad activities. At the second meeting, the Group concluded that the initial workplan was too ambitious and lacked focus. It then sharpened and simplified the workplan around four tractable tasks for the period 2016–2019: (1) ensure that all major demonstration projects and components, including but not limited to FFGS, CIFDP, SWFDP, include the requirements/best practices for effective and sustainable flood forecasting in their design and implementation; (2) ensure guidance material is available for NMHSs and for donors, NGOs, and other organizations working to strengthen flood forecasting capabilities in national services; (3) facilitate the development of an inventory of existing training programmes and related reference materials across the entire spectrum of training needs for end-to-end (E2E) systems for flood forecasting, identifying weaknesses/gaps, and recommending development of additional materials to overcome weaknesses/fill gaps; and (4) ensure access to guidance material and trainings through the IFM HelpDesk.

7. In addition to the progress made in the Flood Forecasting Initiative, including expanded applications of the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS), one of our Advisory Working Group members became Co-chairperson of the Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP). This has significantly enhanced the recognition of CHy activities related to coastal flooding and made the Commission a full and recognizable partner in this highly visible project. It has also given us an important capability to influence the direction of CIFDP priorities.

8. One final aspect of the CHy programme having relevance to the DRR priority has been its efforts in Water Resources Assessment. After many years of work, a draft of the Manual on Water Resources Assessment has been completed and should be published in 2017. The contents of this report, in addition to providing NHSs with distinct guidance on how to assess their water resources situation at varying temporal scales, will also provide tools for gaining insight into flood and drought risk at shorter time scales (daily to weekly). In a related development, CHy-15 will discuss an interesting proposal to take the activities in this area to a 62 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

more global and dynamic level. The proposed initiative, a WMO global hydrological status and outlook system, aims to develop a worldwide operational system, at monthly timescales that is capable of providing: (1) an indication of current global hydrological conditions (including river flow, groundwater level, and soil moisture); (2) an appraisal of where this status departs significantly from ‘normal’; and (3) an assessment of where conditions are likely to get worse over coming weeks and months. Such a system is not currently available and would provide unique and invaluable information to government organizations responsible for disaster risk reduction and water management, as well as regional and international aid agencies.

9. The third major WMO priority that CHy supported in a significant way was the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). In 2014, the GFCS Implementation Plan was published wherein five critical components (pillars) were identified: capacity development; research, modeling and prediction, observations and monitoring, climate services information system, and a user interface platform. Notably, nearly all of our thematic areas as well as many of our focused activities support one or more of the GFCS pillars. In capacity development, for example, our Strategy for Education and Training in HWR, WHOS, WHYCOS, the new Global Hydrometry Support Facility, the Flood Forecasting Initiative, Seasonal Hydrological Prediction, the APFM and IDMP, and QMF-Hydrology are all providing results that materially enhance the ability of NMHSs to meet GFCS objectives. Similarly, in each of the other four pillars, multiple CHy programmes are supporting climate services efforts. Thus, CHy is providing one of the broadest suites of support to GFCS among technical commissions.

Rationale for AWG recommendations to CHy-15

10. During the course of the fourteenth intersessional period, the Commission received an unusual number of requests for involvement in specialized teams, panels and groups, many of which were established by Executive Council. This placed a large burden on the members of the Advisory Working Group because it diverted their time and attention away from many of the tasks they were specifically charged by CHy-14 to address. This was particularly true for the AWG members responsible for QMF-Hydrology; Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction; Water, Climate and Risk Management; and Data Operations and Management. AWG members, therefore, expended considerable effort to meet the workload imposed by these new demands while also fulfilling their respective terms of reference. Their service went way beyond what was originally anticipated when they became AWG members and I have been humbled by their commitment and dedication, as well as grateful to their respective NHSs for supporting them with the time necessary to meet and exceed the requirements of the various assignments. The Commission has benefited considerably by their hard work.

11. In light of these additional demands, which are likely to continue through the fifteenth intersessional period, the AWG engaged in a thoughtful discussion during its Third Session earlier this year as to how to be most effective in meeting these increased demands. It considered the existing structure of the Commission and agreed that, while generally effective, it suffered from some practical inefficiencies. While reiterating the demonstrable value of organizing Commission activities under a single working group, as opposed to multiple working groups, it noted the inefficiency in how thematic activities were currently assigned to the various AWG members, as well as in having four separate OPACHES wherein overlapping expertise existed.

12. To address these issues, the AWG recommended that the size of the AWG, with a president, vice-president, and seven members, be maintained at its current level. However, it recommended merging the four existing OPACHES into one, which would provide a more efficient compilation. In reality, the existing OPACHE database is searchable by Theme, Region, Country, and Name. Merging the four thematic OPACHES into a single expert listing would eliminate redundancy and, by adding a keyword search taken from the information requested on the OPACHE application form, would significantly enhance its overall utility to AWG members. The other comment made by the AWG was to have the OPACHE database updated regularly because many of the entries that were on it during the fourteenth intersessional period contained obsolete information. ANNEXES 63

13. The AWG further proposed organizing its activities under three generic themes: Coordination and Implementation Support, addressed by the president of CHy, the vice- president of CHy, and an AWG Member covering the role of “Project Facilitator”; Measurement, Monitoring and Infosystems addressed by three AWG members; and Hydrological Applications, Products and Services addressed by three AWG members. The AWG strongly recommended that CHy-15 limit the workload assigned to each of these three groups to less than six activity areas, to ensure that the identified priorities are accomplished.

14. Finally, the AWG recommended that there be two additional organizing elements. The first would be a grouping of activities to be supported by the Secretariat, with the support of experts from the OPACHE that would not require the direct involvement of AWG members. The second would be a grouping of activities that in light of limited resources would be implemented only if one or more Members volunteered to lead their implementation. Often at Commission sessions, a proposal is received for the AWG to address an issue having limited scope or applicability. Although the AWG attempts to address all the requests submitted by Members, there are always more requests made than can realistically be accomplished during an intersessional period. Tasks that are requested by a single Member or that have limited applicability tend to have a lower priority than tasks serving a large number of Members and, as a result, often never get undertaken or completed. To rectify this problem, the AWG suggested that it might be possible to address such requests if the requesting Member were willing to take a leading role in their implementation, with some assistance provided by the Secretariat.

Emerging challenges affecting Global Water Resources and the CHy response

15. Of all the environmental challenges affecting Members and their respective National Services, none are so consequential as those associated with the availability of a safe and secure supply of water. No society can function, must less thrive and prosper, in the absence of a water resources base that is both clean and reliable. Recognizing this, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 is to ensure access to clean water and sanitation. Water scarcity, poor water quality and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihood choices and educational opportunities for poor families across the world. This goal is to be met through eight “target” achievements. Although none specifically focuses on monitoring, most implicitly require monitoring and data accessibility in order to be achieved. One goal in particular, integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation, is clearly dependent upon operational hydrological services. CHy, through its constituent NHSs should seek opportunities to demonstrate how operational hydrology and data sharing can effectively contribute to national and regional efforts aimed at reducing the number of people suffering from water scarcity and inadequate sanitation.

16. Furthermore, with respect to integrated water resources management practices, it is worth noting that you can’t manage what you don’t monitor, so the starting point for the sound management of a resource is, of course, the measurement, quantification and assessment of that resource. In terms of freshwater resources, WMO through its Members and their National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) are in the forefront of water measurement and are, therefore, a vital primary contributor to water resources management. Moreover, the contribution of groundwater to freshwater resources availability is enormous even though it is, however, a lesser priority in the operations of most NMHSs. CHy should promote the monitoring and assessment of groundwater by encouraging NMHSs to forge relationships with agencies that monitor and assess groundwater resources (where another agency is responsible for monitoring groundwater) to enable a total assessment of water resources in basins and aquifers at the country level and eventual integration to the regional level. At the WMO level, CHy should endeavor to improve the existing cooperation and collaboration with the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC).

17. The implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) is an important contribution to providing solutions to the climate-related water challenges that underpin many of our operational monitoring activities. The provision of effective climate services requires more access to, and availability of, integrated data. This calls for countries to 64 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

regard water data as a common-good commodity to be exchanged freely for the benefit of mankind. In so doing, CHy should champion the free access to and exchange of hydrological data and products and be actively involved in identifying and providing the water-related climate services within the GFCS. In essence, CHy needs to promote and highlight the essential value of hydrological services as a complement to the WMO efforts at providing effective climate services.

18. An issue that arose at Cg-17 and has subsequently been taken up by the Executive Council and the Presidents of Technical Commissions Meetings relates to “Big Data”. The term is generally thought of as referring to data sets that are so large or complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate to deal with them. Challenges include analysis, capture, data curation, quality assurance and control, search, sharing, storage, transfer, visualization, querying, updating and information privacy. Many in the WMO community, particularly those engaged in meteorological and climatological modelling, have been confronting the problems associated with large volumes of data for years, and have developed strategies for addressing these problems. Now, however, many NMHSs within WMO are looking into the broader issue of “crowd sourced” data. Crowdsourcing can be defined in many ways, but WMO is specifically interested in it in the context of non-standard or non-traditional monitoring activities. These would include ingesting observations from private citizens, community or educational groups, and involve data measured using non-standard instruments. CHy is approaching this issue with considerable and understandable caution because measurement quality is essential to the credibility of our operations. However, an important component of the new WMO Global Hydrometry Support Facility is an “Innovation Hub” that is designed to explore the applicability of non-standard equipment that is relatively inexpensive and easy to deploy and operate. CHy has the opportunity to assume a leadership role in this new aspect of big data, and should do so through careful analysis and intercomparisons of traditional observing systems, and the data derived from them, with the new non-standard instruments, and the data that are derived from them. The goal should be to identify the potential applicability of non-standard inexpensive solutions and their fit-for-purpose character.

19. WMO needs to expand and enhance its role in UN-Water and other global initiatives to ensure better harnessing and management of water resources for sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and economic development. Furthermore, WMO should exercise an even greater responsibility in ensuring inter-generational equity in water resources availability by raising the profile of, and understanding that water is the single most important environmental issue to the health and economic well-being of all humanity. In so doing, it would bequeath to the next and subsequent generations water resources in sufficient quantity and quality to sustain life prosperously on this planet.

20. Finally, WMO has sought to become more efficient and effective in the way it conducts all aspects of its business, and one element of this effort has been to reduce the length of constituent body sessions. In 2000, CHy-XI lasted ten days. This was shortened to nine days in 2004, eight days in 2008 and 2012, and this year we’re down to six days. As a result, the time available for discussion during CHy sessions has decreased to the point where an alternative mechanism was needed to ensure that Members were able to comment on both documents and critical issues. The approach taken by CHy to address this situation has been to establish an online pre-session discussion platform that provides the WMO hydrological community (Permanent Representatives, Hydrological Advisors, CHy members, OPACHE members) a means of providing their inputs to some of the documents to be presented at CHy-15. In essence, it is a virtual session on emerging topics of relevance to Commission members that is intended to be open and informal.

21. This concept was actually piloted in the months leading up to CHy-XIII, but garnered no meaningful response. It was again tried prior to CHy-14 and, although it was advertised better, still received very little response. This time, however, knowing the constrained interactions in a six day session, the Advisory Working Group, in conjunction with the Secretariat, made a concerted effort to develop and promote the use of an effective pre-session discussion platform. I’m very pleased to report that the third time appears to have been the charm ANNEXES 65

because, for the first time prior to any WMO constituent body session, CHy has demonstrated that a substantive pre-session discussion can be achieved. We have learned much about what is required to be successful in managing such a virtual forum and I have every expectation that this process will find increasing use by other Commissions, the Executive Council, and possibly even Congress. I am grateful to the members of the Advisory Working Group, the Secretariat, and to the CHy members who so thoughtfully and substantively contributed to making this mechanism a success.

ANNEX II Annex to paragraph 2.2 of the general summary

REPORTS BY THE ADVISORY WORKING GROUP MEMBERS

1. The terms of reference of the AWG members for the period 2013–2016 were approved by CHy-14 in Annex II to Resolution 7 (CHy-14). The following sections describe the progress achieved by each AWG member, while the proposed future directions in each area are treated in the documents of the session.

Vice-president of CHy (submitted by Zhiyu Liu)

2. As regards Mr Liu’s duties in technology transfer and capacity-building, the communities of practice of instructors in stream gauging and MCH have been activated. The communities on Uncertainty Analysis (UA) in flow measurement and DL delivery are under preparation. Training materials have been developed for the Manuals on Flood Forecasting and Warning, Low Flow Estimation and Prediction. The training material on the WMO Manual on Stream Gauging has been translated into Spanish, French and Russian. The WMO Manual on Flood Forecasting and Warning has been translated into Chinese by the China Bureau of Hydrology with the authorization of WMO, and will be published before CHy-15.

3. Seven distance-learning basic courses in hydrology have been delivered in collaboration with COMET and a local WMO Regional Training Centre (RTC), e.g. India National Water Academy, in the case of Asia and the Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (IMTR) of Kenya for Africa.

4. With respect to his responsibility to coordinate the editing and production of publications prepared on behalf of CHy, following the classification for publications and the peer review process approved by CHy-14, the following documents have been published, as appropriate, as part of QMF-H:

(a) Guidelines for Hydrological Data Rescue (WMO-No. 1146, 2014)

(b) Note on Stationarity and Non-stationarity published on the CHy website.

5. Other documents currently undergoing the peer review process include the Manual on Water Resources Assessment (WRA), Technical Reports on Hydrologic network design, Design flow under changing environment, and Use of RCMs in strategic hydrological management.

6. As regards the updating of the Hydrological Information Referral Service (INFOHYDRO), since CHy-14 two calls for new submissions and updating of previous submissions were issued. The response has been modestly encouraging and the system has now updated information for 53 countries.

7. Regarding the promotion of data rescue and protection activities in NMHSs, the Guidelines for Hydrological Data Rescue have been uploaded on the HWR webpage and also distributed at the RA I-16 session and RA I WGH session-11. Provision of software for 66 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

digitization of rainfall charts in data archive to the Kenya Meteorological Service has been done to support their data rescue activity.

8. During the intersessional period, Mr Liu assisted the president of the Commission by, among other things:

(a) Attending two meetings of WMO RA II WG on Hydrological Services representing CHy (Seoul, 2014 and Gyeongju, 2015 in the Republic of Korea). The vice-president introduced the activities of CHy and reiterated the need for continuing an enhanced cooperation between CHy and the RA II WGHS;

(b) Attending the APEC Climate Symposium in Nanjing, China, 2014. The vice-president gave a keynote speech on Priority Activities of CHy, focusing on activities within the theme area of Water, Climate and Risk Management;

(c) Participated in the Round Table on Flood Control organized by GWP in Zhengzhou, China, in 2014. The vice-president presented case studies related to flood control under climate change in the downstream portion of the river, flood resources management of the river basin, and strategies of promoting floodplain economic development;

(d) Mr Liu continued to represent CHy on the EC Panel on Education and Training. He was elected as a new member of the EC Panel of Experts on Education and Training from 2016 to 2019. His participation in the Panel’s discussions and activities ensures that the views of CHy are reflected and incorporated in the Panel’s decisions and recommendations.

9. Finally, as regards the guidance, advice and training in regards to the spatial estimation of rainfall and other hydrological parameters, including the use of remote sensing, Mr Liu attended the Weather Radar and Hydrology International Symposium (Washington, DC, 2014). The vice-president prepared a report on recent advances in weather radar research and applications in QPE/QPF and hydrologic flood prediction. In addition, HWR is collaborating with the WMO Space Programme to promote the use of satellite data and products in HWR through sponsorship of participants to relevant workshops.

Member responsible for thematic area Water, Climate and Risk Management (submitted by Jan Danhelka)

10. The Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) had been established shortly before CHy-14 and became one of the strategic priorities of the WMO Strategic Plan for 2016–2019. During the fourteenth intersessional period of CHy, GFCS realized its first phase and entered its second implementation phase. Water was identified as one of original priority areas of GFCS and CHy contributed to the development of the water exemplar of GFCS as a scoping document for its first implementation phase. The Operational Resource Plan (ORP) for the second implementation phase has been developed by a Task Team that included representation from CHy. ORP included a section on the water priority area, developed by CHy in cooperation with other stakeholders. There are three implementation activities proposed in the water domain: Integrated Flood and Drought Management Helpdesks support; dialogs and mechanisms for climate services in water sensitive regions; and preparation of flood, drought, and water resources management projects.

11. Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) were established to deliver regional consensual climate forecast. Recently an increasing recognition of a need of users’ feedback from the hydrological community represented by NHSs has been recognized. In response, several RCOFs established “water user forums” that take place back-to-back with annual RCOFs meetings. CHy supported the South Asia Water User Forum in 2015 and 2016, in order to stimulate and promote discussion between communities, specify the needs of the water community and provide feedback from the hydrological to the climatological community on needs and demands on delivered products in order to increase their reliability for use in hydrological applications. The output of the activity included drafting of three project proposals ANNEXES 67

regarding the development of climate-hydrological services in the region. The water user forum linked to RCOFs seem to be vital activities worthy of CHy interest and support for future intersessional periods.

12. Thanks to the Secretariat support, the drafting team of experts to develop a document on Seasonal Hydrological Prediction was established and an initial meeting took place in Geneva in autumn 2015. Despite the tight schedule, work on the document proceeded using electronic communication and the first draft of the document had been compiled and introduced to OPACHE members with a request for comments and review. Members of the Commission are welcome to comment on the document and especially to contribute to the catalogue of case studies attached to it. Based on discussions at CHy-15, the finalization and desired future form of the publication will be decided. Contribution from experts who provided support to document preparation, namely Narendra Tuteja (Australia), Paolo Reggiani (Germany), Eric Sprokkereef (Netherlands), Paul Block (United States of America), Andy Wood (United States), Eugene Stakhiv (United States), Eduardo Martins (Brazil), Juan Jose Nieto (Ecuador), and Laurent Dubus (France) was sincerely appreciated by the Commission.

13. In response to a demand from CHy-14, activities were conducted on preparation of a document on GCM/RCM data use in hydrological application and methods for downscaling. A drafting team had been established in 2015 and further continued its work via electronic communication. A first draft of the document was finalized in October 2016 and introduced to OPACHE members for general comments from members of the Commission. The Commission acknowledged an extensive contribution to the document preparation from invited experts, in particular Mr Patric Willems (Belgium), Mr Benjamin Lampley (Niger), Mr Bruce Hewiston (South Africa) and Mr Juan Jose Nieto (Ecuador).

14. Cg-17 decided to include Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) among the seven WMO strategic priorities for the current financial period, with the aim to significantly contribute to implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction agreed by the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015. The WMO Secretariat prepared a draft WMO DRR Roadmap to guide activities of the WMO DRR Programme and other programmes and bodies of WMO. Through an iterative process, CHy significantly contributed to review and revise the Roadmap in order to adequately account for existing activities of the Commission, HWRP, APFM and IDMP, and to promote the importance of principles of integrated flood and drought management and importance of hazard and risk assessment, in particular in case of flood risk, done by NMHSs and WMO in the field of Disaster Risk Management (DRM).

15. A new vision of development of a Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS) to a new future Seamless Data-processing and Forecasting System was adopted by Cg-17 and EC-68. This new vision significantly transforms the scope of the GDPFS, in particular by assuming the provision of seamless services and products not only over different time scales, but also over various disciplines. This means increasing involvement of hydrology in the GDPFS in coming years, as it also provides a means of institutionalization of existing and future global and regional flood forecasting systems and initiatives within WMO. CHy contributed to the preparation of a White Paper on future Seamless GDPFS for EC-68 and related activities, including work of the newly established Steering Group. A discussion paper on future involvement of CHy and the hydrological community in GDPFS development was prepared and this emerging issue was discussed via the CHy-15 Pre-session discussion leading to the proposal of Resolution 7 (CHy-15).

16. Assistance was provided to CAP-Net UNDP in design and development of a pilot virtual course on Climate Change and Water Management, including learning materials and testing of technological means for interactive course activities.

17. In addition, a contribution was provided during the preparation of the WMO-World Bank-USAID publication Valuing Weather and Climate: Economic Assessment of Meteorological and Hydrological Services (WMO-No. 1153), with emphasis on promotion of some specific aspects of hydrological products and service delivery, in particular regarding the position of hydrological services in the delivery chain for flood forecast between producers of meteorological data and forecasts, represented by NMSs, and civil protection and the general 68 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

public, as end users. The main aim of the publication is to serve as a guide for managers and employees of NMHSs, who desire to perform or design a study or an assessment of socio- economic benefits of their services or projects.

18. Contribution was also provided to the work of the Joint CCl/CAgM/CHy Expert Group on Climate, Food and Water (JCEG-CFW), and the WMO Disaster Risk Reduction User-interface Expert Advisory Group on Hazard and Risk Analysis (WMO DRR UI-EAG HRA) on Cataloguing of extreme weather and climate events in response to Resolution 9 (Cg-17). Recently, a contribution to the World Weather Research Programme Scientific Steering Committee was provided on research needs for operational hydrology.

Member responsible for thematic area Data Operations and Management (submitted by Tony Boston)

19. The development and application of WaterML 2.0 involves close coordination between CHy and the WMO/OGC Hydrology Domain Working Group (HDWG). In particular, the HDWG is developing a suite of hydrology standards known as WaterML 2.0. To date WaterML 2.0: Part 1 (Timeseries), in 2012, and WaterML 2.0: Part 2 (Ratings, Gaugings and Section), in 2015, have been approved as OGC Implementation Standards. Part 1 provides a standard information model for the representation and exchange of water observations time series data, for example of river or lake water levels or discharge. Part 2 defines how to represent rating tables, gauging observations and river cross sections, their associated metadata and vocabularies, as well as a format for exchange of data between organizational systems. Parts 3 (Surface Hydrology Features) and 4 (GroundWaterML2) are in the final stages of being approved and published as OGC standards in 2016–17. The HDWG has also developed a Sensor Observation Service (SOS) profile for hydrology, published in 2014, that defines how WaterML 2.0 time series data can be made available using this OGC web service. HDWG members have also contributed to development of the TimeseriesML standard, published in 2016, which is a more generic implementation of WaterML 2.0: Part 1, which can be used for sharing of time series data from a broader range of scientific domains. Future work will focus on development of additional component parts of WaterML 2.0, with water quality data being an initial focus refining an existing OGC best practice specification. The WaterML 2.0 suite of standards is available from: http://www.opengeospatial.org/standards/waterml and more information on the WMO/OGC Hydrology Domain Working Group is available from: http://www.opengeospatial.org/projects/groups/hydrologydwg.

20. As regards progress on the exchange of hydrological data and products, as well as protocols for providing information on data use, a survey was released in September 2013 on the exchange of hydrological data. Initial results were presented to the WMO/OGC HDWG at that time and were made available to the AWG. A list of commercial and open-source software systems supporting OGC services for hydrological data exchange have also been identified. It was noted in the results that better engagement with developing countries through WMO regional associations is essential to broaden understanding of the value of, and to encourage the use of, WaterML 2.0.

21. Extensive work has also been made on testing and applying WaterML 2.0 in pilot projects aimed at demonstrating the value and utility of WaterML 2.0 and providing a basis for it to become a WMO information exchange standard. A project on hydrological data sharing was implemented by the Italian National Hydrology Survey (ISPRA). ISPRA has built a national hydrologic information system for Italy’s federated hydrologic data services from observation sites managed separately in 21 geographic regions across the country. There is a HydroCatalog in Rome that compiles the data from HydroServers in each of the 21 regions. Pilot projects were also developed for several countries and CHy related projects, including China and New Zealand, river basins (Sava, La Plata), regions (Latin America) and WHYCOS Components (Arctic, Niger and SADC). Italy has also developed documentation that supports the exchange of hydrological data using WaterML 2.0. More information on these pilot projects and initiatives in data access and exchange by National Hydrological Services is available from: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/documents/DataOperationsandManagement_v1-0.pdf. ANNEXES 69

22. Concerning the monitoring and reporting on new developments dealing with data management issues, such as observations, data exchange and protocols, data transfer formats, data information, as well as the WMO Information System (WIS) and WIGOS, An awareness-raising article was published in the WMO Newsletter, MeteoWorld, entitled Towards a new standard for sharing hydrological data, http://public.wmo.int/en/resources/meteoworld/ towards-new-standard-sharing-hydrological-data. An update to the Global Runoff Data Center’s (GRDC) Hydrological Metadata profile of ISO 19115 has also been released, http://www.bafg.de/GRDC/EN/02_srvcs/24_rprtsrs/report_39r2.pdf. The HY_Features: Common Hydrological Feature Model was updated and released as an OGC Discussion Paper. This work has been extensively tested by the HDWG and will form the basis of the WaterML 2.0: Part 3 standard. CHy has contributed to the development of the draft WIGOS Metadata Standard as part of a cross-commission task team. The use of the WMO Information System (WIS) for registering hydrological data services has also been tested.

23. A community of practice on database management systems has been established, based on the open-source MCH (Meteorology, Climatology and Hydrology) system. MCH, originally developed in Spanish and installed in several Latin American countries, has been translated into English and French and installed in Ghana, Belize, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In all cases, NHS staff has been trained in the operation and management of the system, http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/mch/.

24. Documentation for the CHy-15 pre-session discussion on standardized data sharing in hydrology was prepared. The material invited comments from the WMO hydrological community on three items which the Commission will make decisions on at CHy-15:

(a) Whether or not to endorse the WMO Hydrological Observing System;

(b) Whether or not to recommend to the WMO Executive Council that WaterML 2.0: Part 1 and Part 2 be adopted as WMO standards for information exchange for use by National Hydrological Services; and

Invited expert responsible for WHOS development (submitted by Silvano Pecora)

25. In early 2013, in response to questions raised by the Inter-Commission Group on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (ICG-WIGOS) regarding the availability of hydrological observations, the president of the Commission for Hydrology proposed the development of a WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS) as the hydrological component of WIGOS. The Commission’s Advisory Working Group endorsed this proposal in September 2014 and, during its seventeenth session in 2015 the World Meteorological Congress urged the promotion of WHOS among NMHSs as well as by the broader hydrological community.

26. WHOS is conceived as a portal for accessing existing online near real-time and historical data, drawing from the water information systems of countries around the world that make their data freely and openly available. It is being developed in two phases with the goal of having it reviewed and endorsed by CHy at its fifteenth session in December 2016. The first phase is the publication of a map interface on the WMO website that links to those NMHSs that make their real-time and/or historical stage and discharge data available online. This map interface was published online in August 2015 and can be accessed at the link http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/chy/whos/. The second phase is a much more comprehensive undertaking aimed at developing a complete services-oriented framework linking hydrologic data providers and users through a hydrologic information system that enables data registration, data discovery, and data access. Such a framework will be fully compliant with the WMO Information System (WIS) as well as WIGOS. The goal is to have an initial implementation of the full capability ready for approval by the Executive Council in June 2018 (EC-70). 70 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

27. During the intersessional period following CHy-14, a large number of NHSs were applying standardized techniques in pilot and operational systems for hydrological data exchange. A report on “Global initiatives in hydrological data sharing”, including detailed descriptions about most of the developments in the use of standards for hydrological data exchange, was published on the WMO web portal (http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/ documents/DataOperationsandManagement_v1-0.pdf). All these developments allowed the identification of an advanced architecture for the second phase of WHOS, with its fundamental components and essential types of services for sharing hydrologic information across the web. In this context, WHOS is being designed to offer services that support the operational needs of NHSs as well as the broader scientific needs of the international hydrological community. While other interoperability applications have focused on implementing custom data streams (e.g. bridges, adaptors, etc.) between clients and server interfaces, WHOS focuses on a common data and metadata management model that leverages a suite of WMO and OGC standards which can be applied to multiple scientiﬁc communities, in particular hydrologic and atmospheric sciences. Furthermore, WHOS can be integrated within existing data discovery frameworks (e.g. portals, gateways, etc.) by leveraging mediation and brokering services. About its role in WIS, WHOS will publish discovery metadata in GISCs allowing WMO users to access a range of services on WHOS itself. Hydrological discovery metadata were tested in the GISCs in Brasilia, Washington, Offenbach and Melbourne; additional ongoing developments and tests are improving WHOS capabilities in data sharing. The development of WHOS also includes the definition of hydrological observational metadata, providing information on hydrological features of observing stations; when this activity will be completed, it will improve the current WIGOS Metadata Standard and the information available in OSCAR/Surface, one of the principal components of the WIGOS Information Resources. A potential future phase of WHOS is to pilot possible extensions of WIGOS and WIS functions and services tailored to the needs of the hydrological community, but potentially beneficial to other programmes, including databases, simulation models, forecasting chains, web-GIS and other tools.

Member responsible for thematic area Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction (submitted by Yuri Simonov)

28. Further planning and development of the WMO Flood Forecasting Initiative (FFI) strategy was based on a review and assessment of FFI governing documents – FFI Strategy and Action Plan, FFI Activity Plan, and also status of the FFI ongoing and planned projects, undertaken by the two AWG members responsible for hydrological forecasting and prediction. The WMO FFI future strategy was discussed in two FFI Advisory Group meetings (1st and 2nd FFI-AG) and the final results of the review and detailed report on the proposed development of the Initiative are presented in the 2nd FFI-AG Report. In the report all major FFI components (FFGS, SWFDP, CIFDP) were analysed from the perspective of their adherence to the FFI main goal and objectives, and ways to further improve these projects are proposed. The main achievements for each FFI component are briefly given below.

29. CIFDP is a joint CHy-JCOMM project that aims to improve forecasts in coastal areas that are prone to floods of different origin (river hydrological and oceanographic processes). The project was originally heavily biased to oceanographic modelling and forecasting, without accounting for river hydrological processes in the coastal zone and river–ocean interaction. During the intersessional period CHy managed to achieve several results in the project:

(a) CHy representative now co-chairs the Project Steering Group;

(b) Greater relevance of river hydrological aspects in the project, e.g. a strategy for the river hydrological component was developed, improvements to every subproject were proposed, system developers for river hydrology system were appointed (for CIFDP- Fiji).

30. A more coherent hydrological contribution to this project will help describe coastal processes in their full extent and thus improve inundation forecasting in coastal zones. ANNEXES 71

31. SWFDP was initially developed to meet the need of meteorologists to better forecast severe weather phenomena. Although this project has been developed in parallel with FFGS in a number of regions (such as the Central Asian region – CARFFG) it was found that the two projects were not efficiently engaged with one another. Recommendations for better communications between the projects were developed. Practical results are evident for the Central Asia region, where an effort was made to better meet FFGS goals by using output information from the SWFDP in the region.

32. FFGS is the most developed project in terms of its hydrological component – a few major improvement paths were indicated: channel routing implementation for large river forecast, ensemble forecasting (using several NWP inputs), debris flow estimation, urban flood forecasting. Such serious upgrades of the system will definitely result in the strengthening of the NHSs capacity to forecast different types of floods, not limited to flash floods. In several regions such forecasting techniques are already being included into operational FFGS. Training programmes were upgraded in order to better serve forecasters in the Central Asia region (including adaptation and translation).

33. As regards the production of the Manual on Flood Risk Mapping, work has been continued – from the reviewing process of previous documents (that for the moment comprise APFM Tool on Flood Risk Mapping), to the development of the table of contents of the proposed manual and development of the first draft and its further review (ongoing task – it is planned for early 2017).

34. As regards interaction with the WMO DRR programme, a review of the WMO DRR Roadmap was done during the intersessional period. One of the activities in which CHy was involved is the development of a hydrological hazard glossary for DRR and its further support of the DRR community. The AWG contributed to development of priorities of actions, recommendations and related roadmap for inter-commission activities to support the implementation of the DRR Work Plan and finalization of the DRR the terms of reference of the DRR Focal Points of Technical Commissions and Programmes.

Member responsible for thematic area Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction (submitted by Johnson M. Maina)

35. A short summary of achievements is presented below.

36. As regards the Flood Forecasting Initiative (FFI), the focus of Mr Maina’s activities focused on:

(a) Championing the WMO FFI main objective: to improve the capacity of meteorological and hydrological services to jointly deliver timely and more accurate products and services required in flood forecasting and warning;

(b) Review of the Guidance Document for the “Assessment of Flood Forecasting Services” and associated “Draft Instruction Manual”;

(c) Capacity-building: training on “operational flood forecasting and warning” for two African countries, namely Benin and Uganda. Other countries have expressed interest in the training. WMO manuals and guidelines supplemented the knowledge used in the training;

(d) Presentations made on “An effective flood forecasting and warning system in Kenya”.

37. With respect to the interaction with the WMO Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programme, the following should be mentioned:

(a) Review of the “Peril classification and hazard glossary”, prepared by the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) Working Group on Disaster Loss Data(DATA) Report No. 1, March 2014;

(b) Comments on the WMO DRR Roadmap. 72 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

38. Finally, the following were activities undertaken in the area of responsibilities of a general nature:

(a) Presented, jointly with others, a country status report on “Development of a National Policy on Drought”, one of the few published in the final report;

(b) Participated in the design of the NILE BASIN hydrometeorological monitoring network;

(d) Participated in all CHy-AWG sessions and related activities.

Member responsible for thematic area Water Resources Assessment (submitted by Antonio Cardoso Neto)

39. The main contribution of Mr Cardoso Neto during the last intersessional period was his participation in the assembling of the Manual of Water Resources Assessment, mainly in organizing and writing one of the case studies to be inserted as part of it. The case study provided by him describes the planning of an important hydrologic basin located in the Brazilian territory. The description of the surveys carried out within the basin includes climate aspects, geological features, pedological characteristics, erosion, biomes and aquatic ecosystems, health aspects, sanitation infrastructure, water supply, urban drainage and the development pressures.

40. The case study furnishes the Brazilian institutional framework based upon which the whole work has been accomplished, such as the legal instruments of the National Water Resources Policy and the components of the National System for Water Resources Management.

41. It also presents the different methodologies used in collecting the various necessary data from industry, livestock, agriculture, mining, human supply, solid waste and evapotranspiration. The main physical and chemical characteristics of the aquifer systems of the basin were described.

42. Surface and ground water have been evaluated in terms of both quality and quantity. Finally, the water balance has been evaluated and then the availability of the water resources of the basin has been estimated.

43. Due to several factors beyond his control, the implementation of a HYCOS component in the Oyapock River Basin, shared by French Guiana and Brazil, has somehow been put on hold for the time being. Nevertheless, efforts have been carried out in order to place this issue “back on the tracks” again.

Member responsible for thematic area Quality Management Framework - Hydrology (submitted by J.F. Cantin)

44. This report describes the progress made in the intersessional period leading to CHy-15 in each of the major priority activities of the QMF-H thematic area. It should be noted that in April 2014 Mr Cantin succeeded Mr P. Pilon, who had been elected by CHy-14 as the AWG member responsible for QMF-H.

45. The Management Committee (MC) of the CHy project for the Assessment of the Performance of Flow Measurement Instruments and Techniques (familiarly known as Project X) held 12 teleconferences and met twice during the period. Significant progress has been made to generate a software package to estimate uncertainty in discharge measurements performed by NHSs of WMO Members that will be made available to NHSs via the internet from a WMO portal. Specifications were developed and used to support the development of a calculator for the estimation of uncertainty of measurements from the application of the Velocity-Area method. Further developments regarding ADCP measurements are expected during the next ANNEXES 73

intersessional period. During the next intersessional period, the Project X Management Committee will assess the opportunity to publish the guidance material that has been developed regarding guidelines for conducting and reporting results of instrument calibration and performance tests on instruments and techniques.

46. A website for QMF-H was designed and populated with material explaining why NHSs should use standardized methods in their data collection, thereby responding to the request of CHy-14. Guidance material, case studies and a checklist to facilitate the NHSs efforts in implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) were also developed and made available on the QMF-H website: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/qmf-h/index.php.

47. As regards the review of CHy regulatory material, coordination activities were conducted by Secretariat personnel and the AWG member responsible for QMF-H to outline CHy efforts in QMF-H and present its regulatory, guidance and technical material on various inter-Commissions forums. A strategy to address the overall CHy regulatory material in the context of the Roadmap to Enhanced WMO Technical Regulations Framework endorsed by EC-68 has been developed and will be discussed during CHy-15.

48. The AWG member responsible for QMF-H also represented CHy on the WIGOS Editorial Board (WEdB).

ANNEX III Annex to paragraph 2.3 of the general summary

REPORT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL RELATED TO THE HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME

1. The present document contains a brief report of the activities undertaken in the last intersessional period (2013–2016) under the framework of the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme, which Cg-17, through Resolution 18 (Cg-17), decided to maintain as described in the Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of the Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (WMO-No. 1077), Annex II – WMO Programme descriptions. The focus of this document is on those issues not reported by the president of the Commission (see Annex I to the present report) or by the AWG members (see Annex II to the present report).

BASIC SYSTEMS IN HYDROLOGY

Global Hydrometry Support Facility (GHSF)

2. The president of CHy, together with the Secretariat, developed a proposal for a Global Hydrometry Support Facility (GHSF), which the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will support for the 2017–2020 period, in particular by financing three professional project positions.

3. The GHSF is designed to consolidate national monitoring capabilities and their regional and global integration, and is a support to the WHYCOS programme through the development and application of innovative monitoring and database technologies. GHSF includes WHYCOS, WHOS, a global Innovation Hub, a Hydrological Services Information Platform and a Help Desk.

Scope of GHSF

4. There is a need for a new paradigm in hydrometry for an effective decision-support to integrated water resources management, particularly in areas where resource scarcity, fragile conditions, conflicts, highly variable supplies, and rapid demand growth overlap with underfunded agencies. 74 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

5. Recent assessments continue to show a decline of monitoring networks, related to lack of financial resources and qualified staff, and generally speaking a low visibility and recognition of Hydrological Services by national authorities. A new paradigm in water monitoring is required.

6. Coordination and innovation are needed to propose new approaches that:

(a) Build, enhance, and maintain national and regional hydrological observing systems where they are weak and where knowledge gaps are threatening sustainable development;

(b) Promote regional and global coordination and integration of monitoring systems and dissemination of their products/benefits notably in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG);

(d) Foster evidence-based policy and decision-making in support of integrated water resources management from political, financial and operational standpoints by generating derived products and develop information systems;

(e) Support the development of new data acquisition methodologies including and combining technology and community-based approaches;

(f) Foster joint analysis of data in order to catalyse and improve transboundary and regional cooperation and support stakeholders in their capacity development, in order to improve sustainable and secure water management and avoid tensions and conflicts.

7. The elements of the implementation strategy for each GHSF component are described in paragraphs 4.1.2.7 to 4.1.2.13 of the general summary. What follows is a brief description of the status of each component at the time of writing this report.

WHYCOS

8. The World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) is the long-standing initiative dedicated to water monitoring networks, including planning and installation of monitoring stations (water quantity and quality, surface and groundwater), strengthening transboundary and international cooperation and promoting the free exchange of hydrological data. Started in 1993, WHYCOS is implemented through regional HYCOS projects. The current status of the different projects can be found under http://www.whycos.org/whycos. As of December 2016, approximately 15 projects have been developed, three are on-going (Arctic, IGAD and Niger-HYCOS), and five are in the preparation phase, looking for funding (Congo, Lake Chad, Senegal Basin and phase 3 of SADC and Niger). Pacific HYCOS and Niger-HYCOS are also considering starting a new phase.

9. Numerous HYCOS projects have been considered in other regions (Amazon, Black Sea, Danube, South-East Asia, etc.), but haven’t been implemented mainly due to a lack of interest of financial partners, but also from now and then to a lack of interest of country partners. Other regions, having recognized the benefit of WHYCOS, have shown interest, as for instance the island countries of the Indian Ocean, Aral Sea, Oyapock basin, etc.

10. Starting new projects according to country requirement and priorities is crucial, but it is even more essential to guarantee the sustainability of the implemented HYCOS projects, in terms of operation and maintenance of hydrological stations, data management and hydrological products and services delivery. A long-term financial and technical strategy must be put in place. ANNEXES 75

Innovation Hub

11. Rapid developments in low-cost open-innovation sensors, communication technology and in data synthesis, provide new perspectives for increased data coverage, effective data management, and secure data exchange, as well as the production of knowledge for effective and sustainable resource management. (See also: http://www.whycos.org/wordpress/wp- content/uploads/2016/08/GHSF-concept-note.pdf).

12. A pilot study called “the innovative monitoring and modelling approach” (iMoMo) that the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been promoting since 2012, has recently achieved proof-of-concept status in different countries of the World. iMoMo is a practicable example of what the Innovation Hub of the GHSF can develop in the future.

WHOS

13. The WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS) envisions being a services-oriented framework linking hydrologic data and users. It should fulfill the long sought goal of hydrologists and water resources specialists worldwide to have simple access to hydrological information from those NMHSs around the world that make their data freely and openly available.

14. In 2014 the president of CHy, with the support of the AWG, proposed the establishment of WHOS. After working on the concept, the president presented his proposal to Cg-17 in 2015. Congress welcomed the effort and urged the president of CHy to continue guiding WHOS to full implementation. WHOS was conceived as the hydrological input to WIGOS to be implemented in two phases, the first, launched in July 2015, consisting of an online portal for accessing existing near real-time and historical hydrological information, and allowing NHSs to publish their data and other hydrological information (see the WHOS homepage for further information).

15. The second phase aims at developing a complete services-oriented hydrologic information system that enables data registration, discovery and access, in compliance with WIS and WIGOS. WHOS will support storage of hydrological information, its publication on the Internet via web-services, combining it with hydrological data published by multiple sources, and search across the various data holdings within a network. Some developments could be combined with those of the GEOSS Common Infrastructure of the Group on Earth Observations, which has similar objectives. CHy-15 will set up a process to develop an implementation plan, including a timetable, for the phase II of WHOS.

16. It is to be noted that providers will remain the owner of their data; WHOS is facilitating their visibility and access for national, regional and global needs. One requirement will be to use standardized data exchange formats. WHOS will form a specialized hydrological registry within WIS, will be open to all users and institutions from any country or level of government, and will apply to any type of hydrological information.

Hydrological Services Information Platform

17. In 2013, concerned that hydrological information and services systems in developing countries were deteriorating, the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the Water Partnership Program (WPP) from the World Bank Group and the Hydrology and Water Resources Department (HWRD) of WMO embarked on an assessment of the state of hydrological services in developing countries. The GFDRR, WPP and WMO believe that there is an increasing demand for hydrometeorological and climate information and services around the world.

18. Phase 1 of the assessment commenced with a rapid global assessment based on available literature, including, inter alia, the Hydrological Information Referral Service (INFOHYDRO). 76 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

19. The rapid global assessment (World Bank Group, December 2014) identified the following issues with respect to hydrological information and services systems:

(a) Low visibility and recognition by national authorities;

(b) Lack of financial resources for operation and maintenance activities;

(d) Lack of qualified staff;

(e) Defective communication and data management system;

(f) An inability for National Hydrological Services (NHSs) to meet current user demands.

20. The rapid assessment recommended the implementation of a number of targeted case studies to review the status of hydrological information and services systems in developing countries and proposed the establishment of National Hydrological Data Users Groups (NHDUG) to assist and support NHSs in establishing their roles and responsibilities in national development planning as part of the review process.

21. These case studies were requested to address the following proposals:

(a) Improved assessment of the status of NHSs globally is necessary;

(b) Support is necessary to help NHSs raise their profiles and evolve into demand driven, service oriented organizations. Establishment of a national hydrological services user group;

(c) Countries should develop National Action Plans for Operational Hydrology, within the Framework of National Development Strategies.

22. As a result, Phase 2 of the project (the case studies) was conducted over the period 2015 to 2016. Phase 2 has seen targeted initiatives aimed at assessment of the state of hydrological services and recommendations for their improvement in selected countries, namely in Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, Saint Lucia, United Republic of Tanzania and Uruguay.

23. Based on the outcomes from these targeted studies and information collected from approximately 60 other studies covering 43 developing countries, some specific findings have been drawn, including the following:

(a) 70% (31) of the countries had some (albeit limited) level of understanding of the uses and users of hydrological information and services. For 30% (12) of countries, information on the uses and users was lacking;

(b) Whilst the information provided is not consistent, the status of hydrological networks can be defined as:

(i) 7% (3) of countries described their networks as adequate and in relatively good shape;

(ii) 19% (8) of countries have recently been provided with funds to upgrade networks that were in a significant state of decline;

(iii) 26% (11) of countries had networks that were in a significant state of decline (less than 25% operational); ANNEXES 77

(iv) 30% (13) of countries had networks that were in a poor state (less than 50% operational);

(v) 12% (5) of countries provided specific evidence of declining networks;

(vi) 7% (3) of countries had no information on which to make an assessment.

(c) With respect to data management, 70% (30) of countries are in need of upgrades to their data management systems, 9% (4) of countries are in the process of upgrading their data management systems, 9% (4) of countries expressed a level of satisfaction with their current database, whilst 12% (5) countries had no information on which to make an assessment;

(d) Information on hydrological services delivered was inconsistent and insufficient to draw specific conclusions, but in the main, apart from a small number of targeted services (such as flood forecasts) and some basic hydrological statistics, there was little evidence of provision of adequate hydrological services in the majority of countries;

(e) The greater majority of countries identified staff numbers and staff training/capacity- building as inadequate and therefore requiring attention;

(f) Limited information was available on the levels of user satisfaction with the hydrological services provided in the countries.

24. The above assessment is consistent with the findings of the 2014 World Bank Group assessment which reported that 72% of water professionals surveyed had stated that their country was in need of more water monitoring stations and that 78% of Developing Countries and 86% of Least Developed Countries consider that their networks do not meet the current needs.

25. The World Bank Group (GFDRR and WPP) and WMO are now implementing Phase 3 of the project which is aimed at further evaluation of the information collected and the provision of guidance to international organizations, non-governmental organizations, donors, development partner agencies, governments and NHSs on how to develop business case-based approaches for the operations and management of NHSs, so that they can better contribute to National Development Strategies.

26. In particular, information on funding of NHSs is being sought so that baseline government contributions to the public good activities of NHSs can be established.

27. The World Bank Group (GFDRR and WPP) and WMO are seeking guidance and support from CHy-15 in moving forward with Phase 3 of the project. In particular, they would like to know:

(a) Are GFDRR, WPP and WMO correct in their assessment?

(b) Can NHSs support the approach proposed?

(d) How can GFDRR, WPP and WMO help NHSs?

(e) What can be done by WMO?

(f) What can be done by donors/development partners?

Data operations, management and exchange

28. Developments in data operations are critical, as major challenges in water management are expected to be present for decades to come; they are even exacerbated in some regions. 78 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Climate change scenarios are dramatic in this domain for many regions of the world. Hydrological data and information is central to improve the situation and mitigate the potentially disastrous effects of floods and droughts. Data are needed to better understand natural processes, to anticipate their development thanks to models and forecasts, to properly design hydraulic works, and to provide decision-makers with the necessary bases for taking the correct decisions. Therefore, collected data should be representative of the natural phenomena and must reach a minimal quality requirement.

29. It is to be noted that, although in the past the main focus of WMO was on surface water quantities, all aspects of water should be addressed: surface and groundwater, water quantity and quality.

30. To meet all requirements, hydrological data should be available both in (near) real-time and as long historical time series. This is even more crucial since major global initiatives, such as monitoring of SDGs, the UNFCCC Paris Agreement or the post-Sendai mechanism, require large amounts of data and services. Links with other activities of WMO and its partners, like GFCS and GCOS, should be strengthened. A specificity of hydrology is that many catchments are transboundary, adding administrative and policy complexity to the natural processes. Therefore, data and information exchange mechanisms must be setup, and data from different sources must be comparable thanks to standardization.

31. Many countries have not yet met the requirements in terms of monitoring networks and standards to ensure that hydrological data can be used in water management decisions. For this reason, data and information management issues are one of the priorities of the WMO regional associations. An enhanced support must be dedicated to help these countries meeting their needs, taking into account global initiatives. In this context and in particular in the domain of production and management of data, WMO provides its Members support through the following activities:

(a) Produce data: WHYCOS, dedicated to monitoring hydrological networks through its regional HYCOS projects (see above);

(b) Process data: The Database Management System MCH (Meteorological, Climatological and Hydrological data);

(d) Disseminate and rescue data: Global data centres, such as the Global Runoff Data Center (GRDC), the International Data Centre On Hydrology Of Lakes And Reservoirs (HYDROLARE) and the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC).

32. The update on the status of WHYCOS and WHOS were presented in the section on GHSF above. The other components are described hereafter.

MCH

33. MCH is a database management system originally developed by a WMO project in Mexico and adapted by the Programme of Cooperation for Iberoamerican NMHSs. Its copyright was donated to WMO for dissemination to other countries in 2011 and is now available in Spanish, English and French.

34. It is mainly designed for NMHSs that don’t have any system to digitize, store and process large amount of data. MCH is available free of charge, including necessary training, upon request of Permanent Representatives. ANNEXES 79

35. Currently, MCH is installed in approximately 20 NHMSs, and roughly half of them are using it operationally. Five additional countries requests are pending as of December 2016. The following developments are foreseen:

(a) Finalization of the “gauging and rating curve” component update, including a user manual;

(b) Connection of MCH to an uncertainty analysis tool for gaugings (the French system BARATIN) and to other tools;

36. MCH is an effective tool for simple data management and can be very beneficial for many NMHSs, as a starting tool for data operations. Its flexibility allows users to customize it to meet their specific needs.

WaterML 2.0

37. Sharing hydrological data is key for scientific progress, successful transboundary water management and for addressing regional and global water issues.

38. In 2012, CHy-14 noted the significance and importance of WaterML 2.0, and other emerging standards under development by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) for improving service delivery in key CHy programmes, such as WHYCOS, WHOS and the WMO Flood Forecasting Initiative. In particular, activities of the WMO/OGC Hydrology Domain Working Group are providing technical and institutional solutions to the challenge of exchanging data describing the state and location of water resources, both above and below the ground surface, with a number of standards associated with WaterML 2.0 such as WaterML 2.0: Part 1 – Time Series; WaterML 2.0: Part 2 – Ratings, Gaugings and Sections; and others described in a dedicated page of the CHy-15 pre-session discussion.

39. CHy-14 adopted Resolution 3 entitled “Proposed Adoption of WaterML 2.0 as a Standard.” In this resolution, the Commission recognized the importance of improved access to hydrological data for a range of purposes, including flood forecasting and warning, water resources assessment and evaluation of the impacts of climate variability and change, as well as the need to adopt standard procedures in the operations of National Hydrological Services. It also decided “to commence a process, including testing, that could see the potential adoption of the WaterML 2.0 as a WMO standard for information exchange managed by WMO”.

40. Since CHy-14, WaterML 2.0 has evolved into a suite of component standards. During the past intersessional period, at the request of CHy-14, a number of NHSs have tested WaterML 2.0: Part 1 in pilot and operational systems for hydrological data exchange. This was undertaken with the support of an expert affiliated with the CHy Advisory Working Group, who participated in several regional projects specifically to evaluate the performance of WaterML 2.0: Part 1 in facilitating exchange of hydrological and related data across information systems, the main projects being for the La Plata river basin, Arctic-HYCOS and the Sava river basin. Details can be found in the webpage mentioned above and among the background documents of the pre-session discussion.

41. As regards WaterML 2.0: Part 2, it was approved by OGC in July 2015 and published in early 2016. The AWG has recommended to CHy-15 that WaterML 2.0: Part 2 be also adopted as a WMO standard, subject to some necessary revision of its non-normative (informative) material.

Global data centres

42. The WMO Secretariat is neither the owner nor the depository of any kind of hydrometeorological data. Nevertheless, there is a need for gathering and organizing existing data, and contribute to data rescue thanks to global repositories, which could also act as a redundancy system. These are some of the functions of the global data centres, three of which 80 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

are dedicated to hydrological data: the GRDC for Runoff data, IGRAC for Groundwater and HYDROLARE for Lakes and Reservoirs. These Centres are briefly presented hereafter:

(a) Global Runoff Data Center (GRDC) The GRDC is an international archive of runoff data up to 200 years old. Its aim is to support analyses of global hydrologic and climate trends and serves as a data repository. It is hosted since 1988 by the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde or BAfG). Daily or monthly data are regularly transmitted from 160 NHSs, corresponding to more than 9,200 stations;

(b) International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC) Since 2003, IGRAC facilitates and promotes sharing of groundwater information and knowledge, focusing on aquifer assessment and groundwater monitoring. IGRAC is a UNESCO centre that works under the auspices of WMO and is supported by the Government of the Netherlands;

(c) International Data Centre on Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs (HYDROLARE) Since 2009, HYDROLARE gathers and provides data on hydrology of world lakes and reservoirs (nearly 550 water bodies). It is hosted by ROSHYDROMET (the NMS of Russian Federation) and the Russian Federation State Hydrological Institute.

43. The future role of these global data centres should be analysed considering the new developments of WHOS and GHSF.

CHy project on the Assessment of the Performance of Flow Measurements and Techniques (Project X)

44. The progress achieved in the implementation of the workplan of the project is described in its public website, which is continuously updated. Main outputs are the new report on the second edition of the survey on field discharge measurement instrumentation and techniques used operationally, the progress achieved in the development of an Uncertainty Analysis Decision-Aid Tool (UADAT), the guidelines for conducting and reporting on the calibration and verification of the performance of discharge measurement instruments, and the guidance on in situ comparison events for flow measurements and techniques (regattas).

45. After a long process of preparation of detailed technical specifications, the first module of the Uncertainty Analysis Decision-Aid Tool (UADAT), a software for calculation of uncertainty of discharge measurements performed with the Velocity-Area method, is currently being developed and should be ready for free distribution to NHSs in 2017.

FORECASTING AND APPLICATIONS IN HYDROLOGY

Flood Forecasting Initiative (FFI)

WMO FFI Advisory Group (FFI-AG)

46. Congress, through Resolution 21 (Cg-XV) endorsed the Strategy and Action Plan (SAP) of the WMO Flood Forecasting Initiative, which had been established to enhance cooperation between National Meteorological and Hydrological Services for improving flood forecasting. It also requested the Secretary General to: (1) promote the review of various activities or WMO Programmes whose contribution is essential and whose sphere of activities could have an influence on the improvement of flood forecasting practices for the implementation of the Strategy; and (2) support the implementation of demonstration projects such as the Flash Flood Guidance System.

47. Subsequently, Resolution 15 (Cg-XVI) defined the scope of the WMO FFI to include all the hydrological forecasting activities, such as those related to flash floods and riverine floods, including seasonal forecasts and coastal flooding due to storm surge. Importantly, Cg-XVI ANNEXES 81

established the WMO FFI Advisory Group (FFI-AG), with its terms of reference as per the annex to this resolution. The FFI-AG held two meetings in Geneva, one in October 2013, where it adopted its first Work Plan, and another in December 2015, where it adopted a revised Work Plan.

48. The members of the Advisory Working Group responsible for Hydrological Forecasting and Prediction had undertaken, as members of the FFI-AG, a comprehensive review of the FFI Strategy and Action Plan and its Supplement. They noted that there was a need to strengthen the focus of the FFI on forecasting, as the current activities are highly spread-out, and there was a need to place the highest priority on activities associated with short- to medium-term forecasting. They also noted that the terminology within the SAP is heavy and confusing, while the amount of material is overwhelming. These combined with the above noted concern that the coverage of the SAP is too broad, rendering it difficult to understand and implement.

49. The FFI-AG had thoroughly discussed the extensive review and had agreed to the following proposed actions:

(a) Prioritize the SAP actions so that the highest priority actions reflect short- to medium- ranged flood forecasting system development. Develop a generic list of requirements/best practices of flood forecasting taking into account high priority actions;

(b) Prioritize the SAP actions so that the highest priority actions reflect flood forecasting system development (and not data rescue issues, flood design calculations, etc.). Take into account these actions in further FFI documentation (e.g. generic list of requirements/best practices of flood forecasting);

(c) Ensure that all major demonstration projects and components, including but not limited to CIFDP, SWFDP and FFGS, include the requirements for effective and sustainable flood forecasting in their design and implementation (according to the aforementioned generic list of requirements);

(d) Avoid current terminological complexity in further FFI guidance documentation (e.g. generic list of requirements/best practices);

(e) Regarding the Action Plan: develop a new FFI implementation strategy based on Demonstration projects and other FFI components implementation, guidance material development for different audiences (NMHSs, donors, NGOs, etc.), development of training programmes, and effective promotion of the aforementioned items so that they are available to the target audience;

(f) Regarding the aforementioned promotion activities, that the WMO/GWP Associated Programme on Flood Management’s Integrated Flood Management (IFM) HelpDesk be used to maximum advantage for this purpose.

50. On the basis of these actions, the FFI-AG at its Second Meeting had also agreed to the four main tasks within its new Work Plan, which are contained in the report by the president of the Commission.

Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS)

51. Cg-XV in 2007 approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage that had been developed by CHy jointly with CBS and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Center (HRC) and USAID/OFDA. 82 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

52. There are a number of on-going FFGS projects having different levels of completion. These include:

(a) Central America FFG (CAFFG) (Operational): Costa Rica (Regional Centre (RC)), Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama;

(b) Southern Africa Region FFG (SARFFG): (Operational) Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa (RC), Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe;

(c) Mekong River Commission FFG (MRCFFG) (Operational): Cambodia (RC), Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thailand, and Viet Nam;

(d) Black Sea and Middle East FFG (BSMEFFG) (Operational): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey (RC);

(e) Mozotal Mexico FFG (MMFFG) (Operational): Chiapas State of Mexico;

(f) South East Europe FFG (SEEFFG) (under implementation): Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Turkey (RC);

(g) South Asia FFG (SAsiaFFG) (under implementation): Afghanistan, Pakistan (RC); Bangladesh, Bhutan, India (RC), Nepal, and Sri Lanka;

(h) Central Asia Region FFG (CARFFG) (under implementation): Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan;

(i) South America Pilot FFG (under implementation): Zarumilla River Basin (Peru and Ecuador);

(j) Haiti-Dominican Republic FFG (HDRFFG) (under implementation): Dominican Republic and Haiti;

(k) South Eastern Asia Oceania FFG (SAOFFG) (under implementation): Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Timor-Leste.

53. There is growing interest by Members in having the FFGS implemented, leading to an increase in the number of projects being undertaken or under consideration. For instance, a recent meeting on Establishing Flash Flood Guidance Systems (FFGSs) for South America, was held from 16–18 August 2016, in Lima, Peru. Twelve of the thirteen countries in South America attended the meeting and made a number of conclusions and recommendations for the potential implementation of the FFGS in South America. Given the size of the continent, possibly three or four projects would be needed.

54. It should also be mentioned that HRC, the technical developer of the FFGS, is developing a number of enhancements to the FFGS, thereby expanding its utility to Members. The enhancement outlined include:

(a) Urban flash flood warnings;

(b) Riverine discharge forecasting;

(d) Multiple mesoscale model ingestion;

(e) Satellite inundation mapping and surface soil moisture observations to correct FFFGS soil water. ANNEXES 83

Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP)

55. CIFDP is a multi-hazard early warning system that promotes an integrated approach in the enhancement and delivery of early warnings in coastal areas and is jointly coordinated by JCOMM and CHy. Implementation will demonstrate how integrated coastal inundation forecasting and warnings can be improved and effectively coordinated by the NMHSs.

56. The CIFDP is currently underway in four sub-projects (Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Fiji and Indonesia), three of which are in urban coastal settings, financed mostly by extrabudgetary resources. Substantial progress to date has been made in each of these CIFDP sub-projects since 2013.

57. To partly comply with the decision of EC-68, as mentioned above, that the FFI-AG was to ensure that all major demonstration projects and components include the requirements and reflect best practices for effective and sustainable flood forecasting in their design and implementation, Mr Yuri Simonov, member of the Advisory Working Group, has been appointed co-chairperson of the Project Steering Committee that oversees the CIFDP, and Mr Graeme Smart, OPACHE member, has also been appointed to it.

Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM)

58. The fruitful collaboration between the Global Water Partnership and WMO in implementing the APFM continued during the last four years, producing as a result an impressive amount of publications on every aspect of Integrated Flood Management, several training events and an active participation in international conferences from APFM staff and partners, as well as a very active HelpDesk, which is considered as an example by other Programmes in WMO that wish to develop a similar facility. The detailed information on the above can be found in the APFM website. It should also be mentioned that, since July 2013, GWP has seconded an expert as Senior Programme Officer for APFM and the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP).

59. An Independent Peer Review of the APFM was undertaken in 2016 as directed by its Management Committee, with the results being discussed during its Advisory Committee and Management Committee meetings in September 2016 in Geneva. This review led to 17 findings that recognized the achievements as well as the shortcomings of the programme (lack of staff, decrease of extrabudgetary funding, relatively few and small implementation projects, and insufficient organizational resources to participate in regional project management). One finding was that the APFM was the “best kept secret”, with neither GWP partners nor WMO Members completely understanding the value and purpose of IFM in reducing flood losses. The review put forward seven possible scenarios for the way forward for APFM. These scenarios ranged from immediately ceasing and halting the programme to scaling up the programme to a number of different levels.

Links to DRR

60. In February 2015, WMO co-organized with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Consortium for Capacity Building of Colorado University (CCB/CU) and the Turkish State Meteorological Service (TSMS), with the support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Global Facility for Disaster Response and Recovery (GFDRR), an Expert Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in a Changing Climate: Lessons Learned about Lessons Learned. The Forum was attended by 90 participants from 43 countries and adopted the Antalya Statement (see pages 38-39 of the Forum report).

61. As part of several initiatives in line with the Sendai Framework that build upon the WMO community’s considerable capacities to contribute to Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWSs), WMO is playing a key role in developing and promoting the International Network for MHEWSs (IN-MHEWS), as well as in supporting an International Conference on MHEWSs (IC-MHEWS)), from 22–23 May 2017, in Cancun, Mexico. IN-MHEWS is a multi-stakeholder partnership that will facilitate the sharing of expertise and good practice in strengthening MHEWSs as a national strategy for DRR, climate change adaptation and building resilience. 84 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

IC-MHEWS will build upon the three previous international conferences on early warning (1998, 2003, and 2006) and three WMO expert symposia on MHEWSs (2006, 2009 and 2010) and will identify effective strategies and actions needed to promote and strengthen MHEWSs in support of the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

62. Cg-17 decided, through the adoption of Resolution 9, to standardize weather, water, climate and other related environmental hazard and risk information and develop identifiers for cataloguing weather, water, and climate extreme events. This decision considered that an identifier and cataloguing system is an important prerequisite for the Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Global Assessment Reports on Disaster Risk Reduction. These measures will promote interoperability among datasets and facilitate Members’ efforts to assess risk and track losses and damages.

CAPACITY-BUILDING IN HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

WMO Strategy on Education and Training in Hydrology and Water Resources

63. Cg-17 requested the president of CHy to continue to implement the WMO Strategy on Education and Training in Hydrology and Water Resources, adopted by the Commission through Resolution 6 (CHy-14).

64. In accordance with the Strategy, training needs have been determined in consultation with Members and Regional Associations Working Groups on Hydrology, CHy and its subsidiary bodies based on the surveys undertaken by the WMO Secretariat. According to the guidelines defined by the Commission, priority has been given to training of trainers and distance- and blended-learning training courses, and to developing systematic training for the NHSs and other professionals based on the manuals and guidelines produced as part of the QMF-H.

65. Some relevant training events organized in the last intersessional period, were:

(a) Roving Seminars on Operation and Maintenance of Automatic Hydrometeorological Stations were organized in four Iberoamerican countries and three regional advanced training of trainers for network managers on the same topic were held in 2013 and 2014, (sponsored by the Iberoamerican programme financed by Spain);

(b) Training events on the WMO Manual on Stream Gauging utilizing training material developed by CHy experts and downloadable from the website of the corresponding CHy community of practice, were held for staff of NHSs in English in Ghana (for Western Africa countries, with instructors from USGS and Canada) in 2012 and Nepal (for HKH countries, with USGS instructors and, sponsored by the HKH-HYCOS project financed by Finland) in 2015, in Spanish in Mexico (for Iberoamerican countries, with Spanish-speaking USGS instructors) in 2013, and in French in Benin (for sub-Saharan francophone countries) in 2015. Similar events more geared to a professional audience were held in conjunction with IAHR and IAHS in the Republic of Korea in 2013, Viet Nam in 2014 and New Zealand in 2016;

(c) A Regional Workshop on Integrated Flood Management, Flood Forecasting and Early Warnings for the Western Balkans and Turkey was held in Turkey in 2013, while a course on Flood Forecasting and Warning for South and South-East Asian countries was held in India, at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, in 2015 and an advanced course on the same topic was co-organized with PROHIMET for Iberoamerican countries in 2016 (sponsored by the Iberoamerican programme financed by Spain);

(d) A training workshop on Advancing Groundwater Monitoring in Pacific Small Island Developing States was jointly organized by WMO, the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC), Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS), the ANNEXES 85

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in 2016;

(e) As regards Distance Learning, courses in Hydrological Sciences of two levels, basic and advanced, based on COMET hydrological modules adapted to an international audience, have been developed. In the period 2013–2016, seven such courses of an average seven week duration, were organized by a Regional Training Centre, with the support of COMET and the WMO Secretariat: five (three basic and two advanced) were held for RA II countries, organized by the National Water Academy (India), and two basic courses were organized by the Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (Kenya). In addition, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology offered online hydrology courses, such as a course on Floodplain Mapping to regional and international communities.

Technology transfer and knowledge management

66. Resolution 6 (CHy-14) had asked the Secretariat to develop open-source and community of practice solutions to promote the transfer of technology for database management systems; training material for stream gauging courses; training material for flood forecasting and warning courses; a decision-support tool for uncertainty analysis of flow measurements (uncertainty analysis decision-aid tool); and delivery of distance learning courses in hydrology.

67. The most widely used of these communities is the one on MCH, with approximately 90 registered members and 20 active participants, mainly software developers who exchange their experiences and share their developments. The community on training material for stream gauging has been widely used to download parts or the entire material in any of the four languages available, but the interaction among participants has been limited. The one on the decision-support tool for uncertainty analysis has been frequently used by the experts of the Management Committee of the Project on the Assessment of the Performance of Flow Measurements and Techniques (Project X), but has not yet been open to a wider community. The two communities on training material for flood forecasting and delivery of distance learning courses have developed more as ad hoc sites for individual events.

ANNEX IV Annex to paragraph 2.4.1 of the general summary

REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. A range of different institutional arrangements have been adopted by the WMO regional associations for addressing issues relevant to hydrology and water resources in their respective Regions. The AWG, in order to incorporate the regional needs in the work programme of CHy, has continued to conduct extensive consultations with the Regional Hydrological Advisers, both through informal meetings during sessions of the Executive Council and by inviting them to participate in its third meeting in February 2016, dedicated to the planning for CHy-15.

2. With the goal of streamlining the use of resources and better responding to the regional needs, the regional associations during the present intersessional period have established, among their subsidiary bodies, the following bodies to deal with water related matters:

RA I: Working Group on Hydrology and Water Resources, Chairperson: Mr A. Zakey (Egypt);

RA II: Working Group on Hydrological Services, Chairperson: Mr S. Kim (Republic of Korea); 86 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

RA III: Working Group on Hydrology and Water Resources, Chairperson Ms D. Goniadzki (Argentina);

RA IV: Working Group on Hydrology, Chairperson: Mr E. Planos (Cuba);

RA V: Working Group on Hydrological Services, Chairperson: Mr J. Fenwick (New Zealand);

RA VI: Working Group on Climate and Hydrology, Chairperson Ms C. Eklund (Sweden).

3. In order to optimize resources and give continuity to their work beyond the traditional face-to-face meetings, several regional working groups have developed innovative solutions: in RA II, thanks to the generous financial support of the Republic of Korea, three face-to-face meetings were held, when possible in conjunction with international water conferences; in RA VI, teleconferences have been held often to advance on specific issues of the work programme; finally, in RA III, RA IV, RA V and in the near future RA VI, an online portal for the working group has been established, with a section open to the general public and a part reserved to members, where documents in progress are posted and a virtual forum is held to exchange experiences of regional relevance.

APPENDIX

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

1. Officers of the session

Harry LINS (United States of America) President Zhiyu LIU (China) Vice-President

2. Members of the Commission for Hydrology

Australia Robert ARGENT Principal Delegate Tony BOSTON Alternate

Belarus Irina PARTASENOK (Ms) Principal Delegate

Cameroon Henriette ATEBA (Ms) Observer

Canada Jean-François CANTIN Principal Delegate Malcolm CONLY Delegate Elizabeth JAMIESON (Ms) Delegate

China Jianfeng GU Principal Delegate Zhiyu LIU Alternate Yun CHEN (Ms) Delegate Long SUN Delegate Weiqiang WU Delegate Zhijie YIN Delegate Weimin ZHAO Delegate Yuehua ZHOU (Ms) Delegate

Costa Rica Evelyn QUIROS BADILLA (Ms) Principal Delegate

Croatia Borivoj TEREK Principal Delegate

Czechia Jan DANHELKA Principal Delegate Jan KUBAT Alternate Ondrej LEDVINKA Delegate

Democratic Republic of the Congo Bijou PUATI ZITOMESE (Ms) Observer

Ecuador Jeaneth CARTAGENA (Ms) Delegate 88 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Egypt Ahmed ABD-ELAAL Principal Delegate

Ethiopia Dula Shanko LEBETA Principal Delegate Fetene Teshome TOLA Delegate Chali Debele GURJI (Ms) Observer Sehale Tefera HAILE (Ms) Observer Almaz Tadesse JIFAR (Ms) Observer

Finland Johanna KORHONEN (Ms) Principal Delegate

France Joel HOFFMAN Principal Delegate Emmanuel VULLIERME Delegate

Germany Wolfgang GRABS Principal Delegate Andreas BECKER Delegate Ulrich LOOSER Delegate

Hungary Andras CSIK Principal Delegate

Iceland Jorunn HARDARDOTTIR (Ms) Principal Delegate Tinna THORARINSDOTTIR (Ms) Delegate

Iran, Islamic Republic of Nematollah DEHBANDI Principal Delegate

Iraq Ahmed Salim Hamzah AL-AHMEDI Principal Delegate

Italy Paola PAGLIARA (Ms) Principal Delegate Angela CORINA (Ms) Alternate Giorgio BONI Delegate Martina BUSSETTINI (Ms) Delegate Bernando DE BERNARDINIS Delegate Mauro FIORENTINO Delegate Silvano PECORA Delegate Ezio TODINI Delegate Francesco ZAULI Delegate

Japan Toshio KOIKE Principal Delegate Yoichi IWAMI Delegate Mamoru MIYAMOTO Delegate Atsuhiro YOROZUYA Delegate

Kazakhstan Serik SAIROV Principal Delegate APPENDIX 89

Latvia Tatjana KOLCOVA (Ms) Principal Delegate

Mali Youma COULIBALY (Ms) Principal Delegate

Mexico Horacio Rubio GUTIERREZ Principal Delegate

Morocco Abdallah NASSIF Principal Delegate Boujamaa BOURHIM Alternate Meriem ALAOURI (Ms) Delegate

Myanmar Htay Htay THAN (Ms) Principal Delegate

Netherlands Rudmer JILDERDA Principal Delegate Eric SPROKKEREEF Delegate

New Zealand John FENWICK Principal Delegate

Nigeria Olamide Ojuolape OGUNGBE (Ms) Observer

Norway Morten JOHNSRUD Principal Delegate

Peru Julia ACUÑA (Ms) Principal Delegate

Poland Tamara TOKARCZYK (Ms) Principal Delegate

Qatar Nawaf ALENAZI Delegate Mohammed Jabir ALMARRI Delegate Abdul Rahman SALEH AL-ANSARI Delegate

Republic of Korea Hajoon PARK Principal Delegate Oung KWON Alternate Yeunsook CHOI (Ms) Delegate Hwirin KIM (Ms) Delegate Sung KIM Delegate Jungwoong KO Delegate Seungsoo LEE Delegate Yoonjin LIM Delegate Jongjin MOON Delegate Sukkyung SON (Ms) Delegate Jeho SONG Delegate

Romania Viorel CHENDES Principal Delegate 90 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Russian Federation Vladimir GEORGIEVSKY Principal Delegate Sergey BORSCH Delegate Atrem SHEVCHENKO Delegate Yury SIMONOV Delegate Valery VUGLINSKY Delegate

Serbia Slavimir STEVANOVIC Principal Delegate Bojan PALMAR Delegate

Slovakia Jana POÓROVÁ (Ms) Principal Delegate Daniela KYSELOVA (Ms) Delegate Danica LESKOVA (Ms) Delegate

Slovenia Mira KOBOLD (Ms) Principal Delegate

Spain Roser BOTEY FULLAT (Ms) Principal Delegate Elia DIEZ MUYO (Ms) Delegate Maria Concepcion GARCIA GOMEZ (Ms) Delegate Fernando PASTOR ARGUELLO Delegate

Sudan Abuelgasim Ahmed MUSA OMER Principal Delegate

Sweden Cristina ALIONTE EKLUND (Ms) Principal Delegate

Thailand Songkran AGSORN Principal Delegate Sotharat INSAWANG (Ms) Delegate Kosit LORSIRIRAT Delegate Lertchai SRIANANT Delegate

Turkey Aksu HAKAN Delegate Esin OGUZ (Ms) Delegate

Uganda Nebert WOBUSOBOZI Principal Delegate

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Alan JENKINS Principal Delegate Harry DIXON Alternate Claudia KELLER (Ms) Delegate Jane WARDLE (Ms) Delegate

United States of America Robert MASON Principal Delegate Thomas GRAZIANO Alternate William BOLHOFER Delegate Angelica GUTIERREZ-MAGNESS (Ms) Delegate Julie KIANG (Ms) Delegate Harry LINS Delegate APPENDIX 91

William SCHARFFENBERG Delegate

Uzbekistan Natalya AGALTSEVA (Ms) Principal Delegate

Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Rocio SANCHEZ (Ms) Delegate

Yemen Abdulllah AL-NA'AMI Principal Delegate

Zimbabwe Deborah MUSIWA (Ms) Delegate

3. Non-members of the Commission for Hydrology

Comoros Farid HASSANE QHMED Observer

Ireland Oliver NICHOLSON Principal Delegate Sinead DUFFY (Ms) Alternate

Oman Ahmed Said Hilal AL BARWANI Delegate

Panama Edilberto ESQUIVEL MARCONI Principal Delegate Diego Arturo GONZALEZ JAEN Alternate

Switzerland Olivier OVERNEY Principal Delegate

4. Invited experts

Bruce STEWART

5. Lecturers

David ROWELL

6. Representatives of international organizations and other bodies

International Centre on Environmental Monitoring (CIMA) Roberto RUDARI Observer

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Paul SMITH Observer

European Space Agency (ESA) Jerome BENVENISTE Observer 92 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY

Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Vanessa AELLEN (Ms) Observer

Association of Hydro-Meteorological Equipment Industry (HMEI) Thomas WEBER Observer

International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)/ International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) Christophe CUDENNEC Observer

International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC) Nienke ANSEMS (Ms) Observer

International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC) Samo GROSELJ Observer

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Abou AMANI Observer

World Bank Toshihiro SONODA Observer Vladimir TSIRKUNOV Observer

For more information, please contact: World Meteorological Organization 7 bis, avenue de la Paix – P.O. Box 2300 – CH 1211 Geneva 2 – Switzerland

Communications and Public Affairs Office Tel.: +41 (0) 22 730 83 14/15 – Fax: +41 (0) 22 730 80 27 E-mail: [email protected]

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