Regional Association Vi (Europe)

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE)

TWELFTH SESSION

TEL AVIV, 18-27 MAY 1998

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT WITH RESOLUTIONS

WMO-No.882

ISBN 92-63-10882-X

NOTE

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. CONTENTS

Page GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. OPENING OF THE "SESSION ...•••.•••••.•.••••••••••••••• -•••••.• ; ••• ".••••• ". • • • •• • • • • 1

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION ••....••. -. • . . • • . • • • . . • . • • • • . • • • • • • • . • . . . • . • • • • • • . . • • 2 2.1 Consideration of the report on credentials ...... 2 2.2 Adoption of the agenda ...... 2 2.3 Establishment of committees ...... 2 2.4 Other organizational matters ...... 3

3. REpORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE AsSOCIATION .••.•..••.••.•.•.••••.••.••••••••••.••. 3

4. WORLD WEATHER WATCH PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS .•..•..•...•.•.•••••••••••.. 3 4.1 WWWplanning and implementation ...... 3 4.2 Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme ...... 7 4.3 Telecommunication system ...... 10 4.4 Data-processing system ...... , ...... "...... 12 4.5 Data management, including matters related to codes ...... 13 4.6 WMO satellite activities ...... •...... 15 4.7 Emergency response activities ...... 15

5. WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS ...... •..•...... •.•.•..••....•.•... 15 S.l Coordination of climate-related activities ...... 15 S.2 World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (WCDMP) ...... 16 5.3 World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP) ...... 18 S.4 World Climate Impact Assessment and Response Strategies Programme (WCIRP) ...... 19 5.S World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and developments in climate research in RA VI .... 19 5.6 Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) ...... ;...... 20

6. _ ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS ."...... 20 6.1 Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) ...... 20 6.2 Weather Prediction Research Programmes ...... "...... 23 6.3 Tropical Meteorology Research Programme ...... 23 6.4 Programme on the Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Weather Modification Research ...... 23

7. ApPLICATIONS OF METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS ...... ••.....•.•....• 24 7.1 Public Weather Services Programme ...... : ...... ; 24 7.2 Agricultural Meteorology Programme ...... 25 7.3 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme ...... "...... "...... 26 7.4 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities Programme ...... 26

8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS ..•....•.....•....•.. 28 8.1 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme (HWRP) ...... 28 8.2 Regional components of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) ...... :.. 32 9. EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 32 10. TECHNICAL COOPERATlOl',l PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 35 11. INFORMATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 37 12. LONG-TERM PLANNING - REGIONAL ASPECTS ...•.••.•...... •...... ••..• : ....' .•.. 38 13. OTHER REGIONAL ACTIVITIES ....•...... •.•.....•••...... •.•.....•••...... •. 39 13.1 Internal matters of the Association ...... 39 13.2 Role and operation of national Meteorological and Hydrological Services ...... 39 13.3 International exchange of data and products ...... 40 13.4 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) ...... 41 IV CONTENTS

Page 13.5 Follow-up activities related to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) ...... 41 13.6 Cooperation with international organizations ...... 42 14. ScmNTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS •.•••.•.... ; ..... : ...... ••..•....••....•. 42 15. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS •..•.••....•..•••..•.•.....•...•...... • 42 16. ELECTION OF OFFICERS ...... -. :-•••...•.. , ...... - •.. " .. ;.•. - 42 17. DATE AND PLACE OF THE THIRTEENTH SESSION •...... •...... •••.....•.••. " 42

. :...... ~ .... . 18. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION •••••••• t •••• t_ •••• t ...... - ...... 42

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION Final Session No. No. 1 4.1/1 Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWWin RegionVI ... , "',' , .• :: 4J

2 4.2/1 Regional Basic Synoptic Network ...... •... ; .- ...... ;...... - 47

3 4.2/2. Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of Instrument Development, Related Training and' Capacity Building .....•...... ,...... 56

4 4.3/1 Regional Meteorological Data Communication Network (RMDCN) .•....'. " ...... • ; . 57

S: S.lft Working Group on Climate-related. Matters ...... , ...... • : .. '...... , ..... "':' 58

6 6.1/1 Rapporteur on the Global Atmosphere Wat~h (GAW). , ...... , ...... , . . . ..•. . 58

7 6.1/2 Rapporteur on Atmospheric Ozone ...... , . , ...... , .. " .. , . 59

8' 7.2/1 Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology ...... , •...... '.' . .. 60

9 7.4/1 Rapporteur on Regional Marine Meteorological Services ..... , ...... : , . . . 60

10' 7.4/2 Involvement in operational 0ceanography ...... : . . . . '61

11 8-/1 Working Group on Hydrology .... : ...... , ... , ...... 62-

1'2" 8/2 Establishment of a Coordination Subgroup for Flood Forecasting and Warning, '.' . . . . . 64

13; 1211 Rapporteur on Long-tenn Planning ...... " ... "._ ....•... i. . •... 64

14 15/1 RevIew of previous resolutions and recommendations of the. Asso~iation . .. . . • ...... 65:

APPENDfCES· A. List ofpemms attending the'session ...... ~ . . • ...... 70: B. Ag~ndia •.._ .•...... •....•••...... , ... , .....:._ ...... ~ ..•...... _ ..• : •. • . . • •• . • 72 C. EIst of documents: ...... •..._ .... _ .. :.. ; .'.. _ ...... _ .. ' .••....•..._ .. _ ...... _ ...... _ . 74

L "DOC" series I_I' •••• 1 ••••0 ...... " ••••••• 0- ...... , •••••• I •• e...... It- ...... '"" ••••• It- ••••' o • ''< __ 74:

II. "I?1NK" s.eries • I, .' ••••• I.' • O•• " • e_ •••••••••• 0' •••• I, •••••_ I. I, ••.••••• ;. ••• I. e_ • " ••••_ • 1_ ~ 1_ •• '.' 0" ••• 76 GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION (agenda item 1) 1.4 Mr D. Darin, first Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv 1.1 At the kind invitation of the Government of (Yafo), expressed a warth welcome to the delegates to Israel, the twelfth session of Regional Association VI Israel and in particular to Tel Aviv. He was impressed by (Europe) was held in Tel Aviv at the Sharon Hotel from the spirit of international cooperation which was 18 to 27 May 1998. demonstrated by the meteorological community as had 1.2 Mr P. Steinhauser, President of Regional been the case during the Chernobyl accident. He noted Association VI, opened the session at 10 a.m. on 18 that some of the major global problems which the mete May 1998. He welcomed the di1511itades and participants orologists had to address induded climate in cities, to the opening ceremony. drought and desertification and water resources. The 1.3 Mr Z. Alperson, Director of the Israel Meteoro solution to some of those problems would also con logical Service (IMS) and Permanent Representative of tribute to peace among nations. He wished the partici Israel with the World Meteorological Organization pants a pleasant stay in Israel. (WMO), expressed his happiness and pride in hosting 1.5 _Professor G. O. P. Obasi, Secretary-General, wel such an important session which was a unique and sym comed the participants and expressed the appreciation bolic event for the IMS and Israel. The session was tak of WMO and his own to the Government and people of ing place on the eve of the third millenium, and at a Israel for hosting the session and making the excellent period when Israel was celebrating 50 years of indepen arrangements to ensure its success. He recalled the com dence. Since independence, Israel had made significant mitment of Israel to the ideals of WMO and its contri progress in science and technology and its national bution to the Programmes and activities of the economy had changed from a developing to a devel Organization. He thanked the past and present officers oped one. Over the years, the Israel Meteorological of the Association as well as the members of the sub Service had been able to meet the growing demands for sidiary bodies of the Association for their valuable con meteorological services from various socio-economic tributions during the intersessional period. The sectors, and to share its experience with developing Secretary-General-noted that socio-economic and politi countries through the training at the WMO Regional cal changes worldwide, such as globalization and the Meteorological Training Centre (RMTC) of over 2 000 market economy, would have implications for the meteorologists, hydrologists, agronomists and other sci development of the NMHSs. In that regard, he recalled entific personnel. He further remarked that WMO and other developments as well as initiatives of WMO and the national Meteorological and Hydrological Services its continued active contributions in areas such as the (NMHSs) served as a bridge between nations. In that further implementation of Agenda 21 of the United regard, the Regional Association VI (RA VI) session was Nations Conference on Environment and Development being held in the Eastern Mediterranean region which (UNCED), the provision of support to the Intergovern was an important contributor to the flow and exchange mental Panel on Climate Change (lPCC) and the Global of cultural achievements, scientific and technological Climate Observing System (GCOS) as well as to the know-how and economic development. The issues to be development and implementation of activities related discussed at the session, such as climate change, water to the geosciences, and the Conventions on Climate, resources, drought and desertification, were of vital Desertification and Ozone. In the climate area, WMO importance to that arid and semi-arid region which was would continue to give high priority to the Climate among the most vulnerable parts of the planet suscepti Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS) project, ble to global warming. He recalled that Israel had always World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and to the given high priority to combating drought and desertifi coordination effort of the Inter-agency Committee on cation in the north-western part of the Negev desert. He the Climate Agenda (IACCA) in the implementation of informed the Association of some of the other major the Climate Agenda. The Secretary-General informed research projects related to the generation of solar ener the Association of further initiatives taken by WMO to gy, use of brackish water in agriculture and success to enhance its support to the International Decade for cloud seeding operations. Mr Alperson assured the ses Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) and water sion of Israel's preparedness to share its experience in resources, two of the major issues of the 21st century. those fields. The new challenges faced by the IMS In the Region, WMO was implementing the related to the increasing trend towards privatization and Mediterranean Hydrological Cycle Observing Sytem the need to restructure the Service and increase its (MED-HYCOS) and was planning the BALTIC-HYCOS efficiency. He wished the participants a fruitful and con and BLACK SEA-HYCOS. Furthermore, he invited the structive session and a pleasant stay in Israel. Association to give high priority to the maintenance 2 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

and upgrading of the World Weather Watch (WWW) amounts and rainfall distribution had been critical to and other Programmes, and ensure that the proposed Israel since the earliest times, and the growth and devel Regional Meteorological Data Communication Network opment of its society had been related to the availability (RMDCN) was established with the full participation of of water and its efficient utilization. The climate was of the Members of the Region. In addressing the issue related considerable importance and the question of sustainable to the exchange of data and products as enshrined in development and possible climate change was of some Resolution 40 of Twelfth Congress (Cg-XII), he concern. He exhorted the meteorological community to informed the Association that the Secretariat had pre contribute to greater awareness of those issues, before it pared the relevant guidance material. It was also care was too late, so that the planet Earth - the only home fully monitoring developments related to the of human beings - was not destroyed. It was essential "Intellectual Property in Respect of Databases" of the for all countries to share their knowledge and foster World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in cooperation to address the major problems faCing collaboration with other concerned organizations. humanity and to contribute to global peace. He looked While ways and means of reaching consensus on those forward to WMO to continue to promote international issues were being explored, the Secretary-General invited cooperation to address those issues. He expressed Israel's all Members to keep to the letter and spirit of Resolution commitment to continue to cooperate with WMO and 40 (Cg-XII). In planning for the future, the Secretary play its part in WMO activities. He wished the partici General invited the Association to formulate its region pants a pleasant stay and a successful session. al priorities in the context of the Fifth WMO Long-term 1.7 In his capacity as President of Regional Plan (SLTP). As regards the effective implementation of Association VI (Europe), Mr P. Steinhauser expressed the respective development plans of the NMHSs, he his appreciation to the Government of Israel and to the expressed the appreciation of WMO and his own for the city of Tel Aviv for hosting the session. He recalled the significant contributions made by the donors, most of various important issues which the Association had to whom were Members of the Association. In looking for address for the benefit of its Members and of WMO's ward to the future with confidence, the Secretary Programmes and activities. In particular, he stressed the General noted that some of the challenges related need to continue to strengthen the basic infrastructure, to the maintenance of the core functions of the and contribute to sustainable development through WWW and other basic activities including internation support to activities such as mitigation of natural disas al commitments; further strengthening of cooperative ters and enhancement of regional cooperation. He efforts; and the need to develop strategies that would looked forward to a constructive session and wished the reinforce the comparative advantage of WMO and participants an enjoyable stay in Israel. the NMHSs in operational areas such as mitigation of 1.8 There were 102 participants at the session rep natural disasters, improved accuracy and duration of resenting 3S Members of RA VI, one Member from weather forecasts, environmental monitoring and pro another Region, and three from international organiza tection, climate change and water resources assessment. tions. The list of participants is given in Appendix A to He further noted that WMO's efforts would be more this report. effective and beneficial to Member countries if the Directors of the NMHSs were to continue to actively 2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (agenda item 2) support them, playa forward-looking role and take the 2.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT ON CREDENTIALS necessary initiatives at national, regional and interna (agenda item 2.1) tionallevels. He called upon the Association to address The representative of the Secretary-General the concerns of its Members with foresight and introduced two reports on credentials, taking into determination so that the collective vision of the account the documents received in Geneva and those meteorological community, at the threshold of the third delivered during the session. The Association accepted millennium, of providing services for sustainable devel the reports. It agreed that in accordance with Regulation opment in a most effective and efficient manner could 22 of the WMO General Regulations, it was not neces be achieved. sary to establish a Credentials Committee. 1.6 H.E. S. Yahalom, Minister of Transport, wel comed the partiCipants. He recalled that at the opening 2.2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (agenda item 2.2) ceremony of the Israel Meteorological Service built under The provisional agenda was adopted without a WMO/United Nations Development Programme change and is given in Appendix B to this report. (UNDP) project in 1962, the State Prime Minister H.E. D. Ben Gurian and the then President of WMO had 2.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES (agenda item 2.3) stressed that the Institute could also be used for support 2.3.1 In accordance with Regulation 24 of the WMO ing training and technical cooperation activities for the General Regulations, the Association established the fol benefit of Israel and the international community. That lowing committees: had been carried out successfully and with dedication (a) Nominations Committee composed of the princi over the years. He noted that the concern of the Jewish pal delegates of Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine. The' people all over the world about the weather could be principal delegate of Ukraine was requested to serve found in Jewish history and religion. Both rainfall as convenor; 1- GENERAL SUMMARY 3

(b) Coordination Committee composed of the presi addressing some of the major issues confronting the dent and vice-president of the Association, the co development of the Services as they responded to the chairmen of Working Committees A and B, and growing requirements for national socio-economic Mr Z. Alperson, Permanent Representative of development. A major issue affecting several national Israel, the representative of the Secretary-General, Services was that of commercialization and the increas with the assistance of other WMO Secretariat staff. ing interest of the private sector in meteorological activ 2.3.2 To examine the various agenda items, the ities. The approach in addressing that issue varied from Association established two working committees, as fol one country to another. lows: 3.4 Several of the Members of the Region expressed (a) Committee A was assigned agenda items 3, 4, 6, appreciation for the support they had been receiving 7.1, 7.3, 7.4 and 9. General C. Finizio (Italy) and from both WMO and other Members of the Region in Mr V. Sharov (Bulgaria) were elected co-chairmen; areas such as training, data management, aeronautical (b) Committee B was assigned agenda items 5, 7.2, 8, meteorology, expert services, improved weather fore 10, 11 and 12. Messrs 1. Mersich (Hungary) and casts and ways of addressing the issue of data exchange H. Malcorps (Belgium) were elected co-chairmen. and products. The Association requested the Secretary 2.3.3 In order to assist with the review of previous General and its Members to continue to provide the resolutions and recommendations of the Assodation and of necessary support to the Members concerned. relevant Executive Council (EC) resolutions, the Assodation 3.5 The Association agreed that the formulation and elected Mr A.1. Saleh Gordan) as rapporteur. implementation of the work programme for the next inter sessional period should be built, inter alia, on: 2.4 OTIlER ORGANIZATIONAL MATfERS (agenda item 2.4) (a) Enhanced cooperation between the Members of the 2.4.1 The Association approved various organiz Region and an effective collaboration with regional ational aspects of the work of the session during its first organizations such as the European Centre for plenary meeting. Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and 2.4.2 In considering the effidency and effectiveness of the European Organization for the Exploitation of its sessions, and noting that the discussions of plenary Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT); sessions were recorded, in the original language and English (b) The introduction, as appropriate, of new develop interpretation where appropriate, the Association agreed ments in science and technology related to meteo that the minutes of the plenary session would not be rology, operational hydrology and related sciences; prepared. However, should any delegate request the prepa (c) Enhanced medium- and long-range forecasting ration of minutes on any spedfic item in the plenary, the skills; necessary arrangements to prepare the corresponding (d) The continued development and implementation minutes would be made accordingly. of the RMDCN; 2.4.3 A list of documents presented at the session is (e) Addressing major issues such as environmental given in Appendix C to this report. monitoring and protection, natural disaster mitiga tion, water resources management, and exchange 3. REpORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE of data and products; ASSOCIATION (agenda item 3) (f) Further support to Members concerned so as to 3.1 The Association reviewed with interest the ensure the full and uniform implementation of the report of the president of the Association and recog regional component of the various programmes nized its clear and concise presentation which provided and activities of the Organization. an overall review and assessment of the major activities of the Assodation since its eleventh session. It also 4. WORLD WEATHER WATCH PROGRAMME - expressed its deep appreciation to the president for the REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 4) efficient manner in which he had guided the work of 4.1 WWWPLANNINGANDIMPLEMENTATION the Association thus contributing to the development of (agenda item 4.1) meteorology and operational hydrology in the Region. 4.1.1 The Association noted with appreciation the 3.2 The Association also expressed its appreciation report of Mr M. Kurz (Germany), chairman of the to Mr J. M. Simoes Cristina, who served as vice-president Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the of the regional association until 17 December 1996, and WWW in RA VI. The working group would need to con noted that following the election by correspondence, tinue to address a wide range of issues related to evolu General C. Finizo became vice-president of Regional tion in technology, economic pressures and limitation Association VI on 16 February 1998. of resources as they related to performance of the basic 3.3 Matters related to the scientific and technical system facilities and services. The continuing challenges programmes for WMO dealt with in this report were and changes in all components of the WWW reqUired examined under the corresponding agenda items of the the continuation of that working group under similar session. However, a number of delegates made presenta general terms of reference. However, according to the tions on the activities and recent developments regard buildup of the Public Weather Services (PWS) ing their national Services. In particular, they stressed Programme, the regional aspects of that programme their achievements and the challenges they faced in should also be dealt with by the group. The Association 4 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI also decided to establish, in the working group, an Ad • Periodically review the requirements for providing Hoc Group on WWW-related Cooperation Activities data, including boundary conditions needed for run (see paragraphs 10.13 and 10.14). The specific terms of ning limited area models (LAMs) at National reference and composition of the working group are Meteorological Centres (NMCs), and possibilities for contained in Resolution 1 (XII-RA VI) adopted by the coordinating the related data flow; Association. • Review needs for maintaining/establishing Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and their WORK PROGRAMME OF THE WORKING GROUP ON PLANNING capabilities; AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WWWINREGIONVI • Review progress and facilitate cooperation in fore 4.1.2 The Association discussed and agreed on the casting automation, statistical interpretation and future work programme of the Working Group on other enhancements of numerical weather prediction Planning and Implementation of the WWW in (NWP) outputs and the role of the human forecaster; Region VI. The following specific major tasks of the • Ensure resolution of issues related to the year 2000 working group which needed further coordination and problem; attention were identified: • Consider further the concept of Distributed • Maintain and when necessary improve the mecha Databases (DDBs) in RA VI and encourage and moni nism for continuous monitoring of the performance tor trials on exchange of meta data between DDBs; of the WWW system (observing, telecommunica • Support the development and implementation of tions, data processing and data management) in the procedures for collection and dissemination of auto Region. The mechanism should include the capa matic aircraft reports, including reports during ascent bility to initiate where possible remedial action to and descent phases of flight; correct deficiencies identified; • Coordinate development of software for conversion • Continue to assess the existence of gaps in the of alphanumeric codes to binary codes; Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN), in close • Study questions of data and product sets and related cooperation with Members concerned, prepare a technical provisions which might be needed to satisfy revised list of stations for inclusion in the RBSN, and the implications of commercialization activities; identify automatic stations on land and fixed posi • Propose regional mechanisms that would contribute tions at sea, to be included in the RBSN; to the enhancement of the capability of NMCs to • Monitor, report and make recommendations on the provide severe weather warnings, in cooperation capability and utilization of an integrated system of with the PWS Programme; different observing networks (including satellites) to • Review the progress of Public Weather Services imple meet regional requirements for weather analysis, mentation in the Region including the development forecasts and warnings; of guidance material for the preparation and formu • Monitor and report on the development andperfor lation of forecasts, procedures for verification and mance of new automatic surface observing systems, methods for coordinating warnings; in particular those providing present weather, cloud • Identify deficiencies in WWW implementation in and visibility information;. Region VI and promote technical cooperation activi • Study and report on the development and strategies ties to overcome them. being adopted for composite observing networks across the Region, and the means of resourcing them REGIONAL OBSERVING SYSTEM

in coordination with organizations and groupings of SURFACE-BASED SUBSYSTEM Members concerned (e.g. the CompOSite Observing System for the North Atlantic (COSNA), Network of REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK European Meteorological Services (EUMETNET) 4.1.3 The Association considered the RBSN and Composite Observing System (EUCOS)); noted that the level of implementation remained at • Seek for an exchange of experiences of Members in about 98 per cent for surface stations and 92 per cent for the field of acquisition of Voluntary Observing Ships upper-air stations respectively, the same level as in 1993 (VOS) with a view to improving ships' observations, and at relatively favourable comparable levels with both in number and quality of ship observation the global average of 89 per cent and 80 per cent. The reports through the cooperation with national number of SYNOP reports actually received at Main shipowners carrying out cargo transportation and Telecommunication Network (MTN) centres during the fishery operations at sea; October 1997 monitoring amounted to 89 per cent and • Report on the regional use of data from and opera was almost the same as four years previously. The situa tional experience with developing observing systems, tion with regard to upper-air observations gave cause for including advanced obselvational radar networks, concern as those had fallen to 68 per cent as compared profilers, thunderstorm detection techniques, aircraft to 79 per cent four years ago. observations, Automated Shipboard Aerological 4.1.4 The Association noted that while the situation Programme (ASAP) systems and buoys; in the implementation of the upper-air network in the' • Review the RA VI meteorological telecommunication Russian Federation was improving and the NMHS had plan; every intention of fulfilling its international obligations GENERAL SUMMARY 5 for observational data exchange, the serious problems as Volume A. The Association urged Members concerned to regards maintaining of upper-air stations still existed in rectify the situation and to convey the appropriate the Russian Federation as well as in other countries in information. Eastern Europe. It, therefore, considered that support actions were necessary to assist those Members in SPACE-BASED SUBSYSTEM improving the situation and expressed its appreciation NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTATION (NOAA) to the Task Force on Technical Cooperation for the (USA) - CURRENT POLAR-ORBITING SATELLITES AND PLANNED action undertaken in that respect during the inter SPACECRAFT sessional period. 4.1.8 The Association noted that NOAA-14 and 4.1.5 The Association noted with appreciation that NOAA-12 were the primary afternoon and morning due to Members' efforts in upgrading their systems and operational satellites respectively. NOAA-I0 and -11 assistance provided by the Secretariat, the termination were in standby status while NOAA-9 was operating in a of the Omega navigation system in September 1997 did semi-standby status to provide data from Solar not have a significant impact on the observing pro Backscatter Ultraviolet Spectral Radiometer (SBUV) and gramme in the Region. Search and Rescue instruments. The advanced TIROS-N NOAA-K was successfully launched on 14 May 1998 and OTHER NETWORKS, INCLUDING SEA STATIONS would be renamed NOAA-IS (AM). It was noted that NOAA, in partnership with the US National Aeronautics 4.1.6 The Association reviewed other networks and and Space Administration (NASA), was procuring noted that the number of voluntary observing ships NOAA-L, M, N, N' follow-on spacecraft of the Advanced recruited by Members of the Association was nearly TIROS-N (ATN) series. For planning purposes, projected 3 200, almost half the global total, which was consider launch dates for polar spacecraft were NOAA-L (PM) in ably less than the 4 000 of four years ago. Drifting buoys December 1999, NOAA-M (AM) in April 2001, NOAA-N continued to be an important source of data in the (PM) in December 2003, and NOAA-N' (PM) in July North Atlantic where there were at any given time 2007. (Note: NOAA-N' as an afternoon spacecraft between 30 and SO operating buoys each providing assumes that METOP would undertake the morning roughly 25 mean sea-level pressure observations per orbit.) It was noted that longer-term plans included con day. In addition, some SO moored buoys or other fixed vergence of the USA Departments of Commerce and platforms had been deployed by several countries in the Defence polar-orbiting environmental satellites pro North Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. As grammes into a single programme to serve both civil regards automatic meteorological data observing and and military needs by the next decade. The new pro reporting systems aboard aircraft (AMDAR), a total of 20 gramme would also continue international cooperation out of 23 aircraft-to-satellite data relay (ASDAR) units with EUMETSAT~ were installed on commercial aircraft and were provid 4.1.9 With regard to land remote-sensing satellites, ing operational data. Other systems currently in opera the Association noted that Landsat 5 continued to pro tion included the French Aircraft Communication vide data in real time to 17 sites around the world while Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) reporting via Landsat 7 was under construction and was scheduled for the International Society of Aeronautical Telecom launch by NASA in May 1998 and would be operated by munications (SITA) VHF terrestrial aeronautical commu NOAA for the expected five-year mission. nication network, the UK AMDAR system and the Netherlands KLM-Royal Netherlands Meteorological EUMETSAT - METEOSAT OPERATIONS Institute (KNMI) AMDAR system. The total daily average 4.1.10 The Association noted that METEOSAT-7, number of AMDAR reports received at MTN centres dur launched in September 1997, would become the opera ing the October 1997 monitoring was 9 840. tional satellite on 3 June 1998, providing raw image acquisition, digital and analogue dissemination of CLiMAT AND CLiMAT TEMP REPORTING STATIONS images covering Europe, Africa and surrounding regions 4.1.7 The Association reviewed the CLiMAT and and, in addition, the relay of images covering the USA CLiMAT TEMP reporting stations and noted that those and the Far East. The satellite also supported the relay continued to increase although the number was still and retransmissions of Data Collection Platform (DCP) fewer than SO per cent of the synoptic stations. Of the messages and processed meteorological products were 682 stations in the RBSN, only 250 were indicated in disseminated by the Meteorological Data Distribution Weather Reporting, Volume A (WMO-No. 9), as producing (MDD) Mission. METEOSAT-6 would become the opera CLiMAT reports but 269 reports were actually received in tional standby satellite. METEOSAT-s, which had the monitoring period, which represented less than exceeded its specified lifetime, was being relocated over seven stations per 250 000 km2 compared to "up to ten" the Indian Ocean region at 63°E where it would be oper required for climatological purposes. Four years ago 236 ated from July 1998 to the end of 1999 in support of the reports were received. The number of CLiMAT TEMP Indoex scientific experiment. Full high-resolution image reports had also increased but at 84 reports it was still dissemination and product distribution services would only 56 per cent of the number of RBSN stations and was be available, including wind vector fields every 1.5 considerably less than the 98 expected according to hours. 6 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

RUSSIAN FEDERATION - RUSSIAN FEDERAL SERVICE FOR area forecast products for aviation worldwide through HYDROMETEOROLOGY AND ENVlRONMENTAL MONITORING the Satellite Distribution System (SADlS) over RAs I, II 4.1.11 The Association noted that the Russian and VI. Those products were also disseminated through geostationary operational satellite GOMS/Electro No. 1 RETIM and FAX-E. RSMC Moscow upgraded its computer continued to provide data and services to all users in the equipment in November 1996 with two CRAY machines Region and that the Russian Meteorological System (Y-MPBE and Y-MPEL9B) enabling the enhancement of based on METEOR polar-orbited satellites was presently the operational forecasting system leading to the future supported by METEOR-2 N20, N21 and METEOR-3 N5 operational running of a Global Model. satellites. Those space systems provided the global observation of the Earth surface. in visible spectrum. The REGIONAL SPECIALIZED METEOROLOGICAL CENTRES WITH TV imagery data for global observation (MR-2000) was ACTIVITY SPECIALIZATION recorded and transmitted to the main receiving centres MEDIUM-RANGE WEATHER FORECASTING in Moscow, Novosibirsk and Khabarovsk (466.5 MHz). 4.1.15 The ECMWF turned to the new massively The TV data from the MR-900 scanning instrument was parallel processors technology with the acquisition in transmitted directly to independent acquisition centres 1996 of two FUJITSU VPP 700 and VPP 300 computers. (APPIS) (137 MHz). During 1994 the Russian Federation A subset of the products (analysis and forecasts of four launched three Earth observation satellites - METEOR-3 parameters up to day 7) was disseminated on the Global N7, Resurs-01 N3 and Okean-U1 N7. Their instrumenta Telecommunication System (GTS) in GRID and GRIS tion cover baseline instruments for Earth remote sensing, codes; and a smaller subset (forecasts from days 3 to 7) experimental decisive to measure the component of the was available on the Internet. An Ensemble Prediction Earth's radiation budget, optical instruments of high System had been running experimentally (50 runs daily spatial resolution (45 m in nadir) which provide data for of Tl59) and the results were made available to ECMWF Earth resource studies. The Association noted with Member States. appreciation the plans of the Russian Federation to' launch the first modified spacecraft of the METEOR series PROVISION OF TRANSPORT MODEL PRODUCTS FOR of satellites, METEOR-3M No.1 in the second quarter of ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONSES 1999; the Russian-Ukranian spacecraft, Okean-O No.1 in 4.1.16 Two RSMCs deSignated for the provision of the third quarter of 1999; the Resurs-01 No.4 in the transport model products in case of environmental second quarter of 1998; and the GOMS/Electro No.2 emergencies had implemented the regional and global after the year 1999. arrangements for the provision of products. The centres were: RSMC Bracknell and RSMC Toulouse (for RA VI GROUND SEGMENT OF REGION VI and also RA I). They provided, upon request, specialized 4.1.12 The Association noted that most of RA VI was model products in accordance with Appendices 1.3 and adequatelY. equipped for reception of high-resolution 11.7 to the Manual on the Global Data-processing System polar-orbiting receivers, except eastern Europe; The situ (GDPS) (WMO-No. 4B5). ation was· the same for geostationary satellite receivers. Out of 47 Members, 39 had at lease one polar-orbiting. NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL CENTRES receiver as well as one geostationary receiver leaving 4.1.17 The Association noted that there had been a eight Members to be eqUipped. constant increase in the use of computers for numerical weather prediction over the years and many NMCs in DATA-PROCESSING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION RA VI had well developed computer capabilities. 4.1.13 The ASSOciation reviewed the status of Efficient cooperation between centres to develop mod implementation and operation of RA VI Global Data els took place, as for the HIRLAM project (involving processing System (GDPS) centres active in numerical Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, weather forecasting including RSMCs and noted that Norway, Sweden and Spain) and the newly operational most RSMCs in RA VI were on a continuing basis LACE project (Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Czech enhancing and improving their forecasting systems Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia running by contract the and/or computer facilities. Four RSMCs (Bracknell, ALADIN Model in Toulouse). An example of efficient Offenbach, ECMWF and Toulouse) were running global cooperation on a. scientific level was the memorandum models. Nineteen centres were running limited area around ALADIN that was signed by 13 European and models and ten centres mesoscale models. one African country (Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the REGIONAL SPECIALIZED METEOROLOGICAL CENTRES WITH LACE countries). It was also interesting to note that GEOGRAPHICAL SPECIALIZATION many GDPS centres now had access in a non-opera 4.1.14 The RSMCs with geographical specialization in tional and non-real time mode to selected GDPS prod RA VI were: Bracknell, Moscow, Offenbach and Rome. ucts on the Internet as made available by some GDPS These centres provided regional products to assist NMCs centres. The dramatic fall of the cost of powerful work in the forecasting of small, meso- and large-scale meteo stations opened new possibilities of running mesoscale rological systems. Bracknell was also a World Area models over a small domain in NMCs where they did Forecast System (WAFS) centre and now supplied world not have mainframe computers. GENERAL SUMMARY 7

VERIFICATION OF NUMERICAL WEATHER PREDICTION EUCOS would be progressively optimized to meet the 4.1.18 The Association noted that good progress had needs of NWP and general forecasting on the synoptic been achieved between centres in the standardization of scale. Initially studies were planned to assess the extent procedures for verification scores. A small but steady to which automated aircraft data (AMDAR) on ascent improvement of the scores over the last five years for and descent at European airports could be used to par the scores against observations over Europe could be tially replace radiosonde observations. That would allow observed for the 72-hour range. Monthly scores against Members to reduce the costs of their land observing net analyses from the six GDPS centres' global models works and enable them to devote resources to improv showed that a rather small but steady progress could be ing the observing systems in data-sparse areas. The con observed for the Northern Hemisphere, especially for clusions from the studies and any proposals for change the 48-hour forecasts. affecting the RBSN would be brought before RA VI. The Association also noted that humidity experimental sen LONG-RANGE FORECASTS, CLIMATE DIAGNOSTICS AND PREDICTIONS sors were presently carried ~board several US aircraft 4.1.19 A limited number of centres were actively engaged with the support of the US Federal Aviation Adminis in climate diagnosis activities at the global, regional and/or tration (FAA). The Association invited the Coordination national levels. Similarly, only a limited number of centres Group for COSNA/EUCOS to keep abreast of technical were actively engaged in extended-range forecasting and evolutions in that sector and, where appropriate, to con seasonal outlook. Ensemble forecasting systems were used sider carrying out similar experiments over Europe and in most cases for monthly and seasonal outlooks. Coupled conduct cost-benefit studies. models (ocean and atmosphere) were now being used oper ationally by some centres. REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK 4.2.2 The Association reviewed the RBSN of the surface FLOOD FORECASTING AND WARNING and upper-air networks and actions and priorities needed to 4.1.20 The Association underlined that the activities enhance their operation. It noted with appreciation the related to flood forecasting and warning reqUired a efforts accomplished by its sub-working group on the strong coordination and cooperation with WWW oper redesign of the RBSN. The Association adopted Resolution 2 ations and planning. It underlined the coordination (XII-RA VI) - Regional Basic Synoptic Network. reqUired between planning and implementation of the 4.2.3 The Association recommended the following WWW and the Coordination Subgroup for Flood priorities in the implementation of the RBSN: Forecasting and Warning (see item 8.1). (a) Restoring full operation of the existing upper-air network, with radiosonde ascents at least at 0000 TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN RA VI and 1200 UTC; 4.1.21 The Association reviewed the status of implemen (b) RestOring full operation of surface stations in Albania, tation and operation of the Regional Meteorological Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the Caucasus area; Telecommunications Network (RMTN) for Region VI and (c) Consider the feasibility of 0000 UTC observations noted that: at several surface stations, e.g. by installing an The main deficiencies in the implementation of automatic weather station. the GTS circuits in Region VI are primarily in the 4.2.4 The Association reviewed existing procedures south-eastern part of the Region. For other seg for monitoring the performance of the fixed surface ments of the RMTN, the speed of transmission on based observing system and agreed that the basic GTS circuits is being upgraded to speeds higher information required for that purpose should be the than 9,6 kb/s (in several cases up to 64 kb/s) with following: the use of new standardized modems (ITU-T V.32, (a) The RBSN list of stations: the basic list of stations as V.33, V.34, etc.) or digital circuits. recorded in the report of the most recent session of RA VI, and as may be amended thereafter by deci 4.2 OBSERVING SYSTEM, INCLUDING INSTRUMENTS AND sion of the president of the ASSOciation; METHODS OF OBSERVATION PROGRAMME (b) The current list of stations and observing pro (agenda item 4.2) grammes in Region VI as given in WMO-No. 9, Volume A; INTEGRATED OBSERVING NETWORK (c) Monitoring results on both availability and quality 4.2.1 The Association took note of the establishment of observations from Lead Data Quality Monitoring in December 1995 of EUMETNET by a conference of Centres: RSMC ECMWF for upper-air observations, Western European Directors of Meteorological Services, RSMC Bracknell for marine-surface observations with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of the par and RSMC Offenbach for land-surface observations. ticipating services through cooperative arrangements In order to prepare proposals for amending the RBSN, and a distribution of tasks among the Members. The monitOring information on alternative stations was most important programme of EUMETNET concerned indispensable. The Association appreCiated that data the development of a composite observing system quality monitoring lead centres were willing to provide (EUCOS) covering the land territories of the Members that information. More formal rules on availability of concerned and the surrounding data-sparse areas. monitoring information were felt to be desirable. The 8 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Association also noted that the Commission for Basic was provided by several Members, including Greece, Systems (CBS) was undertaking a comprehensive review Israel, Italy and Turkey, during the session. It also con of the overall monitoring of WWW operation. sidered the rules for inclusion of AWSs in the RBSN. 4.2.5 The Association considered procedures to Nowadays, AWSs were often well eqUipped for measur ensure that timely and adequate information on ing visibility, ceiling and present weather. An increasing changes in the RBSN was exchanged and agreed to rec number of stations were established, based on a manual ommend that: intervention at daytime, and provision of fully auto (a) Members should inform the president of the matic data during the night. The Association agreed that Association, the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of well-equipped AWSs should be considered for inclusion the Global Observing System (GOS) and the WMO in the RBSN, albeit tha.t professionally staffed stations Secretariat -af the closure and/or replacement of may be preferred. RBSNstations; 4.2.10 The Association discussed its responsibility for (b) The president of the Association should seek and the RBSN as a whole vis-a-vis the responsibility of indi obtain advice· from the Rapporteur on Regional vidual Members for their national contributions. It con Aspects of the GOS prior to making a timely decision cluded that the network should be decided upon by the on proposed changes to the RBSN; the Secretariat, Association, but should not contain stations for which Members concerned and the rapporteur should be Members could not make commitments for their opera timely informed of the president's decision; tion. On the other hand, the Association could decide (c) Changes to the RBSN should be promptly not to include certain stations which were offered by announced in the Operational Newsletter. Members, in particular if stations were located very close 4.2.6 The Association conSidered measures for to each other, which would affect the homogeneity of improving the procedures for monitoring and for the the network. It noted that each Member was free to dis presentation and distribution of monitoring results and seminate observations from such stations in the same recommended to CBS that Lead Data Quality Moni way as RBSN stations. toring Centres be invited to monitor availability of the 4.2.11 The Association noted with appreciation that at reports at all regionally agreed standard hours from all the request of the eleventh session of RA VI, CBS available stations, including silent and unknown sta established a Task Team on Data ReqUirements for tions. The Association also noted that there were prob Environmental Emergency Response Activities which had lems with non-adherence to telecommunications and developed guidance material for Members on their respon coding procedures. With regard to the former it urged sibilities in support of environmental emergency response Regional Telecommunication Hubs (RTHs) to carry out activities. That guidance, which contained many specific their responsibilities for ensuring adherence to GTS pro recommendations on data, observational facilities, com cedures in their zones of responsibility. With regard to munication procedures and collaboration with other agen the latter, the· Association recommended that CBS cies, was approved by CBS-XI and included in the Manual should set up a suitable mechanism to enable cases of on the Global Observing System (WMO~No. 544). non,adherence to coding procedures .which ha(lbeen identified by the national Meteorological or WEATHER RADARS AND RADAR NETWORK Hydrometeorological Services (NMSs) to be channelled 4.2.12 The Association noted that there were, within to the originating countries. the territories of 47 Members of RA VI, 147 weather radars 4.2.7 The Association discussed procedures for reme of which 18 were non-digital radars and 61 were Doppler dial action in the case of silent stations and agreed that weather radars. The exchange via the Nordic Weather the follow-up action on results of monitoring should be Radar Network (NORDRAD) or via the GTS of single or taken up by the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the composite radar maps ,was increasing. The Assodation GOS with a view to seeking remedial action to identified noted that EUMETNET was in the process of starting a pro shortcomings including proposals for revision of the gramme named Operational Programme for the Exchange RBSN when appropriate .. of Weather Radar Information (OPERA) to enhance tech 4.2.8 The Association discussed the existing regional nical capabilities for the exchange of radar data. Use was reqUirement for upper-air wind soundings at 0600 and made of radar information in the monitoring of haz 1800 UTC taking also into account other sources of ardous weather phenomena and their movement, in very upper-air data (e.g. AMDAR). It noted that only a small short-range precipitation forecasting in detecting and and ever decreasing number of stations was still prOVid locating strong winds, wind shear and turbulence. ing wind-only observations. Due to a changed technol Weather radar information was also used in hydrological ogy most stations either provided full radiosonde data flood forecasting, in the protection against crop damage or refrained from any observation at 0600 and 1800 due to hailstorms by issuing early warnings, in road main UTe. In view of that assessment, the Association agreed tenance and as an input to nuclear accident fallout mod to the deletion of that requirement as a condition for els. The Assodation encouraged Members to enhance inclusion in the RBSN. exchange of radar data. The Association noted that there 4.2.9 The Association noted that a survey of the cur was a requirement to publish the Regional Radar Networks. rent state of automatic weather stations (A WS) reporting in a WWW operational publication and recommended in the Region. was carried out. Additional information that the Secretariat take steps to meet that requirement. GENERAL SUMMARY 9

COMPOSITE OBSERVING SYSTEM FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC Instruments and Methods of Observation (WMO-No. 8) had (COSNA) been published in both English and French while trans 4.2.13 The Association was informed of and noted the lation into the other languages concerned was well present state and future development of COSNA and advanced. plans to include COSNA in the EUMETNET Composite 4.2.17 The Association noted with appreciation that Observing System (EUCOS). The basic features of the France, the Russian Federation and Switzerland had COSNA Agreement were the commitment of Members hosted the intercomparisons and had provided the nec to coordinate and monitor the operational component essary assistance for their organization, their implemen of the COSNA which constituted their contributions in tation and the preparation of the results for publication. kind, to participate in activities of the Scientific 4.2.18 The Association recognized that regional and Evaluation Group for COSNA and to provide input to national radiation standards were verified against the the Coordination Group for COSNA (CGC) fund as vol World Radiation Reference at the Eighth WMO untary cash payments on a yearly basis. The focus of the International Pyrheliometer Comparison held at the Scientific Evaluation Group for COSNA was on the World Radiation Centre in Davos, Switzerland, in review of data reqUirements and design of COSNA in the September/October 1995 conjointly with a Regional light of impact and sensitivity studies carried out by Pyrheliometer Comparison of RA VI. The results were major NMCs and NWP groups in RA VI. It was noted published by the Swiss Meteorological Institute, Davos that the EUCOS would be a system using all available and Zurich, in 1996. The Association agreed on the need data sources as in COSNA and that the COSNA struc to organize a future regional pyrheliometer comparison. tures would be maintained until EUCOS was in place. 4.2.19 The Association appreciated the opportunity 4.2.14 The current focus ofthe CGC was on the opera for experts to participate in and contribute to the tional performance of the COSNA components: ASAP, Technical Conference (TECO-98) and the International data buoys, one weather ship, VOS and aircraft. Currently Exhibition of Meteorological Instruments Equipment there were approximately 15 ASAP units operating in the and Services (METEOREX-98), held in Casablanca, North Atlantic reporting at about SO per cent of the time Morocco in May 1998, following the twelfth session of depending on their travel schedule. The number of fixed the Commission for Instruments and Methods of ocean platforms and moored buoys operated by Canada, Observation (CIMO). It was underlined that such con the United Kingdom, the United States and the European ferences were valuable means for educational purposes. Group on Ocean Stations (EGOS) was about 100 in 1997. 4.2.20 The Association felt that the needs of NMHSs in A substantial number of VOSs contributed, in the order of the field of instrumentation were numerous and that 2 lOa, good quality surface observations per month over some additional efforts should be made to meet those the North Atlantic. CGC, in liaison with the AM DAR requirements. Particular attention should be paid to Panel, promoted automatic generation of aircraft meteo long-term stability, maintenance and repair, and calibra rological observations over the North Atlantic from sys tion of sensors and equipment as some of the necessary tems like AS DAR, AMDAR and ACARS. preconditions for enhancing the quality of observations. Members were therefore urged to regularly carry out HIGH-RESOLUTION AEROLOGICAL DATA IN THE BOUNDARY inspections of their networks of stations to ensure the LAYER correct functioning of instruments and their proper cali 4.2.15 The Association considered a proposal for bration according to the procedures contained in the extracting and exchanging high-resolution aerological Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of data in the boundary layer from radiosonde measure Observation. It was noted with appreciation that the ments. It was noted that the aerological data (tempera Regional Instrument Centre of RA VI, operated by ture, wind, humidity) could be easily made available at a Meteo-France in Trappes, did valuable work for the ben resolution of about SO m in the boundary layer from efit of Members in the above respect. Members were most radiosonde systems, and would be increasingly invited to take advantage of its services. useful not only for NWP models but also in other 4.2.21 The Association noted with great interest the rapidly developing fields such as nowcasting and some efforts of several European NMHSs to closely coordinate EUMETSAT satellite application facilities (SAFs). The their activities in the field of meteorological instru Association fully supported that initiative, and requested ments and methods of observation through EUMETNET its Working Group on Planning and Implementation of with the main objective of making work affordable and the WWW to develop the necessary arrangements and more cost-effective for the individual Services con procedures for the extraction, formatting (e.g. BUFR or cerned. It was appreciated that the planned activities in eREX) and exchange (GTS procedures) of those high that field were based on the existing WMO recommen resolution aero logical data in the boundary layer. CBS dations and guidelines and that results were intended to would be informed by the Chairman of the RA VI be made available to WMO, where applicable. Working Group of that initiative. 4.2.22 The Association also welcomed the appointment by CIMO of a Rapporteur on Capacity Building who was INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF OBSERVATION PROGRAMME expected to develop appropriate guidance for Members to 4.2.16 The Association noted with satisfacti()n that follow. To monitor and improve Members' activities related the sixth edition of the Guide to Meteorological to application of meteorological instruments within the 10 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Region, the Association agreed to nominate a Rapporteur on facsimile between NMCs and RTHs should be phased out Regional Aspects of Instrument Development, Related by the end of 1998 or arrangements made for support Training and Capacity Building and adopted Resolution 3 outside the framework of RMDCN. The remaining radio (XII-RAVI). facsimile broadcasts (e.g. Bracknell's GFA broadcast) used analogue facsimile because the maritime community still 4.3 TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM (agenda item 4.3) had a major dependency on that old technology. It may 4.3.1 The Association noted that the next session of take several more years until satellite broadcast tech CBS in 1998 was likely to recommend procedures for the niques for use by shipping rendered radio facsimile com use of IP (Internet Protocol) on the GTS. It was expected pletely obsolete. that IP would be used more and more, and in the longer 4.3.6 It was noted that the implementation of the term the use of X.25 was expected to be phased out. A proposed RMDCN would provide more flexibility with draft gUide on the use of the Transmission Control regard to the telecom plan in terms of connectivity Protocol (TCP)/IP on the GTS had been developed. between centres, and therefore would make easier to 4.3.2 The satellite-based data distribution systems adapt the plan to the needs of the user in a cost-effective RETIM, operated by France, and FAX-E, recently upgraded manner. The proposed RMDCN assumed in particular to 256KPS and operated by Germany, provided an efficient the separation between applications and underlying service as part of the GTS in Region VI. MDD, funded network, and would therefore facilitate the implemen through EUMETSAT was uplinked by France, Italy and the tation of new applications such as bilateral exchanges UK. The MDD service would be integrated into the Low Rate and accesses to databases. Information Transmission (LRIT) and High Rate 4.3.7 The Association noted with satisfaction that Information Transmission (HRIT) services on the particular attention was given to the need to upgrade METEOSAT Second Generation (MSG). All MDD receiving the GTS in the south-eastern part of Region VI. Some systems should be replaced by LRIT or HRIT receiving financial assistance has been received from France to systems during the transition period from 2001 to 2003. The install new telecommunication eqUipment in several United Kingdom had also introduced SADIS as a service on NMCs in that part of Region VI. The Association stressed behalf of the International Civil Aviation Organization the importance of the WMO support to that technical (ICAO), broadcasting WAFS and operational meteorological cooperation project. information (OPMEn data. SADIS had a two-way capability 4.3.8 The Association noted that five central that had but only very limited deployment; following the European countries were working on the Telecom recent agreement of ICAO, a much improved two-way capa munication Project, within the framework of the LACE bility would be developed during 1998/99. The United project, which was established in mid-1997. That pro Kingdom had offered some satellite broadcast capacity to ject required high-speed links (64/128/256 kbits per sec WMO (on the same system as carried SADIS) and a pilot ond, Frame Relay Service) among them and between project was being developed for Region II. LACE and Meteo-France, Toulouse for dissemination of 4.3.3 It was noted that some NMSs (e.g. Norway and GTS, OPMET and LACE data and products. the Russian Federation) also used satellite capacity for national purposes, taking advantage of spare capacity PROPOSED REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL DATA on satellite television distribution systems. Russian COMMUNICATION NETWOlU{ (RMDCN) satellite television was used, in a system called TV 4.3.9 The Association noted with satisfaction that the Inform-Meteo, to transfer hydrometeorological facsimi Steering Group on the RMDCN had completed the study le and digital information. phase of the RMDCN. In view of the considerable work 4.3.4 The Internet was increasingly used for non-real which had been successfully undertaken, the Association time eXChange of E-mail and files between GTS centres in expressed its appreciation and thanks to Mr M. Fischer, Region VI. Those centres which had not yet connected to Chairman of the Steering Group, Mr A. Mcllveen, RA VI the Internet were encouraged to consider that facility. Coordinator of the Sub-group on Regional Aspects of the Since the Internet could not in general provide an GTS, and all members of the Steering Group. It also assured level of performance in terms of reliability and expressed its appreciation for the cooperation and con throughput, its use for real-time operations was not rec tribution provided by the ECMWF. ConSidering the ommended, except when no other method was avail overlap between the RA VI meteorological data commu able. All centres needed to be aware of the security issues nication requirements and the ECMWF requirements involved in connecting to the Internet and should pro and noting that Member States of ECMWF were also tect against unauthorized access to their facilities. Members of RA VI, the Steering Group recommended a 4.3.5 The Association noted that the trend to phase common meteorological data communication network out analogue facsimile (usually exchanged within the to meet the combined requirements. Upon. the recom GTS as non-coded digital facsimile) in favour of coded mendation of the Steering Group, ECMWF was requested digital facsimile had continued. The proposed Regional to undertake the procurement, implementation and Meteorological Data Communication Network operational monitoring of such a network for all RA VI (RMDCN) would support traffic using X;25 or·IP Members. WMO, on. behalf of RAVI Members concerned protocol only, so analogue facsimile would not be sup- . and ECMWF,should arrange for a specific agreement ported by the RMDCN. Any remaining use of analogue with a view to making such an a<::tionpossible. GENERAL SUMMARY 11

4.3.10 The Association noted with appreciation that a needed to be provided, in October 1998 at the latest, WMO workshop on managed data communication net with the estimate of costs for their participation in the work services (March 1997, Vienna, Austria) was held to RMDCN. The Steering Group chairman and the observer assist RA VI Members in clarifying RMDCN aspects. The from ECMWF confirmed that the cost estimates would Association was pleased to note the large concurrence of be made available. The Association also emphasized that, RA VI Members to the Steering Group's recommendations, if any Member were not able to participate in the first and that its president had agreed that the Steering Group implementation of the RMDCN, it would be able to proceed with the next steps of the RMDCN project. It also join at a later date. The Association urged its Working noted with appreciation that terms of agreement for the Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW to RMDCN between WMO, on behalf of RA VI Members, and develop appropriate transition plans for RMTN circuits, ECMWF had been prepared through an extensive consul to ensure a continued efficient operation of the GTS in tation process, including their submission to all RA VI RA VI. The Association recognized that a number of Members in November 1997. The Association stressed that NMHSs in the Eastern part of the Region would need a that agreement between WMO and ECMWF was crucial to transition period to join the RMDCN, taking into ensure the integration of the RMDCN into the GTS. account their budget and current financial arrangements 4.3.11 The Association noted that the Steering Group for GTS circuits. The Association requested the Secretary on the RMDCN established the Contract Advisory General to organize appropriate coordination meetings, Committee (CAC) with the following membership: pOSSibly funded through cooperation assistance, to con (a) The RA VI coordinator of the Sub-Group on sider and develop transition arrangements with respect Regional Aspects of the GTS, plus three experts to technical aspects (circuits and eqUipment) and finan from other RTHs (two among them should come cial aspects (pOSSible transitional arrangements) in order from non-Member States of ECMWF); to facilitate the integration of those Members into the (b) Experts from two NMCs (one of which comes from RMDCN. a non-Member State of ECMWF); 4.3.15 The Association noted that seven countries (c) ECMWF; requested assistance (expert services, hardware and/or (d) Secretary: WMO Secretariat. software) for the implementation of the RMDCN: The CAC was chaired by the RA VI Coordinator on the Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Romania, Syrian Arab GTS. The CAC already met twice and undertook Republic, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, preparatory work for the Invitation to Tender, contrac and Ukraine. The Association noted with appreciation tual arrangements and further planning. that a coordinated project to assist the countries in 4.3.12 The Association took note that there was no implementing their connection to the RMDCN had provision in the WMO budget to support the activities been established within the activities of the Technical of the Steering Group and, by extension, of the CAC. Cooperation Programme of WMO. Within the coordi The funding of the CAC meetings would therefore nor nated project, all possible sources of funding should be mally be supported by the participant Members. explored, through the Voluntary Cooperation However, the Association felt that it would be very Programme (VCP), trust fund mechanisms and external important to facilitate the participation of countries of assistance (bilateral, European Union, etc.). The support the Eastern part of the Region and to support them if should focus on the initial implementation, primarily necessary. The Association expressed its appreciation for the equipment needed to take advantage of the connec the support to the Steering Group and CAC activities tion to the RMDCN (e.g. connection to internal systems which had been provided from the WMO budget, the including visualization on workstations). Noting the RMDCN trust fund and by the ECMWF. major impacts of the development of such a project on 4.3.13 The Association noted with satisfaction that the operation of the WWW at the centres concerned, the RMDCN project had entered its planning and imple the Association agreed to allocate to the coordinated mentation phase. The ECMWF issued the invitation to project the highest priority within the framework of the tender for the RMDCN on 6 March 1998 and potential technical cooperation activities related to the WWW in providers submitted their offers on 15 May 1998. The Region VI. The Association expressed its appreciation evaluation of the tenders would be carried out from and thanks for the funds already donated by the UK to June to September 1998, with a view to the Signature of the coordinated project. It invited its Members to the RMDCN contract in December 1998. The process of contribute to the coordinated project with a view to the evaluation of the tenders involved the participation facilitating the participation of all RA VI Members in of CAC members from "non-ECMWF" Members of the RMDCN. RA VI. The implementation of the RMDCN was planned 4.3.16 With respect to the implementation of the from May to August 1999. The RA VI Members which RMDCN, the Association noted that each RTH may have were not ECMWF Member States should formally con to manage a transitional period during which some GTS firm their participation and sign relevant agreements by centres in Region VI were connected via the RMDCN 31 March 1999, in order to participate in the initial and others by existing circuits. That had financial as implementation of the RMDCN. well as technical implications. Early consultation 4.3.14 The Association emphasized that, in order to among the GTS centres concerned was encouraged. It make the appropriate budgetary provisions, Members also noted that there was still a need for coordination 12 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI between ,GTS centres as regard changes to the plan and formal agreement of RA V at its forthcoming session. the use of X.25 or IP between centres. It agreed to The Association also emphasized that the design and encourage cost-sharing arrangements among Members organization of the MIN was a global responSibility of which would reflect their mutual interest in implement CBS. ing the RMDCN and discontinuing existing circuits. The 4.3.22 The Association, noting that the speed of trans Association requested the Secretary-General to consider mission on the circuit Offenbach-Zurich was upgraded the organization of a workshop on the RMDCN at the to 64 kbits/s, agreed on the proposal to delete the two earliest possible date and not later than January or early circuits Toulouse-Zurich and Rome-Zurich from the February 1999, in order to assist RA VI Members with Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Plan for the planning of their connection to the RMDCN. Region VI. 4.3.17 In view of the above, the Association adopted 4.3.23 The Association noted with interest a contribu Resolution 4 (XII-RA VI) - Regional Meteorological tion from Turkey describing the development of WWW Data Communication Network (RMDCN) with a view facilities at NMC Ankara, including bilatera.l arrange to: ments with some other NMCs for providing data a:ad (a) Ensuring the adequate agreement between WMO products. The Association· welcomed those develop and ECMWF for the coordination of the RMDCN ments, and emphasized that the RMDCN would largely according to WMO policy and procedures; facilitate the implementation of bilateral or multilateral (b) Ensuring the development of a transition plan -tor arrangements for the eXChange of data and products. RMIN circuits, as reqUired; The Association also noted the proposal that Ankara be (c) Fostering cooperation and assistance to facilitate deSignated as an RTH. In that respect, the Association participation of all RA VI Members in the RMDCN. emphasized that the organization of the flow of data With regard to the Steering Group on the RMDCN the and products in the Region, including the functions and Association noted that additional work still needed to responsibilities of RTHs, should be reviewed in the light be completed and decided to maintain the Steering of RMDCN capabilities, in coordination with CBS. Group by keeping in force Resolution 5 (XI-RA VI) (see also agenda item 15). 4.4 DATA-PROCESSING SYSTEM (agenda item 4.4) 4.4.1 The Association considered needs for new AMENDMENTS TO THE REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL RSMCs with geographical specialization in RA VI and TELECOMMUNICATION PLAN FOR REGION VI noted that the results of a survey showed that most 4.3.18 The Association, noting the recommendations Members considered that there was no requirement for of RA I, agreed that the supplementary interregional cir new RSMCs with geographical specialization. The cufts· Cairo-Damascus, which had not been implemented, Association agreed that since several meteorological should be deleted from the Regional Meteorological centres in the Region operationally ran global 'and Telecommunication Plan for Region VI. regional NWP models and disseminated their products 4.3.19 Given the importance of the exchange of data by using either GTS or satellite-based broadcasting sys between Regions VI and I, the eleventh session of tems, current reqUirements and functions could be Regional Association I (Gaborone, 1994) agreed to achieved by the enhancement of the existing RSMCs in include in the Regional Meteorological Telecommuni relevant parts of RA VI rather than by creation of a new cation Plan for Region I the circuit Toulouse-Nairobi as RSMC with geographical speCialization. an interregional Circuit and the circuits Madrid-Algiers 4.4.2 The Association considered support for GRIB and Toulouse-Tunis as supplementary interregional cir and BUFR and took note of the problem experienced by cuits, pending the endorsement by RA VI. Noting that Members in concurrent use of two successive editions of all those circuits were in operation, the Association GRIB (edition 0 and edition 1) and agreed to recommend endorsed the inclusion of the three interregional circuits that Members harmonize the practice and move as soon in the GTS. as possible towards GRIB edition 1. It also recommended 4.3.20 The eleventh session of Regional Association II that the Working Group on Data Management develop (Ulaanbaatar, 1996) approved the inclusion of the sup and adopt regulatory coding procedures, especially for plementary interregional circuit Moscow-Almaty sub the insertion of the grid description section. Specifically ject to the approval of RA VI. Noting that the circuit was Members should phase out all GRIB messages that did in operation, the Association approved the inclusion of not have an explicit grid description section, or that did the supplementary interregional circuit Moscow not use the latest version of the table for the identifica Almaty in the GTS. tion of parameters. The Association, also noting that 4.3.21 The Association also noted that the RA V users preferred to use the unique table of identification Working Group on the Planning and Implementation of of parameters, recommended that Members in the the WWW (Wellington, 9-13 February 1998) had rec Region use the latest version. ommended that the circuit Melbourne-Bracknell 4.4.3 The Association stressed the advantages, such (19.2 kbit/s, X.25 and TCP/IP) be included in the GTS as as reduction of volume of boundary condition data to an interregional Circuit, pending the endorsement of be disseminated. on the GTS and cosf-effectiveness of RA VI. The Association endorsed, the inclusion of .the joint operation of LAMs by several groups of Members circuit Melbourne-Bracknell in the GTS, pending the in Region VI. It noted that workstation versions of small GENERAL SUMMARY 13 domain LAMs were becoming attractive with the and performance through exchange of information, increase of computing power of workstations and there visits, joint training events and other means, but also fore RSMCs may be requested to make available such rel for a direct improvement of operational forecasting in evant model code and boundary condition data. specific weather situations through direct contacts or 4.4.4 The Association noted that there was a closer exchange of warnings. The main tool for exchange of cooperation in Europe for numerical weather prediction information was a newsletter (the European Forecaster) as a result of the establishment of the Short-range from which three issues were distributed. The group met Numerical Weather Prediction European Network three times and decided, inter alia, to implement an whose purpose was to coordinate the development work exchange of medium-range forecasts in the German lan in the area of short-range forecasting in Europe. guage for internal use by German-speaking countries 4.4.5 The Association was informed of the results of and to promote the exchange of severe weather warn activities of European informal working groups on oper ings between neighbouring Services. ational workstations (EGOWS), limited area modelling (EWGLAM) and on cooperation between European fore EXCHANGE AND COORDINATION OF HAZARDOUS WEATHER casters (WGCEF). INFORMATION BETWEEN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES 4.4.6 The Association noted that most of the 4.4.10 The Association, noting the CBS decision to keep Members were developing their own workstation sys the key role of NMSs as the official source of severe weather tems based on several agreed standards. Workstation warnings in their areas of responsibility, agreed that cooper functionalities developed in meteorological centres ative arrangements were recommended in the field of allowed visualization of a variety of information which development of methods and tools for issue of warnings. It assisted the forecasters in making decisions. However, was noted that some work in that area was in progress the production tools for generation of the final products within COST-78 (Nowcasting). Other areas of cooperation varied from centre to centre. It also appeared that the in that issue were addressed under the Public Weather exchange of modules of software was very difficult Services and Hydrology and Water Resources Programmes because of practical differences in operational applica (see items 7.1 and 8 respectively). tions in different countries. Thus there was no substan tial progress in the realization of common modules of 4.5 DATA MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING MATTERS RELATED software for the present generation of workstations. The TO CODES (agenda item 4.5)

Association was of the view that to facilitate exchange of DISTRIBUTED DATABASES (DDBs) software some common work in the Region could be undertaken for the development of the next generation 4.5.1 The Assodation noted that the survey on the avail of meteorological workstations, and encouraged NMCs ability and the use of DDBs in Region VI revealed that the in RA VI to consider and pursue that approach. number of information servers in the Region had grown 4.4.7 The Association noted that the activities of from six to 18 within one year. Whereas the implementa EWGLAM focused on research work towards 4-D varia tion of World Wide Web (W3) servers increased since tional data assimilation and moved towards sophisti autumn 1995, the number of anonymous File Transfer cated very fine mesh non-hydrostatic models. The group Protocol (FTP) sites had decreased. Anonymous FTP was had made proposals for common verification of surface often considered not feasible for security or accounting weather element forecasts given by LAMs. Those propos reasons. In Europe, only the WMO Secretariat was still offer als covered the list of stations, the scores, the format for ing a structured FTP service. Other FTP servers were used data to be exchanged and their dissemination. Ongoing mainly for the exchange of spedal datasets. W3 servers were efforts included optimization of model codes and their more suitable for the provision of information for the adaptation for both massive parallel processors on the public. one hand and for workstations on the others. 4.4.8 In view of the fact that several agencies organized EXCHANGE FORMATS AND CONVERSION BETWEEN FORMATS environmental emergency response (EER) exercises, the AND CODES Association felt that NMSs should seek a dialogue with the 4.5.2 The Association noted that the transition from national disaster mitigation agencies and inform them of character to binary data representation progressed in the WMO/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Region VI. The majority of the NMSs could receive and global EER arrangements and when such an exercise was interpret data or products encoded in GRIB or T4. announced, it was best for individual NMSs in the Region 'Regarding observations, exchange of data represented in to study the objectives of the exercise and determine their traditional character code forms still prevailed. A survey role, if any, in such exercises and inform the relevant on that subject showed that: agencies of WMO/Planned EER Exercises as well as NMSs (a) Satellite and tadar data were exchanged in BUFR. of neighbouring countries. Other observational data on the GTS were 4.4.9 The Association noted the activities of WGCEF exchanged in traditional character code forms; which was created in summer 1995 and was now sup (b) NMSs were in the process of switching to GRIB ported by 27 Members of the Region. The task of the instead of GRID for NWP products; group was to improve the cooperation between fore (c) The majority of NMSs had their own internal formats casters in order to increase their personal knowledge for input to models, graphics and internal exchange; 14 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

(d) At some centres, data received in character code implemented, should not apply to aeronautical messages, forms were converted to BUFR for storage; NWP five RA VI members (Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, products were stored in GRIS; Netherlands, Portugal) that started production of SVNOp (e) For conversion, most NMSs had developed their and TEMP messages using metres/second to report wind own software. The software packages developed at speed on 1 July 1996, were still using knots in the ECMWF (GRIBEX, BUFREX) were used at many aeronautical messages. Those countries reported that that centres; situation had not created any problems for their NMSs. (tJ The lack of up-to-date WMO information was a In RA VI, 28 Members were now using metre/second, problem in the past. Now, WMO publications and while 21 Members were still using knots. Regarding the SUFR Tables were accessible on the WMO Server; OLiMAi and/or CLiMAT tEMP messages, wind speed was (g) The non-conformity between actual data and reported using metres/second by, for example, Germany, description of data had been the cause of problems Finland, France, the Netherlands or Spain. As the CLiMAT especially with GRIB. code allowed to encode wind speed only up to 99.9 of the wind speed unit, the metre/second was a more suitable DATA REPRESENtATION AND CODE ISSUES unit than the knot. 4.5.3 The Association was concerned about the use of 4.5.7 The above described implementation of metre/ the current CLiMAT code. Although the situation in second could be characterized as the first successful step Region VI had improved substantially since 1995, some toward the realiZation of the XI-RA VI decision. From incorrect CLiMAT reports were still produced. Moreover/ the point of view of uniformity of the wind speed unit, two N'MSs in Region VI were still using the obsolete the current situation was far from being satisfactory. version of the code form in April 1997. The Association Some countries in Central and Eastern Europe used suggested that ideally the CREX code form shOUld be metre/second as the wind speed unit in all their mes conSidered in the future for a next required change sages, including the aeronautical ones. Some RA VI expanding further the CUMAT reports. The Association Members preferred to report Wind speed uSing knots in urged Members, in particular those using the obsolete all their messages, while others had implemented code form, to do their utmost to code correctly the metre/second only in some reports. CUMAT reports. 4.5.8 Considering the above-mentioned preference 4.5.4 The Association noted that as implementation of ICAO but nevertheless recognizing the desirability Of of automatic stations had progressed significantly in uniformity of the wind speed unit, the Association some countries, the need for standardization of the cri noted the Secretary-General's recommendation that m/s teria according to Which the particular phenomena were be maintained for all WMO codes with the exception of identified, in particular for phenomena such as present aeronautical codes. It further urged Members to imple weather and visibility, had become acute. The ment that recommendation. Association recommended that such user needs and the methods of meeting them should be discussed urgently MONiTOlUNG OF THE QUALITY OF SURFACE OBSERVATIONS at the global level in the CBS Working Group on Data 4.5.9 The quality of surface observations in Region VI Management, using input from the elMO Working had been monitored by RSMC Offenbach since 1 January Group on Surface Observations. 1993. During the period 1994:...19%, the number of sus pect stations decreased. The monitoring reports of RSMC UNITS OF WIND- SPEED Offenbach triggered the corrections of the elevation of 4.5.5 In accordance with Resolution 30 (Cg~V), the seven stations. The Association noted With satisfadion eleventh session of RA VI decided to implement the that monitoring of wind data could be envisaged in the SI-unit (metre/second) for reporting wind speed in future for stations situated in flat terrain. Region VI from 1 July 1996. As the implementation of the RA VI decision required coordination with other TIlE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM international organizations, the Secretary-General of 4.5.10 The Association· stressed that the problems WMO was requested to bring this decision to the atten· Which might occur with software, hardware and other tion of IeAO and of the International Maritime systems on the approach to and arrival of the Year were Organization (lMO). IMO indicated that either serious and noted with interest the steps taken by the metres/second or knots may be used, by national deci OK Meteorological Office. The ASSOCiation, taking into SiOll, for reporting wind speed in marine meteorological account the Executive Council's Resolution 5 (EC·XLIX) messages. ICAO, on the other hand, pointed out that ~ The Year 2000 Problem; invited NMSs to assure theIIl the RA VI decision to use only metres/second for report selves and inform the WMO Secretariat of efforts made ing wind speed was not compatible with operational so that the facilities supporting their functions were requirements relating to surface wind at aerodromes as year 2000 compliant. It was noted that the WMO contained in ICAO Annex 3/WMO Technical Regulations Secretariat was making readily available relevant infor (WMO-No. 49), (C.3.1) and the Manual on Codes mation to WMO Members through mail and on the (WMO-No. 306), Note (2) to paragraph IS.5.1. recently implemented "Year 2000 page'/ on the WMO 4.5.6 In conformity with the Secretary-General's Internet Server (http://www.wmo.ch) for direct access. recommendation that the RA VI decision, when The Association invited all Members to use the WWW

l______GENERAL SUMMARY 15

Operational Newsletter and WMO web site as vehicles observations and climate monitoring. The EPS pro for raising items of progress/common interest for the gramme would include three satellites of METOP type benefit of other WMO Members. planned for launch in 2003, 2007 and 2011 to provide for continuity of observations on the morning polar orbit, WWW SYSTEM SUPPORT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING beyond the current NOAA programme. Industrial activity OPERATIONAL INFORMATION SERVICE for the development of METOP had started, in anticipa 4.5.11 The Association was informed of the Secretariat's tion of full programme approval, which still reqUired restructuring efforts in the WWW Operational confirmation by a few EUMETSAT Member States in the Information Service. The restructuring involved a move coming months. The EPS system was expected to provide away from the International Computer Centre to com a major enhancement to the current polar missions, with plete production within the Secretariat and on-line access improved temperature sounding, global ozone monitor via Internet to files containing the information in the ing and ocean surface wind measurements. WWW operational publications and other related publi 4.6.3 The Association noted the opportunities for cations, in particular WMO-No. 9, Volumes A and C1, cooperation between Member States and non-Member and WMO-No. 47. The Association encouraged the use of States of EUMETSAT through the concept of machine readable copies of operational publications with "Cooperating State Agreement". well structured data content (such as could be achieved 4.6.4 The Association further noted that several using formats such as SGML or XML). By the use of well other WMO Members and satellite operating agencies structured machine readable documents, savings would had plans for future operational satellite missions. These result in printing and mailing costs. are recorded in paragraphs 4.1.8 to 4.1.12. 4.5.12 The Association agreed that that database would greatly improve the efficiency and timeliness of 4.7 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVITIES (agenda item 4.7) accessing the data by Members. As regards WMO-No. 9, The Association recorded its consideration of Volume C1 (Catalogue of Meteorological Bulletins), the emergency response activities in paragraphs 4.1.16, Association agreed that the RTHs and the Secretariat 4.2.11 and 4.4.8 above. should cooperate closely in collection of data from Members in conformity with the decision of CBS-XI, S. WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME - REGIONAL and that the Secretariat would continue to distribute the ASPECTS (agenda item 5) compiled Catalogue in printed version, as well as via the 5.1 COORDINATION OF CLIMATE-RELATED ACTIVITIES Internet and diskettes. (agenda item 5.1) 5.1.1 The Association noted with satisfaction that 4.6 WMO SATELLITE ACTIVITIES (agenda item 4.6) governing bodies of organizations, which were partners 4.6.1 The Association noted that the EUMETSAT pro in the development of the Climate Agenda, had gramme for the METEOSAT Second Generation (MSG) expressed their general support for the Climate Agenda provided for launch of the first satellite (MSG-1) by the and had initiated activities under its four thrusts. Those end of 2000. Two follow-on satellites (MSG-2 and MSG- four thrusts were related to research, applications, 3) were planned to be launched in the years 2002 and impacts and observations. 2007 respectively, in order to ensure 12 years of opera 5.1.2 The Association was informed of the second tions. The 12-channel imager with IS-minute repeat session of the Inter-Agency Committee on the Climate cycle would deliver about 15 times more information Agenda (IACCA) (16-17 April 1998). In particular, the than the current METEOSAT. That would be transmitted Association noted the consideration being given by through the fully digital LRIT and HRIT standards which agencies to the staging of a Third World Climate would replace the current WEFAX, high-resolution Conference in the time frame of 2001-2003. The image (HRI) and MDD transmissions. The attention of Association looked forward to receiving the full report all users was drawn to the need to prepare the transfer of the IACCA session and expressed the wish to see a of their operations from METEOSAT to MSG receiving clear expression of its advice on targets and priorities. systems in due time before the termination of 5.1.3 The Association noted the report from the METEOSAT operations. An overlap period of three years twelfth session· of the Commission for Climatology was foreseen, from 2001 to 2003, however, subject to a (CCI), and was pleased to note that a task team had been satisfactory status of both satellites. The Association established "to help clarify those aspects of WMO urged its Working Group on Planning and Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) pertaining to the international Implementation of the WWW and the Secretary exchange of climate data". It noted that the range of General to identify possible difficulties in replacing data and products under consideration included: METEOSAT receiving systems, and to coordinate appro • Station metadataj priate advice and support, where reqUired. • Climate data from stations other than those rec 4.6.2 The Association noted that the EUMETSAT ommended by regional associations, as defined in Polar System (EPS) would be the European component of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII), Annex 1, paragraph Sj a jOint European/USA polar satellite system, referred to as • Data already exported from original databases the Initial]oint Polar System (UPS) aimed at meeting the before the adoption of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) and objectives of continuous global meteorological now also held in other databasesj 16 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

• Archival urban and environmental data; Predictability (CLIVAR) Working Group on Climate • Archival cryospheric, ecological and "proxy" cli Change Detection was near completion and that a meet mate data; ing of a Task Group on Indices was planned to be held • Data from special observing periods (e.g. field at the Hadley Centre in the UK Meteorological Office in experiments); early September 1998. Noting that a number of experts • Normals and other statistical derivations from from the Region were actively involved in the working regional association stations and other stations; group and in the development of climate change • Climate analyses and forecasts covering any period indices, the Association urged the development of including manual; and indices on temperature and extreme events, such as the • Model products and grid point data. occurrence of floods, drought and extra tropical It was furthermore noted that the application of the cyclones. legal treaty between the Parties to the United Nations 5.2.2 The Association noted that, based on com Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ments from 32 Members in the Region, a total of 109 with respect to data and products was also relevant to stations had been chosen by deSignated experts in the the deliberations of. the task team. The Association final selection process for inclusion in the GCOS Surface agreed that international exchange of climate data to Network (GSN). It further noted that an additional 10 the largest possible extent was necessary for climate stations remained on a stand-by list pending confirma research. In that respect, limitations should be consid tion by six Member countries, including those who did ered acceptable only in cases of serious harm to the not provide initial comments. The Association urged commercial activities of NMSs. The Association would Members to cooperate in ensuring that the historical look forward to receiving advice from the Task Team. data sets, including metadata, at World Data Centres 5.1.4 The Association noted that the president of CCI (WDCs) A and B for Meteorology included both surface had recommended to the Executive Council an alterna data from GSN stations and upper-air data from GCOS tive mechanism for providing advice on the scientific Upper-air Network (GUAN) stations. It also urged coop and technical activities in the World Climate eration in not only the GTS distribution of CLiMAT mes Applications and Services Programme (WCASP) and the sages from GSN stations, but all stations deSignated in World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme Volume A of WMO-No. 9 for distribution of CLiMAT and (WCDMP). It noted that inter-Commission issues would CLiMAT TEMP messages. The Association welcomed the be deliberated at the Meetings of the Presidents for initiative to analyze the recent results of monitoring the Technical Commissions and that issues related to inter distribution of CLiMAT and CLiMAT TEMP messages agency collaboration would be considered within the transmitted over the GTS and urged centres to introduce framework of the Climate Agenda. The Association procedures for the real-time monitoring of the quality of noted that the necessary coordination would be facilitat the data in those messages. Further, the Association ed by inviting the president of .CCI to participate in the urged Members to ensure that the proper code was used deliberations of IACCA and that the main responsibility in providing those observations. The Association for providing scientific and technical advice on activities requested CCI to coordinate closely with the Working in WCASP and WCDMP would be given to the CCI Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW Advisory Working Group, considering that eCI had been in RA VI and CBS to ensure proper use of infrastructures deSignated as the lead Commission for those pro and monitoring for both programmes. grammes. Those proposals would be considered by EC-L. 5.1.5 The Association was pleased to note the expe CLIMATE SYSTEM MONITORING PROJECT diency with which the CCI Advisory Working Group 5.2.3 The Association noted the difficulties in pro and the WMO Secretariat had begun to implement the ducing the Climate System Monitoring (CSM) Monthly recommendations of CC1-XII, especially with respect to Bulletin in a timely fashion and supported the plans to the CLIPS. CCI and its members were contributing cease its publication, encouraging instead the use of actively to a range of CLIPS activities such as the orga alternative means of distribution of near-real-time CSM nization of expert meetings, special factcfinding mis information, including making available an electronic sions to Member countries, capacity building and train version of the bulletin for those Members having access ing events, development of pilot projects, as well as the to the World Wide Web through the Internet. In that preparation of an action plan for CLIPS. regard, the Association agreed with the CCI Advisory Working Group's recommendation that high priority be 5.2 WORLD CLIMATE DATA AND MONITORING given to ensuring that allWMO Members had World PROGRAMME (WCDMP) (agenda item 5.2) Wide Web access. CLIMATE CHANGE DETECTION PROJECT 5.2.4 The Association noted that the Sixth edition of 5.2.1· The Association noted with appreciation the The Global Climate System Review (WMO-No. 856) had report of Mr G. Gruza (Russian Federation), the been published in May 1998 and contained significant Rapporteur on Climate Monitoring and Prediction and input from the Region. In view of the amount of time, . Climate Change Detection Research. The Association effort and resources that would be needed during the' also noted that the designation of rapporteurs to serve next two years to produce a publication on the climate on the new Joint eCl/Climate Variability and o.f the 20th century, the Association endorsed the GENERAL SUMMARY 17 recommendation of the CCI Advisory Working Group advanced than CLICOM. It further noted that following that the next Global Climate System Review cover the the recommendations of the Toulouse meeting and five-year period from June 1996 through May 2001. CCl-XII, a Task Team, including experts from the Czech 5.2.5 The Association noted the continued annual Republic, Finland, France, and the Russian Federation, publication of a Region VI Climate Bulletin since the was being formed within the CCI Working Group on first edition covering the year 1994, and expressed its Climate Data to pursue the implementation of that evo appreciation to Germany and the European Climate lutionary development. The Association encouraged Support Network for their support. The Association Members to maintain and build their existing CLICOM urged other Members to contribute to the cost and/or databases because any development of more advanced preparation of the bulletin and expressed its hope that, software would be designed to accommodate databases in the future, it could be published earlier in the year. created with CLICOM 3.0 and 3.1 software. In the light Furthermore, the Association noted with appreciation of those developments, the Association recommended the offer of the German Meteorological Service to pub that CLICOM hardware upgrades should continue to be lish a special edition of the RA VI Bulletin concerning provided to WMO Members, including the latest climate issues of the 20th century in Europe and invited versions of desktop PCs, software and peripheral equip Members to contribute. ment that could be readily adapted to operating any 5.2.6 The Association was informed of the status of new climate database management software. the WMO initiative to produce a publication oil the 5.2.9 The Association noted that the total number of climate of the 20th century and noted that a prospectus data set descriptions in the World Climate Data had been published and distributed to WMO Members, Information Referral Service (INFOCLIMA) inventory potential publishers and authors. The Association now exceeded 1 250, with reference data held by over endorsed the proposal to subsidize the cost so that a 300 centres, 105 of which were located in RA VI. The sufficient number of copies of the 230-odd page Association noted the progress made in making informa publication could be made available to developing tion that was contained in the INFOCLIMA database cat countries and recommended that it be produced at the alogue of climate system data sets available through the highest possible level of quality. The Association WMO Web site on the Internet. It also welcomed the expressed its appreciation to the Netherlands for its offer collaboration with the Joint Global Climate Observing to contribute to the publication of that document and System/Global Ocean Observing System/Global requested that every effort be made to ensure that the Terrestrial Observing System (GCOS/GOOS/GTOS) Data publications on the global and European perspectives of Management and Information Panel, which would climate in 20th century were complementary to each ensure that appropriate linkages were made and that other. there was no duplication of effort. In that regard, the Association noted the Report of the RA VI Rapporteur on CLICOM AND INFOCLIMA PROJECTS Regional Aspects of GCOS. It urged continued integra 5.2.7 The Association noted that the total number of tion of GCOS and WCDMP activities such as responding countries that had installed the Climate Computing to the needs of the UNFCCC, maintaining the GSN and (CLICOM) software now exceeded 130, with 30 of them GUAN, and the registering and referencing of significant in RA VI. It further noted with appreciation that nearly climate data sets. one third of those had been recent CLICOM installa 5.2.10 Concerning the "Year 2000 Problem", the tions in the Newly Independent States (NIS), thanks pri Association noted that one of the eCI Rapporteurs on marily to VCP contributions from the United Kingdom, International Exchange of Climate Data and Products France and training expertise provided by the Russian had been deSignated to work with similarly deSignated Federation. The Association expressed its appreciation CBS rapporteurs as a World ClimatePrograme (WCP) to the United Kingdom for providing the equipment to coordinator and focal point for year 2000 questions fol establish a CLICOM Area Support Centre for the NIS at lowing the terms of -reference developed by the CBS Obninsk, near Moscow, inaugurated in connection with experts. It urged that Members be aware of the possible a CLICOM/CLIPS training seminar in May 1998. The effect of the problem on the management of climate Association also noted with satisfaction that experts databases and the production of climate-related prod from the Russian Federation and France had been very ucts and services. active in the development of an enhanced version of the CLICOM software (version 3.1) and had hosted a meet DEVELOPMENT OF CLIMATE DATABASES PROJECT ing of experts in Moscow, in May 1998, to finalize it. 5.2.11 The Association noted that the USA National The Association urged its Members to take full advan Climatic Data' Center (NCDC) had ceased printing the tage of the enhanced version of the software which was publication "Monthly Climatic Data for the World" and scheduled to be released late in 1998. instead made the information available on the Web. 5.2.8 The Association noted that a number of experts The Association was satisfied that arrangements had from the Region were among a group of experts who been made with the German Meteorological Service met in Toulouse in May 1997 to begin a review of cli (DWD) to assist those WMO Members who needed mate database management systems that could meet the information from those publications, but could not needs of WMO Members requiring a system more access them from the Web. It was furthermore noted 18 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI that DWD had also offered to assist the WMO (ARCHISS) project (jointly sponsored by WMO, the Secretariat in informing NCDC, other major climate United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural centres and WMO Members of new normals values as Organization (UNESCO) and the International Council they became available. The Association noted with sat on Archives), especially during the last two years when isfaction the publication of the edition "Volume 2 - valuable instrumental climate data were found in the Europe" of the World Weather Records for the national archives of Cuba and Mexico. It welcomed the 1981-1990 period. It further noted that NCDC was not continued financial support being provided by the USA intending to print volumes for the 1991-2000 period, and Canada and urged close consultation with the but rather make the information available on the Web. research community in addressing specifically identified 5.2.12 The Association noted with satisfaction that data requirements. NCDC had published a CD-ROM containing data pro vided by WMO Members for publication in 5.3 WORLD CLIMATE ApPLICATIONS AND SERVICES Climatological Normals (CLINO) for the Period 1961-1990 PROGRAMME (WCASP) (agenda item 5.3) (WMO-No. 847). The Association agreed that after the 5.3.1 The Association noted the progress made under WMO Secretariat issued its accumulated additions and the WCASP and emphasized the importance of further corrections to the Normals publication, any future development of that programme, particularly in respect changes or additions would be made available only from to the CLIPS project in close cooperation with NMHSs in the digital database at NCDC. the Region. It appreCiated that an important aspect of 5.2.13 The Association noted with satisfaction that a the WCASP was to provide assistance to Members in CD-ROM containing gridded global surface temperature building their capacity to interact with various sectoral data sets had recently been made available in users, including the organization of training workshops Hierarchic::al Data Format through a joint cooperative and sequences of roving seminars, using seconded effort involving the UK Meteorological Office, the experts and the provision of specialized guidance mate Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Jet rial and to promote the application of cost/benefit Propulsion Laboratory of NASA. The Association wel analyses related to climate services in various sectors. comed plans to distribute copies of that version and a The Association stressed that a major task was the devel DOS formatted version to all WMO Members when the opment of methodologies to assess the effects of cli latter became available. mate, its variability and potential change on various socio-economic activities. It agreed that, while special ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS TO IMPROVE THE CLIMATE DATA focus- should be on sectors, such as food production, MANAGEMENT PROJECT water resources management, energy, land use plan 5.2.14 The Association noted that, following the ses ning, urban and building development, the value of sions of CCl-XU and the Cel Advisory Working Group, CLIPS products to decision-making in many other sec there had been a conceited effort to complete and pub tors, as well as to the general public, needed to be stud lish a document that would provide comprehensive ied further, especially the means of disseminating and guidance on. the preservation and management of cli providing that information as part of operational mete mate data with particular emphasis on the needs of orological services. The Association noted in particular developing countries. It urged that work on that docu the increasing' capabilities being offered by computer ment proceed rapidly in a form that would maximize its ized' Geographical Information -System packages for a value in the preparation .of the new Guide to wide variety of climate applications and hence for the ClimatofogicatPractices (WMO-No. 100). development of new climate services. 5.2.15 In noting that funding support from Belgium for 5.3'.2 The Association noted that CLIPS should P11O the Data Rescue project in Africa (DARE I) was terminat vide support to development of new methods and tech ed in 1997; the Association expressed its appreciation to niques in response to user needs and requirements for Belgium for a' truly significant contribution that had climate information, knowledge and services. It noted resulted in the rescue of nearly five million climate data that that should include development of the capability documents on microfilm. It noted that a DARE I support to provide sector-specifk climate prediction products, function had been officially established at the African methods for reaching Consensus Climate Outlooks and Centre of Meteorological Applications -for Development related guidance material. The Association noted that (ACMAD) in December 1997 and that ACMAD staff had the structure of the CLIPS project included training, been trained in the use of the DARE I microfilm equip pilot and demonstration projects, liaison with reseatch ment. It noted with satisfaction that a skeletal programmes and networking. It noted with satisfaction International Data Rescue Coordination function was that various options of coordination between the being maintained by the Royal Meteorological Institute advanced global and -regional centres which had, or of Belgium in Brussels. The Association encouraged sup were experimenting with, the development of an opera port to ACMAD in an effort to train staff of NMHSs in tional seasonal prediction capability were explored. It Africa in the digitization of the millions of records that further noted that major points for discussion included had been rescued on microfilm and microfiche. the respective roles of the WMO Secretariat and the' 5.2.16 The Association noted the recent progress made major climate prediction centres of its Member coun in implementing the Archival Climate History Survey tries in responding to climate crises, the lessons learned GENERAL SUMMARY 19 through the retrospective on the 1997-1998 EI Nino give recognition to the NMHSs as primary voices of event and an appropriate global framework for opera operational climate information and prediction services tional climate information and prediction services. The in their countries. Association emphasized the importance of monitoring 5.3.7 The Association noted that several developments and diagnostic products in addition to prediction ser in the area of Urban and Building Climatology had been vices. The Association was informed of the activities of in focus in the last few years, including the United Nations ECMWF in making available a selection of seasonal fore (UN) Conference on Human Settlement (HABITAT II) in cast products for the tropical belt on a trial basis during Istanbul, Turkey, and the International Conference on the 1997-1998 EI Nino event. Urban Climates in Essen, Germany, both held in June 5.3.3 The Association recalled that Cg-XII empha 1996. It noted the planning for the International sized the need for joint CLIPS activities with the research Conference on Urban Climates (ICUC'99), to be held programmes, particularly WCRP, and it was noted with jointly with the Intemational Congress on Biometeo satisfaction that the research community was involved rology (ICB'99) in Sydney, Australia, in November 1999. in both the development and the implementation of the The Association noted with satisfaction that various CLIPS project. In particular, it was noted that that inte aspects of bioclimatology, especially as it related to human gral role, including researchers in connection with the health under varying climatic conditions, were empha Climate Outlook Fora, was seen as instrumental in build sized in the development of climate information and pre ing capacity among the NMHSs. It recognized the role diction services. It was also pleased to note the coopera those fora had played in connection with the monitor tion between WMO and the World Health Organization ing and prediction of the 1997-1998 EI Nino events and (WHO) in the development of special "Show Case recommended that such fora should be considered in the Projects" with focused on the development of warning Region in the future, as appropriate. systems for heatwaves and other extreme weather events. 5.3.4 The Association noted with appreciation the The Association urged its Members to consider organizing initiative of Germany to organize a workshop in similar activities in the Region. Offenbach in June 1998 on the identification of relevant CLIPS activities in Europe (EuroCLIPS). The Association 5.4 WORLD CLIMATE IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND decided that CLIPS would provide a good focus for its RESPONSE STRATEGIES PROGRAMME (WCIRP) activities during the intersessional period and accord (agenda item 5.4) ingly adopted Resolution 5 (XII-RA VI). The Association was informed of activities by the 5.3.5 The Association noted with satisfaction that Unlted Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in the the CLIPS project gave priority to the issues related to implementation of the WCIRP. Of particular note were: closer interaction with the potential users of climate ser • Inventories of sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, vices and that was considered an important component including one RA VI country, Poland; in developing climate services. As interaction with the • Development of a handbook on methods for assess users formed an important component of the capacity ing climate impacts and response strategies; building efforts of the CLIPS project, Members were • Management of a range of Global Environment urged to give particular attention to strengthening their Facility (GEF) projects in developing countries related interactions with users. Members were also encouraged to the mitigation of climate change; to undertake new studies of the socio-economic and • Hosting with the United States and the Netherlands environmental benefits from climate services, taking of an International Workshop in Costa Rica in March care to address the value of information on climate to 1998 related to the country studies programmes, the decision maker, and to quantify the actual or poten addressing both adaptation and mitigation response tial value of applying the information, especially at the options for climate change. market sector on regional or national levels. It was con sidered important to involve the users in the assessment 5.5 WORLD CLIMATE RESEARCH PROGRAMME of economic benefits. The Association noted that those (WCRP) AND DEVELOPMENTS IN CLIMATE issues were highlighted in a report prepared by RESEARCH IN RA VI (agenda item 5.5) Mr J. M. Nicholls (United Kingdom) for the CLIPS pro 5.5.1 Members of the Association continued to par ject on "Economic and Social Benefits of Climatological ticipate actively in many components of the WCRP, in Information and Services: A Review of Existing particular major climate modelling efforts in several Assessments", WCASP No. 38. countries. It was noted that the reanalysis of global 5.3.6 The Association was pleased to note that WMO atmospheriC data for the fifteen-year period (1979- 1993) had provided leadership in several task forces related to prepared by ECMWF was also of great value for climate the EI Nino phenomenon, noting the relevance in the studies, as well as for a wide range of other atmospheric contexts of seasonal to interannual climate variability diagnostic investigations. The Association was informed and inter-agency coordination. The Association of plans for a second reanalysis at ECMWF for a forty emphasized the importance of exploiting those year period (1958-1997) building on the experience of opportunities to enhance interaction between the the first reanalysis and employing a three-dimensional climate research and user communities. That would variational assiInilation system. It wasestimated that the demonstrate the social and economic benefits, as well as reanalysis would be completed in 2001. 20 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

5.5.2 The Association was impressed by the progress 5.6 GLOBAL CLIMATE OBSERVING SYSTEM (GCOS) made in the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (agenda item 5.6) (WOCE). It urged Members participating in WOCE to 5.6.1 The Association noted with appreciation the examine whether additional resources could be found to progress report on the Global Climate Observing contribute to the jOint effort of analysing and interpret System. The Association supported both the priorities ing WOCE data. and the approach taken by the Joint Scientific and 5.5.3 The Association recognized the importance of Technical Committee QSTC) in developing its plans. global climatological data sets being produced in the Members agreed to continue to participate actively in Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) the planning and implementation activities of the pro based on merging in situ measurements and satellite gramme, and to establish points of contact or national observations. The Association was pleased with the groups to effect closer communications between the implementation of the Baltic Sea Experiment (BALTEX), programme and their national activities. a European contribution to GEWEX,' noting that the 5.6.2 The Association expressed appreciation for the GEWEX continental-scale projects were designed so that efforts of GCOS and the relevanttechnical eommissions their results could be transferred to other similar geo in designing the two atmospheriC networks: the GCOS graphic regions of the world. It asked Members to con Upper-Air Network (GUAN) and: the GCOS Surface sider the provision of further support to GEWEX activi Network (GSN). Noting the outcome of an Expert ties. In that regard, the Association was informed of the Meeting of CBS and CCI on the selection of GSN sta plans by Israel to install in 1999 a Background Surface tions which took place at KNMI, De Bilt (Netherlands) Radiation Network station representative of arid zone in June 1997, the Association agreed to provide support climates. for the observations and product developments based 5.5.4 The Association expressed particular interest in on the recommended stations. The Association encour the development of the world Climate Variability and aged the GCOS programme to continue to identify addi Predictability (CLIV AR) research study which would build tional reqUirements, noting particularly the need for on the success of the WCRP Tropical Ocean and Global precipitation and atmospheriC eonstituents. Atmosphere Programme (TOGA) and WOCE to extend 5.6.3 The Association welcomed the report of the understanding of climate variability on seasonal to Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of GCOS. In particular, decadal times cales and further strengthen the scientific it noted the recommendation for the establishment of basis for practical climate prediction. The Association rec further network requirements to address areas such as ommended that its Members create national CLIVAR air pollution and human health. The Association also programmes (or relevant national programmes) that endorsed the recommendation that RA VI Members would contribute to CLIV AR. It also urged Members to should support the plans of GCOS and identify candi participate in the International CLIV AR Conference date stations especially for climate change detection in which would be held from 1-3 December 1998 at the Region. . UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. The Association 5.6.4 The Association took note of the important role was especially appreciative of the coordination activity that GCOS had taken in cooperation with GOOS and under EuroCLIV AR to assist researchers working on GTOS with regard to the observing requirements and WCRP CLIVAR initiatives and to recommend future the assessment of current capabilities for the UN European CLlV AR projects. The Association welcomed a Framework Convention on Climate Change, and agreed recent report entitled "Climate Variability and to pursue national efforts to develop an effective' sys Predictability Research in Europe, 1999-2004", which tematic programme to meet the Convention needs. The summarized current EuroCLIV A.R recommendations. Association also took note of the contribution of 5,.5.5 The Association noted the WCRP polar climate EuroGOOS to GOOS. research activities. It recommended that Members con 5.6.5 The Association noted the GCOS plans to tinued assistance for the Arctic Climate System Study develop regional fora to discuss the observing networks, (ACSYS) and assisted in provision and/or deployment of and agreed to support them as appropriate. ice-resisting drifting buoys and/or upward-looking sonars in the Antarctic Sea-Ice Zone, in order to better define meteorological and sea-ice conditions and to 6. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENT understand large-scale air/sea-ice/ocean interactions in PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS the Antarctic, as well as its influence on global climate (agenda item 6) variability and change. 6.1 GLOBAL ATMOSPHERE WATCH (GAW) 5.5.6 The Association asked Members to continue (agenda item 6;1) assistance for the Stratospheric Processes and their Role in Climate (SPARC) project. In particular, it recognized 6.1.1 For many years the ever-increasing awareness of the support provided' to the SP ARC GRIPS (General a number of global environmental issues had been given Circulation Model (GCM) Reality Intercomparison priority attention by WMO. Those issues were addressed Project) initiative by those Members which participated through the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW), which" in the EuroGRIPS project of the European Commission was strongly supported by Members of the Association. and encouraged them to strengthen such activity. The result of the prominent role being played by GAW GENERAL SUMMARY 21 was that WMO and all its Members were receiving and processes. Members were encouraged to support greater recognition than ever before as being the author that aspect of GA W wherever possible. itative scientific voice within the United Nations system 6.1.5 The Association viewed with interest the infor concerning the state and behaviour of the Earth's atmos mation provided concerning GA W's role in urban envi phere and its climate. There was now increasing accep ronment. Taking a larger role in that area was not only tance, both by governments and within the scientific responSive to the needs of many developing countries, community at large, that GA W was an essential tool not but also recognized the fact that management of urban only for monitoring the evolution of atmospheric com environment reqUired special attention and that NMHSs position, but also for improving the understanding of its had an essential role to play in that context. It was real interaction with all aspects of the environment. ized that while many NMHSs were already contributing 6.1.2 The Association expressed satisfaction in learn in valuable ways to that area, they could expect to play ing that its Members, through GA W, had made signifi a larger role in the future. The expanded role would take cant contributions to activities concerning monitoring different paths in different countries, but would include of stratospheric ozone depletion. Their GA W ozone and the traditional activities related to meteorological and ozonesonde stations had provided the basic data and hydrological monitoring, forecasting and modelling, as many of the several hundred experts involved in the well as activities relating to monitoring and modelling seven major ozone assessments prepared to date came of air and water quality. Within that context, Members from Member countries in the Region. Through that, of RA VI were urged to support the international coor there had been highly significant advances in the under dination role of WMO GA W in environmental issues standing of the impact of human activities on the which would become more extensive and complex. Earth's stratospheric ozone layer and the influence of 6.1.6 The Association noted that a new Urban the changes in chemical composition on the radiative Environment Meteorological Research programme was balance of the climate system. Another assessment, proposed by the twelfth session of the Commission for where Members' GA W data were used exclusively, was Atmospheric Sciences (Skopje, 23 February to 3 March that of Global Acid Deposition. The magnitude, the 1998) which was to be established within CAS activities geographical distribution and the temporal changes in and strongly associated with GA Wand part of the activ acid deposition in all regions of the globe for which data ities of the EC Panel of Experts/CAS Working Group on were available were examined. In that assessment, it was Environmental Pollution and Atmospheric Chemistry. noted, however, that a scarcity of data existed outside of The Commission had furthermore recommended that Europe and North America. an ad hoc expert group be established to prepare a pro 6.1.3 The Association noted that the success of GAW gramme for submission to Cg-XIII. Those actions were depended to a great extent on close interaction with the strongly supported by the Association. atmospheric science community both within and out 6.1.7 The Association accepted the proposal of side of national Meteorological Services. While the focal Norway to establish a GA W rapporteur as outlined in point for GA W was the Executive Council Panel of Resolution 6 (XII-RA VI). When discussing the consider Experts/Commission for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) able involvement of Members of the Association in GA W Working Group on Environmental Pollution and activities it was felt that the interests of the Association Atmospheric Chemistry, there was substantial collabo could best be represented by the appointment of a ration between the WMO GA Wand the WMO technical rapporteur and therefore Resolution 6 (XII-RA VI) was commissions and international organizations and pro adopted. grammes such as UNEP, the International Ozone Commission (International Association of Meteorology REpORT OF THE RAPPORTEUR ON ATMOSPHERIC OZONE and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS)/International 6.1.8 The Association expressed its appreciation to Council for Science (ICSU)), the International Global the rapporteur, Mr Hans Claude (Germany), for the Atmospheric Chemistry Project (IGAC) and a large num informative report which he provided concerning ozone ber of lAMAS activities that focused on atmospheric and ozone related activities in the Region. Referring to chemistry and climate. In addition, WMO GAW closely the report, the Association noted with concern that collaborated with WHO in pollution-related matters, stratospheric ozone had continued to decline and values with IAEA in matters such as isotope analysis of atmos had been very low over the past four years, especially pheric trace gases and the forecasting of the transport of during the winter/spring season over Europe and Siberia radioactive trace gases in the atmosphere following a (except 1998), reaching minus 3S per cent of the 1970 nuclear accident, and with the Cooperative Programme values over the Polar region. for the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Longcrange 6.1.9 It was also noted that recent research indicated Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP) in the that the changes in the ozone layer could contribute to long-range transport of pollutants. lower stratospheric cooling. A stronger and colder vor 6.1.4 The Association also noted that GAW was a tex was expected to lead to more Polar Stratospheric major component of GCOS being developed to provide Clouds and thus to enhancement of chemical ozone comprehensive information on the total climate system, depletion by anthropogenic chlorine at least until the involving a multi-disciplinary range of atmospheric, chlorine loading of the stratosphere stayed above oceanic, hydrological, cryospheric and biotic properties 3 ppbv in the next decade or two, before the loading was 22 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI reduced substantially as a result of the measures taken tropospheric ozone measurements. However, there were under the Montreal Protocol. only two or three stations where regular measurements were made (e.g. Hohenpeissenberg, Haute Provence) and RA VI OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES it was highly desirable that all stations that had that 6.1.10 In the Region there were about 50 active total capability provided more regular measurements. ozone monitoring stations, most of which submitted their data to the World Ozone and Ultra-violet Data NORTHERN LATITUDE RESEARCH CAMPAIGNS Centre (W03UDC) in Toronto for unrestricted use in 6.1.14 The rapporteur informed the Association scientific studies. Total ozone data from RA VI ground that for the last few years the European Community had stations and the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer been funding a series of programmes like the European (TOMS), SBUV/2and occasional TIROS Operational Arctic Stratospheric Ozone Experiment _ (EASOE), Vertical Sounder (TOVS) satellite instrument observa European Stratospheric Monitoring Stations (ESMOS), tions were made available in near-real-time to the WMO and Second European Stratospheric Arctic and Mid lati Daily Ozone Mapping Centre at the University of tude Experiment (SESAME), which had mostly focused Thessaloniki (Greece), where maps of the Northern on investigating the causes of stratospheric ozone loss Hemisphere total ozone distribution were produced and during the Winter-spring season. Already a fairly good made widely available during the Winter-spring period. understanding of the dramatic ozone losses occurring in For the last three years, the European Global Ozone the polar vortex had been achieved. MonItoring Experiment (GOME) instrument on the ERS II satellite had also been producing global ozone distrib WMO SPONSORED INTERCALmRATIONS ution maps, however, they were completed only once 6.1.15 The rapporteur also indicated that in the last 20 every three days. Those were available without charge years, through jOint efforts by the International Ozone from DLR-DFD (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft-und Commission and the WMO Secretariat, a number of Raumfahrt eV/German Aerospace Centre) in Germany. total ozone instrument as well as ozone sonde field inter 6.1.11 The ASSOciation realized that the quite dense comparisons were held at different locations network of approximately 25 ozone sounding stations (Hohenpeissenberg 1978, Potsdam 1979, Arosa 1986, in RA VI could possibly be an important source of Potsdam 1988, Arosa 1990, Bradec Kralove 1993, Izafia information on the vertical ozone distribution. That was 1994). The last major Regional Dobson intercomparison particularly tmefor the troposphere and lower strato was held at Arosa (Switzerland) in 1995. Another inter sphere, where satellite measurements continued to be comparison especially for East European Dobson sta problematic. ECC-ozonesondes were in wide use. Most tions was held at Kalavr-yta (Greece) in JUly/August important for trend assessments, however, were the near 1997. They confirmed a very high level of calibration 30-year time series acqUired with Brewer/Mast sondes at and technical improvements of the Dobson instruments Uccle (Belgium), Payerne (Switzerland) and Hohenpeis operating in RA Vii however, it must be stated that a senberg (Germany). Unfortunately, in s_piteof the small number of instruments were detected during each wealth of vertical ozone distribution data that could be intercomparison which needed intensive maintenance. available, much was withheld for years and was not Absolute calibration of the Dobsons located in being submitted to the W03UDC in Toronto. Hcihenpeissenbe~g and HradecKralove was necessary in 6.1.12 The Association recognized that the failure to order to facilitate intercomparisons inRA VI. submit those essential ozone profile data for archiving Intercomparisons should also be organized for Brewer and use for scientific analyses contravened individual and filter ozonometersat appropriate locations. country commitments to the Vienna Convention for 6.1.16 The Association realized, in view of the the Protection of the Ozone Layer where, in Article 3, observed trends, that data and instrument validation alinea 30£ the Convention, it was stipulated: played an important role in ozone trend assessment. "3. The Parties undertake to cooperate, directly Only data of high and wen-defined quality could be the and through competent international bodies, basisofsuch studies. For Dobson spectrophotometers, 'it in ensuring the collection, validation and therefore strongly supported the continuIty of nearly 40 transmission of research and observational years of tradition where the IntemationalOzone data through appropriate world data centres in Commission provided guidance and encourag.ed a regular and timely fashion. II Members in accordance with the call of the WMO Only 'Some members 'had regularly submitted to ,:the Ex.ecutiveCouncil to ,participate in systematic data re WOiUDC in Toronto. The Association urged tbat that evaluations and instrument comparisons to ensure that situation hecor:tected forthwith. Failure to submit data th.eneedsof Member countries and the accuracy ·of also hindered optimal research use of ozone profile data GAW ozone data wer.e satisfied. Exch.ange of operational to improve NWP systems. experience between Brewer operators was also encour 6.1.13 It was noted that there was an increasing aged and the need of support for filter ozonometer cali number of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and bration by the Main Geophysical Observatory,St microwave instruments for highly precise ozone Petersburg was strongly emphaSized. measurements in the upper stratosphere. The LIDAR 6.1.17 The most recent ozonesonde field intercom instruments, especially, were gaining importance also for parison took place at Vanscoy (Canada) in 1991. The GENERAL SUMMARY 23 different types of ozonesondes such as ECC, Brewer/Mast, in WMO World Ozone Data Centres against com Indian type Brewer/Mast and the Japanese KC-sonde mercial users. instruments were compared. The results yielded infor 6.1.22 A related important issue, the Association real mation about sonde performance and the reliability and ized, was the current proliferation of ozone data hubs comparability of trend analyses. It was recommended outside of the WMO W03UDC in Toronto (e.g. that besides regular repetitions of laboratory intercom ozonesonde data at NILU and SPARe). The different parison campaigns like the Julich Ozonsonde data hubs may contain different versions of partially Intercomparison Experiment GOSIE), another field cam overlapping data most of which never reached the paign with a reference system like a LIDAR should be W03UDC. It was considered essential that every effort organized in the near future. be made to avoid that situation and to ensure that all total and vertical distribution ozone data were timely FUTURE available in the best version possible at the well estab 6.1.18 The Association noted planned European lished WMO W03UDC and surface ozone to the new spaceflight activities included enhanced ozone measure WMO Data Centre in NILU. ment capabilities. The SCIAMACHY instrument, 6.1.23 Considering the foregOing, the Association providing high-resolution vertical ozone profiles, was decided to re-appoint a Rapporteur on Atmospheric scheduled for launch on the ENVISAT satellite in 1999. Ozone and adopted Resolution 7 (XII-RA VI). 6.1.19 Plans for upgrades of NWP models at several weather prediction centres included the processing of 6.2 WEATHER PREDICTION RESEARCH PROGRAMMES stratospheric ozone. Assimilation in real-time of total (agenda item 6.2) and vertically resolved ozone data in those models was 6.2.1 Appreciation was expressed for the information expected to improve medium-range forecasts by provid provided concerning the establishment of the World ing better analysis of stratospheric winds as well as bet Weather Research Programme (WWRP) which, upon ter analyses and forecasts of the 3-D ozone field. That approval by Cg-XIII, would replace the existing Weather was an important step towards Europe-wide UV fore Prediction Research Programmes. The Association con casts, but including ozone in NWP may also help to sidered it was both timely and necessary to establish the improve the medium-range weather forecast skill. proposed international programme to develop improved and cost-effective techniques for forecasting DATA SUBMISSION AND DATA POLICY high-impact weather and to promote their application 6.1.20 Increasing pressure to commercialize weather among Members. service related data had lead to considerable debate on 6.2.2 The Association noted the information provided data policy. The Association recalled that maintaining concerning activities in the programmes on Very Short and enhancing the exchange of meteorological and and Short-range Weather Prediction Research and related data and products among WMO Members to sus Medium- and Long-range Weather Prediction Research. tain their WMO programme activities was considered In particular, major workshops and expert meetings the major issue to be resolved while recognizing the were organized, some hosted by Members in the Region, reqUirement by some Members that their NMSs initiat where advances in research on relevant subjects were ed or increased their commercial activities. Accordingly presented and opportunities were provided for interac Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) - WMO Policy and Practice for tion between research scientists and operational fore the Exchange of Meteorological and Related Data and casters, as well as comparison of forecasts with different Products Including Guidelines on Relationships in models. Commercial Meteorological Activities was adopted. Subsequently the forty-ninth session of the Executive 6.3 TROPICAL METEOROLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAMME Council Gune 1997) agreed that a set of general princi (agenda item 6.3) ples should be developed which were consistent with While primarily of relevance to tropical coun Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) and reviewed a preliminary set of tries, many contributions had been made to that pro such guidelines for WMO World Data Centres. gramme by experts and advanced meteorological cen 6.1.21 Considering the foregoing, the Association rec tres within the Region. During the past two years work ommended that: shops had been held on monsoons, limited area model (a) The Members ensured that ozone data were timely ling and tropical-extratropical interaction where (within a month) submitted to the authorized Association Members' experts participated. WMO World Data Centres (total and vertical in Torontoj surface ozone at the Norwegian Institute 6.4 PROGRAMME ON THE PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF for Air Research (NILU) in Oslo)j CLOUDS AND WEATHER MODIFICATION RESEARCH (b) Ozone data were available on a free and unrestricted (agenda item 6.4) basis for use by the broad scientific communityj 6.4.1 Satisfaction was expressed at the continued contri (c) WMO Data Centres in Toronto and Oslo ensured butions of Members to that major WMO ProgrJlmme. Not the protection of the interests of data producers, only did their experts participate in the expert meetings, while maintaining unrestricted data availability for workshops and conferences organized, some had hosted scientific use and at the same time safeguarded data those events. Members were encouraged to maintain their 24 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

contributions to that activity. The Association noted that The Association urged its Members to assist in that detailed description of the experiments and research carried endeavour by responding positively when called upon out, of the basic guidelines used and of the results achieved, to provide such information. could be of interest to the Members of the Region and 7.1.5 The Association was pleased to note that as a requested the Secretariat to collect and distribute it as a response to the concerns expressed by the Executive weather modification report. Council and CBS regarding the proliferation of weather 6.4.2 The Association also noted the proposal by The forecasts from different sources in the media and, in par Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to act as a focal ticular, international television broadcasts by satellite, pOint to organize workshops for RA VI members on the discussions had been held with producers and dissemi topic of hail suppression. nators of those forecasts with a view to agreeing on a "best practice". Concern still existed with international 7. ApPLICATIONS OF METEOROLOGY media practices, given that they had the capability of PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS global dissemination of weather forecasts which typi (agenda item 7) cally originated from centres remote from areas where 7.1 PUBLIC WEATHER SERVICES PROGRAMME severe weather was actually occurring, which may con (agenda item 7.1) flict with warnings and forecasts from responsible 7.1.1 The Association was pleased that the develop NMSs. The Association agreed that WMO, through the ment of the Public Weather Services (PWS) Programme PWS Programme, should continue to actively pursue had progressed successfully and that optimum use had that issue in order to arrive at a solution agreeable to all been made of the modest resources available to the pro concerned. gramme. 7.1.6 The Association was pleased to note that edu 7.1.2 The Association was informed that CBS-XI cation and training activities had been given high prior (Cairo, October-November 1996) had established an ity under the PWS Programme to help build Members' open working group on PWS with a rapporteur from capacity to provide effective services to the public. In each regional association as core members of the group. order to ensure optimum use of the resources available, Mr Donald Wernly (United States) was appOinted as training workshops and seminars had been organized in chair of the working group. It further noted with appre collaboration and coordination with other relevant ciation the participation ·of Mr W. Kusch (Germany) WMO Programmes on a regional basis. The Association who had been deSignated by the president of RA VI to expressed satisfaction that a training seminar on PWS serve as the Regional Rapporteur on PWS for RA VI. had been planned to be organized in RA VI in 1998. 7.1.3 The Association noted with satisfaction that 7.1.7 The Association agreed that the issue of coordi the publication of the preliminary Guide to Public nation and exchange of information on hazardous Weather Services Practices (WMO-No. 834) in July 1996 weather conditions in the overall context of the role of was the successful culmination of the work undertaken public weather services in support of disaster preven with the assistance ofagroup of experts, within the tion, preparedness and response was of vital impor PWS Programme to implement one of its primary objec tance. Very often dangerous weather was not limited to tives. Work was in progress to develop the publication one country only. It was therefore necessary that the ihto. a complete Guide, which would provide an essential activities of the neighbouring NMHSs as regards issuing component of the PWS Programme. Members were warnings were coordinated. As. a minimum; it was desir urged to provide examples of national PWS practices for able that information be given out after issuing awarn inclusion in the Guide. A questionnaire, on PWS prac ing - either in coded fmID using WAFOR or in plain tices of Members had been developed and: distributed' in language. However, mutual consultations, by telephone 1997. The results of the analysis of the questionnaire; or video conferences, before issuing warnings may be which WOUld' be used in preparing the expanded Guide, more advantageous. Harmonization 0f thresholdS and would provide valuable information on the current state criteria for exchange of warnings between countries of PWS programmes of Memoers and identify areas within geographic zones, while not restricting in any where assistance was required with further development way the criteria used by NMHSs fm internal warnings of the PWS Programme, both at national' and interna within their own areas of responsibility, could be of par" tional levels. The results of the questionnaire analyses ticular importance in providing advance warnings espe- would be presented to the next session of CBS . cially in the case of catastrophic events of such magni (CBS-Ext.98). tude as to reqUire international relief efforts. The session 7.1.4, The Association noted with appreciation that was informed that such an arrangement had been estab actions had been taken within the PWS Programme as lished by Germany and Switzerland for the Lake . regards provision of meteorological' and hydrological Constance area. The Association noted the recommen information in support of the UN humanitarian and dations of the third session of the Working Group on relief missions. The Secretariat, through the PWS Planning and Implementation of the WWW in RA VI Programme, had worked closely with the UN (Geneva, May 1997) on that issue and agreed that cer Department of Humanitarian Affairs, to assist with the tain steps could be taken to promote other cooperative proVision of information on weather conditions for . arrangements in the Regi0n to improve such C0ordina relief operations in cases of natural and similar disasters. tion and exchange. GENERAL SUMMARY 2S

7.1.8 As part of such arrangements, the Association media; addressing the issue of exchange of warnings of considered that during severe weather events, besides severe weather among neighbouring countries; observations from one's own country, in most cases the improved relations and better coordination between knowledge of the data from the neighbouring states NMSs, disaster coordinators, the media and the private was necessary to monitor the weather situation. It there sector; gUidance material on verification of public fore fore encouraged Members to make arrangements with casts; guidance material for improving the presentation the neighbouring NMHSs to exchange during severe of warnings and forecasts through various media, deal weather events in addition to the RBSN data, all other ing especially with language problems in multilingual surface and upper-air observations, including data from countries; procedures for issuing guidelines for extra satellites, radar and lightning detection systems. The tropical storms similar to approaches adopted in the remote-sensing data could be particularly important Tropical Cyclone Programme; providing guidance mate during severe weather caused by convective activities. In rial to NMSs for preparing environmental information RA VI the WAREP code had been in use for bilateral or such as air pollution, UV and ozone levels for inclusion multilateral exchange of data on dangerous weather in public weather bulletins; enhanced public under phenomena, and the Association urged Members to use standing of meteorology and weather forecasting the SYNOP group 9SpSpSpSp for regional exchange of especially for use in schools and other educational such data. The Association also encouraged the use of institutions; and further PWS training events such as the outputs of the NWP models in addition to the care regional workshops and seminars. ful diagnosis of the latest surface and upper-air analyses, in order to issue warnings well in advance of the severe 7.2 AGRICULTURAL METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME phenomena. Those models provided direct forecasts of (agenda item 7.2) many hazardous phenomena such as strong winds and 7.2.1 The Association complimented the Secretary heavy precipitation, and in addition allowed the esti General and the Commission for Agricultural mation of the intensity of convective activity, which Meteorology (CAgM) for the progress made in the field were responsible for the most dangerous weather phe of agricultural meteorology, including the publication nomena such as hailstorms and tornadoes, but which of a large number of technical notes and CAgM reports. were not directly simulated by the hydrostatic models 7.2.2 The Association noted with appreciation the now in operational use. The Association noted with theme adopted by the· Commission, "Operational interest that non-hydrostatic models covering Europe agrometeorology for sustainable environmentally were going to be introduced by the United Kingdom friendly and economically-viable agricultural produc and Germany in order to improve the predictions of tion" and stressed the need to increase the awareness of small-scale convective phenomena. The Association fur the users, to improve the quality and quantity of ther encouraged Members who operated RSMCs to products and to reduce losses due to pests and diseases, enlarge the scope of output of those Centres beyond the transport and storage of produce. The Association fur basic analyses and forecasts to include all information ther noted that the twelfth session of CAgM would be possible in support of issuing warnings by NMHSs held in 1999 and urged Members to send delegations to including information related to floods, avalanches and the session. landslides. 7.2.3 The Association noted with satisfaction that 7.1.9 The Association noted with appreciation the some training events were held in the Region and that information provided by Spain, and the progress made others were held in other Regions with the support of on the cooperative programme to deal with hazardous Members of the Association. It strongly supported the conditions in the Mediterranean area, and the intention continued organization of such events, for the benefit of of Spain to present, jointly with France, a detailed pro the participants from the Region, especially those from posed programme focused on: countries of Eastern and Central Europe with economies (a) Improvement of observations in cooperation with in transition. In that respect the Association also noted EUCOS; with appreCiation the continuation and development of (b) Training courses among Members of the area; activity at the RMTC in Italy (Institute of Agrometeo (c) Regular exchange of experiences and consultations rology and Environmental Analysis for Agriculture among members of the area; (IATA)/component), noting further that a workshop on (d) Coordination of research programmes in support of computer science and remote sensing in agrometeo . forecast and warning techniques. rology would take place in Florence (30 November- 7.1.10 The Association agreed that there was a strong 10 December 1998). need for contined coordination and assistance to 7.2.4 The Association noted the WMO activities on Members in further developing their national PWS pro desertification and urged Members to participate actively grammes and dealing with emerging issues with increas in the implementation of the United Nations ingly international dimensions. Areas of work that Convention to Combat Desertification. The Association required further attention and study were: the use of the requested the Secretary-General to provide appropriate Internet as a means of communication with the media guidelines to Members in that regard. The Association and as a tool to disseminate public warnings and fore further urged Members to benefit from the support by casts; effective cooperation with major international the Global Environment Facility for projects in that area. 26 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

7.2.5 The Association noted that a meeting of the RA VI complimented the London World Area Forecast Centre Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology was held in (W AFC) for achieving, in particular, the computer gen Budapest, Hungary, in December 1997. The Association eration of high-level SIGWX charts in digital facsimile complimented the chairman and the members of the To4 for all ICAO regions and standard areas and for the working group for the activities carried out and for the positive results obtained from the series of trials con final technical report. The Association recommended that ducted for the generation, transmission and decoding of the report be published by WMO and widely distributed. high-level SIGWX forecasts in the BUFR code. The The Association agreed that in order to coordinate better Association noted with satisfaction the handover of the actions. of different international and regional groups responsibility of the Frankfurt, Toulouse, London and working on agrometeorology in Europe, it would be useful Moscow Regional Area Forecast Centres (RAFCs) to the to organize an International Workshop on Agrometeo London WAFC effective from January 1997 and the rological Research and Applications in Europe. The ongoing implementation of transition plans for the Association requested the WMO Secretariat to examine the transfer of responsibility of RAFCs in Africa and Asia to possibility of organizing such a workshop in coordination the London WAFC. with other interested agencies. 7.3.3 The Association congratulated the UK 7.2.6 The Association agreed that a wider use of auto Meteorological Office for having conducted four annual matic weather stations would significantly enhance the UK/WMO Seminars on the Application and benefits of applying current knowledge in operational Interpretation of NWP Products in Aviation in the agricultural meteorology. In addition, the data from intersessional period attended by operational forecasters those networks were of immense value for research and from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The ses the development of new applicatiOns. The Association sion noted with appreciation that a WMO Workshop on alSo. noted that organiC agriculture was becoming more Cost Recovery of meteorological service provided to avi widespread throughout the Region and that more atten ation had been conducted for participants from Eastern tion would need to be given to its special needs, espe and Central Europe in Prague, Czech Republic, in cially with respect to microclimates. November 1997, that a Workshop on Volcanic Ash, 7.2.7 The Association agreed that the application of organized by France and co-sponsored by WMO, had meteorology to agriculture continued to be of high been held in Toulouse, France, in May 1998, and that importance to the Region. Hence, the activities of the there was a proposed seminar on public weather fore Working Group on Agricultural Meteorology should be casting and WAFS Product Applications to be sponsored continued taking into account the developments in the by WMO and hosted by the Czech Republic in Prague Region, such as increased awareness, especially in many from 1-5 June 1998. developed countries, of the importance of the quality of agricultural products and the increased concern with 7.4 MARINE METEOROLOGY AND ASSOCIATED the pollution of water and air resources. The Association OCEANOGRAPHIC ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME therefore re-established a Working Group on (agenda item 704) Agricultural Meteorology with renewed terms of refer 7.4.1 The Association noted with interest that ence. In that connection, the Association adopted Twelfth Congress had approved the Marine Resolution 8 (XII-RA VI). Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities Programme as part of the Fourth WMO Long-term Plan 7.3 AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME· (4LTP). That programme provided overall objectives as (agenda item 7.3) well as detailed guidelines for Members, regional associ 7.3.1 The session noted with satisfaction that the ations and WMO in that field. global coverage of WAFS satellite broadcasts had been 7.4.2 With regard to the implementation of marine achieved and that the SADIS covering Europe, Africa, meteorological services, specifically in Region VI, the the Middle-East and the western part of Asia which had Association noted with appreciation the report of the one-way capability became operational in 1995; The ses Rapporteur on Regional Marine Meteorological Services, sion was informed that SADIS up-links included global MrC.J. W. Dekker (Netherlands). Actions taken on var WAFS gridded upper-wind and temperature forecasts in ious points raised in that report were recorded in subse GHIB format, selected upper-wind and temperature and quent paragraphs. The Association agreed that the fur significant weather (SIGWX) forecast charts in To4 fac ther development of marine meteorological services,· simile format for all ICAOregions, as well as OPMET together with marine observing systems in the Region, information, namely TAFs, METARs/SPECls, special particularly in the light of the opinions of Cg-XII on the AIREPs and SIGMETs. The session noted that SADIS was matter, should be an ongoing activity. It therefore delivering WAFS data in X.25 format at 64 kb/s. The decided to appoint a rapporteur and adopted Resolution Association also noted that several Members were also 9 (XII-RA VI). distributing additional alphanumeric and graphical products as well as advisories on tropical cyclones and MARINE METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC SERVICES volcanic ash in support of international aviation. 7.4.3 The Association recalled that the new WMO 7.3.2 The Association welcomed the significant marine broadcast system under the Global Maritime advances made in the implementation of the WAFS and Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) (forming a part of GENERAL SUMMARY 27 the International Convention for the Safety of Life at explanations for changes developed. Finally, the Sea (SOLAS)) had been implemented, as planned, as Association noted the importance of the project, and of from 1 January 1992. Details of the system were formally the final report, for other small and semi-enclosed seas in adopted by the eleventh session of the Commission for the Region characterized by intense human activity. Marine Meteorology (CMM) and approved by the forty fifth session of the Executive Council as part of the SYSTEMS FOR MARINE OBSERVATIONS AND DATA COLLECTION Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. SS8). 7.4.7 The Association noted with appreciation that, The Association noted with satisfaction that full meteo following the agreement of Eleventh Congress that WMO rological services through SafetyNET for the three would cooperate with IOC in the development of the Metareas covering the Region had been operational for Global Ocean Observing System, WMO was now a full co some time. It also noted the progress made in the estab sponsor of GOOS, along with ICSU, IOC and UNEP. lishment of coordinated NA VTEX services on a non 7.4.8 The Association shared the view of Cg-XII that commercial basis for the Baltic Sea region, and the development and implementation of GOOS was of expressed its appreciation to the CMM rapporteur, Mr considerable importance to WMO and to NMSs, in view M. Ziemianski (Poland) and his contact group for their of the need for enhanced ocean data to support meteo excellent work. It was agreed that such coordination rological and oceanographic services and global climate should be expanded to other parts of RA VI such as the studies, and also because of their existing experience Mediterranean, the European side of the Atlantic, and and facilities in that field. It was noted that many the English Channel. At the same time, it recognized the Members of RA VI had already made significant contri need to continually review all those services, including butions through the development of EuroGOOS. The in particular the views of users, and therefore urged Association therefore adopted Resolution 10 (XII-RA VI) Members in the Region operating VOS to participate on the subject. actively in the various marine meteorological services 7.4.9 The Association agreed that the WMO VOS, the monitoring exercises being undertaken. Integrated Global Ocean Services System (IGOSS) ships 7.4.4 The Association noted with interest that a new, of-opportunity (SOO), the IGOSS sea-level programme, globally coordinated Marine Pollution Emergency the ASAP programme aIld ocean data buoys and oceano Response Support System (MPERSS) had been adopted graphic satellites formed key components of both exist by CMM-XI and, with the approval of EC-XLV, imple ing and future ocean observing systems and contributed mented on a trial basis as from 1 January 1994. The directly to GOOS and GCOS. It therefore agreed on the Association urged Members with agreed responsibilities importance of continued support by Members of the under the MPERSS to make every effort to contribute to Association for those activities. The Association in par the trials, to report the results of those trials to CMM, ticular recognized that there was still a significant spar and also to participate in the Seminar/Workshop on sity of data over the Atlantic Ocean area and strongly MPERSS in Townsville, Australia, in July 1998. urged its Members to: 7.4.5 The Association noted with appreciation that (a) Recruit more ships to the VOS programme, the Marine Climatological Summaries Scheme (MCSS), improve data quality and timeliness, strengthen the Global Digital Sea-Ice Data Bank (GDSIDB) and the their Port Meteorological Officers' (PMO) networks, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)/ and participate where possible in the ASAP pro WMO Global Temperature Salinity Profile Programme gramme and the work of the ASAP Coordinating (GTSPP) were all being continually developed to meet Committee; requirements for various types of marine climate data to (b) PartiCipate whenever possible in the implementa support global climate studies, GCOS and the provision tion and long-term maintenance of the operational of marine services. It therefore urged Members concerned IGOSS SOO programme plan; in the Region to participate actively in those projects. (c) Develop and operate drifting buoy programmes in data-sparse ocean areas; and participate in the work REpORTS OF THE REGIONAL RAPPORTEURS of the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) and its 7.4.6 The Association expressed its considerable regiQnal action groups such as EGOS and the appreciation to the rapporteur on the climate of the Baltic International South Atlantic Buoy Programme Sea Basin, Mr M. Mietus (Poland), and to all the NMSs (ISABP). participating in the project, which had been both suc 7.4.10 The Association noted that the satellite system of cessful and also very valuable. It accepted with thanks the the International Maritime Satellite Organization final project report, and requested the Secretary-General (INMARSAn as well as being a key element in the GMDSS to make arrangements for its publication in an appropri and, thus, in the new WMO marine broadcast system, was ate form. It further requested those national Services also now the primary means for transmitting meteorolOgi which had participated in the project to prepare, during cal and oceanographic reports from the WMO/VOS and the year 2001 and for a set of stations (10-lS from those IGOSS/SOO from ship to shore. The Association agreed that included in the core project) located on the coast, a set of continuing efforts were reqUired to ensure that the most effi climatological statistics for the period 1991-2000. Any cient and cost -effective use was made of INMARSAT, for the significant differences between characteristics for benefit of all Members. It therefore decided to keep in force 1961-1990 and 1991-2000 should be determined and Resolution 11 (XI-RA VI) on the subject. 28 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

PROGRAMME SUPPORT ACTIVITIES H.]. Liebscher (Germany) 7.4.11 The Association agreed that specialized semi E. Bogdanowicz (Poland) nars, workshops and similar events were of considerable A. L. Seixal-Palma (Portugal) value to Members involved in the operation of marine A. Mestre (Spain) observing systems and in the provision of marine ser M. Spreafico (Switzerland) vices, and should be continued. It requested its Short-range hydrological P. Serban (Romania) Members to consider the possibilities for hosting and forecasting in catchments Ms P. Ricicova otherwise supporting such activities in the future. with modified regimes (Czech Republic) 7.4.12 The Association noted with appreciation Operational hydrological M. Spreafico (Switzerland) that a number of experts from the Region had partici reference basins (OHRB) pated in two international workshops on numerical Sediment transport B. Minarik (Slovakia) wave analysis and forecasting (Boulderj Colorado, Ms Z. Buzas (Hungary) United States,. November 1995 and Miami, United M. Spreafico (Switzerland) States, April-May 1997). It further reeognlzed the value 8.1.3 With particular reference to the above-men to members of CMM of the full day of SCientific lectures, tioned report on the "use of meteorological radars for on the theme of marine pollution, which had taken hydrology and water resources" which evaluated the place at CMM-XII (Havana, March 1997). progress since 1993, the Association noted the condu~ 7.4.13 Finally, the Association recalled that 1998 sion that radar networks and coverage had unquestion was the International Year of the Ocean, and urged all ably improved but that the practices were not unified. It its Members to take an active part in celebrations of the further noted that a number of current hydrology pro year (including EXPO'98 in Lisbon), as a means of fur jects were being supported under the European Union's ther promoting and publicizing the involvement of Fourth Framework Climate and Environment NMSs in marine activities. Programme that addressed weather radar/hydrology issues. The meeting was informed that the recent 8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES International Radar Hydrology Symposium, in its discus PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS sion seSSion, had noted that radar hydrology user (agenda item 8) reqUirements had not advanced in some areas because 8.1 HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES the specification of such reqUirements were complex, PROGRAMME (HWRP) (agenda item 8.1) due to the varying nature of hydrological catchments. It 8.1.1 The Association was pleased to note that, in was felt that in such cases a holistic approach which general, the needs of Members of the Region in hydro defined reqUirements in terms of the end product logy and water resources were adequately reflected in reqUired by the user, rather that in terms of a rainfall the priority activities of WMO given in the Fourth accuracy before input to the hydrological model, would WMO Long-term Plan (4LTP). It appreCiated that addi be more appropriate. In some areas, such as the applica tional proposals made by its Working Group on tion of radar to real-time urban drainage systems, the Hydrology (WGH) were taken into account in preparing user reqUirements had significantly evolved. the draft of the Fifth WMO Long-term Plan (SLTP). 8.1.4 The Association was pleased to note that its 8.1.2 The Association noted with appreciation the WGH had made significant inputs to the activities with report of the acting chairman of the WGH, Mr F. Nobilis in the Operational Hydrology Programme (OHP) and (Austria). It noted the progress made in carrying out that the group's activities were well coordinated with studies on aspects of particular concern to Members those of the Commission for Hydrology (CHy). It fur through its rapporteurs and co-rapporteurs, who had ther noted that the WGH at its last s.ession in Helsinki, been given specific aSSignments. In particular, it noted Finland (October 1997), having considered its work dur with interest the technical reports on: ing the present intersessional period and the needs of the Region in operational hydrology, had identified 11 Title Rapporteur(s)/subgroups areas for future activities to be undertaken. Fbr some of Hydrological networks V. VugIinsky (RUSSian those areas, the WGH also had recommended that the Federation) outputs may not necessarily be in the form of a report. P. Sercl (Czech Republic) The Association endorsed the future programme of work T. Gunther (Germany) proposed by the WGH, which largely conformed to the A. Tollan (Norway) 4LTP, and included it in the terms of reference of the Weatherradar data for F. Helloco (France) group contained in Resolution 11 (XU-RA VI). hydrology and water J. L. Cheze (France) 8.1.5 On the basis of the recommendations by the resour.CeS C. Medier (France) WGH and taking into account the decision of Cg-XII Water quality monitoring, T. Moth-Iversen (Denmark) and the recommendations of CHy-X, the Association forecasting and control adopted Resolution 11 (XII-RA VI) re-establishing the Regional aspects of HOMS ]. Hladny (Czech Republic) working group open to all the Members of the Region, A. Rodriguez-Fonta (Spain) with rapporteurs, who would undertake specific work on Climate and water M. Puupponen (Finland) different aspects of the group's terms of reference. With E. Kuusisto (Finland) . respect to the group's membership, the Association GENERAL SUMMARY 29 requested its Members to ensure that their national 8.1.9 The Association noted that CHy, having Hydrological Services (NHSs) and national reviewed the objectives and the existing elements of the Hydrometeorological Services (NHMSs) were duly 4LTP for the HWRP, had suggested two additional sets represented. It also invited Members to promptly of activities for the period 2000-2009, covered by the nominate the WGH members, in order to avoid delays SLTP. Those two new components were: "Application of in the initiation of the activities of the group. It further Hydrology for Sustainable Development and Protection recommended that at least one session of the working of Areas under Stress", and "Capacity Building". As group be arranged during the next intersessional period requested by EC-XLIX, those had been included in the and that financial assistance be provided by WMO so programme and budget proposed for the next inter that the core rapporteurs could attend that session. sessional period, to be considered by Cg-XIII. 8.1.6 In accordance with Regulation 167 of the General Regulations, the Association deSignated its CHy AND REGIONAL ACTIVITIES Regional Hydrological Adviser (RHA) by Resolution 11 8.1.10 The Association noted with appreciation the (XII-RA VI). It agreed that the RHA should adopt an number of Members of the Region which were repre active role in coordinating the technical and policy sented at the last session of CHy, as well as the number input of the hydrological bodies of Members with, of experts from the Region nominated by CHy-X in the where applicable, the help of the Hydrological Advisers working groups. CHy-X had also considered ways and (HAs) to the Permanent Representatives of Members of means for RAs WGH to assist in the tasks of the RA VI. In that context, it noted that 33 HAs to Commission. The Association further noted that the Permanent Representatives had been appOinted in terms of reference of the vice-president of the RA VI, and that there were 23 combined NMHSs. The Commission included regional affairs and liaison with Association urged its Members which had as yet not des the RAs WGH. In addition, there were a number of ignated an HA to consider doing so. future projects of the WGH of some RAs which could either be of interest to the Commission or for which PROPOSALS FOR AN ENHANCED ROLE OF WMO IN RELATION some CHy support or input could be sought by the TO GLOBAL WATER ISSUES regional bodies. 8.1.7 The Association noted that the president of 8.1.11 The Association noted that CHy-X had recog CHy had submitted a document to Cg-XII in which he nized that the RAs WGH constituted an important had called for an enhanced role for WMO in the field of source of experience not only for the Regions but also hydrology and water resources. The president of CHy for the Commission, and that the increased activity of had expressed the view that WMO could and should those working groups also implied an increased techni play an important role in the fields of hydrology and cal and administrative support from the Hydrology and water resources assessment and management so as to Water Resources Department. contribute to sustainable development. Congress in turn 8.1.12 The Association was informed of the concern of had recognized that water-related issues had become the CHy at the low level of participation of hydrologists more prominent and saw WMO as having a clear and in the sessions of RAs, and took note of the appeal to important mandate in the water area and considered it provide funding for Hydrological Advisers or their rep timely for WMO to strengthen its specific contributions resentatives to participate in RA sessions. It also noted on water issues. The proposals of the president of CHy that one of the most common problems affecting the were further considered by WMO's Executive Council at work of RAs WGH was the long delay in the nomination its forty-eighth session. EC-XLVIII had seen WMO as and approval of members of the WGH by individual having a key role in assisting NHSs to fulfil their respon countries, thus preventing the timely initiation of activ sibilities through its commitment in encouraging and ities of the groups. The Association took note of those enhancing work in data collection and in forecasting, concerns and urged its Members to assist in speeding up but also recognized that WMO was now called on to sat the work of the group .. isfy the new demands of Members for assistance and leadership in relation to water resources assessment and EXCHANGE OF HYDROLOGICAL DATA environmental sustainability 8.1.13 The Association was informed of the work 8.1.8 The Association noted that the president of undertaken by CHy concerning the international CHy had also made specific proposals concerning the exchange of hydrologital data. It took note that a draft reinforcement of the position of hydrology in WMO, resolution on the exchange of hydrological data had the representation on the Executive Council and sub been prepared byCHy-X and that the Advisory Working sidiary bodies, the name of the Organization, the budget Group had undertaken the preparation of an equivalent for the HWRP and the staffing of the Hydrology and of Annex 1 to Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) containing a state Water Resources Department. As regards the Regional ment of purpose and a list of data types. The Association Hydrological Advisers, it· noted that they were now welcomed that initiative as it would ensure that the same invited to participate in the full period of all sessions of definitions (e.g. essential and additional data) would be the Council. The Association fully endorsed the propos used for both meteorological and hydrological data. The als of the president to strengthen the role of the hydrol Association noted the concern expressed by the ogy and water resources in WMO. WGH concerning the need to support countries whose 30 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

hydrological archives were still in paper format so that Helsinki University of Technology, WMO, UNESCO and they might transfer their databases into electronic form other international organizations. for use in data exchange as well as for national use. It 8.1.18 The Association was informed of the status of also noted the proposal by the WGH to establish a group the WCP-Water project A.2, executed by WMO and of experts to analyze the information needs and prepare aimed at analYSing long time series of hydrological data proposals on the basic set of data for global exchange. and indicies with respect to climate variability and change. The current second phase of that project OPERATIONAL HYDROLOGY PROGRAMME (ORP) - involved the intercomparison of tests for trend detection. BASIC SYSTEMS 8.1.19 The Association recalled that WMO's Global HYDROLOGICAL OPERATIONAL MULTIPURPOSE SYSTEM (HOMS) Runoff Data Centre (GRDC), launched as part of 8.1.14 The Association was pleased to note the leading WCP~Water and operating with the generous support of role of RA VI in the implementation of HOMS. the Germany, was being increasingly recognized as an Region had contributed some 54 per cent of the compo important source of data on river flow. The GRDC data nents in the HOMS Reference Manual and had made bank consisted of records of daily and/or monthly val bver 55 per cent of the total HOMS tramfers during the ues of river flow observed at over 3 000 stations on more current intersessional period. It also felt that the needs than 2 600 rivers in 143 countries. The Centre provided of the Region were adequately reflected in the a valuable and expanding service to both theclimato "Implementation Plan for HOMS: 1997-2001" adopted logical and hydrological communities, offering a grow by CHy-X. The Association stressed the value of ing range of data and products. The Association noted exchanging operational technology in hydrology and that 42 of its Members had contributed data to the water resources and therefore endorsed the proposal by GRDC. The Members were encouraged to continue the the WGH to organize a meeting of the representatives of regular supply of updated data. In that regard, reference the European HOMS National Reference Centres to dis was made to the fact that the more comprehensive the cuss HOMS implementation in the Region. coverage over the Region, the more successful were likely to be the efforts of those who studied and mod HYDROLOGICAL lNFORMATIONREFERRAL SERVICE (INFOHYDRO) elled climatological and hydrological regimes, success in 8.1.15 The Association noted that the second edition that being of great potential value to all countries in the of the INFOHYDRO Manual had been published as an Region. Operational Hydrology Report (WMOcNo. 683) in 1995. 8.1.20 The Association recognized that groundwater The INFOHYDRO database was maintained and contin abstractions for water supply, and drainage and other uously updated in the' WMO Secretariat. A recent practices, had lowered the water table in many regions request for updated information was sent out to with adverse impact on the quality of the environment. Members of RA VI in December 1997 and to date only It felt that one possible way to restore the environment 12 countries had responded. The Association requested was to reduce groundwater abstraction and to meet the Members to cooperate with the Secretariat in its increasing demands from surface sources. However, efforts to keep the Manual complete and up· to date, and increased surface water consumption coupled with urged those Members which had. not yet done so to pro potential climate change would also adversely impact vide and update their information. on the low flow regimes of rivers. In order to sustain the 8.1.16 The Association was informed of the development of surface water, it was recommended that "International Conference on quality, management and WMO should facilitate international collaboration on availability of data for hydrology and water resources the management of low flow regimes and should pro management" which was planned to the held in Germany mote and coordinate studies on the hydrological aspects from 22" to 26 March 1999. The Conference was being orgao of droughts. It also recommended that NMSS should fur nized by the National Committees for the International . ther the development of medium- and long-nange Hydrological Programme (IHP)/OHP of Germany and of the weather predictions for water management and to Netherlands, the International Committee of the. IHP Flow strengthen the collaboration between meteorologists Regimes from International Experimental and Network Data. and hydrologists for such purpose .. (FRIEND) project, UNESCO, WMO, the International Association of Hydrological Sdences (IAHS), the European COOPERATION WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Ehvironment Agency (EEA);EurAqua and'the UN Economic 8.1.21 The Association noted the various activities Comrnissionfor Europe (UNECE). The Association was undertaken by WMO and by other international pleased to note that that event coincided with the World organizations in the Region. It also noted that EC-XLIX, Day for Water. having expressed some' concern on the continuing prolifenation. of international organizations - both OPERATIONAL HYDROLOGY PROGRAMME - ApPLICATIONS governmental and non-governmental- had seen inter AND ENVIRONMENT agency cooperation as being essential with multiplying 8.1.17 The Association was informed of the Second effect on. the effectiveness of WMO's work In the light lhternational Conference on Climate and Water, which of the above, the Association endorsed the recommenda- . . would beheld in Espoo, Finland, from 17 to 22 August tion by its working, group to establish possible links 1998. The Conference was being organized by the between the RA VI WGH and other European bodies GENERAL SUMMARY 31

(EEA, UNECE, the commissions of transnational river expressed the hope that the GWP would assist in chan basins) through a JOint Hydrology Liaison Group. In nelling funds to projects on water resource assessment. addition, it recommended that particular attention It was noted that, on the advice of EC-XUX, WMO should be given to the proposal that the various topics became a member of the WWC and had been elected to and issues related to hydrology and water resources in its Board of Governors. the Region be addressed at a workshop with the 8.1.25 The Association noted that that burst of activi participation of those responsible for the operation and ties was not only evident in the number of meetings and management of hydrological networks which should be reports, but there was also a marked increase in the will organized by the Association, possibly in collaboration ingness of bilateral and multilateral donors to fund with the EEA. water projects. The concern was that a number of new 8.1.22 The Association was informed of the extensive bodies had been formed as a part of that process and contributions made by WMO during 1996 and early much of that new funding was being directed to their 1997, to the fifth session of the UN Commission on programmes and not in support of the established agen Sustainable Development (CSD). That comprised the cies. There was a real pOSSibility that the coming years publication of the Comprehensive Assessment of the would see a marked increase in the number of well Freshwater Resources of the World (under the aegis of the funded regional and global projects on water resources UN Administrative Committee on Coordination management which would call for increased basic data (UN/ACC) Subcommittee on Water Resources), presented and information but it would be necessary to find ways to the Nineteenth Special Session of the UN General to ensure that support, if any, be provided to those who Assembly (UNGASS) (New York, june 1997). UNGASS actually supplied those data, namely, the NHSs and had agreed on a programme for the further implemen NMHSs. tation of UNCED's Agenda 21 which, under the section 8.1.26 A central role in inter-agency affairs had always entitled "Freshwater", had made the following specific been played by the UN/ACC Subcommittee on Water recommendation: Resources. It was of interest to note that UNEP had "Strengthen the capability of Governments and recently undertaken a major review of its activities in international institutions to collect and manage the field of freshwater and was likely to revitalize its information, including scientific, social and activities in that regard. In addition, the Director environmental data, in order to facilitate the General of UNESCO had announced a new initiative in integrated assessment and management of water the water sector, induding a change in structure of the resources, and foster regional and international relevant secretariat division and an increase in funding, cooperation for information dissemination and together with the appointment of a larger number of exchange through cooperative approaches regional hydrologists. among United Nations institutions." 8.1.27 As regards cooperation with UNESCO, it was While WMO was not specifically mentioned in that rec noted that constant efforts were being made to main ommendation, the subject matter fell fully within the tain close coordination between WMO's and UNESCO's area of responsibility of the Organization. water programmes. As output of inter-agency coopera 8.1.23 The Association was informed that WMO had tion the Association noted in particular the publication devoted considerable effort to the preparatory activities of the "Water Resources Assessment - Handbook for for CSD-6 which was held in April 1998. Those had review of national capabilities". It further noted that the included, among others, two important meetings, the next joint WMO/UNESCO conference on hydrology was first an Expert Group Meeting on Strategic Approaches planned to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, in to Freshwater Management which was held in Harare, january/February 1999. Zimbabwe in january 1998. It was organized by the UN 8.1.28 The Association was informed of the involve Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in conjunc ment of WMO in the International Decade for Natural tion with the UN/ACC Subcommittee on Water Disaster Reduction and in particular the two special pro Resources of which WMO was a member. The second jects related to hydrology and water resources, namely: meeting held in Paris from 19 to 21 March 1998 was the the Comprehensive Risk Assessment (CRASH) Project "International Conference on Water and Sustainable and the System for Technology Exchange for Natural Development". Its purpose was to contribute to the Disasters (STEND), which collected information on tech elaboration of strategies for improving freshwater nology and advised potential users on what was available reso'urce conservation and management. All three meet to answer their particular needs in seismology and vol ings stressed the importance of developing water canology as well as hydrology. The first edition of the resources information systems as a matter of priority. STEND Reference Manual was published in the first quar 8.1.24 Two of the newer non-governmental bodies ter of 1996, and could be obtained from the WMO with which WMO was now associated were the Global Secretariat. Water Partnership (GWP) and the World Water Council (WWC). Links with the GWP had strengthened over the FLOOD FORECASTING AND WARNING last few months, through participation in a series of 8.1.29 The Association considered a proposal on flood regional and global planning meetings and as its role as forecasting and warning in the Region submitted by a facilitator had been clarified. The Association Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. 32 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

It recalled that a number of countries had suffered from assistance from Sweden. A me~ting was held in Geneva disastrous floods causing loss of human lives and serious in January 1998 with representatives of the Swedish and widespread damage to property and that the Czech Meteorological and Hydrological Institute and the Republic, Germany and Poland had suffered from the Polish NHMS and a draft project profile was prepared catastrophic flood of]uly 1997. National Meteorological and circulated to the potential participating countries. and Hydrological Services of those countries had thor The Association considered it important for the Region oughly evaluated their early warning systems for floods to continue the efforts for the development of similar and had realized that it was now imperative to improve projects for the Caspian and Aral Sea basins. both some aspects of the system and the organization 8.2.3 The Association noted with appreciation the and management of the system as a whole. contribution being made to the WHY COS programme 8.1.30 The Association appreciated the complex from EUMETSAT which supported the data collection nature of flood forecasting and warning systems involv via the METEOSAT DCP system. The Association also ing both meteorological and hydrological aspects. Many appreciated the relevance of the future EUMETSAT sys of the activities connected with issuing flood forecasts tems (METEOSAT Second Generation (MSG) and and warnings involved various WMO Programmes such EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS)) for hydrology and for as Public Weather Services; and Hydrology and Water nowcasting of dangerous weather patterns, as well as the Resources, including the regional aspects of the World first steps taken to prepare the exploitation of that Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHY COS). There potential. The development of a Satellite Application was also a strong link with the World Weather Watch Facility dedicated to nowcasting and the preliminary Programme. discussions taking place with the Central European 8.1.31 The Association recognized that the activities countries were noted. being undertaken in NMSs and NHSs should be well 8.2.4 The Association was informed that WMO had coordinated if it was to achieve the successful level of established a WHY COS International Advisory Group flood forecasting and warning required. Those included (WIAG) composed of representatives of the Commission the extensive use of modern technologies like automated for Hydrology, the HYCOS projects, Regional observation, radars, satellites, numerical weather predic Hydrological Advisers concerned, External Support tion models and· hydrological models. The exchange of Agencies and the WMO Secretariat. The purpose of the knowledge and the coordination of activities in Member WIAG was to undertake a periodical review and assess States were essential and called for the full cooperation ment of the status of development of the overall pro of Members of RA VI. For that purpose, the Association gramme and of its regional projects, and to discuss and decided to establish a coordination subgroup, within recommend strategies for a coordinated development of the RA VI Working Group on Hydrology, composed of the various WHYCOS components. not more than 10 core members, and thus adopted Resolution 12 (XII-RA VI). That subgroup may call on 9. EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME - the support of other experts to address specific problem REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 9) areas. In that connection, the offer of assistance from GENERAL Austria Was noted. The subgroup would assess the exist ingsituation regarding flood forecasting and warning 9; 1 The Association reviewed the information on systems in the Region including cooperation between . the implementation of the Education and Training meteorologists and hydrologists and develop proposals Programme (ETRP) in the Region since its last session. In andrecommendations, as appropriate, to strengthen the noting with appreciation the progress achieved and the systems. assistance provided to Members in developing their trained staff resources, the Association stressed that edu 8.2 REGIONAL COMPONENTS OF THE WORLD cation and training were fundamental to all other activ HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE OBSERVING SYSTEM ities of WMO and continued to be of great importance (WHYCOS) (agenda item 8.2) to Members in meeting their increasing responsibilities 8.2.1 The Association was informed about the under the various programmes of the Organization. progress made in the development and implementation 9.2 The Association was pleased to note Volume 6 of WHYCOS. It noted in particular the contribution pro of Part II of the Fourth WMO Long-term Plan as adopted vided through the project MED-HYCOS in establishing by Twelfth Congress and urged its Members to carry out cooperative links between NHSs in the Mediterranean the roles which were defined for their execution under region, as well as to the strengthening of the observing the various tasks and projects of the plan. network at benchmark stations. The Association was also informed that negotiations were underway with the Ee PANEL OF EXPERTS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING World Bank to extend the scope of the project to cover 9.3 The Association noted the views and recom also the riverine countries of the Black Sea basin. mendations of the EC Panel of Experts on Education 8.2.2 With regard to new WHYCOS components in and Training on the activities of the WMO regional RA VI, the Association welcomed the initiative from associations in education and training. Poland for the development of the Baltic Sea project 9.4 The Association recommended that the terms (BALTIC-HYCOS) which was being developed with of reference of relevant working groups dealing with GENERAL SUMMARY 33 education and training matters should adhere to the 24 to 28 July 1995. It also noted the considerable value guidelines endorsed by EC-XLVIII (Geneva, June 1996), of the outcome of the symposium in identifying the type and felt that it would be useful if the reports of such and level of professional meteorolOgists and hydrologists working groups and rapporteurs were available to the needed to meet the future demands of society and to Secretariat and panel members on a timely basis, and utilize the advances in sciences and technology in the suggested the need for a more coordinated approach in years beyond 2000. their activities between the Education and Training 9.11 The Association noted training events to be Department, and various programme departments and organized under the ETRP for the remainder of 1998 and Regional Offices in the Secretariat. That would make it for 1999. The Association indicated the following prior possible to assess the need for priority specialized train ity subject areas and other or group training of interest ing and to coordinate training activities containing to the Region, namely: numerical weather prediction, regional requirements. nowcasting, forecast verification and remote-senSing for agrometeorological applications. In that regard, the TRAINING ACTIVITIES FOR HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT Association expressed its appreciation to Members 9.5 The Association reaffirmed the importance of which provided such training in the Region· and took the human resources development programme in assist note of the offer of RMTC/IATA Italy to hold a work ing the Secretariat and NMHSs, particularly in develop shop on II computer science and remote sensing for ing countries, to plan and mobilize the financial and agrometeorology" in November 1998 in Florence, Italy. other resources to meet the training needs of Members. 9.12 While noting with appreCiation the important In that respect, the Association noted with appreciation and valuable roles of Members in providing financial and that the results of the 1994 survey of Members' training other assistance for the organization of training events, reqUirements for the twelfth financial period (1996- the Association expressed the hope that Members would 1999) were published as WMO/TD-No. 668. continue such support, in particular through hosting 9.6 Noting the identified increase in the number of training events, financially supporting the participation personnel to be trained, the Association encouraged its of their accepted candidates and by providing lecturers or Members to make every effort to develop national plans instructors. In that connection, the Association noted for staff resources development to become self-reliant in that the Hellenic National Meteorological Service the basic training of meteorological and operational (HNMS) organized in cooperation with EUMETSAT a hydrological personnel. regional seminar on the subject IJSatellite Meteorology 9.7 With respect to the next global survey of Members' and Numerical Weather Prediction". That seminar was training requirements planned for 1998, the Association held in Athens, in September 1997, for participants from expressed the hope that an active participation of Members East European countries. The HNMS planned to organize in the next survey of training reqUirements would allow a another seminar on the use of data provided by the new proper assessment of regional training needs and would be satellite programmes of EUMETSAT in Athens, in 1999, in a basis for modifications and improvements in the ETRP. cooperation with EUMETSAT. The Association recommended that the requirements of 9.13 The Association noted with pleasure the train Members in new subject areas and technolOgies should be ing publications that had been prepared and issued by properly identified. the Organization since its last session. The Association 9.8 The Association noted that since its last session, requested the Secretary-General to continue the prepa WMO had organized 10 training events and participated ration and publication of relevant training materials of in the organization of another 42 training events of interest to its Members. Taking into account the limited interest to the Association held in the Region. The budgetary provisions for the purpose, the Association Members of the Association also had the opportunity to invited its Members to further provide assistance for benefit from other training events organized and hosted those activities as far as possible. In that respect, the by national or international institutions, with WMO Association was informed by Germany that the English acting as co-sponsor or providing partial financial sup version of a modern textbook on synoptic meteorology port. Those events, which were listed in the WMO would become available in August 1998. That book was Annual Reports, covered.a wide range of subject areas of especially suited for education and training of forecast interest to the Region. ers. Copies of the book could be ordered directly from 9.9 The Association noted that Germany had carried the German Meteorological Service. out two seminars in the National Meteorological Training 9.14 The Association also. noted with appreciation Centre in Langen on the NWP-System of the German that consideration was being given to the revision of the MeteorolOgical Service especially suited for forecasters current four-tiered classification of meteorological and with participants from the whole Region and another operational hydrological personnel and education and seminar devoted to nowcasting activities with partici training curricula given in WMO Publication No. 258 - pants of the Members in Central Europe. A second semi Guidelines for the Education and Training of Personnel in nar on that important topiC was planned for August 1998. Meteorology and Operational Hydrology. 9.10 The Association noted with satisfaction that the 9.15 The Association was informed that, since its last quadrennial WMO Symposium on Education and session, the training materials available in the Training Training was successfully held in Toulouse, France, from Library had been increased and that the Secretariat was 34 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

initiating action to function as an exchange forum for courses, using such ways and means as the provision of audio-visual and computer-assisted learning (CAL) instructors for short-term aSSignments, the provision of materials. The Association invited Members which relevant training materials, and other sorts of assistance produced training materials in meteorology, operational under bilateral or multilateral arrangements. hydrology and related fields to provide the WMO 9.20 The Association took note of the information Training Library with copies which may be of use in the provided by the Turkish Meteorological Service on the training activities of other Members of the Organization; training activities being carried out at the Meteoro In that regard, the Association: noted that through the logical High School and on the facilities available at the EUROMET project in which -15 countries· were school. The Association noted the proposal made by the participating, CAL modules for forecasting techniques Service for the school to be recognized as a WMO RMTC were being developed and made available to Members, in the south-eastern part of RA VI and requested the as required. The Association also urged its Members to Secretary-General to take the necessary measures to continue to make use of the facilities and holdings of the proceed with the evaluation and assessment of the pro Training Library in their training programmes·. posed facilities and curricula and to submit appropriate 9.16 The Association expressed its gratitude to those proposals to the EC Panel of Experts·on Education and of its Members, .as, well as· to Members from other Training -for review and for recommendations to the Regions, which had made their national training facili WMO Executive Council, in due course. ties· available for the training of meteorological and 9;21 The Association further recommended that for operational hydrological personnel of RA VI. The the- RMTC network in the Region to become more effi Association invited its Members to participate actively cient and focused on the highest priority needs of the in the provision of training services to Members from WMO community, Members hosting RMTCs should other Regions and to WMO RMTCs. make every effort towards bearing the responsibilities 9.17 The Association noted with interest that and obligations in accordance with the criteria laid mandatory publication WMO-No; 240 - Compendium down by the Executive Council for the designation of of Training Facilities for Meteorology and Operational WMO RMTCs. The Association requested the Secretary Hydrology --,- had been revised and a new loose-leahdi General to ensure that such evaluations were carried tion of the publication was issued and distributed to out, as appropriate. Members and WMO RMTCs in 1997. It also noted that 9.22 Noting the importance of maintaining and information contained in that publication was comput improving the quality of training in the Region, the erized and the database. was available on diskette. Association recognized the importance of evaluating the Members were accordingly urged to take advantages of effectiveness of each training event and of monitoring the publication and submit new information on their the effectiveness of the RMTCs. In the case of the training programmes to the WMO Secretariatto enable RMTCs j the process advocated by the EC Panel of the publication to be kept up to date. Experts on Education and Training consisted of self assessment followed by external review. REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL TRAINING CENTRES (RMTCs) 9.18 The Association was pleased to note that fol EDUCATION ANn TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS lowing the recommendation of the previous session of 9.23 The Association noted that training through the the Association, EC-XLVI (Geneva, June 1994) had rec provision of fellowships continued to be effective in assist~ ognized the training facilities located in Bet Dagan ing Members in developing theirrequired staff resources. (Israel) and in Moscow arid St Petersburg (RUSSian While noting that available finandal resources did not meet Federation) as WMO RMTCs; The Association was also all the needs of the Region, the Association urged Members pleased to note that the Exeeutive Council, at its forty to utilize to the maximum available facilities in the Region ninth session (Geneva, June 1997) had recognized the and to also strengthen.ihtraregional cooperation through Institute of Agrometeorology and Environmental bilateral and multilateral schemes. Analysis for Agriculture as an additional component of 9.24 The Association expressed its appreciation to the WMO RMTC in Italyand hoped that that new com those of its Members who had provided training fellow ponent would enhance the training in agrometeorology ships, and arranged study programmes and study tours and applied numerical weather prediction. for the benefit of many Members from RA VI and other 9.19 The Association noted with appreciation that Regions. WMO RMTCs in RA VI were in general functioning sat 9.25 The Association noted with concern that there isfactorily and contributed significantly to the training had been a sharp decrease in the number of fellowships of personnel from the Region as well as from other awarded under the traditional fellowship programmes Regions. In urging its Members to make the maximum (UNDP, VCP and Trust Funds) due to scarcity of funds use of the training programmes offered.by the RMTCs, in the respective WMO Programmes and called on the Association agreed with the . need, stressed by donor Members to generously increase their contribu Twelfth Congress, for more emphasis to be placed by tions to VCP fellowships. RMTCs on regional training requirements for specialized 9.26 The Association noted the interest of VCP. courses in various subject areas. In that connection, donors in meeting requests for short-term training Members were requested to assist RMTCs in organizing rather than long-term studies due to the high cost GENERAL SUMMARY 3S involved. The Association agreed that it would be less during its eleventh session in 1994. Notwithstanding costly to arrange for VCP fellowships for fellows with considerable efforts, the decline of many activities, in degrees in science to be trained in concentrated meteo particular the operation of WWW, appeared to have rology courses in a significantly shorter time. Noting the continued. limited VCP financial resources and the duration 10.2 The Association noted with appreciation the involved in fellowship training, the Association urged report submitted by the Secretary-General on the tech VCP beneficiary Members to arrange for basic training nical cooperation activities since the last session and in the requesting Member country itself. expressed its thanks to UNDP and other donors and 9.27 The Association noted that the scientific and Members for the support provided. The Association technical developments in the application of meteorol noted the efforts made since its last session to enhance ogy and hydrology continued to generate an increasing technical cooperation activities, especially through the demand for post-graduate and specialized studies in establishment of the Resource Mobilization Unit (RMU) such areas as computer science and communications in the Technical Cooperation Department. It also noted equipment, in particular systems operations and soft the actions taken as follow-up to the decisions of ware development, adaptation and use. More fellow Twelfth Congress to harmonize the functions of the ships focusing on specific technologies, e.g. the DCP Regional Offices and those of the Technical Cooperation and MDD technologies would continue to be required Department. and to enhance the support to the in the future as those technologies were more and more Technical Cooperation Programme. frequently implemented, especially in regions with poor 10.3 The Association noted with concern that there communications. With the emphasis on protection of had been a substantial decline in allocation of funds for the atmospheriC environment and climate change, the fifth Programme Cycle of UNDP (1992-1996). That requirements for training in those fields were increas was essentially due to the reduced contributions of ing. The Association therefore urged donor Members to donors and changes in the UNDP programme formula arrange for relevant training at all levels to enable per tion and implementation procedures including national sonnel from developing countries to utilize more effec execution, programme approach and increased share of tively the new technologies in those specialized fields social and humanitarian projects at the expense of sci and to participate more actively in those diSciplines. ence and technology. 9.28 The Association observed with appreciation 10.4 The Association expressed its gratitude to that the Secretariat continued the cost-sharing tripartite UNDP, major funding agencies and donor Members for fellowship arrangements, in particular in the RMTCs, for the support provided in recent years. optimizing the use of limited VCP and regular budget 10.5 The Association recognized the importance of fellowship resources. According to those arrangements, identifying reqUirements with priority, including the country hosting an RMTC would waive tuition fees, through sectoral support missions and the formulation the beneficiary country would meet the cost of interna of project proposals in the fields of meteorology and tional travel of its candidates and WMO and VCP hydrology. The Association noted with satisfaction that donors would meet the stipend and living expenses of a number of missions were carried out in the Region the fellows concerned. Those arrangements were found during the reporting period and that those missions most cost-effective and were working to the advantage resulted in the preparation of specific project proposals of all concerned. The Association noted with approval for which resources were being sought. that the Secretariat was planning to continue and fur 10.6 The Association reviewed the activities carried ther promote the implementation of those arrange out under the mechanisms for the transfer of knowledge ments for the benefit of all concerned. and technology with various funding sources. 9.29 The Association noted with appreciation that 10.6.1 The Association was pleased to note the the Secretariat continued its efforts to increase the tra continuing contribution of the WMO VCP and the ditional fellowships financial resources by exploring WMO regular budget to the development of NMHSs in additional extrabudgetary resources and new potential the Region through the provision of fellowships and sources of funding for the fellowships programme. It urgently needed instruments, spare parts and observed that the Secretariat continue to approach new consumables. potential donors and international development fund 10.6.2 The Association expressed its satisfaction that a ing agencies as well as several Member countries. It number of short-term and long-term fellowships were noted that a cash contribution of US$88 168 was provided through the UNDP, VCP and WMO regular received in 1997 from EUMETSAT and the German budget and noted that further support needed to be pro Technical Cooperation Agency for funding four fellow vided in that area. ships to developing countries for studies in satellite 10.6.3 The Association recognized the importance of meteorology in the USA. Trust Funds for WMO technical cooperation activities for the development of NMHSs in the Region. 10. TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME - 10.6.4 The Association noted the cost-effectiveness of REGIONAL ASPECTS (agenda item 10) Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries 10.1 The Association recalled the situation of NMSs (TCDC) as a means of promoting and strengthening col in many European States with economies in transition lective self-reliance and international cooperation. 36 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

10.6.5 The Association expressed its appreciation for an in-depth study was required in order to develop the assistance provided by some Members and private appropriate mechanisms for the handling of equipment firms within the framework of the Emergency Assistance spares and consumables under that scheme. The Fund. Association agreed that, as a first step, a database 10.6.6 The Association noted the importance of containing the information on second-hand eqUipment bilateral and multilateral assistance in strengthening and from Members of RA VI, available for donation, should developing the NMHSs in the Region. The Association be established and updated by Bulgaria, and made requested Members to provide the WM;O Secretariat with available to other Members, including through Internet. information 011 such types of assistance,_ as requested by The WMO Secretariat should be kept informed on the Twelfth Congress, for improved coordination and availability of eqUipment and participate, as reqUired, in follow-up. the process of transfer of equipment. The Association 10.6.7 The Association noted with :mtisfaction the requested the Secretary-General, in cooperation with establishment of a WMQ-linked foundationj the New Bulgaria, to monitor the implementation of that activity Sun Foundation,which seeked to tap primarily private and to report to-the next session of the Association. sector resources for projects supportive of WMO objec tivesin environment-related activities. REpORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE T4-SK FORCE ON 10.6.8 The Association noted the pOSSibility offered TECHNICAL COOPERATI~N within the framework of the Global Environment 10.11 The Association noted with appreciation the Facility (GEF), administered jointly by UNDP, UNEP and report submitted by the Chairman of the Task Force on the World Bank. That was an additional potential source Technical Cooperation, Mt E. latiIa, Permanent of funding technical cooperation activities, with the fol Representative of Finland, and expressed his thanks to lowing four focal areas: global warming; biodiversity; the Chairman and the Members of the Task Force from protection of international waters; and ozone depletion. France, Georgia, Lebanon, Netherlands, Slovakia, The Association noted that projects under such a Ukraine and United Kingdom. The Association noted scheme must be initiated by individual countries. The that two meetings were held and a project document Association also noted that, among others, the prepared for funding purposes. The document WMO/GEF GAW project "Global Monitoring of highlighted the most urgent needs, especially with Greenhouse Gases including Ozone" complemented respect to the sustained operations of the upper-air net WMO's efforts in that field through the provision of work in the Region for the purpose of forecasting the equipment for several GA W stations. transport of pollutants in case of nuclear accidents. 10.6.9 The Association noted that Capacity 21 was ini 10.12 The Association noted with gratitude the sup tiated by UNDP in response to the need, as identified in port provided through the WMO VCP and contributions Agenda 21, for national capacity building in developing from donors such as Canada, Finland, France, countries. The Association requested Members to use Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the United such funding mechanisms taking into account that Kingdom. The Association agreed that, due to the pre funding from Capacity 21 was to be obtained directly sent circumstances in the Region, there was a need to from UNDP, through submission of proposals to continue to make efforts and seek support from Members UNDP Resident Representatives through the official and funding institutions in order to meet some of the Government channels. urgent needs of the NMHSs of countries with etonOInies 10.7 The Association encouraged Members to con in transition including the Commonwealth of sider the use of those_mechanisms for the implementa Independent States (CIS). The Association therefore tion of development programmes. urged Members to continue their efforts in that respect 10.8 The Association expressed its gratitude to the and requested the Secretary-General to continue provid SecretarycGeneral and to the donors for the support pro ing the assistance reqUired to the Members. vided to the Newly -Independent States (NIS) in the 10.13 The Association, noting that problems still Region. The Association noted that further assistance remained in ensuring the operations and maintenance of was needed for the rehabilitation and development of the basic WWW facilities in several countries of the the NMHSs of the NIS and requested donors to continue Region, those in transition and CIS, in particular, decided providing their support. The Association requested the to establish an Ad Hoc Group on WWW-related Secretary-General to continue his efforts in assisting the Cooperation Activities within the framework of the NIS in the Region. Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the 10.9 The Association reviewed the future reqUire WWW in RA VI. The terms of reference of the ad hoc ments of the Region and stressed the need for WMO and group are given in ResolUtion 1 (XII-RA VI) (see also its Members to ensure the provision, at a good level, of paragraph 4.1.1). The ad hoc group would be composed meteorological and hydrological services to policy of senior experts from some of the Members of the Region. makers, planners and citizens in support of sustainable 10.14 The ad hoc group would carry out its work using development. _ the existing WWW plalming and implementation mech 10.10 The Association reviewed the proposal anism. In order to achieve in a minimum time the goal - submitted by Bulgaria concerning the establishment of a foreseen, the group should carry out the initial assess regional bank for "second hand" equipment, and felt that ment of the most critical deficiencies and requirements as GENERAL SUMMARY 37 soon as possible and submit its report and recommenda radio and television networks. It also expressed satisfac tions through the appropriate mechanisms. The tion for WMO's co-sponsorship of the annual Association requested the Secretary-General to provide, as International Weather Festival (Issy-les-Moulineaux, necessary, the required support to the ad hoc working France) where broadcast meteorolOgists and media repre group. In that respect, the Association further requested sentatives gathered each year to discuss new develop the Secretary-General to explore appropriate possibilities ments in TV presentation technologies and up-to-date for support including the establishment of a Trust Fund communication techniques. The Association noted that, to which Members would be encouraged to contribute. thanks to WMO's efforts, more and more broadcast mete orologists from RA VI were being invited to the Festival. 11. INFORMATION AND PuBLIC AFFAmS 11.5 The Association expressed its support and appreci PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS ation for WMO's public awareness campaign on (agenda item 11) environmentally sustainable sports under the WMOj 11.1 The Association reaffirmed the importance of International Olympic Committee Memorandum of the Information and Public Affairs (IPA) Programme to Understanding during 1996. That new partnership had the successful implementation of WMO's scientific and helped to focus public attention on the valuable role of the technical programmes and its role in enhancing public NMHSs to sports and the environment. It commended awareness of the valuable contributions being made by WMO for the production of a "heat index card" which was WMO and the NMHSs in the Region. successfully distributed to athletes and the public during the 11.2 The Association expressed its appreciation for 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The Association the capacity-building initiatives that were undertaken to supported the idea for similar efforts in future. improve the communication and public information 11.6 The Association agreed that the exchange of skills of Members. It commended the Secretary-General public information material, advice and expertise for the successful organization of a Media Training among Members of the Region would be mutually sup Workshop for countries with economies in transition portive. It also agreed to promote activities jointly with and developing countries in RA VI (London, United UN Information Centres and UNDP Resident Kingdom), from 27 May to 6 June 1996. With the kind Coordinators, national Committees for the IDNDR and support of the UK MeteorolOgical Office and the British other partner agencies and relevant non-governmental Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the workshop was organizations, in the celebrations of international days devoted to practical training sessions that covered basic and other UN-sponsored events. communication skills and techniques, weather presen 11.7. In response to Cg-XII, WMO was preparing a tations on television and radio, building partnerships public information and communication strategy for the with the media, enhancing the visibility of WMO and Fiftieth Anniversary of WMO in 2000 (WM050) and the the NMHSs, information strategies and techniques for Secretary-General had established a Trust Fund for mobilizing public support for World Meteorological WM050. Some Members of the Association have Day (WMD) and other celebrations. The recently pub already designated focal points for the planning of lished Weather and the Media: A Press Relations Guide WM050. The Association urged the Members which (WMO-No. 861) was also used in the practical sessions. had not done so to deSignate focal pOints. It further dis In response to WMO's initiative to encourage gender cussed ways of contributing toWM050 to ensure the equity in the training programmes of WMO, 11 out of success of the celebrations in the Region. In that regard, 13 trainees were women. the Association noted. that during the preparation for 11.3 The Association noted that WMO had co the celebration of WM050, appropriate arrangements produced audio-visuals and videofilms with other should be made so that WMO-related events were not organizations, such as 'Weather and Sports', 'Mexico shadowed by the very large number of celebrations City: Battling for Water', 'The Thirst of Angels: Los planned during the year 2000 in relation to the new mil Angeles', 'Weather and Water in Cities' and 'The Weather lennium. One proposal for the celebration was the Watchers' in English, French and Spanish. Those preparation of relevant information materials showing productions or segments thereof had been disseminated how a good forecast was made, thereby demonstrating worldwide by other broadcast organizations such as the also the symbiotic relationship between NMHSs and "Earth Report" (BBC), UN in Action (CNN), European WMO. Broadcasting Union (EBU) and others as well as by 11.8 The Association invited Members to take neces national TV networks in many countries. The Association sary action to complement WMO's global IPA efforts invited the Secretary-General to continue to arrange for with national activities, particularly in the follow-up to the production and timely distribution of audio-visuals UNCED and other global conferences. The Association and videofilms of relevance to the work of NMHSs in expressed its appreciation for the successful outcome of support of WMO activities. the International Expert Meeting on the Participation of 11.4 The Association welcomed the media alliance Women in Meteorology and Hydrology (Bangkok, initiative among broadcasters and other communicators Thailand) from 15 to 19 December 1997. As a follow-up launched in 1995 to promote WMD. Using the WMD to the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in information kit and videofilm as entry points, the 1995, the meeting was directed at issues relating to the alliance had helped to extend WMO's outreach through promotion of the advancement of women in meteorology, 38 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI hydrological and related sciences. Representatives from their respective activities .and priorities within the Members of the Region made valuable contributions to context of the Fifth WMO Long-term Planj and WMO's ongoing efforts to improve the status of women (b) Coordinate, as necessary, national contributions to and to promote gender equality in the NMHSs and the regional projects of the Plan. Organization as a whole. 12.7 The Association considered the format, structure and content of the draft 5LTP. In that connection, it 12. LONG-TERM PLANNING - REGIONAL ASPECTS expressed its appreciation to the Secretariat, and agreed that (agenda item 12) the plan as structured provided a suitable framework for the REVIEW OF LONG-TERM PLANNING formulation of the 5LTP. Furthermore, the Association considered that it was of vital import~ce that WMO's activ 12.1 The Association recalled that long-term plan ities and initiatives were appropriately recognized by other ning should help to ensure that WMO Programmes were organizations such as lCAO in aeronautical meteorology, sensitive to and responsive to the needs and aspirations ITO on requirements for meteorolOgical frequencies, and by of Members and in turn aSSisted in forward planning by WIPO on Resolution 40 (Cg-XII). NMHSs. In that connection, the Association felt that the 12.8 The Association also considered the pOliCies, strat Long-term Plans and the planning process should incor egy and priorities in the draft 5LTP. It agreed that they porate appropriate targets to' enable the Association to provided a suitable framework for defining the priorities of monitor and evaluate its achievements. the Region as given in paragraphs 12;14 and 12.15 below. 12~9. The Association reviewed the proposed WMO FOURTH WMOLoNG-TERM PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND Programme Structure for inclusion in· the 5LTP, which MONITORING includtld an explicit reference to the: Regional 12~2 The Association noted: the adoption of the Programme. It welcomed the proposal to include the Fourth WMO Long-term Plan (4LTP) covering. the period Regional Programme which would provide a focus for 1996-2005 by Twelfth Congress. It further noted that regional activities. regional associations, among others, were requested to 12.10 The Association also suggested that in develop adhere to the policies and strategies set forth in the Plan ing its future WMO Planning Process, consideration and'to organize their activities to achieve the main long~ should be given to review and update the Plan at the term objectives as defined in the Plan. The Association end of each biennium. considered that the adoption and implementation of MAJOR ISSUES Resolution 40 of Twelfth Congress could be seen as asig~ WMO nifitant achievement of the Organization. 12'.1'1 The Association recognized that WMO was fac 12;3 The Association noted that the tendency to ing a number of major issues. It felt that some of the reduce· governmental expenditure could lead to an major issues included: increase of commercial services of NMHSs which may be • The international exchange of data and productsj considered as a strategic means to provide maximum • Reduction of the gap between developing and devtll- benefit to the society oy maintaining some core activi~ oped countriesj t4.es· and improve the NMHSs' ability to detect, predict • Role and functionning ofNMHSs; and warn of stlvere weather conditions and floods. • Relation with other disciplinesj and 12;4,· The Association also noted that the presidents • The reform in WMO and'itsfuture structure. of regional associations were to submit their indepen 12.12 Other major issues related to'the possible impact d'ent monitoring and evaluation reports. It invited its of UN reform on WMO;increasedand stronger presence Members to assist. in that exercise. of WMO in the policy formulation bodies of international 12.5· The Association recalled that regional associa,. organizations such as IeAO, UNESCO and WIPO; rein tions, as the bodies ensuring regional implementation forcement of the WMO Programmes on environmental and coordination of the WMO Programmes, should: matters so that WMO could enhance cooperation in rela (a) Evaluate at their sessions, at sessions of their work tion to relevant international organizationsj prediction ing groups, as well as in the reports of their rappor" and distribution of seasonal forecastj and collaboration teurs, the impacts of activities performed under the with non-governmental organizations. Long-term Plan within the area of their responSi 12.13 With respect to thtl review of the overall struc bilities; and, ture of WMO and in relation to the preparation of the (b) At their sessions and/or through their presidents, 5LTP, the Association called for continued efforts in the . make commtlnts and suggestions for further devel reduction of the cost in a rational manner of its activi opment of programme plans in the light of their ties without impairing the programmes and activities of evaluation. WMO and the preparation of necessary documentation, while maintaining the parity among the' official lan FIFTH WMO LONG-TERM PLAN guages of the Organization. 12.6 The Association recalled that Cg-XII requested the regional associations to: OTHER REGIONAL CONSIDERATIONS (a) Provide a forum for the consideration of the Plan 12.14 In considering the priority issues to be included and, in particular, to provide an integrated view of in the 5LTP, the Association agreed that most of the GENERAL SUMMARY 39 highest priority activities of the 4LTP which were of an Subregional Office for Central and Eastern Europe, in ongoing nature, taking into account technological devel the subregion, to help in the promotion of technical opments, were valid for the SLTP as well. It agreed that cooperation activities including training and resource the following new activities should be added in develop mobilization, enhancement of regional cooperation and ing the SLTP: optimization of WMO activities in the Region. The (a) Forecasting automation, statistical interpretation Association further noted the willingness of the and other enchancement of NWP outputs and the Government of Bulgaria to host such an office, if estab future role of the forecaster; lished, in Sofia. (b) Development and implementation of end-to-end 13.1.3 The Association discussed the establishment real-time monitoring of the World Weather Watch of a subregional office in support of RA VI activities and and in particular of availability and quality of data; in particular those of countries with economies in tran (c) Enhancement of an implementation of transition sition as well as of developing countries in the Region. from traditional character data exchange to binary In the light of the decision of Cg-XII and the proposed data representation and exchange; consideration of the establishment and operation of a (d) Enhancement of international cooperation in oper- subregional office, the Association requested the ational public weather services; Secretary-General to study the cost benefit regarding the (e) Flood and severe weather forecasting and warnings. establishment of such an office in the subregion, as well 12.15 The Association agreed to give continuing as study other alternatives such as the strengthening of highest priority to the WWW as well as the following existing capabilities at WMO Headquarters to better activities: serve the Region so as to benefit from the potential syn (a) Enhancement of the worldwide cost-effective and ergy with the rest of the Secretariat. optimum observational network including upper-air, particularly over ocean areas for in situ observation; 13.2 ROLE AND OPERATION OF NATIONAL (b) Continuous improvement of the performance and METEOROLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL SERVICES reliability of the GTS through cost-effective moni (agenda item 13.2) toring arrangements. In that respect, the full and 13.2.1 The Association agreed that the role and opera timely implementation of the RMDCN would be of tion of the NMHSs was an area of great interest and that paramount importance; their future development constituted one of the major (c) Improvement of the quality of local weather fore challenges to the Organization. In that respect, the casts with special emphasis on warnings of floods Association requested the Secretary-General to under and severe weather; take corresponding action to address that challenge in (d) Promotion of the introduction and performance close collaboration with the Members. assessment of appropriate observing technology, 13.2.2 The Association noted that the Executive taking into account the new systems and their suit Council recognizecl. the cross-cutting nature of those ability; activities which included the development of, inter alia, (e) Enhancement of services provided by NMHSs strategic planning frameworks, network designs, media through the intensive use of weather radars, satel relations, human resources development, Internet capa lites and weather prediction models in addressing bilities and training; it also noted the integrated approach environmental issues and those associated with being utilized in the Secretariat in that connection. nuclear accidents; 13.2.3 The Association agreed that, in view of the new (1) Strengthening NMHSs of the less-developed challenges facing the Services, such as the latter's countries in the Region by providing assistance in modernization, the need to deal with relatively new areas the acquisition of new technology and in such as climate change and other environmental issues, management. and involvement in new tasks related to Conventions 12.16 To assist the Association in the work related to that had recently entered into force, it was necessary for long-term planning, the Association designated a Members to take appropriate action. In addition, the Rapporteur on Lorig-term Planning and adopted Association noted the concern of some of its Members Resolution 13 (XII-RA VI). regarding the privatization of certain activities stich as aeronautical meteorology. In that regard, it noted that 13. OTHER REGIONAL ACTIVITIES (agenda item 13) the Government of the Netherlands had decided to 13.1 INTERNAL MATTERS OF THE ASSOCIATION retain aeronautical meteorology within the ambit of the (agenda item 13.1) national Meteorological Service. In the light of this 13.1.1 The Association considered the decision of decision, the Association welcomed the offer of the Cg-XII regarding the establishment of subregional Netherlands to distribute the relevant information to the offices and, in particular, tue request of Cg-XII to WMO Secretariat and to its Members. The Association address in an appropriate manner the question of the also recommended that the Commission for organization and implementation of technical coopera Aeronautical Meteorology could be invited to consider tion and regional activities in the European Region. that issue. 13.1.2 In that regard, the Association noted the pro 13.2.4 . The Association noted that particular attention posal of Bulgaria for the establishment of a WMO should be given within the Region to topics such as 40 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI those which related to the responsibilities of govern 13.3 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF DATA AND PRODUCTS ments with regard to public warnings against natural (agenda item 13.3) disasters, in the context of the growing commercial 13.3.1 The Association recalled Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) activities. Other issues included telecommunications, and the associated actions to be taken by Members, the aeronautical meteorology, the potential impact of presidents of regional associations and technical com increasing commercial activities on NMHSs and how to missions, the Secretary-General and by the Executive take advantage of that challenge. In that regard, the Council in connection with the implementation of the Association welcomed the proposal to organize' a resolution. Technical Conference/Workshop on the Management 13.3.2 The Association thanked the Secretary-General of NMHSs in November 1998 in Geneva. for the prompt and thorough actions he had taken 13.2.5 . The Association noted that within the frame including the numerous letters he had dispatched to work of the WMO/Netherlands Project on Capacity heads of international organizations, Ministers of Building, the "Guidelines for the management of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representatives of WMO national Meteorological' and HydrologicalServices" Members informing of Congress decisions on the inter would be published and distributed to all Permanent national eXChange of meteorological data and products Representatives. The Association called on Members to and related matters. In particular, the letters to all WMO support such efforts and take initiatives to ensure a Members disseminating the information received from continuous effort on capacity building in the area of some Members on their additional data and products management of NMHSs. and related conditions had been most helpful in inform 13.2.6" The Association requested its Members to ing Members as early as possible and in a comprehen exchange relevant information and experience related, sive manner. inter alia, to modernization and/or changing responsi 13.3.3 The brochure, Exchanging Meteorological Data - bilities and basic infrastructure. Guidelines on relationships in commercial meteorological 13.2.7 The Association endorsed the need for basic activities - WMO policy and practice (WMO-No. 837), material to NMSs relating to the SUbject of alternative explaining the decisions of Congress in respect of the services delivery. It noted that relevant responsibilities data and products exchange, including Resolution 40 and consideration were identified by the Executive (Cg-XII), was seen as helpful in furthering the under Council. In that connection, the Association invited the standing of the WMO policy and practice and in assist Secretariat to distribute the basic material to all its ing Directors of NMHSs in alerting their governments as Members as soon asit became available. well as other data users in the academic, research and 13.2.8 The Association recognized that the status and private sectors. visibility of NMHSs was an important area of concern. 13.3.4 The Association noted that information was made In that connection, there was a need to establisha.solid available by many Members in the Region regarding the foundation for the Services through the establishment implementation of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) and its impacts of appropriate legislative acts which defined their mis on NMHSs. It encouraged Members who had not yet done sion and mandate. That would ensure that contribu so to provide the relevant information as soon as possible. tions to society were recognized and their responsibili At the same time, the Association felt that it would be neces ties well defined. sary to continue to monitor commercial meteorolOgical 13.2.9 The Association agreed with the Executive activities in the Region and to assess their implications on Council that national communities expected their the exchange of data and products. governments to meet certain-fundamental responsibili 13.3.5 The Association noted the discussions made and ties in relation to data collection and the provision of decisions taken by the Executive Council on that subject. It essential public meteorological services; It identified a recalled and concurred with the Executive Council's call to number of basic considerations which should be taken Members to promote, at the nationallevel,a.better under into account in carrying out those responsibilities. standing of the letter and the spirit of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) Those responsibilities and considerations should be andto implement it accordingly to the best of their ability. clearly ii:lentified in the basic materials to NMHSs. In so doing, and noting the clarity of the arrangements in 13.2.10 The ASSOciation further noted the proposal of some countries, the Association recognized the need for the Executive Council that Members should be NMSs to be exclusive originators of public interest weather encouraged to clearly identify their responsibilities in warnings and agreed that Members should pursue the objec relation to meteorological data collection and exchange tive nationally. as well as services provision. The Executive Council 13.3.6 The Association requested its Members to provided as gUidance a set of such responsibilities, as inform the Secretary-General of their experience with the well as a set of relevant considerations related to those implementation of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII), including the responsibilities. In that regard, the Association also use of the Internet and the need to work together· to recognized that such considerations were vitally resolve areas of concern that may arise. It agreed that a important to the maintenance of the stability of strict implementation of Resolution 40 (Cg-XIl) would international cooperation in meteorology and the enhance data exchange among Members. provision of efficient and effective meteorological and 13.3.7 The Association noted, with great concern, that related services at the national level. practices to put additional data on the Internet, and GENERAL SUMMARY 41 thus making them available for the public domain with WMO project) as special contributions to the aims of very limited controls, would violate the spirit of the the Decade. Resolution. Therefore all efforts should be made to inter 13.4.3 The Association was informed that, as a follow pret the guidelines with regard to the Internet and up to the United Nations resolution on early warning, the Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) as soon as possible. In the mean IDNDR Secretariat had set up five specific working time, Members were urged not to put additional data on groups, each convened by a principal collaborating orga the Internet for public distribution unless protected nization, to determine early warning criteria and the through mechanisms such as a password. Apart from areas for which improved coordination and/or effective that, the Association concurred with the Council, which ness was reqUired. WMO had convened the working strongly advised that it would be inappropriate to pro group on IIEarly Warning for Hydrometeorological pose renegotiation of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) at Hazards (including drought)". The reports of the working Thirteenth Congress. In that respect, the Association groups were included in the final reports on all aspects of agreed that the Working Group on Planning and early warnings which were submitted to the UN General Implementation of the WWW in RA VI should closely Assembly in November 1997. The reports would also liaise with CBS on the evaluation and continued moni form the basis of an international conference on early toring of the impacts of the usage of the Internet on warning systems to be sponsored by Germany. The con Resolution 40 (Cg-XII). ference, entitled EWC98, would be held in Postdam, 13.3.8 The Association noted that the Council was Germany from 7 to 11 September 1998 and would pro pleased to recognize that experience with the vide an excellent opportunity for NMHSs to demonstrate implementation of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII) had been pos their important role in warning of natural disasters. itive and that there was generally a strong commitment 13.4.4 The Association was informed that a decision as to make it work. It agreed with the Council that the to the closure of the Decade with a single event or a major effort over the next few years should focus on series of international events was still under consultation continuing the monitoring of its implementation and with participating UN agencies and the IDNDR Scientific the resolution of practical difficulties that arose. It fur and Technical Committee. The Association was further ther agreed that the policy and practices involved in the informed that WMO was considering to convene a spe exchange of hydrological data should be consistent with cial symposium on the science and technology related to Resolution 40 (Cg-XII). natural disaster reduction as a part of an overall forum in 13.3.9 The Association expressed appreciation for the support of the UN Economic and Social Council information and advice provided by the Secretary (ECOSOC) in 1999. The Association noted that the activ General relating to the WIPO Draft Treaty on ities related to the final phase of the Decade represented Intellectual Property in Respect of Databases. It requested the basis for continued commitments for disaster reduc the Secretary-General to exert every effort to ensure tion into the 21st century. The accomplishments of the protection of databases containing additional data was IDNDR would be directly proportional to the extent of consistent with Resolution 40 (Cg-XII). public and international policy recognition given to the importance of natural hazard awareness and mitigation. 13.4 INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR NATURAL DISASTER 13.4.5 It was recognized by the Association that to REDUCTION (IDNDR) (agenda item 13.4) ensure the success of the IIYokohama Strategy and Plan 13.4.1 The Association noted with appreciation the of Action for a Safer World" over the remaining years of information on activities and efforts to meet the goals of the Decade, certain key issues needed to be addressed. the IDNDR which underscored the close cooperation Those included risk assessment, disaster awareness and that existed between the WMO and IDNDR Secretariats. preparedness, early warning, research and technology The Association paid particular attention to the closing development, political commitment and national plan events and proposals for continuing disaster reduction ning, and transfer of technology and knowledge. beyond the Decade. Disaster warning capacity and public awareness should 13.4.2 The Association recalled that WMO played a continue as high priority activities within WMO leading role in regard to natural disasters of meteorolog Programmes and as a special focus for the Public ical and. hydrological origin and had supported the Weather Services Programme. The major objective of IDNDR efforts through its major scientific and technical that programme was to savelives and property through programmes, in particular the Tropical Cyclone, the provision of timely warnings and accurate forecasts and Public Weather Services, and the Hydrology and Water promotion of public awareness of meteorological and Resources Programmes as noted in the revised WMO hydrological disasters. Plan of Action for IDNDR and the Fourth WMO Long term Plan. In addition to its regular programme of activ 13.5 FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE UNITED ities, WMO was implementing four special demonstra NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND tion projects, namely the Tropical Cyclone Warning DEVELOPMENT (UNCED) (agenda item 13.5) System for the South-West Indian Ocean region, the 13.5.1 The Association noted with appreciation the Comprehensive Risk Assessment (CRASH) project, the Secretary-General's actions related to the active participation System for Technology Exchange for Natural Disasters of WMO in UNCED and to its follow-up. Within the UN (STEND), and Tropical Cyclone Disasters (an ICSU/ System, WMO participated in the activity of the 42 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) as well as IOC in many programmes of common interest, including the Inter-Agency Committee on Sustainable Development the WWW, the WCP and the Marine Meteorology and (IACSD). In that respect, it expressed its gratitude to the Associated Oceanographic Activities Programme. That Secretary-General .for his efforts in keeping Members cooperation was evident through co-sponsorship of informed on related UNCED follow-up activities through GODS, GCOS, WCRP, IGOSS and the DEep, as well as circular letters, presentations and discussions at meetings many other jOint projects. At the regional level, the and other means. The Association agreed that its Members Association agreed on the value of close coordination should ·keep the Secretary-General, as well as each other, between the two organizations and recommended the informed of UNCED follow-up activities in their respective development of joint/regional projects. countries. In tum, the Association requested the Secretary General to continue keeping Members informed ofWMO 14. 'SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS activities. (agenda item 14) 13.S.2 The Association expressed its gratituele to the 14.1 The following scientific lectures were delivered Secretary-General for the dissemination of the updated during the session: version of the Guidelines for Heads of national (a) "What can we learn from 30 years of ex;periment in Meteorological and Hydrological Services on UNCED rain enhancement in Israel" by Mr Zev Levin, Tel follow"up which provided assistance to the NMHSs in the Aviv University, Israeli Region in mapping out their own response to UNCED (b) "Seasonal Forecasting" by Mr Tim Palmer, follow-up at the national level. The AssoCiation also European Centre for Medium-range Weather expressed its appreciation forthe WMOpublicationsdistrib Forecasts, United Kingdom. utt~d toNMHSs which;provided Members with information 14.2 The presIdent expressed the appreciation of the on WMO activities and the status of implementation of Association to the lecturers for theirexcellentpresenta UNCED and Agenda 21 as well as on the Conventions on tions, which were followed by stimulating discussions. CHmateChange and Desertification. The Association requested theSecretary-Generalto ensure the activepartici 15. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS 'RESOLUTIONS ANDREC pation ·of WMO in UNCED follow-up activities and in OMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND OF particular in the Conference of Parties of UNFCCC in order RELEVANT 'EXECUTIVE ;COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS to highlight the role of WMO and the NMHSs to .climate (agenda .item 15) and other relevant environmental issues. IS.1 The Association examined those of its resolutions 13.5.3 The Association also took note of the conclusions which were still in force at the time of the twelfth session. of the Special Session of the UN General Assembly 15.2 The Association noted that most of its past res- convened in June 1997 to review and appraise progress in 01utions had been replaced 'by new resolutions adopted the implementation of Agenda 21 adopted by'UNCED. during the session. It was further noted that while a few The Association was informed that the 1998 CSD.had resolutions had been incorporated in theapprqpiiate explicitly recognized the contribution of WHY COS in WMO publications,some of the ,previous resolutions addressing freshwater issues. Itstressed the importance of were still required to be kept in force. the strong involvement of WMO in the activities of the IS.3 The Association accordingly adopted succeeding-s.essions of CSD When it would taKe up oceans Resolution 14 (XII-RA VI). and seas in 1999, the integrated planning and 15.4 The Association considered that Resolution 3 management of land resources and agriCtilture in 2()OO and (EC-XLVI) on the report of the eleventh session of the the atmosphere and energy in 2001.ltinvited its Members Association need not be k~pt in force. to pursue their efforts in giving priority .attention to the Programme for the Furtherlmplementation of Agenda 21 16. ELECTION {)F OFFICERS (agenda item 16) as adopted by the Special Session. GeneralC. Finizo (Italy) was elected as pres'i dent of the Association and Dr I. Mersich (Hungary) was 13.6 COOPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS elected vice-president. (agenda item 13.6) 13.6.1 The Association noted that the recent series of 17. DATE AND PLACE OF THE TIllRTEENTH'SESSION international conferences including the Yokohama (agenda item 17) Conference on lDNDR, Habitat n and the World Food 17.1 The Association noted the offer of Hungary to Summit, in which WMO took an active .role, had host the next session of RA VI. encouraged closer cooperation among the organizations 17.2 The AssoCiation expressed its appreciation for that that formed part of the United Nations System. The offer and agreed that the date and place of the next session Association urged WMO to be actively involved in such would be determined later in accordance with the activities and requested appropriate follow-up to the res Convention and General Regulations of the Organization. olutions and decisions of such Conferences, keeping the Members informed of developments. 18. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION (agenda item 18) 13.6.2 The Association recognized that close coopera The twelfth session of the Association closed at' tion and coordination already existed between WMO and 16.52 on 26 May 1998. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

RESOLUTION 1 (XII-RA VI) WORKING GROUP ON PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WWW IN REGION VI

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), the programme relating to Region VI and to NOTING: propose an action programme for inclusion in (1) Resolution 2 (Cg-XII) - World Weather Watch the Fifth WMO Long-term Plan; (WWW) Programme [for 1996-1999], (d) To keep abreast of developments in the fields (2) The WWW Programme for the period 1996-2005, of meteorological data processing, observing (3) That major developments in science and technology techniques, telecommunications, data man have taken place which need to be introduced into agement, emergency response activities and the WWW system, public weather services and to make recom (4) That WWW data and products are of vital impor mendations for their application in the tance to Members in Region VI for meeting the Region; increasing requirements of users for meteorological (e) To study the possible impact of new methods services, and techniques, including data management, CONSIDERING that: on the regional structure and functions of the (1) The implementation of the WWW in the Region WWW with a view to developing proposals should be kept under constant review, for optimizing the Global Data-processing (2) The introduction of the new WWW concepts will System, the Global Observing System and the be of great benefit to all Members in the Region, Global Telecommunication System in the (3) Full integration of the WWW functional compo Region; nents requires careful coordination among (f) To maintain close liaison and cooperate with Members of RA VI and constant evaluation of the the relevant CBS activity areas and their related projects, expert groups with a view to ensuring effec (4) The WMO Long-term Plan needs regular updating tive coordination between the WWW pro from the point of view of regional requirements, gramme on global and regional scales; DECIDES: (g) To maintain programmes for the improved (1) To establish a Working Group on Planning and exchange of WWW data and products on the Implementation of the WWW in Region VI with basis of stated regional reqUirements which the following terms of reference: would include provisions for the generation of (a) To monitor the progress made in the imple high-quality products by Global Data mentation and operation of the WWW in the processing System centres in the Region as Region and to advise on possible improve . well as making available data and products ments and priorities for appropriate action to from other Regions; be carried out under the WWW Programme (h) To develop proposals for the full integration and on the· need for external support, where of the WWW compone·nts and functions with required; a view to achieving a cost-effective operation (b) To maintain arid when necessary improve the and a better .supply of WWW data and prod mechanism for continuous momtoring of the ucts throughout the Region, in particular to performance of the WWW system (observing, undertake further studies of the reqUirements telecommunication, data processing and data of the RBSN; management) in the Region. The mechanism (i) In collaboration with the EUCOS project, to should include the capability to initiate, studyand report on reqUirements for and means where pOSSible, remedial action to correct of resourcing observing networks in RA VI; deficiencies identified; (j) To keep under review the regional meteoro (c) To keep under review the action taken under logical telecommunication plan and its imple the required WWW implementation pro mentation; gramme of the Fourth WMO Long-term Plan (k) To develop proposals and guidance on the with a view to updating and further developing regional aspects of PWS and, in particular, to 44 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

propose mechanisms and activities to enhance (g) Other experts as nominated by Members; the efficiency of NMCs and strengthen regional (the terms of reference of the subgroups and the coordination in the provision of severe ad hoc group are indicated in the Annex below); weather warnings; (3) To deSignate, in accordance with Regulation 32 of (1) To monitor progress by Members in resolving the WMO General Regulations, M. Kurz (Germany) year 2000 problems and to ensure as far as as chairman of the working group; possible timely completion of activities within (4) To designate: the Association by dissemination of informa (a) A. McIlveen (United Kingdom) as coordinator tion and direct assistance where required; of the Subgroup on Regional Aspects of the (m) To study questions of data and; -prOduct sets: . -~' Global Telecommunication System; and related technical provisions which might (b) H. Daan (Netherlands) as coordinator of the be needed to- satisfy the ·implications of com- . , Subgroup _on Regioilal Aspects of the Global mercialization issues; ,- 'Observing System; (n) To identify deficiencies in the implementa (c) F. Chavaux (France) as coordinator of the tiCJil of WWWcomponents and promote tech Subgroup on Regional AspeCts of the _Global nical cooperation activities to overcome them; Data-processing System; (0) To develop -proposals for ensuring adequate (d) -LZahumensk}r (Slovakia) as coordinator of the training and education are provided to Subgroup on Regional Aspects of - Data -Members regarding all-aspects of the WWW; Management, including Codes;- (P) To advise the president ofthe Association on -(e) W. Kusch (Germany) as coordinator of the all matters_ concerning the WWW; Subgroup on Regional Aspects of Public (2) That the working group should be composed of: Weather Services; - (a) A coordinator of a Subgroup on Regional Aspects (1) United Kingdom as coordinator and Estonia, of the Global Telecommunication System; Finland, France, Georgia, Israel, Italy, (b) A coordinator of a Subgroup on Regional Romania and Ukraine as members of the Aspects of the Global Observing System; Ad hoc Group on WWW-related Cooperation (c) A coordinator of a Subgroup on Regional Activities. Aspects of the Global Data-processing System; (5) To invite Members to nominate experts to serve on - (d) A coordinator of a Subgroup on Regional Aspects the group and the subgroups; of Data Management, including Codes; (6) To request the chairman of the working group to (e) A coordinator of a Subgroup on Regional submit progress reports at yearly intervals to the presi Aspects of Public Weather Services; _ dent of the Association and a final report not latet than (1) A coordinator of an Ad hoc Group. on WWW six months before the _thirteenth session of the related Cooperation Activities; Association.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 1 (XU·RA VI) - WORKING GROUP ON PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WWW IN REGION VI

The terms of reference of the subgroups established _ of stations for inclusion in the RBSN, and to - under Resolution 1 (XII-ItA VI) ate as follows: identify automati~ _ stations 011 land and (a) Subgroup on Regional Aspects of the Global fiXed'positions at sea to be included in the ObserVing System (GOS) - . RBSN; - '(i) To monitor, report arid make recommenda (iv) To keep abreast of and advise on develop tions -on the capability arid utilization of an ments in observing systems, e.g. automatic integrated system of different observing net weather stations, wind and temperature pro works (including sateilites) to meet regional filers, thunderstorm detection techniques, requirements for weather analYSiS, forecasts AMDAR including ASDAR and ACARS sys and warnings; tems, ASAP systems and data buoys; (Ii) To review and make proposals regarding the (v) To keep abreast of developments in weather design of the' Regional -Basic Synoptic radars and radar networks with a view to Network in the light of requirementsstipu their role in an integrated observing system, lated in the WMO Long-term Plan; and advise on coordinated implementation (iii) To continue to assess the existence of gaps in of new techniques and end products; the RBSN, in close cooperation with (vi) To report on the regional use of data from _Members concerned, to prepare a revised list and operational experience with new RESOLUTION 1 4S

observing systems, and to formulate recom improving the overall quality of the GTS in mendations based on these assessments; the Region; (vii) To report on new developments in observing (vii) To identify and investigate deficiencies in techniques, including instruments and sen the operation of the GTS in the Region, and sors, in the operational systems, to organize to develop solutions and promote coopera special consultations and arrangements tion among Members to improve perfor between Members concerned on coordina mance; tion of implementation of automated (viii) To work with the Steering Group on the observing systems and to support the devel RMDCN, the Contract AdviSOry Committee opment and implementation of standardiza and RMDCN Operations Committee and tion of observing practices, methods and Members to achieve a smooth transition procedures and standard procedures for from existing arrangements to the use of the assuring the quality of observational data RMDCN. The pOSition of Members who are with monitoring of the quality; unable to join the RMDCN in the initial (viii) To advise and report to the chairman of the phase will be kept under review with the aim working group on problem areas in the of aSSisting them to partiCipate in a later regional observing systems; phase; (ix) To advise the president of the Association (ix) To advise and report to the chairman of the and the chairman of the working group on working group on all matters concerning proposed changes in the RBSN; regional aspects of the GTS in the Region; (x) To advise and report to the chairman of the (x) To represent the Region at sessions of the rel working group on all matters concerning the evant CBS working group through participa regional aspects of the global observing sys tion of its coordinator; tem activities in the Region; (c) Subgroup on Regional Aspects of the Global (xi) To represent the Region at sessions of the rel Data-processing System (GDPS) evant CBS working group through participa (i) To keep abreast of developments in data-pro tion of its coordinator; cessing equipment and techniques which (b) Subgroup on Regional Aspects of the Global could be beneficially introduced at national Telecommunication System (GTS) and regional centres to improve their opera (i) To maintain an up-to-date statement of tional capabiiity both within the WWW sys requirements which the GTS in the Region tem and in related areas; must satisfy; (ii) To review needs for maintaining/establish (ii) To keep abreast of developments in telecom ing RSMCs and their capabilities and respon munication technology and techniques and sibilities including those related to emer to evaluate their relevance to the needs of gency response activities, and develop rec the Region; ommendations as appropriate; (iii) To undertake a thorough review of the (iii) To examine the requirements for processed regional plan of the GTS, noting that the products of general interest for the Region; introduction of the RMDCN will create the (iv) To periodically review the requirements for possibility to migrate towards a pattern of providing data, including boundary organization which better reflects require conditions needed for running limited area ments. This review will also take into models (LAM) at NMCs, and possibilities for account the need for the GTS in the Region coordinating the related data flow; to evolve in harmony with developments (v) To advise the working group, where appro elsewhere; priate, on the use of observational data in (iv) To propose an appropriate mix of technical meteorological data processing; solutions to implement the plan, including (vi) To formulate recommendations for coordi the RMDCN, satellite-based systems, the nated .implementation of data-processing public Internet and other international facilities and techniques; telecommunication facilities within the (vii) To propose, where appropriate, the training Region; reqUirements for the implementation, opera (v) To identify the training needs of Members in tion and maintenance of the data-processing the field of telecommunications, particularly system in Region VI; to help obtain the maximum benefit from (viii) To advise and report to the chairman of the theRMDCN; working group on all matters concerning the (vi) To agree measures of performance and tar data-processing activities in the Region; gets for the operation of the GTS in the (ix) To represent the Region at sessions of the Region, and monitor the actual level of ser relevent CBS working group through partici vice against those targets, with the aim of pation of its coordinator; 46 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

(d) Subgroup on Regional Aspects of WWW Data (ii) To keep abreast of and evaluate technical Management/induding Codes (DM) and scientific developments related to the (i) To keep under review and adVise Members of formulation, presentation and dissemination RA VI on procedures and standards for data techniques and make recommendations· on a representations and theii:conversions; regional scale; (11) To keep under review data and product storage (iii) To further develop procedures for the coordina and selection and presentation to recipients tion of the warning activities of the Members, (NMCs); fOI the exchange of warnings between them (ill) To consider further the concept of Distributed and for the monitoring of the provision ofthese Databases in RA VI and. encourage and monitor warnings througfrthe media; trials on exchange of metadata between DDBs; (iv) To develop proposals on edUcation and training (iv) To·collectinformation on procedures for and requirements related to the PWS Programme; make recommendations on quality control of (v) To develop guidance material on, and prepare data:and products; common precedures for, verffication of public . (v) To review the WWW data and product forecasts and warnings; recovery procedures in case of major outages (vi) To develop guidance materiartor improving the of key facilities; presentation,offore(Oasts; (vi) To R.eep under. review bothreal~time and non (vii) To elaborate proposalS'for demonstrating the real-time monitoring of integrated. WWW benefits ofPWSand'heighteningthe visibility systems in the Region; ofNMHSs; (vii) To. provide information on the operation of the (viii) To advise and report to the chairman of the integrated WWW Programme in the Region, working group on aU-matters concerning the taking into accounttfierequfrements ofMembers; public weather service inthe Region; (viii) To monitor the· impact of Internet fbr RA VI (ix) To represent the Region at sessions of the relec Members in view of making the' bestuse oiit; vant CBS working group through partidpation (ix) TO'study the impact of the year 2000 proDlem of its comdinator; on computer systems in view ofihforming and (j) Ad hoc Group on WWW~related CooperatioR helping Members for the bestsolution; Activities (x) To continue to contribute to the development The ad hoc group will consist of senior experts selected of the CREXcode; fromMember-s,. assisted by the Working:Gtoup'on Planning (xi) To pursue the unification of the unit system for and Implementation oftheWWW in RAVI subgroup coor reportingwind speed; dinators with the followingterms ofreferences:

(xii) To work towards implementation of real-time 1. On the basis of deficienciesj potentia[ problems and eXChange of surface and upper-air data, future plans concerning WWW components in RA VI including high-resolution aerological. data in countries identified oy relevant WG-PIWsubgroup the boundary layer, in modern table-driven coordihators, formulate and consolidate prioritiesih data formats such as BUFH and CREX, and fo terms of emergency (short term), consolidation define a; strategy for the phasing out of tradi (medium term) and development (long term)· tional formats; requirements; (xlii) To explore the possibilities of the future 2: To review, assess and'consolidateavailable informa Regional Meteorolbgieal Data CommuniGation tiorron requirements of RA VI Members for WWW NetworRfor data-management functions; related technical cooperation activities; (xiv) Tbadvise and reportto the chairman of' the 3~ . To recommend to the Chairman appropriate actions worktng'group on all matters concerning: data to meet the identified requirements, particularly those management in the Region; urgent/emergency requirements at national and· (xv) To represent the Region at sessions of the rele regional. levels, while ensuring that the identified vant CBS working group through participation reqUirements are consistent with and linked to ofits coordinator; national/regional WWW plans; (e) Subgroup on RegionalAspects of Publit WeatheJ! 4. To assist and advise in identifying possible' resources Services (PWS) to meet these requfrements:fromwithineachcounfiy, (i) To develop dO'cumentation and advise on the through bilateral/multilateral arrangements among regional aspects of the PWS'Programme and its· RAVI Members, as well as from international funding iInplementation, contaiilhlg information: mstitutionsin Europe and elsewhere, andio promote .' On theformulation~ content and quality of actions to access such resources; public weather forecasts and warnihgs;' 5. To formulate and recommend a specifiC and intec .- On liaison between NMHSs and the media grated action plan; and and others involved in the aissemination of 6. To submit regular reports through the established public weather forecasts andwarnings; mechanisms. RESOLUTION 2 47

RESOLUTION 2 (XII-RA VI) REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), DECIDES that the stations and the observational NOTING: programmes listed in the annex to this resolution consti (1) Resolution 2 (XI-RA VI) - Regional Basic Synoptic tute the Regional Basic Synoptic Network of Region VI; Network, URGES Members: (2) The World Weather Watch Programme for the (1) To spare no effort in their endeavours to secure, at period 1996-2005, the earliest date pOSSible, full implementation of (3) The Manual on the Global Observing System, Volume the network of stations and observational pro I, Part III, Regulations 2.1.4, 2.1.5 and 2.1.6 and the grammes set forth in this resolution; definition of the Regional Basic Synoptic Network, (2) To comply fully with the standard times of obser CONSIDERING: vation, the global and regional coding procedures (1) That the establishment and maintenance of a and data collection standards, as laid down in the regional basic synoptic network of surface and upper WMO Technical Regulations and the Manuals on the air stations, adequate to meet the requirements of Global Observing System, on Codes and on the Global members and of the World Weather Watch, consti Telecommunication System, taking into account the tute one of the most important obligations of Members considerations in this resolution; under Article 2 of the WMO Convention, (3) In case of unavoidable closure of a network station, (2) The decision of XI-RA VI to enhance the network or reduction of the observing programme, to spacing for surface stations to ISO km, whereas for inform the president of the Association in an early upper-air stations a spacing of 250 km was main stage (preferably together with proposals for tained, replacement), with a view to ensure timely infor (3) That the number of Automatic Weather Stations is mation of Members by the WMO Secretariat; steadily increasing, replacing fully or partly profes REQUESTS: sionally staffed stations in many countries, and that (1) The Data Quality Monitoring Lead Centres in RA VI at the same time the quality of such stations is t6 carry out the monitoring of the data for all sta improving with many weather parameters mea tions from which synoptic observations are sured automatically, received, and to continue providing monitoring (4) That automatic measurements at fixed marine loca results to the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of tions (platforms and buoys) are extremely valuable GOS in Region VI; on a regional scale, (2) The Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the GOS to (5) That automatic stations, both on land and at sea, keep contact with Members on developments in the should be fully acceptable iIi the Regional Basic network, and to advise on remedial actions and Synoptic Network and that assignment of block and possible improvement of the composition and the index numbers should be considered as a tool for performance of the network; consistent monitoring, AUTHORIZES the president of the Association to (6) That, as a consequence of the use of modern approve, at the request of Members concerned and positioning systems for wind finding, and the in consultation with the Secretary-General of WMO associated relatively high costs of making upper-air and the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the GOS, observations of wind only, the number of wind amendments to the list of stations in accordance observations at 0600 and 1800 GMT has been with the procedures laid down in the Mcmua'lon the reduced substantially, and the requirement for such Global Observing System, Volume II, Regional Aspects, observations seems to be no longer in compliance Region VI (Europe) and the criteria as recorded in the with reality, and therefore should be suspended, consideration of this resolution.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 2 (XII-RA Vn REGIONAL BASIC SYNOPTIC NETWORK

Index No. Station name Observations Index No. Station name Observations ALBANIA 11035 WIEN/HOHE WARTE WR 13615 TIRANA S 11036 WIEN/SCHWECHAT-FLUGHAFEN S 11120 INNSBRUCK-FLUGHAFEN S ARMENIA 11150 SALZBURG-FLUGHAFEN S 37789 YEREVAN S 11157 AIGEN 1M ENNSTAL S AUSTRIA 11172 MARIAZELL S 11010 LINZ/HOERSCHING- 11204 LIENZ S FLUGHAFEN S 11240 GRAZ-THALERHOF-FLUGHAFEN S 48 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Index No. Station name Observations Index No. Station name Observations AZERBAIJAN 11518 PRAHA/RUZ\lNE S 37575 ZAKATALA S 11520 PRAHA-LIBUS WR 37735 GYANCA S 11603 LIBEREC S 37985 LANKARAN S 11659 PRIBYSLAV S 37985 LANKARAN WR 11723 BRNO/TURANY S 11782 OSTRAVA/MOSNOV S BELARUS 26554 VERHNEDVINSK S DENMARK AND FAROE ISLANDS 26666 VITEBSK S 06011 TORSHAVN S 26850 MINSK S 06011 TORSHAVN WR 26850 MINSK WR 06030 AALBORG S 26863 MOGILEV S 06060 KARUP S 26941 BARANOVICI S 06070 TIRSTRUP S 26951 SLUCK S 06120 ODENSE/BELDRINGE S 33008 BREST S 06180 KOEBENHAVN/KASTRUP S 33019 PINSK .S 06181 KOEBENHAVN/JAEGERSBORG WR 33036 MOZYR' S 06193 HAMMERODDE S 33041 GOMEL' S ESTONIA 33041 GOMEL' WR 26038 TALLINN S BELGIUM 26038 TALLINN WR 06407 OOSTENDE (AIRPORT) S 26045 KUNDA S 06447 UCCLE S 26115 RISTNA S 06447 UCCLE WR 26135 TURI S 26231 PJARNU S BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 26242 TARTU S 14542 BANJALUKA S 26247 VALGA S 14648 MOSTAR S 14654 SARAJEVO-BEJELAVE S FINLAND BULGARIA 02805 KEVO S 15502 VIDIN S 02807 IVALO S 15525 LOVETCH S 02836 SODANKYLA S · 15549 RAZGRAD ·S 02836 SODANKYLA WR · 15552. VARNA S 02845 ROVANIEMI S 15614 SOFIA (OBSERV.) S 02848 SALLA S 15614 SOFIA (OBSERV.) WR 02867 PUDASJARVI S 15640" SLIVEN S 02869 KUUSAMO S · 15655· BURGAS S 02879 SUOMUSSALMI S 15712 SANDANSKI S 02897 KAJAANI S 15730 KURDJALI S 02905 NIVALA S 02913 KAUHAVA S CROATIA 02917 KUOPIO S 14240 ZAGREB/MAKSIMIR S 02919 ILOMANTSI S 14240 ZAGREB/MAKSIMIR WR 02924 AHTARI S .. 14258 DARUVAR S 02935 JYVASKYLA S 14307 PULA AERODROME S 02944 TAMPERE/PIRKKALA S 14328 OGULIN S {)2947 MIKKELI S 14330 GOSPIC S 02952 PORI S 14370 SLAVONSKI BROD S 02963 ]OKIOINEN S 14445 SPLIT/MARJAN S 02963 JOKIOINEN WR 14474 DUBROVNIK/CILIPI S 02971 JOMALA S CYPRUS 02974 HELSINKI-VANTAA S 17600 PAPHOS AIRPORT S 02976 RANKKI S 17607 ATHALASSA WR 02981 UTO S 17609 LARNACA AIRPORT· . S 02982 RUSSARO S

CZECH REPUBLIC -.t FRANCE 11423 PRIMDA S 07005 ABBEVILLE S 11487 KOCELOVICE S 07015 LILLE S RESOLUTION 2 49

Index No. Station name Observations Index No. Station name Observations 07020 LA HAGUE S 10020 LIST/SYLT S 07027 CAEN S 10035 SCHLESWIG S 07037 ROUEN S 10035 SCHLESWIG WR 07070 REIMS S 10055 WESTERMARKELSDORF S 07110 BREST S 10147 HAMBURG-FUHLSBUETIEL S 07110 BREST WR 10162 SCHWERIN S 07117 PLOUMANACH S 10184 GREIFSWALD S 07130 RENNES S 10184 GREIFSWALD WR 07139 ALENCON S 10200 EMDEN-FLUGPLATZ S 07145 TRAPPES WR 10200 EMDEN-FLUGPLATZ WR 07149 PARIS-ORLY S 10224 BREMEN S 07180 NANCY-ESSEY S 10238 BERGEN WR 07180 NANCY-ESSEY WR 10270 NEURUPPIN S 07190 STRASBOURG-ENTZHEIM S 10338 HANNOVER S 07207 POINTE DU TALUT S 10361 MAGDEBURG S 07222 NANTES S 10393 LINDENBERG S 07240 TOURS S 10393 LINDENBERG WR 07255 BOURGES S 10400 DUESSELDORF S 07265 AUXERRE S 10410 ESSEN WR 07280 DIJON S 10438 KASSEL S 07299 BALE-MULHOUSE S 10469 LEIPZIG-SCHKEUDITZ S 07314 CHASSIRON S 10486 DRESDEN WR 07335 POITIERS S 10488 DRESDEN-KLOTZSCHE S 07434 LIMOGES S 10506 NUERBURG-BARWEILER S 07460 CLERMONT-FERRAND S 10548 MEININGEN S 07471 LEPUY S 10548 MEININGEN WR 07481 LYON-SATOLAS S 10618 IDAR-OBERSTEIN WR 07481 LYON-SATOLAS WR 10637 FRANKFURT /M-FLUGHAFEN S 07510 BORDEAUX MERIGNAC S 10685 HOF S 07510 . BORDEAUX MERIGNAC WR 10738 STUTIGART-ECHTERDINGEN S 07535 GOURD ON S 10739 STUTIGART/SCHNARRENBERG WR 07558 MILLAU S 10763 NUERNBERG S 07577 MONTELIMAR S 10771 KUEMMERSBRUCK WR 07591 EMBRUN S 10788 STRAUBING S 07609 MONT-DE-MARSAN S 10852 AUGSBURG S 07621 TARBES-OSSUN S 10868 MUENCHEN-OBERSCHLEISSHEIM WR 07627 SAINT GIRONS S 10946 KEMPTEN S 07630 TOULOUSE BLAGNAC S 07643 MONTPELLIER S GIBRALTAR 07645 NIMES-COURBESSAC WR 08495 GIBRALTAR S 07650 MARIGNANE S 08495 GIBRALTAR WR 07661 CAP CEPET S GREECE 07690 NICE S 16614 KASTORIA (AIRPORT) 07747 PERPIGNAN S S 16622 THESSALONIKI (AIRPORT) 07761 AJACCIO S S 16622 THESSALONIKI (AIRPORT) 07761 AJACCIO WR WR 16627 ALEXANDROUPOLI (AIRPORT) 07790 BASTIA S S 16641 KERKYRA (AIRPORT) S GEORGIA 16643 AKTION (AIRPORT) S 37395 KUTAISI S 16650 LIMNOS (AIRPORT) S 37432 PASANAURI S 16667 MYTILINI (AIRPORT) S 37484 BATUMI S 16675 LAMIA S 37549 TBILISI S 16682 ANDRAVIDA (AIRPORT) S 37549 TBILISI WR 16684 SKYROS (AIRPORT) S 16710 TRIPOLIS (AIRPORT) S GERMANY co 16716 ATHINAI (AIRPORT) ;) 10004 UFSTWEMS S 16716 ATHINAI (AIRPORT) WR 10015 HELGOLAND S 16732 NAXOS S SO ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Index No. Station name Observations Index No. Station name Observations 16734 METHONI S 04018 KEFLA VIKURFLUGVOLLUR WR 16738 MILOS S 04048 VESTMANNAEYJAR S 16743 KYTHIRA S 04056 HVERA VELLIR S 16746 SOUDA (AIRPORT) S 04063 AKUREYRI S 16749 RHODES (AIRPORT) S 04064 KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR S 16754 HERAKLION (AIRPORT) S 04077 RAUFARHOFN S 16754 HERAKLION (AIRPORT) WR 04082 AKURNES S 04097 DALATANGI S GREENLAND 04201 QAANAAQ S IRELAND 04202 PITUFFIK (THULE A.B.) S 04202 PITUFFIK (THULE A.B.) WR 03953 VALENTIA OBSERVATORY S 04203 KITSISSUT (CAREY OEER) S 03953 VALENTIA OBSERVATORY WR 04208 KITSISSORSUIT (EDDERFUGLE 03955 CORK AIRPORT S OEER) S 03957 ROSSLARE S 04210 UPERNAVIK S 03962 SHANNON AIRPORT S 04214 NUUSSUAATAA (NUSSUAQ) S 03969 DUBLIN AIRPORT S 04220 AASIAAT (EGEDESMINDE) S 03973 CONNAUGHT AIRPORT S 04220 AASIAAT (EGEDESMINDE) WR 03976 BELMULLET S 04221 ILULISSAT GAKOBSHAVN) S 03980 MALIN HEAD S SISIMIUT (HOLSTEINSBORG) S 04230 ISRAEL 04231 KANGERLUSSUAQ'(SDR. STROEMF]ORD) S 40155 SDE-HAIFA (HAIFA) S 04242 SIORALIK S 40179 BET DAGAN WR 04250 NUUK (GODTHAAB) S 40180 BE.N-GURION INT. AIRPORT S 04260 PAAMIUT (FREDERIKSHAAB) , S 40199 EILAT S 04266 NUNARSUIT S 04270 NARSARSUAQ S ITALY 04270 NARSARSUAQ WR 16020 BOLZANO S 04301 KAP MORRIS JESUP S 16044 UDINE/CAMPOFORMIDO WR 04312 STATION NORD AWS S 16045 UDINE/RIVOLTO S 04313 HENRIK KROEYER HOLME S 16059 TORINO/CASELLE S 04320 DANMARKSHAVN S 16080 MILANO/LINATE S 04320 DANMARKSHAVN WR 16080 MILANO/LINATE WR 04330 DANEBORG S 16120 GENOVA/SESTRI S 04339 ILLOQQORTOORMIUT ' 16140 BOLOGNA/BORGO PANIGALE S (SCORESBYSUND) S 16144 S. PIETRO CAPOFIUME 04339 ILLOQQORTOORMIUT MOLINELLA (BOLOGNA) , WR (SCORESBYSUND) WR 16158 PISA/S. GIUSTO S 04351' APUTITEEQ S 16181 PERUGIA S 04360 TASIILAQ (AMMASSALIK) S 16191 FALCONARA S ,04360 TASIILAQ (AMMASSALIK) WR 16206 GROSSETO S 04373 IKERMIIT S 16230 PESCARA S '04382' IKERMIUARSUK S 16242 ROMA FIUMICINO S 04390 PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND S 16245 PRAnCA DI MARE WR 16261 AMENDOLA S HUNGARY 16270 BARI/PALESE MACCHIE S 12772 MISKOLC S 16280 PONZA S 12822 GYOR S 16289 NAPOLI/CAPODICHINO S 12843 BUDAPEST/LORINC S 16310 CAPO PALINURO S 12843 BUDAPEST/LORINC, WR 16320 BRINDISI S 12882' DEBRECEN S 16320 BRINDISI WR 12925 ' NAGYKANIZSA S 16360 S. MARIA DI LEUCA S 12942 PECS/POGANY S 16400 usnCA S 12982 SZEGED S 16420 MESSINA S ICELAND 16429 TRAP ANI/BIRGI S' 04005 BOLUNGAVIK S 16429 TRAP ANI/BIRGI WR 04018 KEFLAVIKURFLUGVOLLUR S 16453 GELA S RESOLUTION 2 Sl

Index No. Station name Observations Index No. Station name Observations 16470 PANTELLERIA S 01028 BJORNOYA WR 16480 COZZO SPADARO S 01047 KAUTOKEINO S 16490 LAMPEDUSA S 01049 ALTA LUFfHAVN S 16506 GUARDIAVECCHIA S 01055 FRUHOLMEN FYR S 16520 ALGHERO S 01062 HOPEN S 16550 CAPO BELLAVISTA S 01078 SLETNES FYR S 16560 CAGLIARI/ELMAS S 01098 VARDO S 16560 CAGLIARI/ELMAS WR 01102 SKLINNA FYR . S JORDAN 01115 MYKEN S 01152 BODO VI 40250 H-4 'IRWAISHED' S S 01152 BODO 40265 MAFRAQ S WR 01160 SKROVAFYR 40296 GHORELSAFI S S 01205 SVINOY FYR 40310 MA'AN S S 01218 TAF]ORD S KAZAKHSTAN (IN EUROPE) 01238 FOKSTUA II S 34691 NOVYJ USHTOGAN S 01241 ORLAND III S LATVIA 01241 ORLAND WR 01271 TRONDHEIM/VAERNES 26313 KOLKA S S 01300 GULLFAKS C 26348 GULBENE S S 01311 BERGEN/FLESLAND 26406 LIEPAJA S S 01355 LAERDAL-MOLDO 26416 SALDUS S S 01367 FAGERNES 26422 RIGA S S 01384 OSLO/GARDERMOEN 26422 RIGA WR S 01384 OSLO/GARDERMOEN 26544 DAUGAVPILS S WR 01389 RENA-HAUGEDALEN S LEBANON 01400 EKOFISK· S 40100 BEYROUTH (AIRPORT) S 01400 EKOFISK* WR 01401 LITHUA~nA FRIGG S 01415 STAVANGER/SOLA 26509 KLAIPEDA S S 01415 STAVANGER/SOLA 26524 SIAULIAI S WR 01448 OKSOYFYR 26531 BIRZAI S S 01482 FERDERFYR 26629 KAUNAS S S 26629 KAUNAS WR NORWAY - OCEAN WEATHER STATIONS . VILNIUS 26730 S ***** FORMER MIKE S LUXEMBOURG ***** FORMER MIKE WR 0659,0 LUXEMBOURG/LUXEMBOURG S POLAND MALTA 12105 KOSZALIN S 12120 LEBA 16597 LUQA S S 12120 LEBA WR NETHERLANDS 12160 ELBLAG S 06239 F-03 (PLATFORM) S. 12195 SUWALKI S 06240 AMSTERDAM AP SCHIPHOL S 12205 SZCZECIN S 06252 K13-A S 12235 CHOlNICE S 06260 DEBILT WR 12250 TORUN S 06270 LEEUWARDEN S 12270 MLAWA S 06290 TWENTHE S 12280 MIKOLAJKI S 06321 EURO PLATFORM S 12295 BIALYSTOK S 12300 NORWAY GORZOWWLKP S 12330 POZNAN S 01001 JANMAYEN S 12374 LEGIONOWO WR 01001 JANMAYEN WR 12375 WARSZAWA-OKECIE S 01004 NY-ALESUND II WR 12400 ZIELONA GORA S 01007 NY ALESUND S 12424 WROCLAWII S 01008 SVALBARD LUFfHAVN S 01010 ANDOYA S * 01400 EKOFISK: This upper-air station is jointly operated 01025 TROMSO/LANGNES S by Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the 01028 BJORNOYA S Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom S2 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Index No. Station name Observations Index No. Station name Observations

12425 WROCLAWI WR 22113 MURMANSK WR 12435 KALISZ S 22127 LOVOZERO S 12465 LODZ S 22165 KANINNOS S 12495 LUBLIN RADA WIEC S 22217 KANDALAKSA S 12530 OPOLE S 22217 KANDALAKSA WR 12566 KRAKOW S 22235 KRASNOSCEL'E S 12570 KIELCE S 22271 SOJNA S 12580 RZESZOW-]ASIONKA S 22271 SO]NA WR 22292 INDIGA S PORTUGAL " ~ 22349 P]ALICA S FLORES {ACORES) S 08501 22408 KALEVALA S 08505 HORTA/CASTELO BRANCO 22422 GRIDINO S (ACORES) S ~ . 22438 ZIZGIN S 08508 LAJES/SANTA RITA (ACORES) WR 22471 MEZEN' S LAJES (ACORES) S , 08509 22522 KEM'-PORT S 08515 SANTA MARIA (ACORES) S 22522 KEM' WR 08538 SAGRES S 22550 ARHANGEL'SK S 08541 SINES/MONTES CHAOS S 22550 ARHANGEL'SK WR 08545 PORTO/PEDRAS RUBRAS S 22563 PINEGA S 08548 COIMBRA/CERVACHE S 22583 KO]NAS S 08554 FARO I AEROPORTO S 22602 REBOLY S 08558 EVORA/C. COORD S 22621 SEGEZA S 08570 CASTELO BRANCO S 22641 ONEGA S 08575 BRAGANCA S 22676 SURA S 08579 LISBOA/GAGO COUTINHO S 22695 KOSLAN S 08579 LISBOA/GAGO COUTINHO WR 2272i MEDVEZEGORSK S REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA 22768 SENKURSK' S 33815 KISINEV S 22778 VERHN]A]A TO]MA S 22798 ]ARENSK 'S ROMANIA 22802 SORTAVALA S 15004 SIGHETU MARMATIEI S 22820 PETROZAVODSK S 15020 BOTOSANI S 22820 PETROZAVODSK WR 15090 IASI S 22831 PUDOZ S 15108 CEAHLAU TOACA S 22837 VYTEGRA S 15120 CLU]-NAPOCA S 22845 KARGOPOL' S 15120 CLU]-NAPOCA WR 22845 KARGOPOL' WR 15150 BACAU S 22867 VEL'SK S 15200 ARAD S 22887 KOTLAS S 15260 SIBIU S 22892 VYBORG S 15280 VF.OMU S 22939 BELOZERSK S 15292 CARANSEBES S 22954 VOZEGA 'S 15310 GALATI S 22996 OB']ACEVO S 15346 RIMNICU VILCEA S 26059 KINGISEPP S 15350 BUZAU S 26063 5T PETERSBURG S 15360 SULINA S 26063 5T PETERSBURG (VOE]KOVO) WR 15410 DROBETA TR. SEVERIN S . 26094 TIHVIN S 15420 BUCURESTI/IMH S 26258 PSKOV S 15420 BUCURESTI/IMH WR 26258 PSKOV WR 15450 CRAIOVA S 26275 STARA]A RUSSA S

15460 CALARASI ~ S . 26298 BOLOGOE S 15470 ROSIORI DE VEDE S~ 26298 BOLOGOE WR 15480 CONSTANTA S 26389 OSTASKOV S 15480 CONSTANTA WR .. 26477 VELIKIE LUKI S RUSSIAN FEDERATION (IN EUROPE) 26477 VELIKIE LUKI WR 22028 TERIBERKA S 26585 BELY] S 22106 . PADUN 'S 26695 V]AZ'MA S 22113 MURMANSK 5 26702 KALININGRAD S RESOLUTION 2 53

Index No. Station name ObservatiollS Index No. Station name ObservatiollS

26702 KALININGRAD WR 34172 SARATOV WR 26781 SMOLENSK S 34186 ERSOV S 26781 SMOLENSK WR 34247 KALAC S 26882 ROSLAVL' S 34247 KALAC WR 26997 TRUBCEVSK S 34336 BOGUCAR S 27008 BABAEVO S 34357 SERAFIMOVIC S 27037 VOLOGDA S 34363 KAMYSIN S 27037 VOLOGDA WR 34391 ALEKSANDROV-GAJ S 27051 TOT'MA S 34545 MOROZOVSK S 27066 NIKOL'SK S 34560 VOLGOGRAD S 27083 OPARINO S 34560 VOLGOGRAD WR 27113 CEREPOVEC S 34579 VERHNIJ BASKUNCAK S 27199 KIROV S 34731 ROSTOV-NA-DONU S 27199 KIROV WR 34731 ROSTOV-NA-DONU WR 27225 RYBINSK S 34747 CELINA S 27242 BUJ S 34824 PRIMORSKO-AHTARS;K S 27252 NIKOLO-POLOMA S 34838 TIHORECK S 27271 SAR'JA S 34858 DIVNOE S 27329 ROSTOV S 34858 DIVNOE WR 27355 JUR'EVEC S 34866 JASKUL' S 27369 KRASNYE BAKI S 34880 ASTRAHAN' S 27373 SAKUN'JA S 34880 ASTRAHAN' WR 27393 NOLINSK S 34929 KRASNODAR S 27402 TVER' S 37018 TUAPSE S 27459 NIZNIJ NOVGOROD S 37018 TUAPSE WR 27459 NIZNIJ NOVGOROD WR 37031 ARMAVIR S 27479 KOZ'MODEM'JANSK S 37054 MINERAL'NYE VODY S 27532 VLADIMIR S 37054 MINERAL'NYE VODY WR 27595 KAZAN' S 37061 BUDENNOVSK S 27595 KAZAN' WR 37085 KOCUBEJ S 27612 MOSKVA S 37171 ADLER S 27612 MOSKVA (DOLGOPRUDNY]) WR 37228 WLADIKAVKAZ S 27648 ELAT'MA S 37472 MAHACKALA S 27665 LUKOJANOV S SLOVAKIA 27679 ALATYR' S 11826 PIESTANY 27707 SUHINICI S S 11903 SLIAC 27707 SUHINICI WR S 11934 POPRAD/TATRY 27719 TULA S S 11952 POPRAD-GANOVCE 27730 RJAZAN' S WR 27730 RJAZAN' WR SLOVENIA 27786 ULYANOVSK S 14014 LJUBLJANA/BRNIK S 27823 PAVELEC S SPAIN 27857 ZAMETCINO S 08001 LACORUNA 27906 OREL S S 08001 LACORUNA 27928 ELEC S WR 08015 OVIEDO 27947 TAMBOV S S 08023 SANTANDER 27962 PENZA S S 08023 SANTANDER 27962 PENZA WR WR 08027 SAN SEBASTIAN/IGUELDO 27983 SYZRAN' S S 08045 VIGO/PEINADOR 27995 SAMARA (BEZENCUK) WR S 08055 LEON/VIRGEN DEL CAMINO 34009 KURSK S S 08084 LOGRONO/AGONCILLO 34009 KURSK WR S 08094 HUESCA/MONFLORITE 34047 ZERDEVKA S S 08141 VALLADOLID S 34122 VORONEZ WR 08148 SORIA S 34123 VORONEZ S 08160 ZARAGOZA!AEROPUERTO S 34152 BALASOV S 08160 ZARAGOZA! AEROPUERTO WR 34172 SARATOV S 08181 BARCELONA!AERO PUERTO S 54 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Index No. Station name Observations Index No. Station name Observations

08184 GERONA/COSTA BRAVA S 02520 SATENAS S 08202 SALAMANCA/MATACAN S 02527 GOTEBORG/LANDVETTER WR 08221 MADRID/BARAJAS S 02562 LINKOPING/MALMSLAETT S 08221 MADRID/BARAJAS WR 02566 MALILLA S 08235 TERUEL S 02584 GOTSKA SANDON S 08238 TORTOSA S 02620 TORUP S 08261 CACERES S 02664: RONNEBY/KALLINGE S 08272 TOLEDO S 02680 HOBURG S 08280 ALBACETE/LOS LLANOS S SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENST.EIN VALENCIA/AEROPUERTO S 08284 06610 PAYERNE S PALMA DE MALLORCA WR 08301 06610 PAYERNE WR PALMA DE MALLORCA/SON 08306 06670 ZURICH-KLOTEN S S SANJUAN 06700 GENEVE-COINTRIN S MENORCA/MAHON S 08314 06720 SION S BADAJOZ/TALAVERA LA REAL S 08330 06762 LOCARNO-MAGADINO S ClUDAD REAL S 08348 06794 ROBBIA S ALICANTE/EL ALTET S 08360 06990 VADUZ (LIECHTENSTEIN) S 08373 IBIZA/ES CODOLA S 08391 SEVILLA/SAN PABLO S SYRiAN ARAB REPUBLIC 08410 CORDOBA/AEROPUERTO S 40001 KAMISHLI S 08417 JAEN S 40007 ALEPPO INT.. AIRPORT S 08419 GRANADA/AEROPUERTO S 40022 LAITAKIA S 08430 MURCIA S 40030 HAMA S 08430 MURCIA WR 40039 RAQQA S 08451 JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA 40045 DEIREZZOR S AEROPUERTO S 40061 PALMYRA S 08482 MALAGA!AEROPUERTO S 40072 ABUKMAL S 08487 ALMERIA/AEROPUERTO S 40080 DAMASCUS INT. AIRPORT S

SWEDEN THE FORMER YUGOSLAV 02020 KATTERJAKK S REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA 02043 ESRANGE S 13579 OHRID-AERODROME S 02096 PAJALA S ' 13586 SKOPJE-PETROVEC S 02104 HEMAVAN S 13586 SKOPJE-PETROVEC WR 02120 KVIKKJOKK-ARRENJARKA S 13592 DEMIR KAPIJA S 02124 AR]EPLOG S 02128 GUNNARN S TURKEY 02142 JOKKMOKK S 17022 ZONGULDAK S 02185 LULEA~KALLAX WR 17024 INEBOLU S 02186 LULEA-KALLAX S 17026 SINOP s· 02196 HAPARANDA S 17030 SAMSUN S 02222 GADDEDE S 17030 SAMSUN WR 02226 FROSON s; 17034 GlRESUN S 02244 ]UNSELl: S 17038 TRABZON S' 02288 HOLMOGADD S 17050 EDIRNE S 02297 BJUROKLUBB S 17056 TEKIRDAG S 02324 SVEG S 17060 ·ISTANBUL/ATATURK S 02355 KUGGOREN S 17062 ISTANBUL/GOZIEPE WR 02365 TTMRA/MIDLANDA WR 17067 GOLCUK/DUMLUPINAR S 02366 TIMRA/MIDLANDA s 17070 BOLU S 02410 MALUNG S 17084 CORUM S

~ 02418 KARLSTAD FLYGPLATS " 17090 SIVAS S 02424 STALLDALEN S 17092 ERZINCAN S 02440 AMOT S 17096 ERZURUM S 02456 FILM S 17098 KARS S 02469 TULLINGE S 17112 CANAKKALE S 02496 SVENSKA HOGARNA S 17115 BAND IRMA S 02518 NIDINGEN S 17116 BURSA S RESOLUTION 2 SS

Index No. Station flame Observations Index No. Station name Observations 17124 ESKISEHIR S 33663 MOHYLIV-PODIL'S'KYI S 17128 ESENBOGA S 33711 KIROVOHRAD S 17130 ANKARA/CENTRAL WR 33761 LIUBASHIVKA S 17150 BALIKESIR S 33791 KRYVYI RIH S 17160 KIRSEHIR S 33791 KRYVYI RIH WR 17170 VAN S 33837 ODESA S 17184 AKHISAR S 33837 ODESA WR 17188 USAK S 33902 KHERSON S 17190 AFYON S 33910 HENICHES'K . S 17195 KA YSERI/ERKILET S 33924 CHORNOMORS'KE S 17200 MALATYA/ERHAC S 33946 SIMFEROPOL' S 17202 ELAZIG S 33946 SIMFEROPOL' WR 17210 SIIRT S 33983 KERCH S 17219 IZMIR/ A. MENDERES S 33990 YALTA S 17220 IZMIR/GUZELYALI WR 34300 KHARKIV S 17234 AYDIN S 34300 KHARKIV WR 17240 ISPARTA S 34415 IZIUM S 17240 ISPARTA WR 34504 DNIPROPETROVS'K S 17244 KONYA S 34519 DONETS'K S 17248 EREGLI/KONYA S 34523 LUHANS'K S 17260 GAZIANTEP S 34601 ZAPORIZHZHIA S 17280 DIYARBAKIR S 34712 MARIUPOL' S 17280 DIYARBAKIR WR 17290 BODRUM S UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND 17292 MUGLA S 03005 LERWICK 17300 ANTALYA S S 03005 LERWICK 17310 ALANYA S WR 03017 KIRKWALL AIRPORT 17330 SILIFKE S S 03026 STORNOWAY 17350 ADANA/INCIRLIK S S 03026 STORNOWAY 17351 ADANA/BOLGE WR WR 03063 AVIEMORE 17370 ISKENDERUN S S 03091 ABERDEEN/DYCE AIRPORT S UKRAINE 03100 TlREE S 33088 SARNY S 03136 PRESTWICK RNAS S 33135 CHERNIHIV S 03162 ESKDALEMUIR S 33177 VOLODYMYR-VOLYNS'KYI S 03171 LEUCHARS S 33261 KONOTOP S 03204 ISLE OF MAN/RONALDSWAY 33275 SUMY S AIRPORT S 33301 RIVNE S 03240 BOULMER S 33317 SHEPETIVKA S 03240 BOULMER WR 33317 SHEPETIVKA WR 03257 LEEMING S 33325 ZHYTOMYR S 03292 BRIDLINGTON MRSC S 33345 KYIV S 03302 VALLEY S 33345 KYIV WR 03334 MANCHESTER AIRPORT S 33377 LUBNY S 03377 WADDINGTON S 33393 L'VIV S 03414 SHAWBURY S 33393 L'VIV WR 03462 WITIERING S 33415 TERNOPIL' S 03496 HEMSBY S 33429 KHMEL'NYTS'KYI S 03496 HEMSBY WR 33466 MYRONIVKA S 03502 ABERPORTH S 33506 POLTAVA S 03502 ABERPORTH WR 33526 IVANO-FRANKIVS'K S 03590 WATIISHAM S 33562 VINNYTSIA S 03716 ST ATHAN S 33587 UMAN' S 03740 LYNEHAM S 33614 SVITLOVODS'K S 03772 LONDON/HEATHROW AIRPORT S 33631 UZHHOROD S 03797 MANSTON S 33658 CHERNIVTSI S 03808 CAMBORNE S 33658 CHERNIVTSI WR 03808 CAMBORNE WR 56 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Index No. Station name Observations Index No. Station name Observations 03862 BOURNEMOUTH AIRPORT S YUGOSLAVIA 03882 HERSTMONCEUX S 13160 SOMBOR S 03882 HERSTMONCEUX WR 13262 LOZNICA S 03920 HILLSBOROUGH S 13272 BEOGRAD/SURCIN S 03920 HILLSBOROUGH WR 13275 BEOGRAD/KOSUTNJAK WR 13285 VELIKO GRADISTE S UNITED KINGDOM-MARINE STATIONS 13289 CRNIVRH S ***** B62026 BUOY BU K17 S 13363 PLEVLJA S ***** B62029 BUOY BU K1 S 13376 KRALJEVO S ***** B62081 BUOY BU K2 S 13388 NIS S- ***** B62105 BUOY BU K4 S 13462 PODGORICA/GOLUBOVCI S ***** B62106 BUOY BU RAHR S 13473 PEC S ***** B62108 BUOY BU K3 S 13489 VRANJE S ***.** B62109 BUOY BU K16 S *te*** B62112 PF BRAE S Legend for Observations C~lumn ***** B62118 PF FORTI S S = Surface observing programme required ***** B62163 BUOY BU BRITT* S W= Radiowind observing programme required ***** B64045 BUOY BU K5 . S R = Radiosonde observing programme required Type of observation Count: S: 726 * B62163 BUOY BU BRITT: This moored buoy is jointly oper WR: 143 ated by France and the United Kingdom Total stations: 869

RESOLUTION 3 (XII-RA VI) RAPPORTEUR ON REGIONAL ASPECTS OF INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT, RELATED TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION'VI (EUROPE), (a) To update information on instrumentation NOTING Resolution 4 (EC-XLVI) ~ Report of the operated at meteorologkal stations and on its eleventh session of the Commission for Instruments maintenance and calibration; and Methods of Observation, (b) To prepare guidance for the best effective lise CONSIDERING: of meteorological instrumentation; .' (1) The importance of information on instrumeI?-t (c) To keep abreast of all matters related to instru" development as guidance for improving. the equip ment development; . ment of surface-based observing stations with sen~ (d) To provide guidelines for coordination of SOTS and automatic weather stations, education and training activities for (2) The need for updating information on the status of instrument technicians in collaboration with instrumentation used at meteorological stations the Regional Instrument Centres and the and on maintenance and calibration of instru WMO Secretariat; ments, (e) To facilitate communications between dMO (3) The need for coordinating education and training and the regional association. on matters per activities for observers, station inspectors and tech taining to capacity building in the field of nicians in the field of operation, maintenance and instruments and methods of observation; calibration of meteorological instruments, . (2) To invite France to serve as rapporteur; DECIDES: (3) To request the rapporteur to submit annual progress (1) To appoint a Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of reports and a final report to the president of RA VI Instrument Development, Related Training and at least six months before the next session of the Capadty Building with the following terms of reference: Association. RESOLUTION 4 57

RESOLUTION 4 CXll-RA VI) REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL DATA COMMUNICATION NETWORK (RMDCN)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), with a service provider. The service provider NOTING: will be committed to extend the service to all (1) Resolution 5 (XI-RA VI) - Regional Meteorological RA VI Members requesting to join the Data Communication Network, RMDCN; (2) That the Steering Group on the RMDCN, established (b) In concluding the agreement, WMO and through the aforementioned resolution, had completed ECMWF recognize that the RMDCN will be the study phase ofthe RMDCN. Considering the over part of the Global Telecommunication System lap between the RA VI meteorological data (GTS) of the WMO World Weather Watch as communication requirements and the ECMWFrequire regards the RA VI telecommunication ments the Steering Group recommended a common requirements. The GTS services of the RMDCN meteorological data communication network to meet will be coordinated through the relevant the combined requirements, WMO bodies and according to WMO policy (3) That the Steering Group further recommended that and procedures. ECMWF, in close liaison with ECMWF be requested to undertake the procure the WMO Secretariat and the RA VI Members ment, implementation and monitoring of such a participating in the RMDCN, shall carry out network for all RA VI Members, and that WMO, on the procurement and monitoring of the behalf of RA VI Members concerned, and ECMWF RMDCN; should arrange for a specific agreement with a view (c) ECMWF will not change the underlying trans to making such an action possible, port layer for at least five years after the start (4) That the Steering Group's recommendations were of operation of the RMDCN, and would make submitted to all RA VI Members for their approval, substantial changes only after consultation (5) That the RA VI Members concurred with the with the nominated representatives of the Steering Group's recommendations, and that, sub participating RA VI Members, and would sequently, the president of Region VI agreed that allow a reasonable overlap time for imple the Steering Group proceed with the next steps of mentation of such changes; the RMDCN project, (d) ECMWF shall select the service provider (in (6) That the ECMWF issued the Invitation to Tender cluding preparation of the master agreement) for RMDCN services on 6 March 1998, for the RMDCN, in accordance with the rele NOTING FURTHER: vant Rules and Procedures of ECMWF in con (1) That a proposal for terms of agreement on the pro sulation with WMO; curement, implementation and monitoring of the (e) ECMWF commits itself to monitor the RMDCN between WMO and ECMWF was devel RMDCN on behalf of all participating oped and distributed on 17 November 1997 to Members, to report on the quality of service RA VI Members for consideration, delivered, to plan for network changes and to (2) That the ECMWF Council supported the proposed liaise with nominated representatives of the terms of agreement between WMO and ECMWF, participating RA VI Members as required. CONSIDERING: Network changes will include the introduc (1) The importance of proceeding with the RMDCN tion of further WMO Region VI Members. The project with a view to meeting the increasing RA VI service provider's adherence to the Service meteorological data communication requirements, Level Agreement will be strictly monitored; (2) That some RA VI Members have declared that they (f) RA VI Members that are not Member States of may not be able to participate in the first imple ECMWF and· wish to participate in the mentation phase of the RMDCN, RMDCN will enter into an appropriate con AGREES: tract with the service provider. The general (1) That the agreement for the RMDCN between WMO, terms of such a contract shall be governed by on behalf of RA VI Members, and ECMWF should the master agreement on the RMDCN comprise the following: between the ECMWF and the service provider; (a) Recognizing that ECMWF will provide a mete (g) Each participating Member agrees to use the orological data communication network ser RMDCN only for GTS and related traffic vice to its Member States to carry GTS and unless otherwise agreed with ECMWF and related traffic, and recognizing further that nominated representatives of the participat ECMWF is willing to provide for the extension ing Members, and to comply with security of the service of this network to all RA VI measures as required for the RMDCN; Members which are not Member States of REQUESTS its Working Group on Planning and ECMWF, RA VI Members agree that ECMWF Implementation of the WWW in Region VI, and in will conclude an RMDCN master agreement particular its Subgroup on Regional Aspects of the 58 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

GTS, to develop, as a matter of urgency, an earliest possible date, including contributions to the appropriate transition plan for RMTN circuits linking coordinated cooperation project for the RMDCN; those RA VI Members which are not participating in REQUESTS the Secretary-General: the first RMDCN implementation phase; (1) To arrange for the entry into force of the above INVITES RA VI Members to consider all possible ways WMO-ECMWF agreement, through an appropriate and means for cooperation and assistance with a exchange of letters between WMO and ECMWF; view to facilitating the participation of all RA VI (2) To continue to provide Secretariat coordination and Members in the RMDCN implementation, at the support to the RMDCN, as required.

RESOLUTION 5 eXIT-RA VI) WORKING GROUP ON CLIMATE-RELATED MATTERS

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), (e) To report on EuroCLIVAR activities with special NOTING: regard to climate extremes, indices and indicators (1) The reports of its rapporteurs on Climate-related for climate change detection in RA VI; Matters, (1) To select relevant,specialized centres in the (2) Resolution 29 (Cg-XII) - The Fourth WMO Long Region providing products from observations Term Plan, and climatic variables, such as the Global (3) The abridged final report of the twelfth session of Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) and the Commission for Climatology (WMO-No. 870), the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC), and (4) The decisions made on climate-related issues by to explore the possibilities for combining Cg-XII (1995) and EC-XLIX on the establishment of them into .a network structur_e; the Climate Information and Prediction Services (g) To evaluate the role and options fora regional (CLIPS) Project and the policy and practice for the climate centre function; exchange of meteorological and related data and (2) To select the following experts to serve on the products, working group in the capacities indicated: CONSIDERING the need for the Association to main E. Moralliisky (Bulgaria) tain its activities in climate-related activities of par S. Szalai (Hungary) ticular importance to the Region, S. Rubin (Ms) (Israel) DECIDES: P. Hechler (Germany) (1) To re-establish the working Group on Climate-related G. Marrachi (Italy) Matters with the followir\g terms of reference: F. Baede (Netherlands) (a) To explore the use of automated weather sta 'F. Coelho (Ms) (Portugal) tions in the -field of climate; Stastny (Slovakia) . (b) To address data management problems such as T. Cegnar (Slovenia) metadata concepts, quality control procedures C. Almarza (Spain) and methods to homogenize data records; (3) To select G. Grusa (Russian Federation) to chair the (c) To examine and report on the possibilities for working group; employing Geographical Information Systems (4) That Members may nominate other experts to serve (GIS) in the development of climate services; on the working group; (d) To report on EuroCLlPSactivities from EUMET REQUESTS the working group chair to submit annual NET-European Climate Support Network (ECSN) pr-ogress reports to the President of the Association and encourage cooperation on CLIPS activities and a final report not later than six months before between all RA VI Members; the thirteenth session of the Association.

RESOLUTION 6 (XII-RA VI) RAPPORTEUR ON THE GLOBAL ATMOSPHERE WATCH (GAW)

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), CONSIDERING: NOTING: (1) The ever increasing awareness of a number of envi (1) Resolution 13 (Cg-XI) - Atmospheric Research and ronmental issues which are being addressed Environment Programme, through the Global Atmosphere Watch, (2) WMO Technical Regulations, Volume I, Chapter B.2, (2) That WMO has a long history of facilitating and Global Atmosphere Watch (GA W), coordinating activities concerning the monitoring RESOLUTION 7 S9

and assessment of atmospheric chemical composi the various monitoring instruments in RA VI tion and related physical characteristics of the back and other Regionsj ground atmosphere, (c) To advise concerning the establishment of GAW (3) The approval by EC-XLI of the Global Atmosphere stations in the Region and on matters relating to Watch (GAW), new developments such as monitoring by (4) That the Eleventh World Meteorological Congress satellitesj stated that GA W should be a major component of (d) In collaboration with the Secretariat, to keep the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), in contact with cooperative atmospheric (5) The need to keep fully abreast of developments research projects within the Region and to related to GA W in the Region, including activities assist members in the exchange of informa such as the central facilities established, the prepar tion and experiencej tions for assessments and the exchange of experi (e) To liaise with the Regional Rapporteur on Atmos ence in research and monitoring, pheric Ozone on matters of mutual interestj DECIDES: (2) To invite G. Mueller (Switzerland) to serve as the (1) To appoint a Rapporteur on the Global Atmosphere Rapporteur on the Global Atmosphere Watch Watch (GAW) with the following terms of reference: (GAW)j (a) To survey and report on Members' efforts in oper (3) To request the rapporteur to submit an annual report ating GA W stationsj on his activities for distribution to Members of the (b) To assist, in collaboration with the Secretariat, in Region and a final report six months before the next the conduct of comparisons and calibrations of session of the Association.

RESOLUTION 7 (XII -RA VI) RAPPORTEUR ON ATMOSPHERIC OZONE

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), (a) To survey and report on Members' efforts in operating GA W ozone stations in the Regionj (1) Resolution 11 (EC-XXIX) - Atmospheric Ozone (b) To assist, in collaboration with the Secretariat, Measurements, in the conduct of comparisons and calibra (2) Resolution 7 (EC-XXXIX) - Global Ozone Research tions between Dobsoll, Brewers, UV-B measur and Monitoring, ing and other instruments in RA VI and other (3) The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Regions; Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on (c) To advise concerning the establishment of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, new ozone sonde stations in the Region and CoNSIDERING: on matters relating to the monitoring of (1) The recognized threat to the depletion of strato ozone by satellitesj spheric ozone, (d) To assess regional interest in matters relating to (2) That WMO has a long history of facilitating and and encourage the monitoring of tropospheric coordinating ozone activities, and surface ozone induding UV -B mOnitoring; (3) The approval by EC-XLI of the Global Atmosphere (e) In collaboration with the Secretariat, to keep Watch {GAW) with one of its main components in contact with cooperative research projects being GAW-ozone (formerly the WMO Global on ozone within the Region and to assist Ozone Observing System), members in the exchange of information and (4) That the Eleventh World Meteorological Congress experiencej stated that GA W should be a major component of (n To maintain liaison with the Regional Ozone the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), Centre in Hohenpeissenbergj (5) . The necessity for continued encouragement of (2) To invite. H. Bacanli (Turkey) to serve as the activities related to ozone in the Region, including Rapporteur-on Atmospheric Ozonej activities such as arrangements for instrument (3) To request the rapporteur to submit an annual intercomparisons, re-evaluation of past records, report on his activities to the president of the preparations for assessments and the exchange of Association and a final report six months before the experience in ozone research and monitoring, next session of the Association. DECIDES: (1) To appoint a Rapporteur on Atmospheric Ozone NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 8 (XI-RA VI), which with the following terms of reference: is no longer in force. 60 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

RESOLUTION 8 (XII-RA VI) WORKING GROUP ON AGRICULTURAL METEOROLOGY

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), and the potential for using the next genera NOTING: tion of meteorological satellites; (1) Resolution 13 (Cg-XII) - Agricultural Meteorology (d) To assess the cost/benefit ratios of the provi Programme, sion of agrometeorological information; (2) The final report of the eleventh session of CAgM (e) To promote information campaigns and train (WMO-No. 825), ing of farmers' associations and water resource (3) Resolution 9 (XI-RA VI) - Working Group on managers regarding use of agrometeorological Agricultural Meteorology, forecasts and products through publications (4) The report of the working group submitted to the and multimedia approaches; twelfth session of the Association, including its rec (f) To review the state-of-the-art of education in ommendations, agrometeorology in Europe at the . level of RECOGNIZING: te€hnical schools and universities; (1) The increased awareness, especially in many devel (g) To summarize the status in Europe of weather oped countries, of the importance of the quality of dependent agrometeorological growth simula agricultural products, tion models with potential for operational (2) The increased concern with the pollution of water crop state monitoring and yield forecasting; and.air resources, (2). To nominate the following experts as core members RECOGNIZING FURTHER: to serve on the group: (1) The need for promotion of agrometeorological fore H. Dobesch (Austria) casts and products, P. Nejedlik (Slovakia) (2) The need for assessment of agrometeorological H.Friesland (Germany) education at the level of technical schools and G. Zipoli (Italy) universities, fl. Gat (Ms) (Israel) DECIDES: Y. 6zalp (Turkey) (1) To re-establish a Working Group on Agricultural V. Aleksandrov (Bulgaria) Meteorology with the following terms of reference: A. Klechenko (Russian Federation) (a) To review the scientific literature on the effect R. Guerreiro (Ms) (Portugal) of climate and weather, especially during the A. Marroquin (Spain) ripening period, on the quality and storage 1. Marajc (Slovenia) capacity of grapes, spring barley, potatoes and (3) To designate Z. Dunkel (Hungary) as chairman of tomatoes; the working group; (b) To review the conservational aspects of envi . (4) That Members may nominate other experts to serve ronmental resources, i.e. climate, water and on the working group; soils, and agricultural methodologies that (5) To invite the chairman of the working group to sub describe quantitatively the pollution of water mit annual progress reports on the activities of the and air resources (e.g. nitrogen application, group and a firial report. to the president of the use of fungicides qnd pestiddes,etc.) and land Association six months prior to'the thirteenth ses management techniques; sion of the Association. (c) To summarize the recent d~velopments in the use of remote sensing as a tool for the detec NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 9 (XI-RA VI), which tion of droughts, forest fires, frost risks etc., is no longer in force.

RESOLUTION 9 (XII-RA VI) RAPPORTEUR ON REGIONAL MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), Implementation Support with regard to matters NOTING the report of the Rapporteur on Regional affecting the Region, Marine Meteorological Services, DECIDES: CONSIDERING: (1) To appoint a Rapporteur on Regional Marine (1) The need for continued development of marine Meteorological Services with the following terms of meteorological services in Region' VI, reference: (2) The need to continue close liaison with the CMM (a) To continuously review the status of the Working Group on Education, Training and implementation of marine meteorological RESOLUTION 10 61

services and marine observing systems in (2) To invite M. Weiss (Israel) to serve as the Region VI and to formulate suggestions for Rapporteur on Regional Marine Meteorological their further developmentj Servicesj (b) To take action on marine meteorological mat (3) To request the rapporteur to submit annual reports, ters assigned by the president of RA VIj as appropriate, to the president of the Association (c) To liaise with the CMM Working Group on with a final report to be presented six months prior Education, Training and Implementation to the thirteethsession of the Associationj Support on specific matters concerning REQUESTS the Secretary-General to assist the rappor Region VIj teur in his work as appropriate. (d) To liaise with the RA VI Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW Subgroup on the Regional Aspects of the NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 10 (XI-RA VI), Global Observing Systemj which is no longer in force.

RESOLUTION 10 (XII-RA VI) INVOLVEMENT IN OPERATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), meteorology, oceanographic services and research NOTING: and global climate studies for such data, (1) Resolution 16 (Cg-XU) - WMO's involvement in URGES Members: operational oceanography, (1) To continue and, as far as possible, expand their (2) Resolution 2 (EC-XLVIII) - Report of the seventh existing operational ocean observing system facili session of the Joint IOC/WMO Committee for ties and activities as a matter of urgency, as contri Integrated Global Ocean Services System (lGOSS), butions to the WWW, IGOSS and GOOSj (3) Resolution 13 (XI-RA VI) - Participation in the (2) To paiticipate actively in the planning and imple Joint IOC/WMO Integrated Global Ocean Services mentation of these systemsj System (IGOSS), (3) To coordinate with appropriate national oceano CONSIDERING that oceanographic observations not graphic agencies and institutions to ensure the only make a significant contribution to operational long-term operational maintenance of oceano meteorology and the provision of marine services, graphic observingj but also are essential to global climate studies (4) To coordinate with appropriate national oceano generally, graphic agencies and institutions in developing RECOGNIZING: oceanographic data management capabilities and (1) That many Members of the Association are actively oceanographic servicesj involved in the deployment and maintenance of a (5) To enhance two-way ship-shore telecommunica variety of ocean observation facilities, for both tion arrangements for oceanographic data and operational and research purposes, products, in particular through the greater use of (2) That many Members of the Association are also satellite-based telecommunications facilities such as increasingly being required to provide coordinated the INMARSAT systemj meteorological and oceanographic services for a REQUESTS the Secretary-General to take any action large variety of marine user groups, considered necessary, and within the available bud (3) That the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) getary resources, to assist Members to participate in will continue to be essential for the operational col the development and maintenance of IGOSS and lection and exchange of many types of ocean data, GOOS. RECOGNIZING FURTHER that a substantial increase in the amount of ocean data available operationally is NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 13 (XI-RA VI), needed to satisfy the requirements of operational which is no longer in force. 62 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

RESOLUTION n (XlI-'RA VI) WORKING GROUP ON HYDROLOGY

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI {BUROPE), U. Schroder (Germany) NOTING: H. ,Gerhard (Germany~ (1) The report of its WotkingGroupon Hydrology, H. J. Liebscher (Germany) (2) Resolution, 18 (Cg-XlI) - Hydrology and Water . I. 'Gunther (Germany) Resources Programme, F. Helloco (France) {3) Resolution 20.(Cg..,XH) -Wor1d Hydrological Cycle P. ,Givone (France) Observing System (WHY COS) , P. M. M. Warmerdam (Netherlands) (4) Resolution 21 (C;g-XU)- Global Runoff Data A. Tollan (Norway) Centre (GRDC), B. Wilkinson (United I@ngdom) CONSIDERING that RegiGnaI Association VI plays an J. Kubat (Czech Republic) important, active :role in the implementation of : S.V.Bortch (Russian Federation) WMO's regional activities in the field of hydrology • V.S. Vuglinsky (Russian Federation) and water resources, 1. Auer (Ms) (Austria,.) DECIDES: A Muzlc (Slovenia:) (1) To fNstiblish the Working Group on Hydrology and A. Mestre (Spain) that the future activities he undertakeN by fhe ;gronp D. Mandadjiev (Bulgariir) in the areas 'listed below,andaccording to fue detailed '. ,Po Seuna {Finland) description given :in 'the annex, and to establis1J.a (3) To designate, in accordance wifhRegulations 167(b) coordination sribgroup.0nfl00d forecasting ,aNd wam- ; ;and 32, respectively, of the WMOGeneral iI1g as described in ,paragraph 8.1.31 above: Regulations, ;F. Nobilis (Austria) as the Re.gional (d) Hydrological networks; FIydrologlcal Adviser and .chairman ·of the Working (b) Integration .and coupling .af hydr.olqgical : Group .on Hydrolagy(WGH),andG. Balint models with. water quality models;' , (Hungary) .as the vice"chainnan of the WGH; (c) GIS applications in hydrology; REQUESTS the Regional HydrolQgical Adviser and (d) Regional aspects .of HOMS; chairman ·of the Working GrotloP on Hydrology: (e) Climate and water; (1) To prepare an implementation plan and accord (f) Extreme floods; inglydesignate, in consultiItion with the president (g) Operational Hydrological Reference Basins of the Association, rapporteurs from the working (OHRB); group to undertake work ,on-special aspects ,of the (h) Sediment 'transport; terms of reference; (i) ] ointhydralogy liaison tgrou,p; (2) To submit to fhepl'esident af 'the AssoCiation an (j) World Wide Web, ;h.ydwlogyhypertext links; annual re,porton 31 December ,of each year, and ,a ~k) . Hydf,olQgical !datae*chang~; final l'eport not less than six months prior to the (1) Flood forecasting and w

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 11 (XU·:RA VI) TERMS OFREFERENCE'OF THE WORKING 'GROUP ON HYDROLOGY

1. Hydrological networks 2. lntt:gration and coupling of hydrological (a) To investigate possible interrelations between models with water quality models hydrological and other environmental moni To caHectandpresentinformation from toriIlg networks; and RA VI countries on the structure of com.bined (b) To propose procedures to:strengthen 'the GOoper models forforecasfing water quantity .and. ation:betweennetwork-opera~ginstituti0ns. quality. RESOLUTION 11 63

3. GIS applications in hydrology (e) To liaise as appropriate with the FRIEND (a) To report on recent developments in RA VI project and other similar network projects in countries on the use of Geographical this field within RA VI. Information Systems (GIS) in operational 8. Sediment transport hydrology; and (a) To collect appropriate information about the (b) To investigate the needs and possibilities of monitoring of sediment transport in RA VI producing European, consistent maps of the countries. To analyze this information with principal water balance elements. regard to description of measurement equip 4. Regional aspects of HOMS ment and methods as well as monitoring (a) To promote HOMS activities on the basis of programmes, and the determination of implementation plans for HOMS 1997-2000 advantages, limits and accuracy; with respect to the relevant specific condi (b) To prepare a report on the results of these tions and new possibilities to disseminate analyses; HOMS technologies (Internet for example); (c) To identify possible resources to meet these (b) To prepare, in collaboration with the WMO requirements from within each country, HOMS Office, a meeting of Directors of through bilateral/multilateral arrangements European HNRCs, to consider trends for prepa among RA VI members, as well as from ration of integrated component systems, international funding institutions and to possible international resources and capacities promote actions to access such resources; for development of new components and (d) To formulate a specific and integrated action conditions for indicating regional projects; plan; and (c) To initiate and support development of (e) To initiate appropriate actions to meet the HOMS technologies, enabling training of identified requirements, particularly those personnel involved in forecasting in a urgent/emergency requirements at national hydrological training facility; and and regional levels. (d) To assist in establishing new HNRCs in those 9. Joint hydrology liaison group countries of the Region where they have not Liaison should be established between the WMO yet been established. RA VI/WGH and other formal European bodies with 5. Climate and water transnational river responsibilities, including: (a) To prepare a report concerning the experi (a) European Environmental Agency, and its ence in RA VI on activities in relation to Topic Centre for Inland Waters; climate and water, the status of existing (b) UN Economic Commission for Europe, climate simulation models, the development concerning its Transboundary Rivers of existing climate scenarios for hydrological Convention; purposes in RA VI, the progress in respect to (c) The Danube Commission, and the Danube converting the results of climate models into Protection Convention Secretariat; hydrological related information, and new (d) The Rhine, Elbe and Oder Commissions. methodological tools for the determination 10. World Wide Web, hydrology hypertext links of water resources design parameters in the (a) To create World Wide Web hot links for light of potential climate change and in hydrology; respect of climate change impacts on the (b) To establish relations with others (including water cycle on different scales, on water UNESCO) with the same objectives; quality and on ecosystems; and (c) To announce an electronic virtual confer (b) To follow up on the recommendations of ence on this topic, AND moderate as it recent international events. occurs before July 1998 so that its referred 6. Extreme floods output text and hypertext links can be dis (a) To prepare a literature study on the influ tributed at the software exhibition of the ence of human activities on flood risk, based WMO-sponsored conference on hydrology on recent European cases of large floods; in a changing -environment in Exeter (b) To evaluate damages and losses incurred, as (United Kingdom) during July 1998; a possible basis for cost-benefit analyses of (d) To establish a comprehensive link counter as flood prevention and forecasting. part of the HH LINKS index page; and 7. Operational Hydrological Reference Basins (OHRB) (e) To make efforts to offer a multilingual (a) To identify the countries willing to con introduction to the English text using official tribute to a European OHRB network; languages. (b) To collect and compile descriptive data of 11. Hydrological data exchange these basins; To provide technical guidance on the manage (c) To prepare an inventory of these basins to be ment of hydrological data exchange. circulated to all RA VI members; 12. Flood forecasting and warning systems (d) To assist the WMO Secretariat in the inclusion The terms of reference are given in Resolution 12 of relevant data on OHRBs in INFOHYDRO; and (XII-RA VI). 64 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

RESOLUTION 12 (XII-RA VI) ESTABLISHMENT OF A COORDINATION SUBGROUP FOR FLOOD FORECASTING AND WARNING

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), (2) That the core members of the Coordination NOTING: Subgroup should be: (1) XII-RA VI/Doc. 30 - Development of warning sys (a) Experts in meteorology and hydrology (radars, tems to meet the needs of the countries in RA VI, satellites, observations, numerical weather (2) Resolution 18 (Cg-Xll) - Hydrology and Water prediction and hydrological models, telecommu Resources Programme, nications, forecasting and data management); (3) Resolution 20 (Cg-XII) - World Hydrological Cycle (b) Managers of NMSs and NHSs responsible for Observing System (WHYCOS), operational aspects of flood warning systems; CONSIDERING that Regional Association VI plays an (c) A representative of the Working Group on important and active role in the implementation of Planning and Implementation of the WWW WMO's regional activities in the field of hydrology and in Region VI (M. Ondras (Slovakia)); waters resources, (d) Vice-chairman of the Working Group on DECIDES: Hydrology (G. Balint (Hungary)); (1) To establish a coordination subgroup within the (3) To deSignate in accordance with Regulation 32 of Working Group on Hydrology, composed of not the WMO General Regulations H. Bartels (Ms) more than 10 core members, for flood forecasting (Germany) as chairman of the Coordination Sub and with the following terms of reference: Group and J. Kubat (Czech Republic) as vice-chair (a) To review and evaluate meteorological and man of the Coordination Subgroup; hydrological forecasting and warning systems (4) To invite the following experts/managers to serve which exist in RA VI countries with particular as core members of the subgroup: attention to large transboundary watercourses; G. Demaree (Belgium) (b) To study the use of radar and satellite data F. Helloco (France) and other observational data, including A. Kruszewski (Poland) analysis, for flood forecasting; A. Mestre (Spain) (c) To propose a system for the exchange of data J. Nilsson (Sweden) and products as well as the exchange of fore V. Manukalo (Ukraine) casts and warnings during flood situations in M. Kitchen (United Kingdom) RA VI countries; (5) To urge Members to contribute funds to support (d) To enhance the use of meteorological model the activities of the Coordination Subgroup; outputs as inputs to hydrological models for (6) To request the Secretary-General to provide the forecasting; necessary support for the work of the Coordination (e) To make proposals for the optimum way of Subgroup; disseminating meteorological and hydrologi (7) To request the chairman of the Coordination cal information and warnings; Subgroup to submit progress reports at yearly inter (1) To propose ways of ensuring effective cooper vals to the chairman of the Working Group on ation with other international and regional Hydrology and to keep informed the chairman of bodies undertaking similar work; the Working Group on Planning and Implemen (g) Develop proposals and recommendations for tation of the WWW, and a final report not later improving the flood forecasting and warning than six months before the thirteenth session of systems; the Association.

RESOLUTION 13 (XII-RA VI) RAPPORTEUR ON LONG· TE~M PLANNING

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), (4) Abridged final report with resolutions of the Forty-eighth session of the Executive Council NOTING: (WMO-No. 846), paragraphs 12.1 to 12.4, (1) Resolution 29 (Cg-XII) - Fourth WMO Long-term CONSIDERING: Plan, (1) That the long-term process is an iterative and inter (2) Resolution 30 (Cg-XII) - Preparation of the Fifth active process, WMO Long-term Plan for 2000-2009, (2) That the Association should participate fully in the (3) Abridged final report with resolutions of Twelfth monitoring and evaluation, as well as the prepara Congress (WMO-No. 827), paragraphs 7.0.1 to 7.3.9, tion of, long-term plans, RESOLUTION 14 6S

(3) That the participation of the Association in the (d) To review the WMO Planning Process; WMO Planning Process will be facilitated by desig (e) To undertake the above tasks, taking into nating a regional focal pOint, account the situation, interests, capabilities, DECIDES: needs and aspirations of RA VI Members; (1) To appoint a Rapporteur on Long-tenn Planning, who (f) To submit relevant proposals to the president will assist the president of the Association in this area of the Association; and with the following terms of reference: (g) To undertake pertinent activities that may be (a) To serve as a regional focal point on long-term assigned by the president of the Association; planning; (2) To invite Mr J.-P. Beysson to serve as Rapporteur on (b) To keep under review the status of implemen Long-term Planning; tation, as well as the monitoring and evalua tion of the WMO Long-term Plans relevant to REQUESTS the rapporteur to submit yearly interim the activities of the Association; reports and his final report to the president of RA VI (c) To review matters relating to the preparation not later than -six months before the next session of of the WMO Long-term Plan; the Association.

RESOLUTION 14 (XII-RA VI) REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), DECIDEs: NOTING paragraph 3.7.1 of the general summary of (1) To keep in force Resolutions 25 (IV-RA VI), EC-IX, 3 (X-RA VI), 5 (XI-RA VI), 6 (XI-RA VI) and 11 (XI CoNSIDERING: RA VI); (1) That a number of its resolutions adopted before its (2) Not to keep in force the other resolutions adopted twelfth session have been revised and incorporated before its twelfth session; in resolutions of the twelfth session, (3) To publish the text of the resolutions kept in force (2) That others of its previous resolutions have been in the annex to this resolution. incorporated in appropriate WMO publications or have become obsolete, (3) That some of the'previous resolutions are still to be NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 16 (XI-RA VI), implemented, which is no longer in force ..

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 14 (XII-RA VI) RESOLUTIONS OF RA VI ADOPTED PRIOR TO ITS TWELFTH SESSION AND MAINTAINED IN FORCE

Resolution 25 (IV-RA VI) by the Working Group on Radiation Instruments and Observations for General Use of the NElWORK OF RADIATION STATIONS IN REGION VI Commission for Instruments and Methods of THE REGIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR EUROPE, Observation (see annex); NOTING paragraphs 3.1.4.1 and 3.1.4.2 of the WMO (3) That main radiation stations carry out the follow Technical Regulations, ing minimum programme: CONSIDERING the numerous and valuable applications (a) Continuous recording and publication of possible with radiation observations, hourly sums of global solar radiation and sky DECIDES: radiation by means of pyranometers of the (1) That Members of RA VI not so far making such first or second class (see Chapter 9 of the observations proceed to create a national radia Guide to Meteorological Instruments and tion network consisting of: Observing Practices); (a) A national radiation centre; (b) Regular measurement of direct solar radiation; (b) As many main stations as necessary; (c) Recording of sunshine duration; (c) As many ordinary stations as necessary; (4) That at least one main radiation station be (2) That the national radiation centre perform the established at a representative site in each of the functions and satisfy the conditions recommended country's main climatic zones; 66 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

(5) That ordinary radiation stations carry out the fol (c) lt should ensure an accuracy of the aUxilIary lowing minimum programme: measuring eqUipment of the same order as (a) Continuous recording and publication of that of the pyrheliometer; daily sums of global solar radiation; (d) It should have the necessary facilities and (b) Recording of sunshine duration; equipment for checking and for the study of (6) That the density of ordinary radiation stations be the operation and performance of instru suitable for the study of the climatology of radia ments used in the network; tion in the Region; (e) The staff of the centre should provide' for (7) That, ill addition to the programmes outlined in continuity and should inclu.de at least one (3) and (5) above, main and ordinary radiation specialist with wide experience in radiation. stations carry out all other radiation observations 3. National radiation centres would be responsible for of value in meeting the requiJ:ements of users; the preparation and keeping up to date of all necessary (8) That each of the Members of RA VI should keep an technical information for the operation and main up-to-date list of the country's radiation stations, tenance of the radiometers of the national network. giving the following information for each station: 4. Arrangements should be made for the collection (a) Name and geographical coordinates; of the results of all radiation measurements made in (b) Altitude; the national network and for the regular scrutiny of (c) Brief description of the local topography; these results with a view to ensuring their accuracy (d) Category of station and details of the obser and reliability. If this work is done by some other vational programme; body, ti1enational radiation centre should maintain (e) Details of, the radiometers used (type and close liaison with this bO,dy. serial number of each instrument, standard Resolution 3 (X-RA VI) ization coefficients, dates of significant THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE GLOBAL changes); OBSERVING SYSTEM (j) Exposure of the radiometers including height above ground and the nature of sub REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), jacent surfaces; NOTING: (g) Station history (dates of beginning of records, (1) Resolution 25 (Cg-X) - Second WMO Long-term repairs, interruptions or closing of records, Plan, including the WWW Implementation , changes of name of station, important changes Programme for Region VI (1988-1997), in the observational programme); (2) The progress being made in the implement (h) Name of the supervising organization or 'ation of the ASDAR, ASAP and drifting buoy institute; programmes, (9) That each Member send copies of information as (3) The final report on OWSE-North Atlantic, set out in paragraph (8) above and any subsequent CONSIDERING: rectifications to the chairman of the RA VI (1) The importance of an effective Regional Basic Working Group on Radiation and to the WMO Synoptic Network and the need to integrate the Secretariat. RBSN within the overall GOS, (2) The need to have comprehensive and realistic Ann~x to Resolution 25 (IV-RA VI) information on the value of new observing sys National Radiation Centres tems, their costs and their interfaces with other 1. A national radiation centre is a centre established parts of the regional programme, at the national level authorized to serve as a centre for INVITES: the calibrationi standardization and checking of the (1) Members to participate in the deployment and use instruments used in the national network of radiation of new observing systems and, individually or col stations and to maintain the national standard instru lectively, to evaluate the effectiveness of these sys ments necessary for this purpose. tems and their integration in the WWW; 2. A national radiation centre should satisfy the fol (2), Members to support as far as possible the programmes lowing .requirements: of the space agencies responsiblefor the planning and (a) It should possess at least one working operation of satellite systems with a view to ensuring standard pyrheliometer of the Angstrom continuity and improvement of satellite services; compensation or silver disc type for use as a (3) Members bordering the North Sea and the national ,reference standard for the Mediterranean Sea to consider the jOint establish calibration of ,radiation instruments in the ment of upper-air stations (on fixed platforms or national network; using ASAP) in these sea areas; (b) lt should' compare the national working, URGES Members to: standard pyrheliometer with a regional (1) Provide additional surface observational systems working standard pyrheliometer at least in ocean areas using the Voluntary Observing Ship once in five years; Scheme, buoys and suitable fixed platforms; RESOLUTION 14 67

(2) Consider the possibility of deploying ASAP sys communication technologies to form a new tems on ships and ASDARs or other automated regional network; data collection systems on aircraft flying suitable (2) The broad-based use of satellite technology offers routes over the ocean; an opportunity for reducing the operational costs (3) Examine the communication facilities and data for data exchange; quality-control procedures to ensure that the (3) Urgent action is needed to reorganize the RMTN, data are of high quality and received at the data particularly to serve the needs of new Members, and processing centres in a timely fashion; to eliminate existing deficiencies in the Region; (4) Examine the existing observing systems and, (4) There are a number of technical and non-techni where appropriate, implement improvements in cal issues to be studied, e.g.: data quality, quantity and timeliness; • The optimum mix of new technologies; (5) Consider all possibilities to support the continued • Arrangements for joint implementation and operation of Ocean Weather Ship C; operation; REQUFSIS the coordinator of the Subgroup on the Regional • Arrangements for joint funding, as required; Aspects of the Global Observing System to keep abreast of (5) In the absence of appropriate funds in the WMO developments in the implementation of this resolution by regular budget, the participating Members should Members and to report to the Working Group on Planning be invited to cover the costs of their contributions and Implementation of the WWW in Region VI. to the initiative to the extent necessary; DECIDES: (1) To proceed with the establishment of the RMDCN Resolution 5 (XI-RA VI) in the Region in several phases, including: REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL DATA (a) Study phase; COMMUNICATION NETWORK (b) Planning and implementation phase; REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE); (c) Operational phase; NOTING: (2) To establish a Steering Group, reporting to the (1) The needs of new Members of RA VI for reliable president of the Association, to initiate and guide support of their operational meteorological and the relevant activities throughout the above hydrological services, phases, with the following terms of reference: (2) The existing deficiencies of the RMTN in some (a) To initiate or complete studies on the fol parts of the Region, lowing issues: (3) The increasing demands on the RMTN for the (i) A comprehensive assessment of Mem ex~hange of voluminous data' sets and products ber's requirements; between NMCs in the Region, (ii) Identification and evaluation of (4) The establishment of satellite broadcasts for the technical options and their financial dissemination of data and products by some consequences; Members, (iii) Cost/benefit evaluations; CONSIDERING: (iv) Proposals for a legal framework; (1) The high operating costs of the present RMTN, (v) Arrangements for joint funding, if (2) The stated needs of international programmes of appropriate; WMO and other UN agencies for reliable (vi) Management issues; exchange of data over the GTS, (b) To establish, as necessary, ad hoc teams to (3) The developing requirements for the exchange- of carry out the above studies and/or solicit climate and environmental monitoring data, consultant support for these purposes; (4) The increasing demands of NMCs in the Region (c) To develop a consolidated proposal for the for RSMC products, re-organization of the RMTN on the basis of (5) The potential of satellite communications in pro analyses and studies carried out as above; viding a uniform, high-quality and cost-effective (d) To solicit support from the Members of service throughout the Region, RA VI through the president of the (6) The availability of high-performance terrestrial Association to proceed with the implemen links and services in some parts of the Region, tation of the RMDCN; (7) That the technical preconditions are now avail (e) To maintain close liaison with the Subgroup able for establishing a Regional Meteorological on Telecommunications of the RA VI Data Communication Network which offers to all Working Group on the WWW and the CBS Members in the Region the opportunity to reach a Working Group on Telecommunications; high level of performance through a cooperative (f) Initiate and direct, as reqUired, the activities effort, necessary to implement and operate the AGREES that: RMDCN; (1) A substantial increase in operational performance (3) That the Steering Group should be composed of can be expected from the introduction of new representatives from the following Members: 68 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Czech Republic especially from the neighbouring area where an France emergency has occurred, Germany EXPRESSES STRONG CONCERN that: Russian Federation (1) The availability on a regular basis of meteoro Slovakia logical data from large areas of eastern Europe has Spain recently been greatly reduced due to financial Sweden difficulties of national Meteorological and United Kingdom Hydrological Services; Other Members willing to provide a major (2) Due to the lack of adequate data, the quality of the contribution to the initiative; transport model output has decreased; (4) To designate, in accordance with Regulation 32 of URGES Members: the WMO General Regulations, A. Fischer (France) (1) To give high priority to funding the regular oper as chairman of the group; ation of the Regional Basic Synoptic Network REQUESTS the chairman to submit annual reports to stations;. the president of the Association and to submit a (2) To approach national, regional and international report to the Association six months before its next funding agencies requesting them to provide session; assistance for the operation and upgrading of the INVITES Members to take preparatory action to carry relevant parts of the observing networks; forward the initiative and coordinate their activities (3) To ensure availability of upper-air data from the with the contributing Members without delay; vicinity of each nuclear power plant which should URGES Members to contribute to and participate in the also include vertical soundings of the radioactivity initiative; in the atmosphere as required; REQUESTS the Secretary-General: REQUESTS the Secretary-General: (1) To arrange for Secretariat support for the initia (1) To bring this resolution to the attention of other tive, if required; regional associations and CBS inviting them to (2) To facilitate coordination with regional and global take similar action within the Regions concerned, bodies dealing with telecommunications. as appropriate; (2) To assist Members in approaching international funding agendes, as required~ Resolution 6 (XI-RA VI) DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVITIES Resolution 11 (XI-RA VI) USE OF INMARsAT FOR THE COLLECTION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), SHIPS' METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC NOTING: REPORlS - (1) Resolution 4 (Cg-X) - Meteorological and hydrological aspects concerning accidental release REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI (EUROPE), of hazardous materials with potential transbound NOTING: ary effectsi (1) Resolution 19 (Cg-XI) - The collection and dis (2) Resolution 3 (EC-XL) -,-WMO activities related to semination of marine meteorological and oceano the accidental release of hazardous materials, graphic information using: INMARSAT, (3) Resolution 4. (EC-XLV) - Report of the tenth (2) The operation of Coast Earth Stations '(CES) of session of the Commission for Basic Systems, INMARSAT in Region VI, (4) The results of theWMO/IAEAWorkshop on User (3) The equipping of an increased number of ships Requirements for the Provision of Atmospheric participating in the WMO Voluntary Observing Transport Model Products, Montreal, September Ships (VOS) scheme with Ship Earth Stations (SES) 199-3, of INMARSAT, in particular with the INMARSAT-C CONSIDERING that: facility, (1) Regional Specialized and National MeteorolOgical CONSIDERING: Centres are responsible for the provision of emer (1) The need to increase the number of ships' meteo gency response services, e.g. in the form of trans rological and oceanographic reports from most of port model-output products to the delegated the sea areas of Region VI, authorities in case of an emergency, (2) The considerable improvements to be expected in (2) Atmospheric transport dispersion/deposition the receipt -of marine meteorological and oceano models are directly connected with the opera graphiC observations from ships at sea through the tional NWP models·and their performance, enhanced use of the INMARSAT system, (3) The performance of numerical trajectory and (3) The cost-savings which will accrue to those dispersion models depends crucially on the timely Members collecting such reports tnrough availability of observational meteorological INMARSAT by the increased use of the new data of high horizontal and vertical resolution, INMARSAT-C facility for this purpose, RESOLUTION 14 69

RECOGNIZING WITH APPRECIATION that certain through INMARSAT to countries in the areas of Members operating INMARSAT CES have already the geographical origins of those reports; arranged through their CES to accept ships' meteoro (2) All Members in the Region operating vas equipped logical and oceanographic reports that are of general with INMARSAT-C to make every effort for those value to all Members of WMO, ships to be supplied with the new software package BEING CONCERNED, however, that problems continue to for the compilation and transmission of meteoro be related to the timely redistribution to the countries logical reports through INMARSAT-C, to ensure the closest to the geographical origin of reports collected maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness of such through INMARSAT, an operation; URGES: (1) Members concerned to make every effort to ensure REQUESTS the Secretary-General to assist Members in the timely redistribution of reports collected the implementation of this resolution. APPENDIX A LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE SESSION

1. OFFICERS OF THE SESSION Country Name Capacity P; Steinhauser President C. Finizio Vice-president Germany U. Gartner Principal Delegate D. Fromming Delegate M. Kurz Delegate 2. REPRESENTATIVES OF MEMBERS OF WMO WITHIN S. Mildner Delegate REGION VI V. Vent-Schmidt Delegate Member Name Capacity W. Kusch Delegate

Austria P. Steinhauser Principal Delegate Greece M.-F. Katsimardou (Ms) Principal Delegate F. Nobilis Delegate F. Neuwirth Delegate Hungary I. Mersich Principal Delegate M. Kaba Alternate Belarus Y. Pokumeiko Principal Delegate Z. Buzas (Ms) Delegate S. Nagy Delegate Belgium H. Malcorps Principal Delegate G. Demaree Delegate Israel Z. Alperson Principal Delegate A. Quinet Delegate Z. Gat (Ms) Alternate E. De Dycker Delegate S. Kessler Adviser A. Goldmann Delegate Bosnia and E. Sarac Principal Delegate I. Seter Delegate Herzegovina M. Kordic Delegate S. Rahamim Delegate M. Muminovic Delegate S. Rubin (Ms) Delegate I. Rom Delegate Bulgaria V. Sharov Principal Delegate A. Ben-Zvi Delegate

Croatia M. Matvijev Principal Delegate Italy e. Finizio Principal Delegate Z.Subaric Delegate R. Sorani Adviser D. Trninic Delegate J. Smitlehner Delegate Jordan A. I. Saleh Principal Delegate K. Stankovic (Ms) Delegate N. Kafawin Delegate

Cyprus K. Philaniotis Principal Delegate Latvia A. Leitass Principal Delegate

Czech L Obrusnik Principal Delegate Netherlands H. M. Fijnaut Principal Delegate Republic M. Wolek Alternate H. Daan Alternate J. Kubat Delegate P. M. M. Warmerdam Delegate

Denmark B. C. Christensen Principal Delegate Norway A. Grammeltvedt Principal Delegate B. Dybdahl Delegate L. Svendsen (Ms) Alternate

Estonia P. Karing Principal Delegate . Poland J. Zielinski Principal Delegate S. Reichhart Alternate Finland E. J. Jatila Principal Delegate H. Slota Alternate K. Karlsson Delegate P. Seuna Delegate Portugal F. Quintas Ribeiro Principal Delegate M.e. Hurtola (Ms) Delegate C. Tavares Alternate M. J. Zorro Gon~alves Delegate France J.-P. Beysson Prinicipal Delegate D; Lambergeon Alternate Romania V. Ivanovici Principal Delegate M. Fischer Delegate J.-P. Bourdette Delegate Russian A. Vasiliev Alternate H. Le Gal (Ms) Delegate Federation A. Karpov Delegate

J. L. Duclos Delegate u u M. Merlet Delegate Slovakia S. Skulec Principal Delegate P. Givone Delegate M.Ondras Delegate S. Le Cannellier (Ms) Delegate O. Majercakova (Ms) Delegate

Georgia N. Beradze Principal Delegate Slovenia D. Hrcek Principal Delegate APPENDIX A 71

Country Name Capacity 4. REPRESENTATIVES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Spain E. Coca Vita Principal Delegate Organization Name ]. Segovia Alternate C. Martinez (Ms) Delegate European Centre for Medium-range M. Capaldo Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Sweden H. Sandebring Principal Delegate Network of European Meteorological C. Pastre J. Nilsson Alternate Services (EUMETNET) G. Wennerberg (Ms) Alternate European Organization for the J. Lafeuille K Hagstrom Alternate Exploitation of Meteorological A. Ratier Satellites (EUMETSAT) Switzerland Th. Gutermann Principal Delegate P. Rauh Delegate 5. LECTURERS H. Muller Delegate Z. Levin The former V. Bogdanovski Principal Delegate T. Palmer Yugoslav R. Gareva (Ms) Delegate Republic of 6. WMO SECRETARlAT Macedonia G. O. P. Obasi Secretary-General Turkey M. Cebeci Principal Delegate M.J. P.Jarraud Deputy Secretary-General H. Bacanli Delegate R. C. Landis Director, World Weather Watch N. Yaman Delegate Department M. J. Coughlan Director, World Climate Programme Department Ukraine V. Lipinsky Principal Delegate D. C. Schiessl Director, Basic Systems, World Weather Watch Department H. M. Diallo Acting Director, Technical United P. Ewins Principal Delegate Cooperation Programme Department Kingdom ]. Caughey Alternate S. Chacowry Special Assistant to the Secretary KJames Delegate General A. Mcilveen Delegate J. L. Bassier Chief, Hydrology Division B. Wilkinson Delegate J.-M. Rainer Chief, Telecommunications and Monitoring Unit, World Weather 3. REPRESENTATIVE OF A MEMBER OF WMO OUTSIDE Watch Department REGION VI D. Van de Vyvere Programme Manager, Technical Cooperation Programme Department Country Name Capacity F. Hayes Director, Languages, Publications and Conferences Department (Conference Australia ]. W. Zillman Observer Officer) APPENDIXB AGENDA

Agenda item Documents Resolutions adopted

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION PINK 1

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION PINK 2 2.1 Consideration of the report on credentials PINK 2 2.2 Adoption of the agenda 1; 2; PINK 2 2.3 Establishment of committees PINK 2 2.4 Other organizational matters PINK 2

3. REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION 16; PINK 3

4. WORLD WEATHER WATCH PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 9; PINK 17 4.1 WWW planning and implementation 9; 9, ADD. I, 11; 1 11, REV. 1; INF. 3; PINK 17 4.2 Observing system, including Instruments and Methods of 9; 22; PINK 17 2,3 Observation Programme 43 Telecommunication system 9; 18; 22; 33; PINK 17 4 4.4 Data-processing system 9; 22; PINK 17 4.5 Data management, including matters related to codes 9; 22; PINK 17 4.6 WMO satellite activities 9; PINK 17 4.7 Emergency response activities 9; PINK 17

5. WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 27; PINK 25 5.1 Coordination of climate-related activities 27; PINK 25 5.2 World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (WCDMP) 27; PINK 25 5.3 World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP) 27; PINK 25 5 5.4 World Climate Impact Assessment and 27; PINK 25 Response Stragegies Programme (WCIRP) 55 World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and 32; PINK 25 developments in climate research in RA VI 5.6 Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) 28; 28, ADD. 1; PINK 25

6. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME - 20; PINK 12; PINK 14 REGIONAL ASPECTS 6.1 Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) 20; 29; PINK 14 6, 7 6.2 Weather Prediction Research Programmes 20; PINK 12 6.3 Tropical Meteorology Research Programme 20; PINK 12 6,4 Programme on Physics and Chemistry of 20; PINK 12 Clouds and Weather Modification Research

7. ApPLICATIONS OF METEOROLOGY PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 7.1 Public Weather Services Programme 6; 7; PINK 4, REV. 1 7.2 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 25; 26; PINK 15 8 7.3 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme 5; PINK 5 APPENDIX B 73

Agenda item Documents Resolutions adopted

7.4 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic 8; 13; PINK 13 9,10 Activities Programme

8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER REsOURCES PROGRAMMME - 17; PINK 7; PINK 28 REGIONAL ASPECTS 8.1 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme (HWRP) 15; 17; 30; PINK 7; 11, 12 PINK 28 8.2 Regional components of the World Hydrological 17; 30; PINK 7 12 Cycle Observing System (WHY COS)

9. EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 12; 36, PINK 24

10. TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME - REGIONAL ASPECTS 23; 24; 35; PINK 8

11. INFORMATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMME - 10; PINK 11 REGIONAL ASPECTS

12. LONG-TERM PLANNING - REGIONAL ASPECTS 14; PINK 27 13

13. OTHER REGIONAL ACTIVITIES 34 13.1 Internal matters of the Association . PINK 18 13.2 Role and operation of national Meteorological and 21; PINK 16 Hydrological Services 13.3 International exchange of data and products 19; 19, REV. 1; PINK 26 13.4 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) 7; PINK 6 13.5 Follow-up activities related to the United Nations 4; PINK 10 Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) 13.6 Cooperation with international organizations 31; PINK 9

14. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS PINK 21

15. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 3; PINK 20 14 OF THE AsSOCIATION AND OF RELEVANT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS

16. ELECTION OF OFFICERS PINK 19; PINK 22

17. DATE AND PLACE OF THE THIRTEENTH SESSION PINK 23

18. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION PINK 29 APPENDIX C LIST OF DOCUMENTS

Doc. Agenda Title Submitted by No. item

I. "DOC" series

1 Provisional agenda 2.2

2 Explanatory memorandum relating to the provisional agenda 2.2

3 Review of previous re,solutions and recommendations of the 15 Secretary-General Association and of relevant Executive Council resolutions

4 Follow-up activities related to the United Nations Conference 13.5 Secretary-General on Environment and Development (UNCED)

5 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme . ].3 Secretary-General

6 Public Weather Services Programme 7.1 Secretary-General

7 International Decade for Natural Disaster 13.4 Secretary-General Reduction (IDNDR)

8 Marine Meteorology and Associated 7.4 Secretary-General Oceanographic Activities Programme

9 World Weather Watch Programme - regional aspects 4.1 to 4.7 Secretary-General

ADD. 1

10 Information and Public Affairs Programme - regional aspects 11 Secretary-General

11 WWW planning and implementation 4.1 Chairman of the working group REV. 1

Report of the chairman of the Working Group on Planning and Implementation of the WWW in RA VI

12 Education and Training Programme - regional aspects 9 Secretary-General

13 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic 7.4 Secretary-General Activities Programme

Reports of the regional rapporteurs

14 Long-term planning - regional aspects 12 Secretary-General

15 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme - (HWRP) 8.1 Chairman

Report by the chairman of the RA VI Working Group on Hydrology

16 Report by the president of the Association 3 President of RA VI APPENDIX C 7S

Doc. Agenda Title Submitted by No. item

17 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme (HWRP) 8 (8.1 and Secretary-General 8.2) Regional components of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHY COS)

18 Telecommunication system 4.3 Chairman of the RMDCN Steering Report of the chairman of the RMDCN Steering Group Group

19 International exchange of data and products 13.3 Secretary-General

REV. 1

20 Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme - 6 Secretary-General regional aspects

21 Role and operation of national Meteorological and 13.2 Secretary-General Hydrological Services

22 Observing System, including Instruments and Methods of 4.2 to 4.5 Belgium Observation Programme

Telecommunication system

Data-processing system

Data management, including matters related to codes

23 Technical Cooperation Programme - regional aspects 10 Secretary-General

,24 Technical Cooperation Programme - regional aspects 10 Chairman of the Task Force

Report of the Chairman of the Task Force on Technical Cooperation

25 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 7.2 Secretary-General

26 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 7.2 Chairman of the working group

27 Coordination of climate-related activities 5.1 to 5.4. Secretary-General

World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (WCDMP)

World Climate Applications and Services Programme (WCASP)

World Climate Impact Assessment and Response Strategies Programme (WCIRP)

28 Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) 5.6 Secretary-General

ADD.! 76 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE ELEVENTH SESSION OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI

Doc. Agenda Title Submitted by No; item

29 Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) 6.1 Rapporteur on Atmospheric Ozone

30 PublicWeather Services Programme 7.1,B.l, Austria, Czech RepublIc, B.2 GermanYi Poland and: Hydrology and Water Resources Programme Slovakia

Regional aspects of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOSJ

31 Cooperation wiiliinternational organizations 13.6 Secretary-General

Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and other international organizations

32 World CliInate Research Programme (WCRP) and 5.5 Secretary-General developments in climate research in RA VI

33 Telecommunication system 4.3 Turkey

34 Othenegional activities 13 Bulgaria

35 Technical Cooperation Programme 10 Bulgaria

36 Education and Training Programme - regional aspects 9 Turkey.

n. "PINK" series

1 Opening of the session 1 President of RA VI z Organization of the session 2 President of RA VI

3 Report by the president of the Association President of RA VI

4 Public Weather Services Programme 7.1 Co-chairmaR, Committee A

5 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme 73 Co-chairman, Committee A

6 . International Decade for Natural Disaster Reductiorr (IDNDR) 13.4 President of RA VI

7 Hydtology and Water Resources Programme (HWRP) ·8 Co~chaiiman, CommitteeB regional aspects

8 Technical Cooperation Programme-regional aspects 10 Co-chairman, COmmitteeB

9 Cooperation with intemational~ organizations 13.6 President of RA VI

10 Eollow"up activities related to the United Nations Confere.l"1Ce on ·13.5 Presido~t ofM VI Environment andDeveIopment (UNCEID)

11 Ihformation and Public Affairs Programme -regional aspects 11 Co-chairman, Committee B

12 Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme 6 Co-chairman, Committee A regional aspects APPENDIXC 77

Doc. Agenda Title Submitted by No. item

13 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities 7.4 Co-chairman, Committee A Programme - regional aspects

14 Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) 6.1 Co-chairman, Committee A

15 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 7.2 Co-chairman, Committee B

16 Role and operation of national Meteorological and Hydrological 13.2 President of RA VI Services

17 World Weather Watch Programme - regional aspects 4 Co-chairman, Committee A

18 Other regional activities 13.1 President of RA VI

19 Election of officers 16 ChabTnan,Nominations Committee

20 Review of previous resolutions and recommendations of the 15 Rapporteur Association and of relevant Executive Council resolutions

21 Sdentific lectures and discussions 14 President of RA VI

22 Election of officers 16 President of RA VI

23 Date and place of the thirteenth session 17 President of RA VI

24 Education and Training Programme - regional aspects 9 Co-chairman, Committee A

25 World Climate Programme - regional aspects 5 Co-chairman, Committee B

26 International exchange of data and products 13.3 President of RA VI

27 Long-term planning - regional aspects 12 Co-chairman, Committee B

28 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme (HWRP) - 8.1 Co-chairman, Committee B regional aspects

29 Closure of the session 18 President of RA VI