Africa to implement Early Warnings for All Action Plan
The WMO Regional Association I session expressed commitment to implementing the Early Warning for All Action Plan in Africa while also mainstreaming climate services into national planning.
The 19th Session of WMO Regional Association I (RA I, Africa), held online from 13–15 May, expressed commitment to implementing the Early Warning for All Action Plan in Africa while also mainstreaming climate services into national planning.
The implementation of the Action Plan was the main focus of RA I discussions, which encouraged Members to develop national early warning roadmaps in consultation with relevant authorities. RA I agreed to strengthen infrastructure component systems on the continent, including WMO programmes such as WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) and WMO Information System (WIS). RA I will review gaps in the observation network, communication systems and data exchange and capacity challenges due to the lack of trained meteorological professional.
RA I also considered the tools and strategies for mainstreaming climate services for various socioeconomic sectors during national planning. Regional capacity development and research to spur innovation and create linkages with the academia were also core issues discussed. RA I resolved to enhance efforts to mobilize resources – by tapping into climate funds, collaborating with development partners, formulating project proposals, and through enhanced Government support – to modernize and strengthen the operational capacities, services and sustainability of NMHSs.
RA I further resolved to continue executing The WMO Strategy for Service Delivery and Its Implementation Plan by incorporating activities at the national plans. It also embraced the use of digital tools and systems to improve NMHS operations and service delivery, as contained in its Implementation Plan. RA I further expressed its determination to strengthen collaboration and dialogue between National Hydrological Services (NHSs) and National Meteorological Service (NMSs), where the institutions are separate, through joint planning and implementation to support the Early Warning for All initiative.