RA VI Coordination Panel on Hydrology Meeting -Highlights

The RA VI Coordination Panel on Hydrology met on 9 April 2026 to advance preparations for the upcoming Hydrology Assembly of RA VI and related regional hydrology activities.

The meeting focused on shaping the first RA VI Hydrology Assembly, which will consolidate regional priorities and produce recommendations to support strategic and operational planning under RA VI.

Participants emphasized the need to ensure sufficient time, strong participation, and meaningful engagement of Hydrological Advisors in the Assembly.

Preliminary survey results identified key regional priorities, including warning services, forecasting, climate services integration, and data management, alongside challenges related to capacity, infrastructure, governance, data gaps, and funding. Research appears as a cross-cutting and supporting element, mainly linked to operational hydrology and innovation, rather than as an independent priority area.

A draft recommendation document was presented and will be further refined based on additional inputs and Assembly discussions.

Broader discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening hydrology as a strategic priority at national level to address persistent resource and staffing constraints.

The 2026 RA VI hydrology calendar was reviewed, covering upcoming milestones such as HydroSOS activities, the Hydrology Assembly, and follow-up actions later in the year.

Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the Hydrological Advisors Forum of RA VI on 17 April, which will serve as an important opportunity for further consultation and community input ahead of the Assembly.

The meeting concluded with agreement to continue refining the documentation and preparations for upcoming consultations.