Hydrometerological issues in South Eastern Europe South Eastern Europe Disaster Risk Mitigation and Adaption Programme (SEE DRMAP) Vlasta Tutis, PhD Meteorological and Hydrological Service

Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System Objective: - to promote a coordinated approach and data sharing in meteorological and hydrological services (NMHS) in South Eastern Europe Initiative has been agreed during the ICEED meeting in Dubrovnik in May 2006

Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System Coverage: Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina Strong partnership with WMO Feasibility assessment has been completed and was discussed in a regional meeting in 2008.

Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System The feasibility assessment is based on the contributions of national meteorological and hydrological services (NMHSs) in the region which provided detailed information through questionnaires and visits in each country. The report, whose main author is Mr. Bengt Tammelin, was the product of WB-UNISDR- WMO-FMI collaboration. It was published following workshops, discussions and endorsement of the findings by national hydromet institutes in SEE.

Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System Some key findings: Communication systems and data management vary widely among the SEE countries. In general, data management systems are not designed to manufacture tailored, customer-specific products in near real-time; Quality of the Observation Network: The density and location of the current surface observation network is in general adequate for monitoring the climate and for basic weather forecasts. However, the observational network is characterized by obsolete equipment, poor maintenance and inadequate calibration facilities. The quality of data gathering and sharing would be greatly enhanced by establishment of new stations in cooperation with end-users of the service. Remote sensing: The transboundary nature of weather requires development of regional, rather than national, remote sensing networks;

Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System Some key findings: Additional investment is needed in: A regional radar network, including radars, radar towers and maintenance of operations; Lightning detection: Lighting information is vital for meteorologists when working with thunderstorms and severe short-term weather forecasting this should be of potential co- investors; and Automated, effective and end-user orientated dissemination of meteorological information and services are critical for the reliability, visibility, imaging and customer relationship of NMHSs;

Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System Some key findings: Regional Cooperation has a significant impact of the size of the investments required. If regional cooperation and data sharing could be carried out, and hardware was designed to facilitate cooperation with the rest of Europe, total investment needs for these for these seven countries will be reduced by approximately 25 million euros. International cooperation is essential for effective provision meteorological and hydrological services. Therefore, it is important for all SEE NMHSs to participate in European cooperative efforts and to become members of the most important European meteorological and hydrological organizations, such as ECMWF, EUMETSAT and EUMETNET.

Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System International level: The Hydromet Component of SEE DRMAP has demonstrated the need for bilateral and international partners to provide support to NMHSs National level NMHSs have used the review to stimulate engagement on the topic at the national level

Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting, Data Sharing and Early Warning System Eligible partnership: Through SEE DRMAP, we are looking for partners to help countries to implement hydromet component and to joint forces with us Ex. Sweden is supporting Albania for the national hydromet component implementation