Developing hydrometeorology capacity in Moldova to strengthen climate resilience
We were entrusted with delivering an 18-month project to support the State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS) to develop hydrometeorology capacity in Moldova to meet user demand for weather, climate, and hydrological information services. This project is part of the World Bank's Reinforcing Weather and Climate Services Technical Assistance Project.
- Client World Bank
- Location Moldova
- Wider
project team National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (Romania), National Meteorology Administration (Romania), Liliana Mara, Independent (Romania) - Services
Challenge
Moldova frequently experiences severe weather events such as storms, floods, extreme temperatures and droughts. Due to this increased risk, the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery have been helping Moldova to strengthen its climate resilience, including modernising the State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS).
Solution
We assembled a team combining international experts from the UK and Romania. With knowledge of the weather, climate and geography of Moldova, including numerical weather prediction (NWP) models of Moldova that are operated in Romania.
New verification systems for the meteorology and hydrology directorates within SHS were developed, allowing SHS to significantly improve the quality of their forecast services. Our team developed new quality management procedures that follow ISO Standards and have helped the SHS deliver an internal audit for its quality procedures.
We provided support in the use of radar data, developing a costing methodology. Integration of the radar data into a composite with Romanian radar data was carried out to allow improved coverage of radar data in the region, benefiting both Moldova and Romania.
Lastly, through collaborative working and experience from other hydromet services around the world, we have developed guidance on how SHS can engage more closely with users of its services and better address the needs of these users, including developing new products.
Following this project, SHS has an improved level of service delivery. Improving tools for measuring the accuracy and quality of its forecasts, better quality management, better engagement with its users and improved use of its weather radar.
The public and industries of Moldova can access better weather and hydrological forecast information and services that can help save lives, reduce the negative impacts of severe or adverse weather and allow users to make decisions with the weather forecast and climate information.
For further insight, read the World Bank blog on this project.
Email Murray Dale for more information about this project. You can also find out more on our International Development webpage.
