World Meteorological Organization

GCW National Focal Points (GCW-NFP) are formally nominated by the Members’ Permanent Representatives with WMO. Members may nominate one or more contacts, representing different communities of interest, e.g. the Member’s national meteorological and hydrological service (NMHS) or other institutions with operational and/or research responsibilities for the cryosphere. The focal point(s) will have the following responsibilities:
1. Serve as the national contact(s) for, and contribute to, the activities of GCW locally, nationally, regionally and globally.
2. Promote the registration of cryosphere observations in OSCAR/Surface and the development of interoperable interfaces between existing data sources (e.g. national institutions operating such observations) and the GCW Data Portal, and in connection with the relevant National Focal Points (e.g. OSCAR, WIGOS, etc)
3. Foster the dissemination of relevant guidance, recommendations, and other GCW materials;
4. Engage national representatives of international organizations (e.g. International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) Cryosphere Working Group, International Association for Cryospheric Sciences (IACS), International Permafrost Association (IPA), Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS)), in furthering GCW nationally and regionally.
5. Report to GCW-AG on an annual basis on national and regional cryosphere-related activities, opportunities (e.g. for capacity building, resource mobilization, etc.) issues, needs and gaps and make proposals for additional coordination through GCW.
6. Where possible, establish a GCW national committee, engaging representatives of national and international bodies, to co-ordinate and initiate a national GCW programme.