World Meteorological Organization

The team meeting, opened by Mrs. Natalia Berghi from the WMO Regional Office for Europe, marked the kick-off of the Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS) initiative, bringing together regional and national representatives to begin collaborative efforts. Mrs. Berghi provided an overview of the HydroSOS implementation plan, emphasizing its goal of improving water resource management through reliable hydrological information and addressing critical challenges like flooding, water scarcity, and climate risks. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among national meteorological and hydrological services, stakeholders, and regional partners, such as River Basin Commissions, to ensure the success of the initiative. 

The Team leader, Prof. Marius Matreata (Romania), guided the discussions with focus on key aspects such as defining the roles and responsibilities of team members. While some roles required further clarification, it was agreed that detailed discussions would take place during the next in-person meeting. The HydroSOS plan outlined strategies for institutional collaboration, infrastructure development, and user engagement to tackle regional challenges effectively. Participants were encouraged to volunteer for specific tasks and share their regional contributions to HydroSOS in upcoming meetings. A collaborative approach was emphasized to ensure HydroSOS products align with regional priorities and each country's capacity. 

The kick-off meeting served as a crucial starting point for the HydroSOS initiative, focusing on team formation, role clarification, and the establishment of collaboration tools. It set the tone for future interactions and emphasized the importance of effective communication, document management, and regional contributions. Participants were encouraged to actively engage and prepare for the November 2024 meeting, where further progress on the HydroSOS initiative will be discussed.