Second meeting of the RA VI Task Team on the Hydrological Status and Outlook System - Key Highlights
The second meeting of the Regional Association VI (RA VI) Task Team on the Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS) was held at the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR) in Koblenz, Germany. The meeting aimed to advance the Regional HydroSOS Plan and foster stakeholder collaboration to enhance hydrological services in Europe. It was attended by 17 participants, including Task Team members and invited experts from International Centre for Water Resources and Global Change (ICWRGC), German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretariat.
The meeting began an overview of the HydroSOS Plan. Presenters highlighted global and regional requirements, infrastructure, and service needs, alongside updates on the HydroSOS Global Portal. The team emphasized RA VI priorities and contributions to HydroSOS implementation, aligning these efforts with regional initiatives through 2027.
Participants shared updates on HydroSOS-related activities, including contributions from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and basin commissions like those for the Sava and Danube rivers. Reports indicated that discussions identified regional gaps, synergies, and opportunities for collaboration.
During a working session, participants reviewed the Regional HydroSOS Plan. The Team noted challenges such as data integration and capacity-building needs but also recognized opportunities to enhance collaboration and infrastructure.
Experts from BfG and ICWRGC gave presentations showcasing forecasting tools and data center activities. These included the Global Drought Forecasting System (OUTLAST) and advanced hydrological forecasting systems for the Rhine Basin.
The discussions led to the development of an action plan for 2024–2025. The plan clarified roles, timelines, and milestones and outlined a roadmap for implementing HydroSOS at the regional level.
The meeting successfully laid the foundation for the next phase of HydroSOS development in the region. The key outcomes were:
- Strengthened frameworks for collaboration among NMHSs, basin commissions, and other stakeholders.
- A comprehensive action plan for 2024–2025 to guide the Team’s activities.
- Enhanced alignment of HydroSOS implementation with regional and global hydrological priorities.
The RA VI Task Team confirmed plans for continued efforts, including follow-up activities and subsequent meetings, to maintain momentum in implementing HydroSOS and improving water resource management in Europe.