Second Session of the SAHF Executive Council (EC)

Background/ Context:

The SAHF serves as a platform for regional exchange, collaboration and fostering innovation1. The forum propels the ongoing national and regional modernization efforts in hydromet service delivery to the next level by strengthening technical, human, and institutional capacity. SAHF aims to improve coverage, quality, and access to hydromet service delivery with a focus on sustaining the forum in the South Asia (SA) region. At the second South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHF II) held in Kathmandu, Nepal in November 2019, the Heads of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NHMSs) in SA agreed to proceed with the implementation of a regional strategy for operational cooperation. Further, it was agreed that Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES), should develop and implement this activity on behalf of its members in SA. SAHF countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, which are members of the RIMES Council. The SAHF process is organized through –

1. Annual SAHF sessions – covering all aspects of the forum and with a representation from a wide group of stakeholders connected to operational hydromet services delivery.
2. SAHF Executive Council (EC) constituted by DG/Directors of NMHSs forming a managerial council that develops strategic plans for implementation of the SAHF program to support SA regional development in operational forecasting and service delivery.
3. Thematic Working Groups (WGs) constituted by nominated experts from countries (involvement through NMHSs and other implementing agencies). The WGs assess capacity needs and build synergy for regional benefits in the four SAHF thematic areas.

At RIMES council meetings in 2020, the Members of the council endorsed to reinforce national activities leading to a more sustainable program for development of meteorological and hydrological services throughout the SA region. They agreed to establish an executive body to provide strategic direction and steer the SAHF process of developing solutions for meteorological and hydrological challenges that are unique to the region. In April 2021, the SAHF Executive Council was established to sustain and promote the SAHF process. The SAHF EC is a decision-making body comprising of Heads of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) (Director Generals/Directors) of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The first EC meeting/ inception meeting was held on 01 April 2021 virtually. Representatives of NMHSs from Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka were present during the meeting and provided consent to the constitution of the EC. During the meeting, the council established the four SAHF WGs- Impact-based Forecasting (IBF), Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), Observational Networks (OBN) and Capacity Enhancement (CE), along with their respective roles and responsibilities. The EC identified key actions for the forum including development of training modules relevant to the region and linkages with other emerging regional professional bodies to strengthen SAHF process. Since inception, the EC has been an integral part of all SAHF activities through its continued guidance and support. The EC continues to steer the implementation of SAHF activities in the region. The key roles of the EC are to:

• Oversee the formation and functioning of SAHF WGs.
• Guide SAHF to identify specific fit-for-purpose investments to build technical and intellectual capacity of NMHSs to respond to the main users’ needs using the skills that exist in the region and globally.
• Provide recommendations for strengthening key elements of the hydromet service value chain.
• Evolve collaborative regional strategies to increase the use of ensemble prediction, impact-based forecasting techniques and user-oriented advisory services.

SAHF Progress Points:

1. During 2021-22, the SAHF Working Papers on the four thematic areas (IBF, NWP, OBN & CE) and the Regional Approach paper have been formulated through individual country consultations and WG discussions. The regional approach and Working Papers largely focus on the existing capacities, gaps and needs in the hydromet service delivery of the region. Plans for the SAHF communication mechanism (internal) and the technical design document for the SAHF Knowledge Hub have been developed to facilitate the sustained implementation of SAHF activities.
2. The SAHF Knowledge Hub has been developed as a collaborative web-based platform for NMHSs to interact with each other and collectively contribute to the region.
3. Continuing the Forum’s sessions held annually, since 2018, the SAHF- III was held online from 15-18 November 2021 bringing together a wide range of public, academic and private institutions to strengthen key elements of the hydromet services value chain. The conference brought together a wide range of user and stakeholder institutions that connect NMHSs with the societal systems, climate sensitive sectors of the economy, academic and private institutions.
4. The SAHF Forecasters’ Forum was initiated in February 2022 with the vision to leverage regional knowledge sharing to improve operational forecasting and service delivery.