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About WHYCOS

The WHYCOS Concept

WHYCOS is a global programme, developed in response to the scarcity or absence of accurate and timely accessible data and information in real or near real time on freshwater resources in many parts of the world, particularly the developing countries, caused by the obsolescence of many observing networks and insufficient data management capabilities. (more)


How does WHYCOS work

WHYCOS consists of a number of regional components, each of which is independently implemented and responsive to local needs.. Each HYCOS component brings together several hydrological services which have common interests, either because they share a common drainage basin or are in a well-defined geographical and hydrological region and is launched when the countries concerned have expressed their collective desire for such a development, and their commitment to making it a success (more)



Major achievements

To date three WHYCOS component have been funded and implemented, MED-HYCOS, SADC-HYCOS phase I, and AOC-HYCOS. MED-HYCOS (link) was implemented from 1997 to 2001 with the participation of eighteen countries from the Mediterranean rim. In the framework of the project 31 DCPs were installed in selected basins in the participating countries. Another major output of the project has been the establishment of the Mediterranean Hydrological Information System (MHIS), which has been developed by the PRC with the contribution of experts seconded from participating countries.  (more)



WHYCOS and data exchange

The basic principle of WHYCOS data policy is that countries are the owners of the data they generate and their NHSs are responsible for the checking and validation of this data in accordance with national regulations. To enable participating countries to perform this basic task is therefore a priority in the project implementation to establish the necessary data transmission and management infrastructure and create the required human capacity in the NHSs involved. (more)



The way forward

WHYCOS is a global programme, developed in response to the scarcity or absence of accurate and timely accessible data and information in real or near real time on freshwater resources in many parts of the world, particularly the developing countries, caused by the obsolescence of many observing networks and insufficient data management capabilities. (more)