You will find hereunder some technical guidance issued by WMO, relevant to the implementation of the WHYCOS programme as well as the WMO resolutions relevant to WHYCOS (Res. 20 Cg-XII) and to international data exchange (Res. 40 Cg-XII; Res. 25 Cg-XIII), as well as the final reports of the WHYCOS International Advisory Group (WIAG).
(For further information on WMO publication on hydrology and water resources, visit HWRP web site and click on Document)
WHYCOS Guidelines (TD No. 1282 available in English, French and Spanish): For the Development, Implementation and Governance of Components. In light of the experience gained from the implementation of regional HYCOS projects, the WHYCOS International Advisory Group (WIAG) has called for a common approach to the development and implementation of HYCOS components. The Guidelines presented here are aimed at ensuring that each project remains consistent with the WHYCOS objectives, while responding to local needs, realities and changing situations. They are designed to serve as guidance for the main stages of project formulation and implementation including initiation, development and management, as well as monitoring and evaluation, of HYCOS projects. It is expected that the information in this brochure should allow for the exchange of experience, data and information among development projects and activities and thereby help in developing and improving the implementation of HYCOS components.
Hydrological Data Management: Present State and Trends (OHR No. 48): The key to providing accurate, timely and often-life-saving information and forecasts on flooding and drought lie in hydrological data management. With the expansion of computerization and global information networks, recent years have witnessed a consequent increase in the scope and forms of data management undertaken. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have evolved since their introduction in the 1960s, to become sophisticated analytical tools, enabling detailed consideration of the many factors affecting river basins and their management. In this application, GIS rely on strong hydrological databases. This important area is the subject of this report. The report outlines the establishment and aims of hydrological databases and looks at operational examples from Australia, Japan and the United States. The increasingly important application of GIS to operational hydrology is also reviewed, again making use of research from a range of countries.
Manual on Sediment Management and Measurement (OHR No. 47): In the development of water resources, sediment and related problems have always presented a great challenge. Increasing attention is being focused on a better understanding of the processes of erosion and sedimentation and their relationship to the surface runoff component of the hydrological cycle. To describe the comprehensive processes of erosion, sediment transportation, fluvial processes and reservoir sedimentation, WMO decided to publish an updated manual on sediment measurement and management. It is hoped that this Manual will provide a guide for water resources engineers, planners, managers and hydrologists.
Water Resources Assessment - Handbook for Review of National Capabilities: This handbook can be used to review basic Water Resources Assessment (WRA) capabilities in any country or region. However, it is particularly aimed at reviewing the capability of developing countries. While the activities required for basic WRA should be independent of the economic conditions and level of development within any particular country, these factors must be taken into account when reviewing the current capability to undertake basic WRA and making recommendations for improvements in basic WRA. Therefore, while the information provided in this handbook for comparison purposes comes in the main from developing countries, it is essential that users of the handbook are fully aware of the economic conditions and level of development of the country under review.
International Workshop on the Management and Governance of Groundwater in Arid and semi-Arid Countries (Cairo, Egypt, 3-7 April 2005) The main objective of the workshop was to help improve groundwater management in arid and semi-arid countries, thus enhancing the optimal utilization of such a resource. The workshop looked at various international and national contexts with critical synergies developed using a multi-disciplinary perspective of Integrated Water Resources Management. More than seventy experts from forty-five countries from all WMO regions participated in the workshop. They were experts in issues related to groundwater management in their respective countries dealing with technical, economical, social and legal matters linked to the management of groundwater. The participants represented National Hydrological Services (NHSs) as well as academic institutions and the private sector. The participation of twenty female experts was a good indication of wmen’s interest and involvement in this important topic.
Guidelines on the Role, Operation and Management of National Hydrological Services (WMO-No. 1003 OHR No. 49)
The main objective of the Guidelines is to provide guidance to the senior managers of Hydrological Services on the key issues that they might face as they lead, manage and administer their Services.
In recent years the scope of the responsibilities of NHSs has expanded to encompass issues relating to environmental aspects and contributes to the integrated management of water resources and sustainable development. At the same time NHSs as many other public organizations are typically requested to reduce their operational costs and their spendings. To respond to the request of its Members, the World Meteorological Organization has issued these Guidelines to assist senior officials in managerial capacities to fulfill their responsibilities in this changing environment.
After summarizing the recent trends in hydrology and water resources management, and overviewing the responsibilities and functions of NHSs, the Guidelines review in more detail the different aspects of management, such as strategic planning, human resources management, financial management, marketing, asset management, process and quality management, and relationships with other institutions. Without being prescriptive, emphasis is made on the issues that must be taken into consideration in each particular case. Finally, in the Annexes a variety of material is presented as examples for some of the concepts described in the main text.
