The World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) is a WMO initiative within the overall framework of the Hydrology and Water Resources Programme. WHYCOS consists of various components implemented through specific projects in different basins or sub-regions.
To ensure successful implementation of the WHYCOS programme, establish a common conceptual basis and ensure consistency of practice and results among the various components, CHy-X recognized that the project activities needed to be adequately coordinated and requested the Secretary General to establish an appropriate co-ordination mechanism. The mechanism approved by the WMO consists of two components as follows:
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WHYCOS International Advisory Group (External Co-ordination Mechanism): Its objectives are to ensure world-wide operational linkage amongst the various HYCOS components and to coordinate all technical aspects of the programme, to review and assess periodically the programme’s achievements and promote its development. The WHYCOS International Advisory Group (WIAG) is composed of the president of CHy as chairman, and representatives of the operational HYCOS Projects (regional centres), member of the CHy Advisory Working Group responsible for WHYCOS, representatives of Financial Partners, the Regional Hydrological Advisers concerned, representatives of River/lake Basin Organizations, and regional groupings and the WMO Secretariat. WIAG meets annually. ( WIAG meeting reports)
- WHYCOS Coordination Group (WMO Secretariat Internal Co-ordination Mechanism): While the overall responsibility for the development and implementation of the WHYCOS programme resides in the Climate and Water Department (CLW), the WHYCOS Coordination Group (WCG) has been established in order to link the inputs of the various departments of the WMO Secretariat and address overall policy aspects related to WHYCOS as well as ensure the coherence of WHYCOS with other WMO programmes and projects. The WCG is an internal Secretariat group that meets approximately at six-monthly intervals. The WCG members are the Deputy Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General and all Directors of the technical departments contributing to WHYCOS and D/REM. A task team for each HYCOS project has been set up to assist with guiding the project development and implementation.
At the component level it is essential to establish a governing structure in order to oversee and 
synergize various activities, co-ordinate the execution of various elements of the project, monitor and evaluate the progress and provide guidance when necessary. This is governed by a management structure which is to be tailored to comply with regional and national conditions and needs. The WIAG called for a common approach to the development and implementation of HYCOS components. In response to WIAG request, WMO developed and published the WHYCOS Guidelines for the development, implementation and governance of HYCOS components. The WHYCOS Guidelines provides full management structure for each project. They 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.
7th WIAG meeting (january 2006) Photogallery
Reports of the WIAG Sessions
WIAG-I FINAL REPORT (JUNE 1998) -
