Voluntary Cooperation Programme

The Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP) encourages support and collaboration between the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services. The Programme focuses on meeting the needs of Members through direct financing, small grants and transfer of expertise and technology. Thanks to the willingness of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in developed and developing countries, scientific knowledge and the latest technological advances are shared with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in least developed countries. While the supporting Services provide equipment, fellowships, expertise and financing, the recipient countries ensure their effective use by providing considerable contributions from national resources, such as local infrastructure, staffing and operational costs. 

Congress defines the main areas of cooperation to be supported under the Voluntary Cooperation Programme. Currently these are:

• short-term and long-term fellowships;
• short-term training seminars;
• the establishment of observing and data-processing facilities;
• support to meteorological and hydrological activities related to environmental protection;
• the implementation of the Internet capabilities at National Meteorological and Hydrological Services; and
• support to engage with the Global Telecommunications System.

The VCP programme supports projects that enhance the capacity of meteorological and hydrological services to provide the weather and climate services needed by their communities. Support may be provided in the form of direct funding, equipment, education and training, fellowships and expert services.

If you would like to submit a request for support under the VCP programme, please fill out the template and submit it to the Secretariat. To make sure your project is eligible for support under the programme, please see the areas of support.

Download the template: English | Arabic | French | Russian | Spanish

The Voluntary Cooperation Programme partners and donors meet once every year in an Informal Planning Meeting (IPM) to discuss the projects that have been implemented in the preceeding year, trends and emerging priorities. The network is maintained on an informal basis to encourage dialogue and cooperation.