The Middle East is one of the driest regions in the world, with many parts receiving less than 100 mm of rainfall per year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports an expected precipitation decrease over the next century for large parts of the Middle East, a likely increase in the frequency and severity of droughts and a reduction in groundwater recharge rates. Intense localized rainfall cause devastating flash floods in mountain and hilly areas. It is essential to strengthen the hydro-meteorological monitoring network in order to manage the water resources of the region in a sustainable manner and forecast water related disasters.
The overall goal of Blue Peace project is to strengthen the delivery of weather, water and climate services in Jordan and Lebanon, to support economic development and disaster risk management. The project goal is to improve monitoring, data management and information sharing to enhance regional coordination and collaboration, through training (on quality management, improved field measurement,), provision of equipment (observation equipment and data management tools) and support to institutional cooperation. Through the project Lebanon and Jordan have also accessed the Flash Flood Guidance System for Black Sea and Middle East.
