Congress also approved a new collaborative framework on the ocean to streamline and enhance WMO ocean activities, boost inter-agency coordination and cooperation, and contribute to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which runs from 2021 to 2030.
The framework endorses a cross-cutting approach, embracing research, observations and forecasting, and service delivery in line with the Organization’s drive towards a more integrated Earth system strategy. Congress approved the new ocean resolution after a high-level session on ocean information to deliver weather, marine and climate services for a resilient and sustainable blue economy.
The impact of climate change on the ocean, with rising sea levels and acidification, as well as tropical cyclones, the dangers of coastal flooding and storm surge, requires stronger collaboration in the future with partners like UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
The WMO reform creates a Joint WMO-IOC Collaborative Board to coordinate development, integration and implementation of activities related to oceanographic and meteorological observation, data and information management, services, modelling and forecasting systems as well as research and capacity development.
The IOC Assembly approved the Joint WMO-IOC Collaborative Board at its session held in Paris on 26 June – 4 July.
