The World Meteorological Congress, under the auspices of the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO), recently held its 2021 session. As a supreme governing body in meteorology, operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences, the Congress has endorsed a new Water Declaration. In addition, it approved a fresh vision and strategy for hydrology, coupled with an associated action plan. India, as a member country of the WMO, actively participated in the Congress.
Key Observations and Concerns
According to recent data, only 40% of countries around the globe have operational early flood and drought warning systems. Additionally, 60% of WMO member countries lack hydrological monitoring capabilities. More than three billion people worldwide have no quality management system for their water-related data, leaving them at risk due to limited information on their water resources status. The United Nations estimates approximately 107 countries are not on track to manage their water resources sustainably according to set goals.
The Water Declaration: Early Warning Systems by 2030
The newly endorsed Water Declaration aims to ensure that, by 2030, early warnings related to floods and droughts will be accessible to every individual on the planet. The declaration further emphasizes integrating policies for water and climate action within the sustainable development agenda. Members also committed to fostering these objectives through partnerships for capacity development, knowledge exchange, and information sharing.
Introducing the Water and Climate Coalition
The newly formed Water and Climate Coalition will promote sharing and access to integrated hydrological, cryosphere, meteorological, and climate information. Its main goal is to enhance resilient water adaptation to climate change, future demographic developments, and socio-economic advancements. The coalition focuses on accelerating the progress towards the water-related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG6 (water and sanitation for all).
An Action Plan for Hydrology
1. Impact Based Early Warning System
The Congress approved a Sustainability Strategy incorporating impact-based, end-to-end Early Warning Systems (EWS) for flood forecasting. This will be part of a broader integrated flood management strategy for members, including an Associated Programme on Flood Management.
2. Water Resource & Quality Assessment
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) including water use and allocations for food production support are slated to be widely implemented.
3. Reducing Impact of Droughts
The strategy suggests Members reduce adverse impacts of drought at all levels by implementing integrated drought management systems.
4. Enhanced Food Security
This involves enhancing food security by informing end-users’ decisions at regional to local levels.
5. High-Quality Data
The strategy aims for an increase in discoverability, availability, and use of high-quality hydrological and hydrometeorological data for scientific analysis.
6. Research and Application of Operational Hydrology
Efforts should aim to bridge the gap between research and operational hydrology applications, utilizing improved understanding of Earth system science.
Related Indian Initiatives
India has spearheaded various initiatives aimed at water conservation and sustainable management, including MGNREGA, Jal Kranti Abhiyan, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, National Rural Drinking Water Programme, NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index, Atal Bhujal Yojana, Jal Shakti Ministry and Jal Jeevan Mission, and Command Area Development.