DUSHANBE, October 19, 2009, Asia-Plus — The 21st session of the CIS Interstate Council for Hydrometeorology will take place in Minsk, Belarus from October 20-21, according to the CIS Executive Committee press service.
The session aims to consider activities of the national hydromet services of the CIS states, interaction between them within the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), progress of implementation of a joint plan of actions for implementation of the hydrometeorology concept as well as preparation of a strategy of development of the hydrometeorology activities of the CIS states.
The session is also scheduled to discuss issues related to the ground monitoring network, scientific-research and scientific-methodological work, creation of database, and exchange of information.
The WMO Secretary General Michel Jarraud will attend the meeting.
The CIS Interstate Council for Hydrometeorology Council was set up in 1992 with a view to coordinating efforts of national weather services of the CIS states. Thanks to the Council efforts the CIS nations have preserved the common space for sharing hydrometeorology information. Procedures have been created to help national weather services to jointly respond to possible natural and man-caused emergencies. A specialized regional weather service has been earmarked to keep the CIS nations informed about the spread of pollution agents during man-made accidents, including nuclear ones. A drought monitoring center has been set up.
