Closer meteorological cooperation between Central Asian countries and the FMI

The project is an ICI project funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and one of its most important objectives is to improve adaptation to climate change The Finnish Meteorological Institute is currently involved in many projects aimed at developing local expertise and ability to provide real-time weather and climate services.

The objective of the workshop held this week at the Meteorological Institute is to help Central Asian countries to be better prepared for adapting, among other things, to the impacts of climate change. Participants at the meeting represent the management of the countries’ hydrometeorological institutes.

“We are happy to be involved in development cooperation with Central Asian countries. We are particularly grateful that we have participants from four countries in this event,” Project Manager Irma Ylikangas of the Finnish Meteorological Institute explains.The Institute’s role is to export Finnish know-how to the countries and to increase cooperation on meteorological education between the countries.

Training and modernisation of equipment

The programmes aimed at adaptation to climate change in Central Asian countries continue to be one priority of the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs because climate change may have serious consequences in these countries. Thus, the funding reserved for development cooperation in this region will remain the same in coming years.

The project goal is to improve the countries’ hydrometeorological services, thereby making them better prepared for natural disasters caused by the weather. Many former Soviet states need assistance, in particular, with modernising observation equipment and with training workers. The project to be carried out in 2011–2013, focuses on these issues.

“The aim is to strengthen the capacity of the WMO Regional Training Centre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and to arrange pilot training on today’s measurement technologies and on matters pertaining to weather services. Representatives from all five countries have the opportunity to take part in training,” Irma Ylikangas points out.

“Increased know-how and investments in observations, information systems, forecast models and in the production of services for various customer groups typically repay society ten times over,” says Petteri Taalas, Director General of the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

Additional information:

Project Manager Irma Ylikangas, irma.ylikangas@fmi.fi