2100 2050 2018 2018 Concept and action plan for Climate Services in the REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA Text: Nickolai Denisov and Ecaterina Melnicenco (Zoï Environment Network), Lidia Trescilo (State Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Moldova) Inputs: Violeta Bălan (State Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Mol- dova), Daniel Kull (World Bank), participants in the consultation and endorsement workshops on the National Framework for Climate Services in the Republic of Moldova (Chisinau, 27–28 June and 6 December 2018) Copy-editing: Geoff Hughes (Zoï Environment Network) Graphic design and layout: Carolyne Daniel (Zoï Environment Network) © Zoï Environment Network 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 5 2 PROVISION AND USE OF CLIMATE SERVICES IN MOLDOVA 8 State Hydrometeorological Service 8 Other providers of data and services 11 Climate and climate-change information 12 State and evolution of institutions 13 Users, their needs and perceptions 15 3 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR CLIMATE SERVICES 17 Challenges and gaps 17 Bringing in the users 19 Shaping governance and sustainability 20 Providing seamless services 22 Addressing priority sectors 23 Ensuring visibility 24 REFERENCES 26 ENDNOTES 27 ANNEXES 29 1 Action Plan on the establishment and implementation of NFCS in the Republic of Moldova 29 2 Broader action areas endorsed by NFCS stakeholders 30 List of figures 1.1 Functional components (pillars) of GFCS 2.1 Moldova’s meteorological 2.2 Hydrological state observation networks 2.3 NFCS-related institutional landscape in Moldova 3.1 Moldova’s NFCS gaps and challenges 3.2 Key elements of Moldova’s NFCS List of tables 2.1 Information transfer modes of the State Hydrometeorological Service 2.2 Hydrometeorological data collection and information products in Moldova 2.3 User demand for hydrometeorological information products 3.1 NFCS actions vs. challenges and gaps List of boxes 1.1 Pillars of the Global Framework for Climate Services 3.1 Suggestions for improving interactions between the SHS and the mass media List of abbreviations ACSA National Agency for Rural Development ADA Austrian Development Agency FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GFCS Global Framework for Climate Services GFDRR Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery MARDE Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and the Environment of the Republic of Moldova Moldatsa Air Traffic Services Authority of the Republic of Moldova NFCS National Framework for Climate Services NGO Non-governmental organisation PAC Partner Advisory Committee for the Global Framework for Climate Services SHS State Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Moldova SMS Short message service TV Television UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics WMO World Meteorological Organization INTRODUCTION The vision of the Global Framework for Cli- The GFCS accelerates and coordinates the mate Services (GFCS)1 is to enable better technically and scientifically sound implementa- management of the risks of climate variability tion of measures to improve climate-related out- and change and adaptation to climate change comes. With its broad participation and reach, through the development and incorporation of the framework enables the development and science-based climate information and predic- application of climate services to assist deci- tion into planning, policy and practice on the sion-making at all levels in support of address- global, regional and national scales. Climate ing climate-related risks. The five GFCS compo- observations, along with complementary socio­ nents (Figure 1.1) are: economic and other data, must be effectively in- tegrated to develop and provide users of climate ● observations and monitoring; services – farmers, public health officials, dis- aster risk reduction managers, water resources ● climate services information system; administrators and others – with information that ● research, modelling and prediction; will help them minimise losses due to climate ● user interface platform; variability and change and to manage natural and human systems effectively. ● capacity development. Figure 1.1 Functional components (pillars) of GFCS USERS CAPACITY USERS DEVELOPMENT NG OB SE RI RV TO ON SE AT I NI RE ONS & MO TI AR C CH E DI LI , MO PR M E C M DELLING & AT Y ST E SER NS VICES TIO INF O R MA US M ER I N T E R FAC E P L AT F O R Source: adapted from WMO 2018 5 Box 1.1 Pillars of the Global Framework for Climate Services OBSERVATIONS AND MONITORING Effective climate services require observations of various types, of adequate quality and quantity and at the right place and time. Both surface-based and space observations are needed for phys- ical and chemical climate variables of the atmosphere, land and oceans, including hydrologic and carbon cycles and the cryosphere. In addition, delivering useful climate services also requires the availability of socioeconomic, biological and environmental data. RESEARCH, MODELLING AND PREDICTION During the past few decades, national and international investments in climate observations, re- search and modelling have resulted in significant progress in experimental and practical climate prediction and projection. Systematic conversion of existing climate knowledge into practical solu- tions requires a change in how climate research is conducted. In order to meet the diverse needs for climate services, professional networks should be developed to unite climate researchers and practitioners in the field. CLIMATE SERVICES INFORMATION SYSTEM The information system is the principal mechanism through which information about climate – past, present and future – is archived, analysed, modelled, exchanged and processed. It produces and delivers authoritative climate information products through operational mechanisms, technical standards, communication and authentication. Its functions include climate analysis and monitor- ing, assessment and attribution, prediction (monthly, seasonal, decadal) and projection (centennial scale). USER INTERFACE PLATFORM The user interface platform offers structured means for users, researchers and climate service providers to interact and ensure that user needs are met. The objective of the user interface plat- form is to promote effective decision-making in view of climate considerations. The need to make climate-related decisions will be the driver for providers and users to develop more useful climate information. CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT The GFCS aims to develop the capacity of countries to apply and generate climate information and products relevant to their particular concerns. Since many countries lack policies, institutions or human resources to enable them to take advantage of new or existing climate data and products or to establish a national dialogue on these issues, the capacity development component can be seen as a foundation that links and supports the other four pillars. Source: adapted from www.wmo.int/gfcs/. The GFCS focuses on developing and deliver- The Global Framework for Climate Services is ing services in five priority areas that address is- promoted and facilitated by the World Meteor- sues basic to the human condition and present ological Organization (WMO) in cooperation the most immediate opportunities for benefitting with the GFCS Partner Advisory Committee human safety and well-being. These are: agri- (PAC). Following the PAC’s identification of culture and food security; disaster risk reduc- the Republic of Moldova as a priority country, tion; energy; health; and water. the World Bank as PAC member, together with 6 the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Based on the discussions at the consultation Recovery (GFDRR), volunteered to lead efforts workshop, a concept and an action plan for the in the country and has supported the conceptu- National Framework for Climate Services in alisation and establishment of a National Frame- Moldova was drafted and presented as a dis- work for Climate Services (NFCS) in Moldova.2 cussion document during the NFCS endorse- ment workshop in Chisinau on 6 December The work started in December 2017 with the 2018.4 The workshop endorsed in principle and support of Zoï Environment Network, a Switzer- further elaborated on the concept and action land-based international non-profit organisation areas, confirming the commitment of key institu- specializing in environmental information, com- tional stakeholders in Moldova to improving the munication and capacity-building, and is carried provision, access to, and the use of climate and out in close cooperation with Moldova’s State Hy- hydrometeorological information. drometeorological Service (SHS) and the Minis- try of Agriculture, Regional Development and the The SHS being Moldova’s key provider of hy- Environment of the Republic of Moldova (MARDE). drometeorological data, the community of the producers of climate information and services As a first step, a national consultation work- in the country is broader. The NFCS is thus ex- shop was organised in Chisinau on 26–27 June pected to provide a coordination mechanism for 20183 in order to discuss the status quo and addressing issues related to the production and the way forward for climate services in Moldova. the delivery of climate services, and to serve as The main objective of the meeting was to bring a platform for promoting effective collaboration together the producers and users of climate in- and cooperation among the various players in formation in Moldova with international organi- the field. sations and experts to discuss climate services. Another objective was to share experience and The concept elaborates on how main NFCS perspectives of other countries. More than 70 structural elements (pillars) need to be strength- participants took part in the event, representing ened or put in place in Moldova in order to national, local and regional authorities (includ- achieve the GFCS vision, and thus primarily fo- ing the capital city of Chisinau, the autonomous cuses on a user interface, demand-driven prod- territorial unit of Gagauzia, the Transnistrian re- ucts, and the institutional and resource frame- gion, and selected rural communities), NGOs, works. In short it suggests that, to advance and academia, research and business. Users and implement the NFCS, Moldova needs to: producers of information were equally present. ● engage users by building a solid interface, Discussions about the future of climate services in involving them in NFCS design, understand- Moldova were based on the conceptual outline of ing and developing their capacities; the NFCS prepared prior to the meeting. Among ● update or develop new products and ser­ other inputs, the outline leaned on a series of vices that respond to specific users’ needs; in-depth interviews with producers and users of ● ensure steady and cooperative data flows hydrometeorological information in Moldova, or- to feed and sustain these products and ser­ ganised in February–April 2018 to help inform vices; the national consultations and further NFCS de- ● obtain resources and provide mandates suf- velopment. Respondents represented 14 govern- ficient to ensure the effective functioning and mental, academic, non-governmental and busi- sustainability of the NFCS. ness organisations and included the producers of primary data, general-purpose or user-target- The action plan in the Annex presents elements ed information as well as the users of primary or of a road-map of how to get there in the short- processed data, forecasts and other information and the long-term perspectives. How far and products from agriculture, water management, how fast the road is pursued, will depend on healthcare, disaster response, energy, municipal both political will and adequate resources. services, science and hydrometeorology. 7 PROVISION AND USE OF CLIMATE SERVICES IN MOLDOVA STATE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL SERVICE Law № 1536 of 02/25/1998 on Hydrometeoro- teorological Service of the Republic of Moldo- logical Activities5 is the main instrument regulat- va is the only producer of hydrometeorological ing activities in this area. (The latest changes data in the country, although such data are also to some of the law’s provisions were made in collected and processed by a number of other 2005.) According to the law, the State Hydrome- organisations (Table 2.3). Kamyanets- Podilsky Novo-Dniester Uman Figure 2.1 Reservoir state observation networks Moldova’s meteorological Mohyliv Podilsky Pr ivd Ocnita .B Synyuk Chernivtsi Briceni uh Ca inar Lipcani Edinet ha Donduseni Rau Drochia Soroca Cotesti-Stinca Pervomaysk t Camenca C ub o Reservoir Riscani Floresti lt a n ie D ste Botosani Glodeni Soldanesti r Kodyma Balti Suceava Singerei Rezina Ribnita Falesti MOLDOVA UKRAINE Jijia Ty lih Mo Telenesti t Dubasari o rl y ul Ra k ldo Reservoir Yag u Cornesti Bravicea Sire va Ve t Calarasi Ich Orhei l. K Se el uya Kuchu Dubasari r. K Ungheni lnyk Straseni uya Codrii Bis Iasi Grigoriopol rhan lnyk trita Pietra Neamt Roman Nisporeni (5x) Baltata Bicaz ROMANIA Lapusna Chisinau Ialoveni Bic Tiraspol Pr u t Hincesti Anenii-Noi Tighina Bo Slobozia Kohy Vaslui tna Causeni lnyk Bacau Cimislia Leova Stefan-Voda Yuzhny Darmanesti Odessa d Olt la Basarabeasca Bar Dniester Comrat Lyman tus Tro Sarata Barlad Cantemir Chornomorsk Ialpug Ceadir- Bilhorod- Lunga Dnistrovsky Cahul Taraclia a Meteorological station e S Focsani post Meteorological Vulcanesti k Agrometeorological post c la et Giurgiulesti B S ir Galati 0 50 km Izmayil Braila Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, April 2019 Buzau Danube Buz au Source: State Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Moldova (www.meteo.md) Source: adapted from SHS Tulcea 8 As of 2017, the SHS meteorological observation that are measured instrumentally or recorded or network included 14 meteorological stations, 15 determined visually. Together they comprise the agrometeorological posts, and 32 mini automatic content of multi-purpose banks of meteorological weather stations with a smaller set of sensors, data that are used to compile hydrometeorologi- installed in all regions of the country to increase cal forecasts, to provide consumers with informa- network density and the quality of customer ser- tion about actual weather at observation points, vice. Currently the number of meteorological sta- to issue warnings, and to characterise the mete- tions in Moldova (with its surface area of about orological regime and climate of particular areas. 34,000 km2) is close to optimal by international standards. Agrometeorological observations are made at 13 of the 14 weather stations and at all 15 of SHS Meteorological observations are performed ac- agrometeorological posts. In 2016 the agromete- cording to WMO standards and include more than orological network was upgraded with new Del- 80 meteorological and hydrological variables ta-T2 sets to determine soil moisture. Kamyanets- Podilsky Novo-Dniester Uman Figure 2.2 Moldova’s hydrological state observation networks Reservoir Mohyliv Podilsky Pr ivd .B Briceni Synyuk Chernivtsi uh iste Dragh Vilia nc a ha Ca i me hur Edinet na Ca Rau C iu r Soroca Cotesti-Stinca Pervomaysk t Cub Camenca Reservoir Drochia i olta Beloc Floresti n ie D ste tsa daru s a Botosani r Kodyma b ni Balti Ry Rezina C al Suceava Singerei Ribnita Ciul MOLDOVA UKRAINE Falesti Jijia Ty ucul lih Mo M ic y o rl ul t Dubasari Ra k ldo Yag u Reservoir Sire va Orhei Ve t l. K Calarasi Iche Se uya Kuchu l Dubasari r. K Ungheni lnyk uya Bis Iasi Grigoriopol rhan Straseni lnyk trita Pietra Neamt Roman Nisporeni Bicaz ROMANIA Chisinau Pr u t Bic Tiraspol Hydrological posts Hincesti Tighina Bo Slobozia Kohy Water level measurement Vaslui tna lnyk Bacau Water flow measurement Cimislia Causeni Yuzhny Darmanesti Lake observation Leova Odessa d Olt la Basarabeasca Bar Dniester tus Comrat Lyman Tro Sarata Barlad Chornomorsk Catchment areas Ialpug Ceadir- Bilhorod- Lunga Dnistrovsky Dniester river basin Cahul Taraclia a Prut river basin e S Small Danube tributaries Focsani Vulcanesti k Small rivers draining into the Black Sea c la et B S ir Galati 0 50 km Izmayil Braila Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, February 2019 Buzau Danube Buzau Service of the Republic of Moldova (www.meteo.md) Source: State Hydrometeorological Source: adapted from SHS Tulcea 9 The national network of hydrological monitoring A recent SHS website upgrade as part of an in- of surface water consists of 54 hydrological posts ternational project for developing of a national in the basins of the Dniester, the Prut and small programme for adaptation to climate change6 tributaries of the Danube and the Black Sea makes it possible to improve the presentation catchments. Thirty river-level measuring posts of information in a visual form and to provide to are automated. The network provides data for users a range of data. At the moment users can hydrological forecasts, for the preparation of hy- obtain forecasts for individual locations (cities), drological yearbooks, and, jointly with neighbour- warning maps, and information from observa- ing countries, for measuring the flow of trans- tion stations including webcam images (where boundary rivers. available). Warnings are displayed using Meteo- alarm7 protocols, which are also used to provide Table 2.1 summarises the SHS modes of provid- data through Moldova’s Meteoalarm platform.8 ing information. Data requested by authorities, other state-owned The SHS is the sole holder of the National Fund organisations, enterprises and research bodies for Hydrometeorological Data, managing the lat- (for scientific purposes) are provided for free. On ter according to its own regulations. The Fund, lo- the other hand, the SHS provides paid services cated in the SHS building, is a paper archive (only to private companies, non-governmental and part of information is stored electronically) which research organisations, and others implement- contains data for the whole period of observa- ing project activities, and contributes a portion tions in Moldova from the end of the 19th century. of the received fees to Moldova’s state budget. Table 2.1 Information transfer modes of the State Hydrometeorological Service Target group Types of messages Email, telephone messages Central and local government Information about possible natural disasters (meteorological, hy- Institutions responsible for the drological and agrometeorological forecasts) prevention of and response to Reviews of meteorological, agrometeorological, hydrological con- emergency situations ditions for the past week, month Sectoral agencies in agriculture, 10-day information on precipitation and soil moisture energy, transport, forestry Construction companies Environmental authorities Site meteo.md Short-term forecasts (day, week) Warnings (meteorological, hydrological, environmental quality) Selected data from the national observation network Reviews of existing hydrometeorological conditions for a week, General public decade, month, season, year Information on unusual hydrometeorological phenomena and records In winter, 10-day information about snow depth and the thickness of ice on rivers and reservoirs Mass media SHS information provided to the media according to contracts (forecast) or warnings about adverse or dangerous events (mandatory notification) General public (via broadcast) Interviews on request to all media regardless of contractual ar- rangements Source: SHS 10 Hydrometeorological data are also produced by the by climate change. Local studies have been con- Tiraspol Hydrometeorological Centre, which oper- ducted and a National Atlas of Climate Resourc- ates 13 gauging posts with manual measurements es has been released. Meteorological and hy- in the Transnistrian region. Financing for replacing drological data are provided by the SHS and are the outdated equipment on the posts with automat- manually entered into the Institute’s database. ic sensors is currently unavailable. The equipment In addition to state-funded studies, the Institute in the Centre’s analytical laboratories is also be- provides vulnerability and risk assessment for yond its established service life. All sampling and particular areas and settlements – the analysis processing are carried out according to analytical of flood risk in the Cahul area, for example – on standards of the former USSR. Data are exchanged a contract or a project basis. The Institute oper- between the meteorological observation stations in ates its own research stations, and has access to Tiraspol, Ribnita, Dubasari and Camenca through similar stations of other educational and research regular communication channels using coded tele­ organisations such as the Tiraspol State Univer- grams, and are also transferred to the SHS. The sity in Chisinau. Every four years the Institute Centre provides information to interested users on undergoes accreditation, which is the basis for request – about 600 per year. The most common- a new four-year work plan; consequently there ly requests are for forecasts and hydrological and is no certainty that the research focus will remain meteorological information, including weather con- the same for the next planning period. ditions at the time of road accidents or in connec- tion with the loss of, or damage to, crops in order to The Institute of Genetic Studies, Physiology and claim farmer subsidies. State-owned organisations Plant Protection of the Academy of Science has- receive information without charge, and private cus- developed a system of forecasting agricultural tomers pay according to established fees. The re- plant diseases.9 The system utilises historical covered fees are transferred to the regional budget, time series of meteorological observations, and which in turn finances the operations of the Centre. research in plant diseases, and is intended to provide information to farmers about the nec- essary treatment of crops, the optimal timing of OTHER PROVIDERS OF DATA AND planting and harvesting and other agrotechno- SERVICES logical operations. The largest part of the sys- tem is accessible by subscription, and a smaller The Moldovan Air Traffic Services Authority (Mol- part is in the public domain. For direct interac- datsa) monitors weather at the Chisinau airport tion with farmers the Institute cooperates with and, in compliance with the Law on Hydrome- the National Agency for Rural Development teorological Activities, transmits data to the Na- (ACSA). Participation in externally funded pro- tional Hydrometeorological fund. According to jects allows the Institute to update and maintain the agreement with the SHS, meteorological ra- the system.10 dar owned by the SHS is installed at the airport on the condition that SHS share the data. Inte- The private Austrian company Pessl Instru- grating these radar data with Romania’s radar ments GmbH11 provides services in Moldova observations will improve their use for weather by installing small automatic weather stations forecasting as well as data visualisation. As the at farms and providing farmers with individual national agency authorised to provide meteoro- forecasts of agrometeorological conditions and logical services in aviation, Moldatsa produces crop diseases as well as agrotechnical and phy- forecasts for air traffic operators. tosanitary recommendations. Today about 150 such stations serve more than 300 users in the The Special Service for Weather Modification country (several users can own one meteoro- (the Hail Control Service) and the Ministry of De- logical station together). Observation data are fence produce forecasts for their purposes, too transmitted in real time via mobile channels to (the latter to inform the national Air Force). the Swiss–US company Meteoblue,12 which is responsible for modelling and forecasting. The Institute of Geography and Ecology of the (The collected data are not transmitted to the Academy of Science carries out studies funded SHS.) The forecasts also rely on remote-sens- from the state budget in four-year cycles. In the ing data. Services are provided on a contractual last four years research has focused on vulner- basis, and 90% of their users are engaged in ability to natural hazards including those caused agriculture. The most in demand are 3- or 4-day 11 special meteorological forecasts together with Environment is the main organisation responsible recommendations for plant treatment for the for international reporting in the context of same period. Moldova’s participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Private energy construction companies in Moldo- (UNFCCC) and other climate commitments. In va install wind-power generators equipped with early 2018, Moldova’s Fourth national commu- altitude wind-speed sensors. Usually the data nication to UNFCCC 13 included the analysis collected are not transmitted. of climate-change impacts and vulnerability in Moldova’s regions. The Office develops nation- In a survey conducted in the framework of NFCS al adaptation policy, too. In particular, key sec- development (see the Introduction) respondents tors such as forestry, health care, and energy also pointed out that they obtain weather forecast began developing sectoral adaptation strate- from freely available online resources, such as: gies through the first national project on adap- tation to climate change. The second national ● Gismeteo.md, Gismeteo.ru, Rp5.ru (Russia); adaptation project, in collaboration with FAO, ● Weather.com, Accuweather.com (US); will focus on agriculture. ● Windy.com, Ventusky.com (Czechia). The Climate Change Office uses SHS obser- vation data and, as part of the development of CLIMATE AND CLIMATE-CHANGE national communications, publishes long-term INFORMATION projections of climate change. Its website14 pre- sents documents produced by the Office and The SHS is responsible for both studying the national communications and other materials country’s climate and serving interested organ- sent to the UNFCCC secretariat. The office also isations with the relevant information. The work runs a portal dedicated to adaptation activities entails analysing meteorological observation in Moldova,15 and another portal where it plans data and climate trends in Moldova. Standard to publish key indicators of adaptation meas- services include the provision of meteorological ures at the country level.16 data tables and monthly and yearly summaries; the analysis of 10-day, monthly, seasonal and MARDE has received accreditation with the yearly meteorological conditions; the descrip- Green Climate Fund. The Climate Change Of- tion of observed meteorological phenomena; fice coordinates this work, and is adopting a and the preparation of other information about strategic document defining the country’s pri- weather and climate conditions for public au- orities for funding from the GCF. For the pur- thorities, economic entities and individuals. poses of coordinating climate-change related On-request services include the provision of planning and actions, the establishment of an information about meteorological and climate inter-agency National Commission on Climate characteristics at any location for any period of Change is under discussion.17 time, as well as assessments of wind and solar energy resources and selections of optimum lo- Other organisations working with meteorolog- cations for wind and solar power installations. ical data to produce climate-related analyses The results of SHS studies and analyses are in their fields include the Institute of Pedology, published in reference books, monographs and Agrochemistry and Soil Protection, the National Moldova’s climate summaries. Agency for Food Safety (local plant protection stations), and the National Agency for Public The Climate Change Office at the Ministry of Health under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Agriculture, Regional Development and the Social Protection. 12 STATE AND EVOLUTION OF INSTITUTIONS Table 2.2 and Figure 2.3 summarise the current ture, Regional Development and the Environment. state of the collection of hydrometeorological and climate data and the production of informa- In 2018, the reform continued at the level of the tion in the interests of various users. Ministries’ subordinate organisations: for exam- ple, the Environmental Agency was established In 2017, Moldova began administrative reforms in under the auspices of MARDE, which combined order to optimise the operation of state institutions. control and supervisory functions in environmen- At the first stage of the reforms, changes were tal quality. The newly created agency is expected made at the ministerial level, as a result of which to assume SHS functions in monitoring environ- the SHS is currently under the Ministry of Agricul- mental pollution.18 Table 2.2 Hydrometeorological data collection and information products in Moldova l s* c ona cal ation me teo ecifi nati l / lo l erv ro / ate r-sp era l / ion a tora Ob s Hyd Clim Secto G e n R e g S e c AUTHORITIES State Hydrometeorological Service Transnistri- Tiraspol Hydrometeorological Centre an region Air Traffic Services Authority Ministry of Defence Hail Control Service National Food Security Agency RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Climate Change Office Centre of Preventive Healthcare Institute of Geography and Ecology Institute of Genetic Studies Institute of Soil and Agrochemistry Dniester Eco-Tiras river BUSINESS Pessl Instruments GmbH Wind-power installations International on-line services Hydrometeorological observations (e. g. GHG emissions, plant response, damage from natural disasters and similar are not considered here) Limited / small-scale 13 Figure 2.3 NFCS-related institutional landscape in Moldova Providers of climate services in Moldova Oth er e au r vic th Se or al iti Pillars of the Global Framework gic es olo for Climate Services eor met State Hydro SERVATI ONS Users Institutional landscape in R FAC E Moldova OB INTE ING Public / Media Agriculture ST ER CA US RE FO D IN O N RM HA F Energy RESEARC Transport AT IO ES NP ROD VIC UC TS AN D SER Defense Emergency Environment Health A serious problem with the production of hy- gists, hydrologists and climatologists, and re- drometeorological and climate information is sources for vocational training are insufficient. the difficulty of attracting young professionals In particular, exchange opportunities with for- to the field. Moldova has no higher education eign meteorological services are very limited. institutions that train professional meteorolo- A related problem is the low pay of SHS staff. 14 USERS, THEIR NEEDS AND PERCEPTIONS The uses of meteorological and climate infor- tection – to processing insurance claims. mation vary from conducting scientific research to developing and implementing projects – in- Table 2.3 summarises the demand for various cluding in construction and environmental pro- types of information products. Table 2.3 User demand for hydrometeorological information products Type of Information Sources Users Demand Emergency alerts SHS General Inspectorate for Emergency Demanded primarily by the Situations government According to service regulations (about 70 public organisations) Daily forecast SHS General public through the media Strong demand, the most General Inspectorate for Emergency popular type of forecast Situations For planning purposes (e.g. Organisations with service contracts for the Hail Control Service, based on radar data) Short-term (up to 7 days) SHS General Inspectorate for Emergency General public meteo- and hydrological Situations For planning in various forecast General public through the website sectors (agriculture, forestry, and the media energy) Monthly SHS General public through the website For planning in various meteorological forecast Organisations with service contracts sectors (agriculture, forestry, energy) Seasonal SHS General public through the website meteorological forecast Organisations with service contracts Seasonal SHS State-owned enterprises For agriculture yield forecast ACSA Farmers Long-term Climate General public through the website To substantiate projects and climate projections Change sectoral adaptation strategies Thematic projections for sectors Office (health, agriculture, forestry) (project-based) Source: NFCS survey results and analysis The NFCS survey did not provide sufficient in- long-term climate forecasts and projections is sight into various sectors’ needs for information weak. Such information is primarily used for in- with forecast periods longer than two weeks. dividual, research or externally paid projects. The majority of responses referred to short- Due to the lack of methodology, low user in- term forecasts from three to seven days (see terest and high risks for insurers, climate risk Table 2.3). Seasonal forecasts for agriculture insurance is not developed either.20 are in demand too, this being is the only sector for which such forecasts are made. Opinions on the quality and accuracy of mete- orological forecasts up to 7 days in length range In the absence in Moldova of a systemic ap- from full satisfaction to the complete opposite. proach to strategic planning,19 demand for This spread is partly explained by the fact that 15 lay users – unlike professionals in emergency other websites (35%), and TV and radio chan- response and agriculture – rarely pay attention nels (12%). Less than 1% use mobile applica- to the source of weather forecasts. Many me- tions and other sources. The respondents are dia outlets rely not on SHS data but on open satisfied with the quality of the available infor- sources that do not always provide accurate in- mation, but would like to see information bet- formation. The SHS is monitoring the accuracy ter tailored to their needs, including forecasts of its forecasts, but has not yet engaged with with higher precision, localised forecasts, and information users to explain its results or to additional highly customised services (such compare the quality of its forecasts with those as information about solar radiation and wind from other sources.21 patterns for the needs of alternative energy production). In 57% of the responses users Some users are not aware of the SHS web- expressed the readiness to pay for services. site, and some mistake other websites22 as be- Those unwilling to pay believe that the costs longing to the SHS. Particularly in the regions are the responsibility of the government. where direct contact with the SHS is not pos- sible, little is known about official information These findings are consistent with the re- online. This is partly due to the fact that mass sponses to the SHS questionnaire25 of the par- media do not always use official weather data, ticipants at the 2017 SHS workshop that took and if they do, they rarely indicate the source place back-to-back with the Meteoalarm work- of information. On the other hand, users them- shop in Chisinau.26 Almost 80% of the partici- selves often directly choose sources that are pants, mostly national-level institutional users, the most convenient to access and use, and reported that they appreciated the quality of that are not necessarily official. SHS services highly, and that they assessed its forecasts and warnings as credible though Users also note that many face practical diffi- not highly credible. The most often used ser- culties in obtaining information from the SHS vices were 1-day to 7-day forecasts. In almost on a paid basis because information about ser- 80% of the responses, the interaction with the vice fees is not easily available,23 and filing a SHS was assessed as good. Users found the request often requires a consultation with SHS data provided by the SHS to be sufficient, and staff in advance. split evenly about how easy it is to understand them. About 70% found SHS information timely A rapid survey conducted with the participants and up-to-date, and almost all were satisfied in the NFCS consultation workshop in June with the way it was presented. 201824 complements in-depth interviews with information users. Among the 39 respondents Meanwhile, the recently completed analysis were representatives of agriculture, water man- of SHS quality management practices27 noted agement and water supply, public health, dis- inter alia that SHS approaches to monitoring aster risk reduction, energy, land management, and analysing customers’ information and re- transport and infrastructure, municipal services quirements are not yet clearly defined, and and local authorities, hydrometeorology, edu- that no methodology is in place to consistently cation, and mass media. The majority of the determine, understand and satisfy user needs. respondents (85%) represented governmental The analysis suggested strengthening the SHS agencies on the national level. engagement of customers and users, and es- tablishing methods for obtaining, monitoring, The respondents confirmed that their main and analysing information about customer per- sources of climate-related and hydrometeoro- ceptions, e.g. through customer satisfaction logical information were the SHS (42%), various questionnaires. 16 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR CLIMATE SERVICES CHALLENGES AND GAPS As is seen from the previous chapter, Moldova ue chain exist too, and need to be addressed to has a well-functioning system of providing hy- put in place an effective and efficient National drometeorological and climate information to Framework for Climate Services (Figure 3.1). users. However challenges and gaps in the val- Figure 3.1 Moldova’s NFCS gaps and challenges Providers of climate services 1 in Moldova 2 Oth er e au vic 7 r th Se or al iti Pillars of the Global Framework gic es olo for Climate Services eor 7 3 met State Hydro 1 SERVATI ONS Lack of a strategic approach to the use of climate information 6 Moldova’s NFCS R FAC E 2 gaps and challenges Lack of engagement and OB awareness among users INTE ING 3 ST ER Who pays? Lack of a transparent CA US and sustainable nancial model 4 RE FO IN O D 4 RM AN F H Private alternatives to state-owned AT IO RESEARC observation networks NP S ROD ICE U C TS A N D 5 SERV 5 7 Ideas and resources for new services? 7 6 Limited SHS budget and capacities 7 Lack of integration among various providers and services 17 Such challenges and gaps include: As discussed and developed during the NFCS workshops in June and December 2018,28 the ● insufficient user participation in the devel- advancement and implementation of the GFCS opment of climate products and services, vision in Moldova will require both cross-cut- and low awareness of what is available and ting actions (such as improved dialogue with what may be useful; users, strengthening governance, sustainabil- ity and visibility of the NFCS), and actions in- ● lack of willingness and capacity of a signif- volving specific sectors or time scales: icant proportion of users to pay for climate products and services combined with the Strengthening the interface and severe under-financing of the SHS and dialogue with, and capacities of, its obligation to provide funds to the state climate information users by bring- budget based on payment for non-core ser- ing them into NFCS design, imple- vices; mentation and oversight; ● lack of budget and capacity of SHS to pro- shaping an effective long-term gov- actively interact with users and the mass ernance and sustainability model media, develop modern analytical systems of climate services in Moldova; (e.g. weather and hydrological forecasting) and attract and keep a qualified workforce; expanding and modernizing a line of climate information products to ● lack of imagination and experimentation provide seamless services to meet (including much missing legal and econom- the range of user demands, and ic encouragement) for the development of building the respective capacities new climate products and services, e.g., in among Moldova’s NFCS partners; climate insurance, climate-proofing, extend- ed forecasts, on-demand delivery of data building long-term partnerships and services, etc.; with priority sectors in Moldova as key recipients of NFCS products ● insufficient interaction and integration and services; among the various players in the climate information value chain, complicated by ensuring the visibility of the NFCS ongoing administrative reform that creates to policymakers, mass media and additional uncertainties with respect to the the public at large as a prerequi- distribution of functions, mandates and re- site for broad public and political lated finances; support. ● the growing abundance of alternative sourc- es of weather information and services, Once these current challenges are addressed coupled with the lack of clarity and trans- and the main gaps are closed (see Table 3.1), parency about sources of data in the mass the set-up in Moldova will meet the GFCS vi- media and online; sion of key dynamic structural elements backed by comprehensive capacity-building (Box 1.1). ● lack of a systemic approach to strategic planning, which partially explains the low The following sections provide an overview of demand for information related to long- the main issues and steps for each of these term climate trends, projections etc. and areas based on the analysis and discussions their likely national, sectoral, regional and before, during and following the NFCS consul- individual consequences. tation and endorsement workshops. The An- nex proposes concrete activities to implement these actions, and thus the Framework. 18 Table 3.1 NFCS actions vs. challenges and gaps SOLUTIONS Bringing in Governance / Seamless Priority Ensuring the users sustainability services sectors visibility CHALLENGES Weak integration Payment for services SHS budget / capacities Innovation / new services Private alternatives User engagement Strategic approach BRINGING IN THE USERS The idea of a mechanism to make climate in- ent backgrounds and levels of capacity – from formation users and producers meet, discuss national authorities to individual farmers. Once and address their needs on a regular basis re- established, it will allow for a regular sampling ceived overwhelming support during the NFCS and monitoring of user feedback and collecting workshops. Participants agreed that the NFCS inputs for new climate products and services, should establish a permanent dialogue with and will help build capacities of users them- different types of users in a participatory and selves in order to cultivate further demand. interactive manner. Interaction though ‘user in- As a practical matter, face-to-face roundtable terface platforms’ and similar mechanisms is a meetings could be held several times a year, crucial element of NFCS design, as it allows the each time focusing on a different set of issues reverse engineering of climate products, data common to a particular user group and/or eco- and information based on a first-hand under- nomic sector. Such a rolling agenda will ensure standing of what users really need and want. the continuity of user dialogue and help avoid A comprehensive dialogue is needed with the discussions so broad as to render them unin- different groups (from politicians to mass me- teresting. In addition to sampling user demand dia to individual users) to draw out possibilities and to helping design new and fine-tune the for processing, producing and delivering more existing climate information services accord- and better information. ingly (→ see Seamless services), such meet- ings can also serve as communication tools to The Moldova NFCS dialogue platform will need promote the potential and results of NFCS (→ to integrate users from various sectors, differ- see Ensuring NFCS visibility). 19 Tools for understanding NFCS users and their be assessed and activated (such as e.g. SMS needs include the active use of market re- / push-messages, mobile applications etc.). search instruments such as on-line or off-line An important element in facilitating digital user surveys and focus group studies to collect user interface is providing clear and accessible on- feedback. Regular off-line surveys can be out- line information about the cost of various infor- sourced to professional marketing agencies or mation products and services as well as about other specialised organisations, or performed the requirements for obtaining data and infor- on the margins of face-to-face meetings and mation free of charge. on other appropriate occasions.29 On-line tools for monitoring user needs and the impact of in- Finally, not all potential users understand the formation should be integrated into the digital need, value and possibilities of getting specif- user interface at the SHS and other organisa- ic hydrometeorological and climate-related in- tions delivering climate information.30 formation, and the full demand for information at various scales is yet to be created within In the age of e-governance,31 users are in- specific user groups. Raising awareness and creasingly accustomed to getting what they are building capacities of current and potential us- looking for fast and in a straightforward man- ers about climate-related information and ser- ner. The digital end of the NFCS user platform vices will help shape the climate service market should be easy to access and use, and should of the future, contribute to improved business respond to the range of needs – from basic models of providing climate services (→ see data accessible in a simple form to more com- Shaping governance and sustainability), and prehensive and detailed information from sci- improve the impact of climate information alto- entific research. One practical solution here is gether. In particular, users need to understand to continuously invest in developing and mod- the nature of meteorological forecasts and ernising the website of the SHS as the leading their uncertainty, and the advantages of relying provider of climate services in Moldova.32 Oth- on official as opposed to freely available infor- er modern data-access channels should also mation sources. SHAPING GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY In order to serve users along the climate infor- As noted by the participants of the NFCS work- mation value chain optimally, a clear structure shops, a full-fledged discussion of an NFCS and governance mechanism of the NFCS will governance and sustainability model may be have to ensure that mandates of the various somewhat premature until a permanent dia- providers of climate services are well aligned logue with users has been established (→ see and complementary. A place for the framework Bringing in the users) and before the results will need to be found in Moldova’s institution- of the ongoing administrative reform are bet- al and legal structure, and a mandate and re- ter known (→ see Provision of climate services sources established for coordinating functions in Moldova). Yet the SHS is seen as the main (Figure 3.2). A transparent and realistic model responsible body for the coordination and de- of financing will need to be established to sus- livery of hydrometeorological and climate-re- tain the services, possibly based on a mix of lated information. A scaled-up dialogue with state funding, user- and case-specific payment users, including those representing interested for services, and international assistance. sectors, may help influence the outcome of the ongoing institutional readjustment. 20 Figure 3.2 Key elements of Moldova’s NFCS Providers of climate services in Moldova 1 Oth er e au r vic th Se or al iti Pillars of the Global Framework gic es olo for Climate Services eor met State Hydro SERVATI ONS 3 Key elements of R FAC E 1 Moldova’s NFCS NFCS user consultation 2 OB platform and thematic / INTE ING sectoral dialogue ST ER CA US RE 2 FO IN O D RM AN F Inter-agency / inter-sectoral H AT RESEARC NFCS steering and coordination IO NP S mechanism ROD ICE U C TS A N D SER V 3 Secretariat and enabler (the NFCS “engine”) This same dialogue should help shape, and Climate information services per se are not defined possibly integrate, an NFCS inter-agency and, in Moldova’s legislation. This is a gap but also an ideally, inter-sectoral steering and coordination opportunity to secure the necessary political man- mechanism, whereby the representatives of date for NFCS activities, as well as to clarify a producers and users of information are man- number of pending issues that are not covered by dated to make strategic decisions about NFCS legislation currently in force. Among these are: development and to monitor its progress. ● the overall coordination role (→ see above) Alternatively, this role could be delegated to and a clear relationship among the various an existing inter-agency body, e.g. the Climate stakeholders who develop climate informa- Change Commission once, or if, it is estab- tion products and deliver climate services; lished (→ see Provision and use of climate ser- vices).33 ● remaining uncertainties about the cost of climate-related information services and the financial model for providing them; 21 ● the issues of authorization and data owner- Legal and institutional changes need to be ship of, and data exchange with, the provid- accompanied by a realistic model of financial ers of meteorological data outside of the gov- sustainability. Not having access to sufficient ernmental system (e. g. private operators); financial resources, the SHS is currently un- der pressure to earn additional income. At the ● introducing legal requirements for cli- same time, a significant percentage of users is mate-proofing new infrastructure and sec- not pleased that raw data are not always openly toral and regional plans and programmes as accessible, while others demand specific prod- a tool to introduce climate thinking into stra- ucts that currently are not produced and would tegic decisions and everyday operations.34 require additional funding. These potential new products and services offers business opportu- The options for legally approving the scope of the nities for which users may be willing to cover de- NFCS, its structure and implementation, and the velopment and production costs (→ see Seam- necessary clarifications include a governmental less services and Priority sectors). Both the document such as an order by the Government NFCS and the SHS need a realistic business or MARDE, or a revision of the Law on Hydro- model and business plan based on the combi- meteorological Activities. The choice goes hand- nation of allocated state funding, international in-hand with further progress on administrative assistance, and a transparent mechanism of reform. Supplementary options include introduc- payment for services.36 The improved legal and ing NFCS language and provisions in sectoral normative base should codify this model and documents such as the forthcoming concept of help ensure both the financial sustainability of the national integrated environmental information climate services and the legally binding respon- system.35 sibilities for providing them. 2100 2050 2018 2018 PROVIDING SEAMLESS SERVICES Different users need different scales of climate cations in terms of production and resources? information: from nowcasting and short-term forecasting for emergency response (which are ● Who in Moldova can provide the products usually direct SHS responsibility), to seasonal and services needed, and how can the coun- forecasts for agriculture, to multi-year projec- try create the optimal structure for that? tions of climate change for long-term planning that can involve other players and organisations. A systematic user dialogue (→ see Bringing in the users) will build up the understanding of Ideally, by understanding what users in Moldova specific user needs, and will help answer the want, who and how is able and willing to sup- first question and come up with ideas of innova- ply information at the required time scales, and tive products and services. how to build optimal interactions among them (→ see Shaping governance and sustainability), Growing demand and improvements in analytical information providers together should be able to and research methodology are likely to lead to deliver a seamless range of services matching data products becoming more complex. This will these various demands. The key questions are: increasingly put stress on the technical capacities of Moldova’s organisations38 – both tools and qual- ● What is needed?37 ified labour. The lack of qualified specialists enter- ing Moldova’s hydrometeorological job market was ● Can the needs be met, and what are the impli- a major concern during the NFCS consultations. 22 In terms of localised products, expanded capac- tise: explaining how high temperatures may in- ities may also be needed to level out regional fluence specific plant species, or the use of ad- differences, e.g. by bringing up to the level of vanced research and modelling techniques may the rest of the country the observation network require cooperation with other partners. The SHS and data exchange capacities in the Transnis- can provide weather forecasts, but a further anal- trian region. ysis of impacts and relationships should increas- ingly rely on sector-specific information as well Finally, more specific requested products and as cooperation with the respective experts and services require more focused sectoral exper- organisations (→ see Priority sectors). ADDRESSING PRIORITY SECTORS The GFCS focuses on five sectors that are key Other sectors that may be ready and willing re- beneficiaries of climate services worldwide: agri- cipients of new customised climate services are culture and food security, disaster risk reduction, health (e.g. correlation between climate change energy, water and health. As was agreed during and diseases), alternative energy (e.g. support the NFCS consultations, all these sectors are to developing and operating wind-power installa- highly relevant in Moldova. Additional suggest- tions), and disaster risk reduction. For the latter, ed NFCS sectors include forestry (which can a comprehensive cross-sectoral risk analysis be seen as an extension of agriculture), biodi- would be important in order to customise and versity, and transport and its infrastructure. The fine-tune climate-related information products current challenges are to reach agreements on and improve their use in decision-making. Hydro- which of the sectors have the highest demand power offers interesting opportunities for work- for climate information, products and services; ing at the cross-border level with neighbouring and on which offer immediate opportunities to Romania and Ukraine, where the demand exists develop new services through synergies and for facilitating the transboundary flow of real-time complementarity among the various players, and other hydrological information. and can contribute financial, human and other resources to developing and implementing the Less straightforward longer-term sectoral op- new services. portunities may include climate-proofing newly built infrastructure. Existing building codes and One obvious choice is agriculture, where sever- regulations could be revised to require the con- al players now serve national and regional us- sideration of climate change as an integral part ers (cf. Table 2.3) by providing long-term climate of construction planning and design.39 Needs analysis and projections; regional and local sea- and opportunities for climate information servic- sonal agrometeorological forecasts; real-time, es in the insurance industry can be discussed highly localised meteorological data; and phe- in the context of Moldova’s practices of dealing nological, pest and disease forecasts with spe- with weather-related damage and the experi- cific plant-protection guidance and agrotech- ence of other countries.40 nological recommendations. Integrating these flows in a synergetic manner to provide the va- To identify needs, priorities and possibilities in riety of agricultural users with the best possible each sector, a regular dialogue should be estab- services while building cooperation, synergies lished both through direct contacts with key organ- and financial sustainability among data and ser- isations in each of the target sectors and on regu- vice providers, can make a strong case for de- lar consultations with users (→ see Bringing in the veloping the NCFS. users and Seamless services). Stronger intersec- toral cooperation can improve existing data flows. 23 ENSURING VISIBILITY Decision makers and mass media are among people’s needs, but simply because they may the key target groups for NFCS communication not know what exists (→ see Provision and use activities. Decision makers at all levels should of climate services). For instance, a large pro- be clearly informed about the benefits and the portion of potential users in Moldova believe needs of climate-related information services, that the SHS provides only forecasts, and are and about how to address and support them. unaware of its information on TV, radio and its Continuously explaining the benefits of climate website where a wealth of additional data and services and maintaining their visibility vis-à-vis services are available. Mass media are an im- those making political, legislative or financial portant user of NFCS services themselves, but decisions is crucially important for the Frame- are also an important channel to engage politi- work’s sustainability. cians and the general public. Regular network- ing with the media (Box 3.1), building contractu- To the extent possible, decision makers should be al relations with media companies and stronger directly integrated into user-focused NFCS activi- legal accountability for information on both sides ties as well as into its governance mechanism (→ may improve the efficiency of broadcasting not see Bringing in the users and Governance and only of climate information, but also of knowl- sustainability). However, in reality this will offer edge about the NFCS as a reliable national only limited opportunities to engage with some of framework to produce and access it. Reach- them face-to-face and on a regular basis, while ing out to Moldova’s population through social reaching others will require targeted informa- media, and targeted work through blogosphere tion campaigns, anchored in an evidence-based opinion leaders may be extremely productive in approach. The purpose of this approach is to raising NFCS visibility. demonstrate the added (i.a. economic or mon- etary) value of different types of climate informa- All in all the NFCS needs a comprehensive and tion and its potential through practical examples systematic communication strategy backed of preventing or reducing damage or providing by adequate finances and capacities among benefits. To ensure a sufficient evidence base, it NFCS partners.42 The strategy should look at may be helpful to organise an all-encompassing addressing various target audiences through study of economic and other benefits of NFCS in appropriate communication channels, from Moldova,41 to systematically monitor the use of regular communication via mass media to di- climate services and user feedback, and to nur- rect promotional activities and events at the ture the successful cases. national and the local levels, to targeted publi- cation of information bulletins, fact sheets, vi­ The general public does not often make full use deos etc. online and offline and daily work for of the available climate information not because maintaining trusted relations with the commu- people do not like it or it does not correspond to nication channels. 24 Box 3.1 Suggestions for improving interactions between the SHS and the mass media Develop capacities of key SHS personnel in media communications, and create a new communications and media relations position within the SHS. Develop an SHS communication and awareness-raising strategy to guide all communication activities conducted by the SHS, and develop an implementation plan that is adjusted annually. Consider low-cost adjustments to online communications by the SHS: ● open at least one social media account (most national hydrometeorological services in the EU are active on Facebook and Twitter, platforms that can be the primary choices); ● prepare monthly information bulletins for the media and the public; ● publish fact sheets about available services and prices for potential users. Strive to further develop networking relations between the SHS and national hydrometeorological services of other countries, and organise study visits and internships with the use of European and other international funds. Encourage and oblige mass media to always indicate the source of hydromete- orological information they publish or broadcast. Source: summary by Tanja Cegnar (Slovenian Environment Agency) of the outcome of the SHS–mass media roundtable back-to-back with the NFCS consultation workshop in June 2018 (Zoï Environment Network 2018) 25 REFERENCES Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit. Climate Proofing for Development. Adapting to Climate Change, Reducing Risk. Eschborn, 2011. Finnish Meteorological Institute. Completion Report for DRCMP/CS-22/SSS-3/A Between SHS and FMI. Helsinki, 2 December 2014. JBA Consulting. Development of a Verification Mechanism and Quality Manage- ment System (QMS) for the Moldova SHS Quality Management System Gap Analysis Report. August 2018 . Serviciul Hidrometeorologic de Stat din Republica Moldova. Analiza chestionar- elor privind activitatea Serviciului Hidrometeorologic de Stat (SHS). Meteoalarm workshop 2017. United Nations Development Programme. Concepția sistemului integrat in- formational de protecție a mediului. Pr 16/01366. Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into Moldova territorial planning policies and land-use practices. Development of the Environmental Integrated Information System Concept. Chișinău, 2018. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and Organization for Securi- ty and Co-operation in Europe. Strategic Framework for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Dniester River Basin. Geneva – Vienna 2015. World Bank, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, World Meteorological Organization and Finnish Meteorological Institute. Strengthening the Hydrometeorological Services in South Eastern Europe. South Eastern Eu- rope Disaster Risk Mitigation and Adaptation Programme. 2008. World Meteorological Organization. Step-by-step Guidelines for Establishing a National Framework for Climate Services. Geneva, 2018. Zoï Environment Network. Report of the national consultation workshop on the National Framework for Climate Services in the Republic of Moldova. Geneva, 2018. Zoï Environment Network. Report of the national endorsement workshop on the National Framework for Climate Services in the Republic of Moldova. Geneva, 2019. *** Also consulted were draft or final National Frameworks for Climate Services and / or the respective action plans43 of Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagas- car, Mali, Niger, South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania and Vanuatu as well as infor- mation related to NFCS plans and activities in China,44 Germany,45 Switzerland46 and the UK.47  26 ENDNOTES 1 https://www.wmo.int/gfcs/ 2 For the purpose of the discussion in Moldova’s and in the spirit of ‘seamless’ informa- tion space, in this particular context ‘climate services’ have included the provision of any weather and hydrological data, information and analytical products for their delivery across the value chain. For this reason the notions of climate (as opposed to climate-change) and hydrometeorological information are used in this document interchangeably. 3 Zoï Environment Network 2018 4 Zoï Environment Network 2019 5 http://lex.justice.md/viewdoc.php?action=view&view=doc&id=311612&lang=1 6 https://undp-adaptation.exposure.co/improving-meteorological-services-in-moldova 7 http://www.meteoalarm.eu/ 8 http://www.meteoalarm.eu/en_UK/0/0/MD-Moldova.html 9 www.eco-con.net 10 For example, a joint project with Ukraine on plant pests: http://eaptc.eu/en/awarded- grant-projects-md-ua/view-strengthening-regional-capacities-for-applying-environmental- ly-friendly-technologies-in-integrated-pest-management-systems.html. 11 www.pesslinstruments.com 12 www.meteoblue.com 13 Available in English and Romanian on clima.md. 14 clima.md 15 adapt-clima.md 16 portal.clima.md 17 http://particip.gov.md/proiectview.php?l=ro&idd=5114 18 http://lex.justice.md/viewdoc.php?action=view&view=doc&id=375961&lang=1 19 Among long-term commitments and strategies in operation today are the ‘Moldova 2030’ programme, UN Sustainable Development Goals (for which specific national targets have been set), the National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change, as well as Moldova’s Nationally Determined Contribution to solving global climate challenges. 20 Only few companies in Moldova provide weather insurance (e.g. for damage from hail or frost). Usually, in case of weather emergencies, farmers prefer to directly claim damage subsidies from the state. 21 In fact, the SHS does not employ specialists in public or media relations who could partial- ly mitigate these problems. Such tasks are performed on an ad hoc basis by employees from substantive divisions, who are not able to systematically work with users. Currently the SHS participates in a project to standardise and improve its quality management, with- in which some of user-focused internal processes will be developed. 22 E.g., gismeteo.md 23 For instance, only being available on the old version of the SHS web site http://old.meteo. md/pret_rum.rtf. 24 Zoï Environment Network 2018 25 Serviciul Hidrometeorologic de Stat 2017 26 http://www.meteo.md/index.php/ro/news/detail/serviciul-hidrometeorologic-de-stat-din-re- publica-moldova-a-celebrat-aderar 27 27 JBA Consulting 2018 28 Zoï Environment Network 2018, 2019 29 Similarly to how it was done by the SHS itself back-to-back with the Meteoalarm meeting in November 2017 30 As, for instance, has been recommended in the context of SHS quality management anal- ysis (JBA Consulting 2018) 31 Which is rather advanced in Moldova, see e.g. http://www.egov.md/ 32 Already much improved recently thanks to recent support from Zentralanstalt für Meteor- ologie und Geodynamik in the frame of the UNDP-ADA adaptation project 33 The advantages of linking the NFCS to such an existing policy body are obvious, but the disadvantage may be that climate change only partially covers the content of climate ser- vices as they are understood within the GFCS and this process. 34 As is increasingly done for new investments in Europe and worldwide (see e.g. GIZ 2011) 35 United Nations Development Programme 2018 36 Among the suggestions at the NFCS consultation workshop was the following scheme (Zoï Environment Network 2018): the SHS or another responsible body should provide information to state actors and programmes at no cost, and to private enterprises on a sliding scale related to their incomes and their uses of the information (methodology to be elaborated). Payments by scientific institutions and NGOs would be at cost if the user has external funding, and at no cost for research, unpaid analytical work, etc. 37 For instance, are medium-term forecasts detailed enough as a basis for decision-making, or do they need to be tailored to specific needs so that people are able to better use the information? 38 For instance, it has been acknowledged that forecasting capacities of the SHS may need to be upgraded to facilitate easier preparation of modern products (JBA Consulting 2018; Finnish Meteorological Institute 2014). 39 To this end, building codes and regulations could be strengthened with provisions for climate-proofing of new construction projects, with a potential role for the SHS to play in providing information, advice and assessment of compliance. 40 See e.g. https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2017/12/01/climate-insurance. In 2013– 2014 the Strategic framework for adaptation to climate change in the Dniester River basin identified expanding climate insurance as a promising adaptation measure in Moldova and Ukraine (UNECE, OSCE 2015). 41 In 2008 the World Bank estimated that improving targeted delivery of climate information, including the development of user-focused products and services, can provide Moldova more than €70 million in benefits over ten years (World Bank et al. 2008). Imminent cli- mate change will raise this amount. This was one reason for continued international sup- port in this field over the last decade, including the current support to the conceptualisation and establishment of a National Framework for Climate Services. 42 But to start with, at the SHS itself, cf. box 3.1. 43 http://www.wmo.int/gfcs/national-action-plans 44 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405880716300577 45 https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/bulletin/implementing-gfcs-swiss-and-german-nation- al-showcases 46 Ibid; https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/home/research-and-cooperation/nccs.html 47 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/climate-services/climate-service-uk 28 ANNEX 1 Action Plan on the establishment and implementation of NFCS in the Republic of Moldova Time frame, № Activity years Funding sources Objective 1 Establish the NCFS institutional set-up and ensure the sustainability of its implementation 1. Identify NFCS institutional arrangements and responsibili- ties on the national level, including steering and coordination 1-3 years National budget mechanisms under the SHS leadership External support 2. Adjust the SHS organizational structure and functions to real- ize the coordination and leadership tasks in the implementa- 1-5 years SHS budget tion of climate services 3. Develop a sustainable NFCS–SHS business model and a long-term strategy for its implementation, and modify the rele- 1-3 years National budget vant legislation External support 4. Review Government decision № 330 from 03.04.2006 (the list of services provided free of change and with payment by the 1-3 years National budget SHS) and update the list of services and prices to be provided External support in the NFCS framework Objective 2 Ensure the involvement of users in the development of climate services 5. Assess users’ demand, feedback and satisfaction with the climate services (surveys, focus groups, user feedback man- Annually National budget agement at SHS, round-table sectoral meetings) 6. Improve the web interface and futher develop one-stop portal services and new communication channels of the SHS (sms / National budget 2-4 years External support push, mobile phone applications, etc.) 7. Develop a directory of experts and organizations that provide 1-3 years National budget information in the field of climate services External support Objective 3 Provide users with continuous and seamless climate services 8. Improve observation networks, forecasting capacities and technologies of SHS and other NFCS partners 3-5 years External support 9. Create the institutional and operational instruments for the in- National budget tegration and interoperability of data exchange with existing 1-5 years External support observation networks as an integral part of NFCS 10. Apply modern IT tools for archiving data from the national data National budget 1-3 years External support fund which are relevant for climate services 11. Develop and launch new climate information products for the National budget 1-5 years External support general public, businesses and public institutions 12. Restore or introduce university-level education in the areas National budget 3-5 years External support relevant to climate services in Moldova 13. Organise the training of young professionals through interna- tional exchange and internships to raise their capacities in the 1-5 years National budget implementation of climate services External support Objective 4 Address priority sectors through climate services 14. Conduct needs assessment for providing climate services in the long term in line with international standards, addressing National budget 1-5 years External support various sectors of the national economy 1-3 years National budget 15. Develop targeted climate services for priority sectors External support 16. Develop guidelines for incorporating climate information and 1-3 years National budget perspectives into sectoral and regional development planning External support Objective 5 Ensure the visibility of NFCS implementation 17. Develop and implement an NFCS communication strategy for different target audiences through various communication 1-5 years National budget channels 29 ANNEX 2 Broader action areas endorsed by NFCS stakeholders Time frame, Funding sources ACTIONS Cost years Other Interna- * 1–2 3–5 SHS domestic tional BRINGING IN THE USERS Arrange regular meetings or round tables with users with sector-focused rolling € agenda Establish a directory of experts in climate information services and their areas of € competence for addressing user inquiries Carry out systematic surveys and focus groups to assess user demand and feed- € back Integrate user feedback management in SHS (and other NFCS partners’) web- € sites Further modernise web and one-stop por- tal services, and develop new communi- €€ cation channels (SMS or push messages, mobile phone applications, etc.) Provide online and regularly review trans- parent information about cost and access € rules for data and services Build users’ capacities to understand cli- mate and hydrometeorological informa- tion (i.a. use TV, other media, publicity, €€ improved presentation of forecasts, edu- cation) SHAPING GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY Discuss NFCS institutional arrangements € and responsibilities as part of user dialogue Evaluate options for NFCS steering and coordination mechanisms, i.a. evaluating and using existing experience from other € countries Evaluate solutions for institutionalising NFCS (revised laws, cabinet and MARDE € orders, etc.) Provide support to drafting NFCS-related legislation and inputs to other relevant €€ documents (i.a. via an inter-agency and intersectoral working group) Develop sustainable NFCS–SHS finan- cial sustainability model and a long-term €€ strategy for its implementation PROVIDING SEAMLESS SERVICES Evaluate user satisfaction with current cli- mate services and develop new product and service ideas at different time and € spatial scales 30 Modernise and develop forecasting ca- pacities and technologies of the SHS and €€ other NFCS partners Close gaps in regional observation net- works (e. g. in the Transnistrian region) €€ Develop arrangements for integration and inter-operability of, and data ex- change with, various existing observation € networks (common e-register and e-map, agreements, licensing) Ensure full electronic archiving of past observation data €€ Develop popular climate-information products for the general public (cf. WMO € Atlas of Health and Climate) Restore university-level hydrometeorolog- ical and climate education in Moldova and €€ foreign exchange for young professionals ADDRESSING PRIORITY SECTORS Agree on priority sectors and information services (products) to be developed for € them For a few selected NFCS sectors, devel- op integrated solutions climate services across the value chain and the range of €€ providers Investigate new longer-term service op- portunities and needs for revised legis- lation with climate and natural disaster €€ insurance, climate-proofing of new con- struction, etc. Develop guidelines for incorporating climate information and perspectives into sectoral and regional development planning € ENSURING VISIBILITY TO DECISION MAKERS Collect, study and communicate to poli- cymakers economic and non-economic €€ benefits of the NFCS and its set-up Continue systematic dialogue and targeted cooperation with mass (and other) media € Develop and institutionalise SHS (and other NFCS partners’) capacities for me- €€ dia and public relations Study the best communication and public relations strategies and techniques from € the WMO and its member countries Establish local climate information cen- tres and facilities in selected interested €€ regions of Moldova Develop and implement a comprehensive NFCS communication strategy for different €€ target audiences and communication chan- nels * € – low budget requirements, €€ – moderate to significant budget requirements 31