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About Us
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Background
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Our Mission
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Our Objectives
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Executive Entities
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Co-operating Partners
About Us
The SADC Hydrological Cycle Observing System (SADC-HYCOS) project is a regional
component of the World Meteorological Organisation(WMO) programme aimed at contributing to
regional social-economic development through the provision of management tools necessary
for sustainable and cost effective water resources development, management and environmental
protection.
Background
The
Southern African Development Community (SADC) is in the process of implementing the SADC
Hydrological Cycle Observing System (SADC-HYCOS), a project within the SADC Regional
Strategic Action Plan on integrated Water Resources Management (RSAP-IWRM). The
project aim is to foster greater regional co-operation in integrated water resources
management. In particular, the project is aimed at enhancing hydro-meteorological
monitoring, development and operation of an integrated regional water resources
database and website, capacity building within the Region and the development of
hydrological products.
Our Mission
The Southern African Development Community Hydrological Cycle Observing System (SADC-HYCOS) is a regional component of
the World Meterological Organisation (WMO) programme aimed at improving the basic
observation activities, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting free exchange
of data in the field of hydrology. The programme is guided by the World Hydrological
Observing System (WHYCOS) International Advisory Group (WIAG). Our mission is therefore
to ensure that participating countries, individually and collectively, attain the
technical capability, effective management and equitable use of the freshwater resources
of the sub-region and to establish a Water Resources Information System as an effective
decision making tool.
Our Objectives
- Provide SADC with one of the necessary operational tools (information system) for
the sustainable improvement of regional integrated water resourcses assessment,
monitoring and management for a peaceful and sustainable development of the region.
- Assist the participating countries in developing their own national capacity in
these fields to allow them to fully participate in and benefit from the project.
- Collaborate with other national, regional and international projects and programmes,
towards the modernisation, rationalisation and improvement of the efficiency, cost-effectiveness
and sustainability of the water resources and related fields information systems
in the continental part ofthe SADC region and at the international level.
Executive Entities
In terms of the international Memorundum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government
of South Africa and SADC, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in
South Africa
has been appointed as Implementing Agency for phase 2 of the Project. The MOU is
based on the official Project Document.
The Project Management Unit (PMU) is a dedicated structure for the implementation
of the Project,
and acts as the focal point to co-ordinate the project plans and activities as mandated
by the Project Steering Committee.The
Project Management Unit (PMU) is headed by a Project Manager and is assisted
by a Project Hydrologist, a Data Technologist and a Project Assistant.
The Directorate of Hydrological Services within the Department of Water Affairs
& Forestry (DWAF) hosts the Project Regional Centre (PRC). The PRC is responsible
for the reception of data transmitted from the DCPs in the field via METEOSAT, the
archiving thereof and provision of technical training and support to the Project.
Co-operating Partners
The Project is Donor funded with finance agreements in support of the water sector
in place between the Royal Netherlands Government and SADC as well as an agreement
between the European Union (EU) and the Government of South Africa. Technical Assistance
is provided by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and SADC-HYCOS is a component
of the WMO's larger World HYCOS (WHYCOS) programme.