Introducing impact-based forecasting and early action in Colombia
By Juan Bazo, Climate Centre, Bogota
The Climate Centre last week facilitated a two-day workshop (pictured) representing the start of a new phase of the German Red Cross-supported Anticipatory Action programme for the Americas, for which the centre will provide ongoing technical assistance to priority countries.
At this stage the Colombian Red Cross and its partners are developing a road map for implementing impact-based forecasting in the country, and the workshop was designed to collect key inputs needed to implement IBF work.
The workshop was hosted by the Colombian meteorological service (IDEAM) and brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the National Disaster Risk Management Unit, government institutions responsible for forecasting, the Cali and Medellín municipalities, agricultural associations, universities and others.
Strong interest
Among attendees were local meteorologists already working operationally with IBF in the region, including the El Salvador Hazard Observatory and the Costa Rica Meteorological Institute, providing valuable insights and inspirations on implementation.
The Climate Centre helped to clarity concepts as yet unclear among participating institutions, such as the types of information required for IBF, the determination of thresholds and forecast verification, and the integration of data on vulnerability and exposure.
Breakout sessions were organized with thematic expert groups to address key questions and gather input that will inform the road map, which is expected to cover the current status of IBF in Colombia, user identification, key challenges, training needs and competencies, and next steps.
Overall, the workshop highlighted a strong interest in advancing impact-based forecasting: several Colombian regions expressed interest in piloting IBF in a way that could be scaled up in collaboration with IDEAM.
IDEAM itself now plans to incorporate workshop recommendations into a briefing for newly elected authorities later this year.
(Photo: Colombian Red Cross/Climate Centre)