African regional climate outlook forums: best practices

Abstract

Formally initiated at the Workshop on Reducing Climate-Related Vulnerability, held in October 1996 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the innovative WMO concept of regional climate outlook forums are now well established in Africa. There are now seven operational outlook forums in Africa coordinated by WMO-designated regional climate centers under each regional economic commission. It is thus crucial to highlight best practices to improve exchange between the various outlook forums and foster standardization of the process across the continent. One of the most important best practices in organizing a regional climate outlook forum is the involvement of operational meteorologists, climatologists and researchers from national meteorological and hydrological services, and regional and international centers for the development of consensus products; media experts for communication and dissemination; and users from the main climate-sensitive socioeconomic sectors for decision-making. Over the years, African outlook forums have developed strong partnerships among stakeholders. The way stakeholders are involved is itself a vital best practice. Besides the historical outlook forum practices outlined in this compilation, new innovative developments in the processes will continue to be introduced.