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RESOLUTION 4 (Cg-XV)

Radio Frequencies for Meteorological and Related Environmental Activities

THE CONGRESS,

Noting:
(1) The WMO Strategic Plan and the Millennium Development Goals,
(2) Resolution 3 (Cg-XIV) – Radio frequencies for meteorological and related environmental activities,
(3) The current radio frequency allocations and regulatory provisions related to the meteorological aids, meteorological satellite, Earth exploration satellite and radiolocation (weather and wind profiler radars) services in the Radio Regulations of ITU,
(4) The outcome of the ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences (especially WRC2000 and WRC03),
(5) The agenda of the forthcoming ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC07) and related WMO positions submitted during the ITU preparatory process,

Considering:
(1) The prime importance of the specific radiocommunication services for meteorological and related environmental activities required for the prevention, detection, early warning and mitigation of natural and technological (man-made) disasters, the safety of life and property, the protection of the environment, climate change studies and scientific research,
(2) The importance of information provided by the Earth explorationsystems including meteorological systems for a wide range of economic activities such as agriculture, transportation, construction, tourism, etc,
(3) The crucial importance of the allocation of suitable radiofrequency bands for the operation of surfacebased meteorological observing systems, including in particular radiosondes, weather radars, wind profiler radars,
(4) The crucial importance of the allocation of suitable radiofrequency bands for the operation of Meteorological and R&D satellites, including remote sensing, data collection and data distribution links,


Stressing that some radio frequency bands are a unique natural resource due to their special characteristics and natural radiation enabling spaceborne passive sensing of the atmosphere and the Earth surface, that deserve adequate allocation to the Earth exploration satellite service (passive) and absolute protection from interference;

Expresses its serious concern at the continuing threat to several frequency bands allocated to the meteorological aids, meteorological satellite, Earth exploration satellite and radiolocation (weather and wind profiler radars) services posed by the development of other radiocommunication services;

Requests the Commission for Basic Systems to pursue the continuous review of regulatory and technical matters related to radiofrequencies for operational and research meteorological and related environmental activities, and preparation of guidance and information for NMHSs, in coordination with other technical commissions, especially CIMO, and in liaison with other relevant international bodies, in particular the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites;

Urges all Members to do their utmost to ensure the availability and protection of suitable radio frequency bands required for meteorological and related environmental operations and research, and in particular:
(1) To ensure that their national radiocommunication administrations are fully aware of the importance of and requirements for radio frequencies for meteorological and related activities, and to seek their support in the ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences and Radiocommunication Sector activities;
(2) To participate actively in the national, regional and international activities on relevant radiocommunication regulatory issues and, in particular, to involve experts from their Services in the work of relevant regional radiocommunication organizations and of ITUR, especially ITUR Study Group 7 on Science Services;
(3) To register adequately with their national radiocommunication administrations all radiocommunication stations and radio frequencies used for meteorological and related environmental operations and research;

Appeals to ITU and its Member Administrations:
(1) To ensure the availability and absolute protection of the radiofrequency bands which, due to their special physical characteristics, are a unique natural resource for spaceborne passive sensing of the atmosphere and the Earth surface;

In this regard, the exclusive 23.6 24 GHz passive band that is associated with a water vapour absorption line is of crucial importance for weather, water and climate research and operations;
(2) To give due consideration to the WMO requirements for radio frequency allocations and regulatory provisions for meteorological and related environmental operations and research;
(3) To pay special attention to the WMO positions related to WRC07 agenda, in the light of Appeals (1) and (2) above;


Requests the SecretaryGeneral:
(1) To bring this resolution to the attention of all concerned, including the International Telecommunication Union;
(2) To pursue as a matter of high priority the coordination role of the Secretariat in radio frequency matters, especially with ITUR, including participation of WMO in ITUR Radiocommunication Study Groups, conference preparatory meetings and World Radiocommunication Conferences;
(3) To facilitate the coordination between National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and their national radiocommunication administrations, particularly in preparing the ITU World Radiocommunication conferences, by providing appropriate information and documentation;
(4) To assist the Commission for Basic Systems in the implementation of this resolution.

_______
NOTE: This resolution replaces Resolution 3 (Cg-XIV), which is no longer in force.
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