Recommendations of working groups shall have no status within the Organization until they have been approved by the responsible constituent body. In the case of joint working groups the recommendations must be concurred with by the presidents of the constituent bodies concerned before being submitted to the designated constituent body.

In the case of a recommendation made by a working group between sessions of the responsible constituent body, either in a session of a working group or by correspondence, the president of the body may, as an exceptional measure, approve the recommendation on behalf of the constituent body when the matter is, in his opinion, urgent, and does not appear to imply new obligations for Members. He may then submit this recommendation for adoption by the Executive Council or to the President of the Organization for action in accordance with Regulation 9(5).

CONTENTS

1.1 Opening remarks
1.2 Adoption of the agenda
1.3 Working arrangements

2. REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP

3. CONSIDERATION OF THE DECISIONS RELATED TO WWW OF XII-RA V, Cg-XIII, CBS-XII AND EC-LIII INCLUDING REQUIREMENTS FOR WWW SUPPORT TO OTHER PROGRAMMES

4. DEVELOPMENT OF METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES IN THE PACIFIC

5. STATUS OF WWW IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION

6. WWW COMPONENTS AND SUPPORT FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING REPORTS OF THE RAPPORTEURS/COORDINATOR

6.1 Global Observing System (GOS)
6.2 Global Telecommunication System (GTS)
6.3 Global Data-processing System (GDPS)
6.4 WWW Data Management and Codes
6.5 WWW Systems Support Activity

7. PUBLIC WEATHER SERVICES

8. SPECIFIC INPUT TO XIII-RA V

9. OTHER BUSINESS

10. FUTURE WORK PROGRAMME

11. CLOSURE OF THE MEETING

The third meeting of the RA V Working Group on the Planning and Implementation of the WWW was held in Sydney, Australia 3 to 7 December 2001.

The group was informed of the history and status of the Strategic Action Plan for the Development of Meteorology in the pacific region and the consequent Needs Analysis. The group considered the activities needed to improve the probability of securing support for the proposed projects and recommended that the Needs Analysis be widely distributed to aid agencies by WMO. It also suggested that the president of the Association send a copy of the report, with an appropriate cover letter, to potential donors.

The group recommended that the RBSN list adopted by the Association should reflect the actual commitment of Members and that the monitoring should measure the number of reports received against this practical target rather than against an ideal. To support this requirement, the group recommended that the RBSN list have an extra column, which lists exceptions to standard practice that are expected to be a long-term characteristic of the observing program at a station. Members were asked to review their RBSN commitment before the Annual Global Monitoring, particularly regarding any exceptions to the standard observing programme.

The group considered the difficulty in acquiring upper air information across the Region and noted that many NMHSs had been adversely affected by the loss of the Omega radio navigation network. Without financial support for consumables, in some developing countries the observation program could not meet the requirements for either weather forecasting or climate monitoring. Combined bulk purchasing of consumables was suggested as a possible measure to reduce costs. Furthermore AMDAR provided a valuable addition to the observing network in the Region and NMHSs should arrange for additional collection of these observations.

The ISCS, operated by USA, is expected to be replaced by a new system by late 2003. The new system will be broadly compatible with existing VSAT receivers, although some equipment upgrades will be necessary. Likewise, when GOES-N becomes operational within a few years, the power of the EMWIN broadcast will be reduced and the signal modulation will be changed. Existing antennae and receivers will be able to be used but the demodulators in the receivers will need to be replaced.

The meeting endorsed the plans for further upgrade of the RMTN, in particular: upgrade of the links Melbourne-Nadi, Singapore-Kuala Lumpur, Singapore-Manila and Singapore-Bangkok to Frame Relay, upgrade of the link Melbourne-Noumea to TCP/IP, implementation of inter-region link Nadi-Washington and implementation of link between Apia and Pago Pago.

Internet circuits are now used for four RMTN and one inter-region links. The meeting agreed that Internet-based circuits be recognised as an acceptable option for GTS links and invited the CBS OPAG-ISS to develop guidelines for the implementation of Internet based VPNs as part of the GTS. The Regional Association and the secretariat were asked to note that secretariat assistance may be requested at a future time, if there is a consensus to continue with commercial managed networks.

GDPS centres in the Region continue to enhance and improve their forecasting systems and/or computer facilities. WMC Melbourne and NMC Singapore run global models in addition to limited area models. The RSMCs with geographical specialization, Darwin, Melbourne, and Wellington, provide regional products to assist NMCs in the forecasting of small, meso and large-scale meteorological systems. Darwin and Melbourne have been expanding the number of products available to NMCs in the Region and make specific products available to individual NMCs through their "registered users" pages via the Internet.

CREX format is starting to be used in the Region and this represents an opportunity to gain experience in the use and flexibility of the CREX. Migration to table driven codes will be a complex task that will take many years and must be approached with deliberation and caution.

The working group strongly endorsed the proposal for the Future WMO Information System developed by the Inter-programme Task Team on Future WMO Information Systems and recommended that NMHSs within the Region participate in its further development.

The group agreed that WMO Publications No. 9 (excluding Volume B) and No. 47 should continue to be made available via the WMO Internet server and should also be distributed to NMHSs on a CD-ROM. Members, who still prefer to receive the paper format, should continue to receive a paper copy if they so request. It also agreed that the distribution of these publications on diskette was no longer necessary. The meeting also agreed that the Manuals on the GDPS, GOS and GTS and Manual on Codes should be made available in a word-processor compatible format as well as PDF. The electronic copies should be posted on the WMO Server and also made available on CD-ROM. These manuals should also be available in hardcopy to all Members. The group agreed that the WWW Operational Newsletter should be distributed via electronic mail.

The group noted that training in public weather services was critically important to the NMSs of developing countries in the Region. Although a number of Training Workshops on Public Weather Services have been held in the Region since the last session of the Association, additional training workshops are needed. Opportunities for the use of distance learning should also be investigated.

The session discussed arrangements for XIII-RA V and developed a draft resolution for re-establishment of the Working Group as well as draft resolutions for the RBSN and RBCN.

1.1 Opening remarks

1.1.1 The third meeting of the RA V Working Group on the Planning and Implementation of the WWW was held in Sydney, Australia 3 to 7 December 2001. Dr R. Brook (Australia) chaired the meeting.

1.1.2 Mr Kevin O'Loughlin, on behalf of Dr Zillman, Permanent Representative of Australia to WMO, welcomed the participants to Sydney and Australia. He introduced the Hon. Dr Sharman Stone, Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for the Bureau of Meteorology who addressed the group. In her remarks she reiterated the importance of international cooperation in meteorology, particularly for operational forecasting and noted that Australia has always been a strong supporter of the World Weather Watch. She welcomed the participants and wished them a productive meeting and an enjoyable stay in Sydney.

1.1.3 Mr Dieter Schiessl welcomed the participants on behalf of the Secretary-General. He thanked Australia for their generous offer to host the meeting and congratulated them for the excellent facilities they had arranged. He thanked the participants for coming, outlined the main objectives for the week and wished everyone a fruitful and productive meeting.

1.1 Adoption of the agenda (agenda item 1.2)

1.1.1 The group adopted the agenda for the meeting, which is reproduced at the beginning of this report.

1.2 Working arrangements for the meeting (agenda item 1.3)

1.2.1 The working hours and tentative timetable for the meeting were agreed upon.

2.1 The chairman presented his report, in which he noted that in the four years since the last meeting of the working group there had been considerable progress and change in the areas of responsibility. These are reported under the relevant agenda items in this report.

2.2 He reported that, with the assistance of members of the working group he had prepared annual reports to the President of RA V as required by the Association. He had also attended the extraordinary session of CBS held in Karlsruhe in 1998 and the twelfth session held in Geneva in 2000.

2.3 The last four years had seen considerable restructuring of the working arrangements for CBS. However the chairman noted that the Commission continued to give very strong support to the involvement of Regional Associations in its activities. In particular rapporteurs and the Coordinator attended meetings of the relevant OPAGs. In addition the chairman had the opportunity to nominate two persons from the Region to participate in expert or implementation/coordination teams as a capacity building measure. After consultation with members of the working groups and PRs, four people from the Region took advantage of this process.

2.4 The chairman noted tasks that had been given to the working group by XII-RA V and highlighted progress made on them. He also noted the PWS Programme had become a part of the working group's responsibilities during the period. This is a very important area for the Region and the chairman noted the important contribution made by the RA V rapporteurs to the programme.

2.5 He noted that the members of the working group had a very heavy workload in their day to day activities within their services and that the additional burden of the activities of the group stretched their resources. While all members took on their tasks willingly, as is reflected in the results of the progress of the work of the group, he hoped that at its next meeting of the Association the resource difficulties would be recognised and guidance would be given as to the areas of priority so that the group could make best use of its resources.

2.6 Finally, the chairman acknowledged the support he had received from all members of the working group and in particular from the Secretariat, particularly David McGuirk and Dieter Schiessl.

3.1 The working group reviewed the decisions made and guidance given by the twelfth session of RA V (September 1998), Cg-XIII (May 1999), CBS-XII (November 2000) and EC-LIII (June 2001), which have relevance to the work programme of the working group and which are not dealt with under other agenda items.

4.1 The group noted that the important role of SPREP and developmental assistance programmes in the development of NMHSs in the Region should be emphasized. It also agreed that the fundamental role that the WWW plays in providing observations for climate should be remembered while seeking sources of support. The importance of the WWW in disaster preparedness, mitigation and response should also be emphasized. Additional issues concerning capacity building and resource mobilisation are discussed in section 4 below.

4.2 The group was informed of the history and status of the Strategic Action Plan for the Development of Meteorology in the pacific region (SDMP). In early 1999, SPREP began drafting the SDMP (2000-2009) with assistance from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the WMO Subregional Office for the South-West Pacific. The draft SDMP (2000-2009) was presented for review and endorsement to the 6th Meeting of Regional Meteorological Service Directors (6RMSD) held in Tahiti, French Polynesia, in July 1999. The 6RMSD endorsed the concept of preparing an integrated regional strategy as outlined in the draft SDMP (2000-2009) forming the basis for the plan.

4.3 SDMP (2000-2009) is the collective result of inputs from SPREP member countries, NMSs, regional and international organizations and donors over the past 6 years and was endorsed by the Ministers for Environment during their meeting in Guam, October 2000.

4.4 SDMP (2000-2009) called for a significant needs analysis to be undertaken under the auspices of WMO in cooperation with SPREP. In response to this, SPREP commissioned a report on the needs of the pacific region and the Pacific Meteorological Services Needs Analysis Project (PMSNAP) was launched. The goal of the project was to improve the Pacific NMSs and the principal objectives were to:

• Identify national, regional, & international obligations, especially relating to: weather services; climate change and variability; international cooperation; and national development;
• Determine capacity of each service to meet these obligations and related needs; and
• Present a range of options for projects suitable for donor agencies to undertake to address the needs.

4.5 The project was to produce a single comprehensive report identifying:

• National/regional/international obligations and needs relating to meteorological Services and capacity of each NMS to meet these;
• An integrated range of project concepts to address these needs

4.6 Most Pacific island countries may be categorized as microstates and micro-economies with agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, small-scale manufacturing, and mining as the main components of the cash economy. Their economies are characterised by a fairly large subsistence component, mainly agriculture and fishing. While they may all be classified as micro-economies, there is significant range in the composition and size of the economies – commercial agriculture, forestry and mining is confined largely to the countries with larger, more mountainous islands, while the smaller islands and coral atolls are dependent on tourism and fishing. Foreign aid forms a large part of the annual national public expenditure in most countries.

4.7 The economies and social activities of these countries are highly sensitive to weather and climate. Severe weather phenomena, which adversely affect the economy and the society, include: tropical cyclones, droughts, floods, and prolonged heavy rain (not necessarily associated with cyclones). National activities that are particularly sensitive and need to respond to fluctuations in weather and climate are transportation, disaster management, energy, water resources, agriculture and fisheries. Climate variability (seasonal to interannual in scale) featured strongly as a very significant new area of concern among users of weather and climate information, especially in respect of severe weather. Users generally appear not to be concerned greatly with climate change except in the context of climate variability. Many users do not see a distinction between the two.

4.8 The main concerns of users that surfaced in most countries were:

• Improved cyclone warnings (for public, aviation and marine interests);
• Climate variability and associated seasonal/interannual prediction, particularly of droughts, and cyclone frequency and intensity; and
• Climate change (mainly in relation to climate variability)

4.9 From the perspective of WWW it is noteworthy that observations from the Pacific island countries are of particular significance in monitoring, understanding and predicting climate variability over the entire globe. It is therefore important for the world meteorological community to contribute towards the rehabilitation and upgrading of these observations. Related areas identified for improvement to address these concerns for NMSs were :

• Observations;
• Communications;
• Infrastructure; and
• Human resources development

4.10 The analysis of the needs of users for weather and climate services and products identified the following five common themes:

• Severe Weather Warnings
• Climate Information and Prediction Services
• Upgrade and strengthen observational networks
• Upgrading telecommunication systems, and
• Infrastructure and institutional strengthening.

4.11 These five themes provide the basis for formulating the proposed development projects recommended in the report. While the need for improvements in aviation and marine weather services were also identified as common themes across the Pacific, these were not specifically singled out as additional broad themes for the purpose of developing separate development projects. However, it should be noted that severe weather warnings rely very heavily on aviation and marine observations, and that severe weather events impact very significantly on aviation and marine operations. Some sub-projects relating to aviation weather services have been included under the severe weather theme. Each theme includes some elements of capacity building and human resource development.

4.12 The report concluded that:

• There is a large range in capacity to maintain networks/provide services;
• Most countries have suffered a decline in resources and capacity over last 2 to 3 decades;
• A lack of resources for ongoing expenditure is a serious problem for many developing countries;
• The main priority needs, common across the region, are cyclone warnings and climate services (including season/interannual prediction);
• Upgrading basic observations/communications infrastructure is essential for services to be improved;
• External assistance is vital for improvement.

4.13 In March 2001, during the Informal Planning Meeting on the Voluntary Cooperation Programme and related Technical Cooperation Programme, AusAID and SPREP presented the report of the Needs Analysis. SPREP encouraged WMO VCP and its donors to use the Needs Analysis in allocating resources for use in the Pacific region. AusAID indicated that Australia is keen to be further involved in the results of the Needs Analysis and is planning to take up one of the development projects outlined in the report.

4.14 In August 2000, AusAID contracted the Bureau of Meteorology of Australia to prepare full project proposal for one of the proposed projects, particularly Project 4.4 "Expanding and enhancing the prudent use of climate prediction". The full project proposal has been completed and is currently with AusAID for consideration.

4.15 In September 2000, the Japanese Government and the Government of Fiji jointly supported a Meteorology Level II training course for the Pacific Island Countries, and this training contributed to meeting the objective of Project 1.4 as proposed in the Needs Analysis report. During the meeting Fiji invited suggestions and nominations for participants from NMSs in the Region for further training courses being planned over the next four years. It noted that support for participants might be available through VCP.

4.16 The working group considered the activities needed to improve the probability of securing support for the projects proposed in the Needs Analysis. It noted that this would be a challenge. Aid agencies have their own priorities: capacity building is popular but funding of the basic infrastructure that is so critical to the Region is usually not a priority. The group recommended that the WMO Secretariat examine the proposed projects and that projects involving basic infrastructure, such as Project 1.5 to restore and upgrade the regional upper air networks, be submitted as candidates for funding under VCP.

4.17 The group noted that the approach used to promote the actions recommended in the report "The Changing Climate in Paradise" (1991) had been relatively successful. In that case the WMO Secretariat had distributed the report widely and had used it as a basis for seeking support from aid agencies. The group recommended that the Needs Analysis receive similar treatment.

The working group recommended that the Needs Analysis be widely distributed to aid agencies by WMO. It also suggested that the president of the Regional Association send a copy of the report, with an appropriate cover letter, to potential donors.

4.18 The group noted that in the past, successful programmes often benefited from a single organization acting as a focal point and conduit to the aid agencies. However, the operational methods of some of these agencies had changed. It is now often necessary for the national governments of the interested NMSs to formally endorse these projects before they could be seriously considered for possible support. This leads to a need for NMSs to effectively convince their own governments of the importance of their services. To assist NMSs in this task, training in how to educate government ministers and lobby for support should be included in the curriculum of the PWS training workshops.

4.19 The group noted that local emergency management agencies and the media could be valuable partners in demonstrating the need to improve the basic infrastructure in order to provide essential services. This could help to raise the profile of NMSs within their own national governments. The meeting therefore recommended that NMSs cultivate good relationships with these groups.

4.20 It was suggested that since the ultimate goal is to improve the capabilities of all NMSs in the Region, all NMSs in the Region should be made aware of possible sources of support. If any NMS in the Region discovers an opportunity for support from an aid agency it should inform other NMSs in the Region. The group recommended that the WMO sub-regional office serve as a focal point for such an information sharing activity.

5.1 The meeting reviewed the present status of WWW implementation and operation of key facilities based on information received from RA V Members and the results of the monitoring of the operation of the WWW, including the annual global monitoring (October 2001) and the Special MTN Monitoring.

5.2 The group noted that the RBSN provided a useful long-range goal for the observing network within the Region but felt it might not be the most useful measure to be used in the monitoring. It was clear that some stations on the list were not yet implemented and that others could not commit to the standard observing program expected in the definition of an RBSN station. Other stations report at non-standard times or only report for some times of the year.

5.3 The group noted that in order for monitoring results to be comparable between Regions, all Regions should follow consistent and similar procedures. Consequently, it understood that proposals for changes in monitoring procedures have global implications, while the working group can only make recommendations to its own Regional Association. Nonetheless, the group felt that since the Association will meet before the next EC and CBS, it was worthwhile to recommend changes in procedures that could then be considered by these groups for possible application on a global scale.

5.4 The reports prepared on the annual monitoring of observations compare the number of reports received with the "expected" rate in which the program of observations listed for each station in Pub. 9, Volume A is used. However, other maps use the ideal of 4 SYNOPs and 2 upper air measurements per day as the benchmark. The failure to meet the full program could be interpreted as a poor reflection on the NMHS concerned. However, given the sparseness of observations over most of the Region even a partial observing program is valuable and these positive contributions should be recognised.

The group recommended that the RBSN list adopted by the Association should reflect the actual commitment of Members and that the monitoring should measure the number of reports received against this practical target rather than against an ideal. To support this requirement, the group also recommended that the RBSN list have an extra column, which lists exceptions to standard practice that are expected to be a long-term characteristic of the observing program at a station.

5.5 Exceptions to standard practice may include:

• station planned (not implemented yet)
• reduced daily observing program (e.g. daylight hours only, one sounding per day)
• variations in availability throughout the year
• non-standard reporting hours.

5.6 The meeting recommended that these factors be taken into account in assessing the benchmark number of observations used in reports on the performance of the GOS.

5.7 The meeting also suggested that Members be requested to review their RBSN commitment before the Annual Global Monitoring, particularly regarding any exceptions to the standard observing programme. The Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the GOS, supported by the Secretariat, should prepare this augmented RBSN list, based on advice from Members and the earlier monitoring statistics.

5.8 The meeting noted that CBS-XII had invited Regional Associations to develop objective criteria for the selection of RBSN stations, based on factors such as spatial distribution, performance and availability of data. The meeting recognised the value in such a set of criteria, but felt that it would not apply to much of Region V where stations are widely distributed in general and very few alternative stations are available to replace non-performing RBSN stations.

6.1 Global Observing System (GOS)

6.1.1 The session considered the report of the Rapporteur on the Regional Aspects of the GOS. It noted that the considerable increase in the number of SYNOP observations indicated by WMO monitoring is due mainly to the commencement of Australian standard hour bulletins based on AWS observations. The exclusion of reports at non-standard hours continues to affect the numbers counted for New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. However, the group was informed that, as of 1 January 2002, the observing stations in Papua New Guinea would begin providing observations at standard hours and New Zealand would begin reporting at standard hours in time for the October 2002 monitoring.

6.1.2 Although beyond its design life, GMS-5 continues to operate well. Reductions in the spatial extent and frequency of images were implemented on 4 July as precautionary measures. The maintenance of Meteosat-5 at 63 degrees East has enhanced the coverage over the Indian Ocean and provides very useful imagery for those countries in the west of Region V.

6.1.3 A recent development has been the Advanced TOVS instrument (ATOVS) on NOAA-15 and NOAA-16 providing microwave temperature soundings under cloudy conditions with comparable accuracy to that available from infrared measurements for clear conditions. Information on parameters such as rain rate and liquid water content from the ATOVS, SSM/I and TRMM microwave instruments are available on several Web sites and could be used by NMHSs in the region. Some of these new parameters are particularly relevant for tropical regions.

6.1.4 China's FY-1c polar orbiter program is also providing valuable data. FY-1c carries a 10-channel radiometer giving high-resolution imagery for meteorological and oceanographic applications.

6.1.5 The group noted that although scatterometer data from European Research Satellite (ERS) ceased early in 2001, satellite measurements of surface wind speed and direction are being made from the SeaWinds instrument on QuikSCAT. The group agreed that the observations provide impressive detail on the structure of weather systems over oceanic areas and encouraged NMHSs to make further use of these data where possible.

6.1.6 The meeting noted that given the expanse of ocean within the Region the observing network is very sparse. Since additional observations are needed the group was pleased that there had been increased emphasis on and availability of marine observations over the past decade and expected this trend to continue.

6.1.7 The Region continues to play an active role in the drifting buoy program through chairing of the Drifting Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) and the Drifting Buoy Panel for the Indian Ocean (DBPIO). The XBT network continues to operate successfully. Ten Argo floats have been deployed in the Indian Ocean between Australia and Indonesia by Australia's government research agency CSIRO. The data from the floats are distributed in TESAC code on the GTS in near real-time.

6.1.8 A new activity has been the commencement of Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme (ASAP) observations in the Southern Hemisphere. The M.V. Palliser Bay (call sign GWAN) operating out of the UK commenced providing twice daily upper air soundings in April 2001.

6.1.9 CBS-XII had noted the need for closer collaboration between Rapporteurs on the GOS and those on Marine Meteorological Services as the Joint Commission on Marine Meteorology establishes its operations. The group agreed that this function should be included in the terms of reference of the Rapporteurs.

6.1.10 Mr Hart also reported briefly on the broader work of the OPAG on IOS, and particularly its Expert Team on Observational Data Requirements and Redesign of the GOS. He recommended that Members take an active interest in the work of this team and provide comment to the Chair of the OPAG on any issues that affect the region.

6.1.11 The meeting noted that in some areas, observations are available from sources outside of the NMHSs, such as from universities, highway departments and other local authorities. These data could be useful to NMHSs wherever they are available. Mr Brockman noted that in the US these sources were providing good quality data from well-exposed sites.

6.1.12 The group considered the difficulty in acquiring upper air information across the Region. It noted that many NMHSs within the Region had been adversely affected by the loss of the Omega radio navigation network. The meeting expressed concern at the state of the upper air network, particularly the extensive areas with poor coverage. It noted that without financial support for consumables, in many developing countries the observation program could not meet the requirements for either weather forecasting or climate monitoring. Combined bulk purchasing of consumables was suggested as a possible measure to reduce costs. The SPREP representative noted that this problem had been recognized in the Needs Analysis, but the problem of identifying a source of financial assistance had not been solved.

6.1.13 It was noted that AMDAR reports were not being processed by many developing countries despite their general availability and usefulness in providing either profiles or over-flight information. Within the past year AMDAR reports have become available within geographically segmented bulletins, making it easier for smaller centres to use these data. The working group agreed that AMDAR provided a valuable addition to the observing network and noted that there was an opportunity for expanded Regional cooperation to arrange for additional collection of these observations.

6.1.14 The South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) has defined a strategy for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) for the Pacific. In addition SOPAC calls for stronger coordination between GOOS and GCOS for the Pacific in order to define a single coordinated observing network. The group was pleased to note that a representative from SOPAC has been invited to attend the next GCOS meeting in the Pacific. The working group noted that coordination should be easier with the location of the IOC Regional Office in Perth.

6.1.15 It also noted that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) was installing a world-wide monitoring network that included meteorological observations and was pleased that WMO and CTBTO had signed an agreement to exchange data. Since the CTBTO network was expected to grow to nearly 300 sites with many in remote areas, there would certainly be many sites within the Region. The observations are to be collected by Canada and distributed on the GTS.

6.1.16 The working group noted that the public visibility of the NMS could be affected by the location of observing systems. Observing networks have traditionally been designed according to the need for balanced geographical coverage. However, users expect observations to be available for high-profile locations and this can affect the public perception of the NMS. Therefore, NMSs must balance these competing requirements to determine the most appropriate locations for observing stations within their territory.

6.2 Global Telecommunication System (GTS)

6.2.1 The session considered the report of the Coordinator of the Subgroup on regional aspects of the GTS, which covered the status of implementation and operation of the RMTN. The report took note of objectives for the RA V GTS, as given in the WMO Fifth Long-term Plan and the priorities and guidance given by XII-RA V. It considered means of improving the GTS in RA-V where needed, as well as future development and the how to make best use new low-cost technologies that have recently been introduced to the Region.

6.2.2 The status of implementation of the RMTN in Region V is given in the annex to this paragraph.

6.2.3 Significant progress has been made in the implementation of the GTS Point-to-point circuits of the RMTN since RA V-XII. The RMTN comprises circuits distributed as indicated in the table below:

6.2.4 The plan for upgrades to RMTN point to point links and introduction of TCP/IP procedures as adopted by XII-RA V (Denpasar, 1998) has mostly been implemented. TCP/IP, which is the recommended protocol for the GTS, was operating on 12 of the 23 circuits of the RMTN. A Frame Relay network was implemented for linking WMC/RTH Melbourne and NMCs Jakarta and Singapore in July 1999. It was the first operational FR network being part of the GTS. The inter-regional link between Melbourne and Bracknell was added to the network in May 2000. The Frame Relay network has proven to be a reliable, flexible and very cost-effective. Several additional circuits, Melbourne - Honiara, Honolulu - Guam, Honolulu - Pago-Pago and Honolulu - Micronesia that were not included in the RMTN, were playing an important role in the operation of the GTS in Region V.

6.2.5 Four GTS circuits are implemented through the Internet. The Melbourne-Wellington Internet link has an ISDN backup, which is activated when required. RTH Wellington also uses Internet for the collection of observational reports from several Pacific islands.

6.2.6 RTH Melbourne is operating two radio facsimile broadcasts from Darwin and Canberra. RTH Wellington is operating one radio facsimile broadcast from Auckland. Honolulu is also operating a radio facsimile broadcast. These radio facsimile broadcasts are mainly used by maritime users. The two RTHs plan to continue operation of their radio facsimile broadcasts for the foreseeable future. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has contracted for the construction of two new HF broadcast stations (one in WA and one in Queensland) to transmit radio facsimile and voice marine forecasts and warnings for the Bureau of Meteorology. These stations will also provide HF services supporting marine search and rescue for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The new stations are scheduled to commence service in July 2002. The call signs AXM and AXI will be replaced by VMC and VMW respectively. The content of the broadcasts will remain essentially the same as at present. Radio facsimile broadcast frequencies are given in the table below.

6.2.7 The International Satellite Communication System (ISCS) operated by USA, was implemented in 1995 to support the WAFS distribution. The ISCS provides a 38.4 kbit/s one-way multipoint telecommunication service via satellite. The ISCS system over the Pacific is already carrying some GTS data, mainly relating to RA III and IV. Some spare capacity is available to accommodate additional RA V data and products. Nine ISCS systems have been installed in RA V in Honolulu, Wellington, Melbourne, Noumea, Pt Vila, Nadi, Jakarta, Manila and Singapore.

6.2.8 Mr Brockman outlined plans for the further development of the ISCS beyond September 2003, when the contract for the current system is due to expire. The new system will

• be broadly compatible with existing VSAT receivers, although with some equipment exchanges;

• have a minimum data rate of 64Kbps, with potential increase to higher speeds;

• support TCP/IP procedures and for a for a limited period, X.25 also; and

• provide separate data streams over the Atlantic Ocean region and Pacific Ocean region satellites, appropriate to the countries in these areas.

6.2.9 Mr Brockman made a presentation on the current status and future plans for the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN). EMWIN shares the WEFAX channel of the GOES satellites for the distribution of meteorological information related to emergency situations, including warnings. Over 30 EMWIN systems are implemented in 18 Pacific countries, and additional installations are planned subject to funding in the future. The relatively low cost of the equipment, its simple installation, operation and maintenance had greatly facilitated its implementation. The EMWIN implementation has dramatically improved the distribution of meteorological information and warnings of vital importance for the Pacific countries.

6.2.10 Within a few years, when GOES-N becomes operational, EMWIN will use a dedicated channel at a different frequency and the power of the EMWIN broadcast will be reduced to conform to ITU regulations. At the same time the signal modulation will be changed. With advances in technology it is expected that receiving systems will be no more expensive. Furthermore, existing antennae and receivers are expected to be able to be used. However, the demodulators in the receivers will need to be replaced - at an expected cost of a few hundred dollars US. Well before the new broadcast becomes operational, parallel broadcasts are expected to be made on an experimental basis. The group noted that a mini-EMWIN terminal that will operate without a PC and a manual entry DCP platform for use at remote sites that will allow both reception and transmission of data were being developed.

6.2.11 Recognizing that EMWIN provides products that are essential to the operation of NMHSs in the Region, the group was pleased to note that the United States considered EMWIN as a fully operational system with an assured long-term future. Plans are already in place concerning its operation in subsequent GOES series. With this long-term view in mind, the group recommended that EMWIN systems procured in the future should be robust enough to ensure long-term and reliable operation in the tropical marine environment that is wide-spread in the Region.

6.2.12 An increasing number of DCPs were implemented in Region V, that were transmitting via the GMS satellite, operated by Japan, or via the GOES satellite, operated by the USA. The DCP messages are relayed to Region V and the originating NMC via the GTS.

6.2.13 The Inmarsat system, and in particular Inmarsat C ship earth stations, is increasingly used for the collection of ship reports from voluntary observing ships; At the same time, the number of ship reports collected through the coastal radio stations is regularly decreasing. The Perth and Singapore Land Earth Station receive ship reports from Inmarsat C and A stations at no cost for ships.

6.2.14 The two RTHs in the region were providing their routeing catalogue on their FTP server. The routing catalogues are important for ensuring and monitoring the efficient GTS data exchange, and for the NMCs to easily access the information on the availability of bulletins at RTHs.

6.2.15 WMC/RTH Melbourne is the responsible MTN centre for providing the part of the catalogue of meteorological bulletins related to region V, in accordance with the new procedures and it had implemented the necessary arrangements. The necessary co-ordination on bulletins headers and content was carried out between WMC/RTH Melbourne and NMCs in Region V; all RA V NMCs were invited to promptly notify any planned and actual changes of bulletins (header and content) to WMC/RTH Melbourne.

6.2.16 The meeting recommended that the circuits Melbourne - Port Vila, Melbourne - Honiara, Honolulu - Guam, Honolulu - Pago-Pago, Honolulu - Micronesia and Pago-Pago - Apia be included in the RMTN. The importance of the interregional circuit Nadi -Washington, which is included in the RMTN plan, was also underlined in particular for facilitating the insertion of RSMC Nadi products and warnings into the ISCS and EMWIN; RSMC Nadi and WMC/RTH Washington were invited to consider its possible implementation. The meeting took note of the Frame Relay links Toulouse - NMC Noumea and Toulouse - NMC Tahiti.

6.2.17 The meeting endorsed the plans for further upgrade of the RMTN, in particular:

• Upgrade of the link Melbourne-Nadi to Frame Relay;

• Upgrade of the link Melbourne-Noumea to TCP/IP;

• Upgrade of the links Singapore-Kuala Lumpur, Singapore-Manila and Singapore-Bangkok to Frame Relay;

• Implementation of inter-region link Nadi-Washington (via NADIN 2 link to Oakland);

• Implementation of link between Apia and Pago Pago.

The group encouraged the Members concerned to expedite the implementation of these circuits.

6.2.18 Considering the general advances of technology, the group discussed the question as to whether managed networks are the best strategy for the RMTNs (and indeed the MTN) of the future. With the improvement of Internet in its capacity, robustness and reach, there is now a good case to consider reorienting plans around Internet based circuits.

6.2.19 In RA-V, Internet circuits are now used for four RMTN and one inter-region links. Currently, these are TCP/IP socket connections between Centres, with firewalling limited to access list controls in each Centre’s routers. Some Centres may consider this does not provide adequate protection for operational systems connected to the Internet. A much greater level of security is possible by the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and IP Security (IPSec). Some important technical issues need to be worked out, such as routing and encryption key management, in order to develop a robust and scalable Internet based GTS. However, Internet-based networks offer advantages such as:

• Reduced cost, compared with Frame Relay networks and fixed bandwidth international circuits; and

• Can be implemented by coordinated technical standards alone, avoiding tendering and contractual processes, which are very cumbersome where many Centres are involved; and

• Offer possibilities for additional links at little or no extra cost.

The meeting agreed that Internet-based circuits be recognised as an acceptable option for GTS links and invited the CBS OPAG-ISS to develop guidelines for the implementation of Internet based VPNs as part of the GTS.

6.2.20 The meeting noted that, while some NMHSs in the Region have reliable and affordable communication links, for others the costs of communications are a tremendous burden. The Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific (CROP) had established an Information and Communication Technology Working Group (ICT-WG) that is working to improve ICT services in the Pacific. The CROP ICT-WG would likely focus its efforts on improving the general connectivity to the Internet in the Region. Noting the importance of this activity, the group suggested that, under existing WMO SPREP working arrangements, SPREP invite WMO to the meeting of the CROP ICT-WG.

6.2.21 The meeting discussed the need for WMO secretariat assistance in future tendering for Frame Relay (or other technology) managed networks in the Region, when the existing arrangements with BT Concert are to be reviewed and put out to tender for a future period. A future tendering process would be more complex than the original process was because there will be a significantly greater number of connected Centres. Noting (a) that there is no fixed date for this at present and (b) the possible shift away from managed networks to Internet based links, the meeting reserved its position on this matter. The Regional Association and the secretariat are however asked to note that secretariat assistance may be requested at a future time, if there is a consensus to continue with commercial managed networks.

11.1 The meeting closed on Friday, 7 December 2001.

• To review and advise on the observational data requirements of Members of the regional association in the context of the WWW Programme in the Fifth WMO Long-term Plan;

• To review and advise on the design of observing systems in the Region, in particular the Regional Basic Synoptic Network of surface and upper-air stations and the Regional Basic Climatological Network, including GCOS;

• To keep abreast of matters related to the development and introduction of new observing systems and advise on their application in the Region;

• To advise and report to the chairman of the working group on all matters concerning regional aspects of the Global Observing System;

• To liase with the Rapporteur on Marine Meteorological Services of the Joint Commission on Marine Meteorology on the development and operation of the GOS in support of marine services;

• To represent the Region on the CBS Implementation/Coordination Team on Integrated Observing Systems

• To keep abreast of developments in data-processing equipment and techniques which could be beneficially introduced at national and regional centres to improve their forecast and warning capability;

• To formulate recommendations for coordinated implementation of data-processing facilities and techniques at GDPS, GTS and other centres and, if required, for these facilities to serve both GDPS and telecommunication purposes;

• To identify the training requirements of Members in the Region relating to relevant data processing and forecasting techniques;

• To advise and report to the chairman of the working group on all matters concerning data processing and forecasting activities in the Region;

• To represent the Region on the CBS Implementation/Coordination Team on Data Processing and Forecasting Systems.

(d) Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of Public Weather Services

• To keep under review the implementation of the Public Weather Services Programme in Region V;

• To advise the chairman of the working group on matters relating to formulation, presentation and dissemination of forecasts and warnings and establishing good relations with emergency managers, the media and the private sector;

• To keep abreast of activities in the Region related to broadcast of weather information by international media and advise on issues such as consistency with official information;

• To keep under review education and training requirements related to the Public Weather Services Programme;

• To keep under review, in coordination with the Rapporteur on Regional Aspects of the GDPS, aspects relating to improved regional exchange of public weather services;

• To represent the Region on the CBS Implementation/Coordination Team on Public Weather Services.