One of the most effective measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of meteorological and hydrological hazards would be enhancement of weather, climate and hydrological services and early warning systems. Both Japan and the World Bank Group have been providing significant support to developing countries in this field.
World Bank Disaster Risk Management Hub, Tokyo participated in the 2nd Meteo-Tech Expo Japan, held July 20-22, 2016 in Tokyo. During the period, DRM Hub ran an exhibition booth, and organized a seminar introducing hydromet-focused technical assistance and knowledge projects, supported by the Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries.
Naho Shibuya, DRM Specialist, DRM Hub, Tokyo, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), World Bank introduced the Japan-World Bank Program. In her presentation, Ms. Shibuya explained about the DRM Hub’s initiatives with a focus on the modernization of weather, climate and hydrological services and early warning systems, and utilization of ICT by leveraging Japan’s expertise. In addition, she noted about the DRM Hub’s future activities to support developing countries, informing the utilization of knowledge sharing library, and environmental condition assessment check list.
Makoto Suwa, Senior DRM Specialist, GFDRR, World Bank explained what conditions favor modernization of weather, climate and hydrological services and early warning systems in developing countries. He described how modernization of such services can bring global benefits, and noted the GFDRR’s approaches of providing solutions to the challenges that developing countries face. Lastly, he provided an overview of the hydromet handbook “Review of Japanese Hydrorogical and Meteological Services and Lessons for Developing Countries” that Japan-World Bank Program project team is developing to support policy makers and practitioners in developing countries.
The expo, organized by the Japan Management Association with the support of Japan Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of the Environment, welcomed over 32,000 visitors over three days.
Naho Shibuya
Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Disaster Risk Management Hub, Tokyo, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, World Bank
"Japan-World Bank Program: Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries" PDF
Makoto Suwa
Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, World Bank
"Modernization of Weather, Climate and Hydrological Services in Developing Countries" PDF
