A major challenge in developing effective climate services is the disconnect that exists between providers (international and regional climate centers, national meteorological and hydrological services) and sectoral users (practitioners, policy makers and other experts). Other common development issues that have constrained capacity building include duplication of efforts, lack of coordination between initiatives, and difficulty sustaining project-based activities.
The coordinated approach offered by IRI’s Climate Services Academies addresses each of these constraints by building relationships between producers and users of climate information, enabling users of information to be smart consumers, able to understand their needs and demand it of producers; gives beneficiaries a voice in designing capacity building programs that lead to comprehensive skills and qualified hydro-met agencies; reduces duplicative efforts and allows for identifying gaps in training.
To address the need for virtual engagement during the COVID pandemic, IRI’s Climate Service Academies are now delivering trainings remotely while maintaining high standards of quality and effectiveness.
