From June 25 to July 6, Almaty hosted a two-week workshop on hydrological modelling organized under Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program for Aral Sea Basin (CAMP4ASB) implemented by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) with the financial support of the World Bank.
The purpose of the training was to strengthen the capacity of state institutions employees and experts in the modelling of climatic and hydrological processes.
The representatives of scientific and academic communities, and specialists of hydrometeorological centres from Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan improved their modelling skills at the workshop.
This workshop is one of a series of regional theoretical and practical training events conducted as part of a training program on methods and tools for climate and hydrological modelling, which also includes national technical workshops for modelling on the pilot sites under the CAMP4ASB project.
In the first half of the workshop, the participants studied the pilot model of the Isfara river and then proceeded to practical exercises where hydrological modelling methods were applied to the pilot regions selected in each country.
The selection of pilot areas for modelling was based on the following key criteria:
- Availability of data, such as hydrological data (average daily flow), climatic data (mean, maximum and minimum daily air temperature, mean daily precipitation and solar radiation);
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Small river regulation, which makes the training process easier;
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Recommended size of the river basin - from 1500 km2 to 40,000 km2
The program of the workshop consisted of such topics as introduction to hydrological modelling, preparation of input and output data, development of climate scenarios and analysis of results.
As a result of integrated training, it is expected that specialists with the support of international consultants would develop long-term forecasts of climate change impact in the pilot river basins. Furthermore, the forecasts would help with identification of priority project/investment proposals for possible funding from relevant international organizations and funds.
Expert support for the training program is provided by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany. Leading experts of the Institute not only lecture and conduct practical classes with students but will further assist in conducting research on selected pilot basins.
Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program for Aral Sea Basin or CAMP4ASB is implemented by CAREC and financed by the World Bank. Project aims to enhance regionally coordinated access to improved climate change knowledge services for key stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, communities, and civil society) in participating Central Asian countries as well as to increased investments and capacity building that, combined, will address climate challenges common to these countries.CAMP4ASB is implemented in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan during the period from 2016 to 2021.
