Capacity Building

The capacity-building framework is built on three key pillars, each of which is being developed in parallel. The current focus in Section 9, Capacity Building, of the G3W Implementation Plan is on the human element. The three pillars are:

1. Human: This focuses on developing the competence framework, ensuring that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge.

2. Technology: This involves building physical infrastructure to support observations and modeling, which will be achieved as key action items are implemented.

3. Institutional: This pillar aims to train not only technical staff but also high-level decision-makers, ensuring that organizations are equipped to use information effectively at all levels.

The implementation of the G3W must be accompanied by a comprehensive capacity building programme. Training needs to reach out to various functions (managerial level, operators, data managers, modellers, infrastructure support professionals) and must take place before, during, and after the roll-out in terms of obtaining, maintaining and expanding competencies. Training leading to an increasing number of experts will be beneficial for adequate maintenance and operation of the instrumentation and subsequently for the sound quality of the recorded data, for the lifetime of the equipment, and for the sustainability of the infrastructure in general. Capacity development will be particularly important in the use of G3W output in a science-policy framework. The training programme should include set up and operate measurement stations for all domains (atmosphere, ocean and land), covering topics such as instrument selection, maintenance and operation, calibration strategies and quality assurance and quality control, data processing on the observational side, as well as creating general awareness of the data use in atmospheric transport modelling, the combination of model results and observations, and the generation of end user GHG products. It should include data formatting, data sharing standards and mechanisms.

As part of the initiative, a strong involvement of the WMO Regional Training Centres (RTCs) would be highly desirable, as well as of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s (IOC) Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA), Ocean Best Practices System (IOC-OBPS), GOOS, and the GEO flagship initiatives like GEO BON/Marine BON15. Up to now, RTCs have played only a negligible role in supporting atmospheric composition observations, and a better coordination with the WMO infrastructure department and RTCs is recommended. A curriculum on the atmospheric composition, especially GHG and their effects on the climate and their measurements, has to be developed based on the experiences gathered from the training courses for technicians /observers and meteorologists. Curriculums developed for this implementation plan shall be translated into all of the WMO official languages. Learning opportunities will be offered in online, hybrid and in-person modalities. It is recommended to record and stream in-person courses, with a preference to hold these courses in all WMO regions. Clear synergies can be also identified and used with training programmes of UNFCCC and UNEP, and with existing and future efforts of the satellite operators.

To evaluate the needs for capacity development, a survey of Member countries has been conducted. Data collection took place from 13 October to 12 December 2023, encompassing responses from a total of 43 countries. The objective is to grasp the Member countries’ capabilities for Implementation of G3W. The full analysis of the survey is available on the G3W web site.

It was noted that many countries do not distinguish between long-lived GHGs and air pollutants. The largest proportion of responses (46%) came from agencies that are not responsible for GHG inventories. From the average responses per region, it is evident that there is a shortage of personnel in modelling compared to observations. The question about observational capability is the one with a particularly high number of non- responses or "0“(no measurement) responses. Especially regarding the non- responses, it can be inferred that there is a significant number of countries with limited knowledge about their current situation.

In response to evaluation of operational setting, the most prevalent responses were for “Purely on research grants”, followed by “Full support from the government for > 5 years”.

63% of ocean observations are conducted by RA VI.

Many countries indicated that they either do not have a GHG monitoring plan or are in the stage of development without a concrete timeline, accounting for 63%. This suggests that most countries lack a concrete plan for GHG monitoring at the national level.

The grand mean indicates that about three stations per responding country need repair/upgrade and about 11 stations on average per country are in need of being newly built for well-covered observation, on average.

Activities to be considered:

G3W Implementation Plan actions from Capacity Building block

C1: Establish a competence framework for participation in G3W

Establish specific competencies in GHG observations, modeling, data management, and facility management for training centers.

C2: Continuous evaluation of the GHG capacities contributing to G3W

Follow up on the WMO capacities survey regarding national GHG capacities and needs, and catalog available training institutions and partners in collaboration with relevant entities like IOC and GEO.

C3: Develop capacities among the Members regarding use of G3W data

Facilitate mapping of national GHG institutions, share examples of inter-agency cooperation frameworks, develop reusable training materials for climate policy engagement, and create distance learning modules to support G3W knowledge.

C4: Establish GHGs training programmes for Member

Develop blended, face-to-face, and online training programs on GHG observations, modeling, and data management. Conduct train-the-trainer events for RTCs and create tools to evaluate training efficiency.

C5: Develop twinning and exchange programmes between countries to develop national capacities in GHGs observations, modelling, data management and data utilization.