Box 6. The SOFF/CREWS symbiotic partnership

SOFF creates leverage through its governance structure. The SOFF funding partners not only invest in SOFF but channel substantial resources through bilateral and/or multilateral mechanisms in resilient development and climate adaptation. As SOFF decision-makers, the funding partners can ensure that SOFF creates the foundation for these other investments and that this foundation is properly used in the investments made by these partners. Investments funded by CREWS are critical to be able to realize the benefits from SOFF investments. Therefore, it is envisioned that CREWS be represented in the SOFF governance structure (box 6 and section 7.3). In addition, it is envisioned that the SOFF Advisory Board include representatives from initiatives like the Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership (REAP) and InsuResilience; this will help ensure SOFF “last mile” links and leverage (section 7.4). REAP is of particular importance as an overarching framework for ensuring last-mile impact, and SOFF will make a significant contribution to achieving its goals (box 7).

Box 6. The SOFF/CREWS symbiotic partnership

SOFF and CREWS are playing complementary roles and are mutually dependent

for their success. Both mechanisms prioritize SIDS and LDCs. The effectiveness of CREWS is dependent on SOFF outcomes, i.e., improved weather and climate prediction products as a result of sustained compliance with GBON in SIDS and LDCs. At the same time, achieving the SOFF goal of strengthened resilient development and climate adaptation requires initiatives like CREWS. In the absence of SOFF, CREWS has also been investing in basic observations, but given its institutional set-up is not equipped to fully address the challenges stated in section 3 in a sustained manner.

With the creation of SOFF, CREWS can deploy its resources focusing on the

downstream part of the value chain while contributing to shaping SOFF through the envisioned role for CREWS in the SOFF governance structure.