Box 4. What is SOFF?

5. Rationale for SOFF

Achieving sustained compliance with the GBON regulations and hence a sustained improvement in observational data will require substantial investments, strengthened capacity and long-term resources for operation and maintenance in many countries.

SOFF will channel international support to strengthen countries’ basic observation

capacity through the combination of four key features: (i) deploying a global approach with sustained international data exchange as a measure of success; (ii) providing innovative finance; (iii) enhancing technical competence and integrated approaches; and (iv) leveraging knowledge and resources. The defining elements of SOFF are summarized in box 4.

Box 4. What is SOFF?

• A global initiative to address a persistent problem in a global and systematic manner – i.e., missing surface-based weather and climate observations from developing countries. • An initiative with an exclusive focus on the initial part of the meteorological value chain that creates the foundation for effective weather and climate information services. • A dedicated financing mechanism that provides grants and technical assistance, with a focus on SIDS and LDCs, to enable sustained compliance with the GBON regulations. • A mechanism that is built on peer-to-peer collaboration and support among national meteorological services, harnessing their operational experience as providers of peer technical advice. • A commitment of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, supported by beneficiary countries and multiple stakeholders.