Project description

Co-HYDIM-SA responds to the explicit need for hydrometeorological early warning and information systems (EWIS) to optimize water resources management and thereby enhance water security in Southern Africa. The innovative aspects of the transdisciplinary project are to (a) utilize the novel capabilities of (sub-)seasonal hydrometeorological forecasting, (b) significantly improve the capability and detail of seasonal forecasts, (c) link hazard monitoring and forecasting to actual risk mitigation, and (d) provide a proof of concept for improved monitoring and early warning of key hydro-climatic components in two transboundary basins in Southern Africa. State-of-the-art technologies and socio-economic approaches such as vulnerability and risk assessment as well as technical and academic training components will ensure that the co-designed EWIS will address the needs of stakeholders in a holistic perspective and support improved water resource management in both basins. The approach will be flanked by technical training and the promotion of young scientists in the region. The sub-project “Sub-seasonal and seasonal meteorological forecasts and high-resolution hydrological modeling - KIT-IMK” will improve global meteorological forecasts of the ECMWF for southern Africa with a focus on the Cuvelai-Cunene and Limpopo catchments and quantify their forecast quality using reference data. Current reanalysis and station data will be used as reference. Furthermore, high-resolution hydrological process modeling will be carried out for sub-catchments. The results of the meteorological (sub)seasonal forecast will be integrated into the respective EWIS and tested with the African partners in a pilot system.