Event TabsSummaryDates: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 to Friday, May 31, 2013Location: Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago TT Type: WorkshopThis workshop brought experts from the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and stakeholders together along with key decision-makers. It facilitated the identification of appropriate mechanisms and networks to improve and sustain the flow of climate information for different users. Thus, it enhanced understanding of the needs for climate services in different user sectors; (ii) improved knowledge of the existing interface mechanisms and provided recommendations for improvements where needed; (iii) cleared understanding of capacity development needs to implement the GFCS at regional and national levels; and (iv) strategic guidance on institutional arrangements, partnerships and processes required to operationalize the GFCS at the national level. Final Report: 2013.11.20_final_report_v2_0.pdf ObjectivesTo review the current status of generating climate information in the region and assess specific needs for climate services in the initial four priority areas (agriculture and food security; water; health; and disaster risk reduction) at the global, regional, national and local levels; To review and characterize the current status of interfacing mechanisms and interactions between climate services providers and users, identify major areas for improvement and recommend effective mechanisms and practices; To articulate the capacity building needs for the countries and territories in the region, in terms of mandates, infrastructure as well as human resources, in all the components of the GFCS; To discuss and recommend improved arrangements for national observation networks, enhanced research and analysis of national and local climate issues including impacts indicators, improved access and utility of climate data and predictions, sustained operational mechanisms that improve facilitation of the flow of climate information To identify, propose and prioritize, ways to promote community understanding and awareness of climate variability and change, and associated risks, and opportunities for improved climate risk management and products and services. Event Documents Information Note Final Agenda Workshop Brochure Guidelines on Frameworks for Climate Services at the National Level Guidelines for discussion groups on user needs and capacities Disaster Risk Reduction Report Presentations UK Met Office Examples of a Climate Service Provision Chris Hewitt and Jane Strachan UKMO_GFCSworkshop_Trinidad_10mins.pdf Defining Climate Service Needs within the Context of Comprehensive Disaster Management Liz Riley CDEMA Climate Research in the Caribbean CMO The Climate Services Partnership Stephen E. Zebiak Creating Resources for Climate Services Development Worldwide Strengthening Meteorological, Hydrological and Climate Services to Support Risk Assessment and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems Dr. Albert Martis DRR_CARIB-Albert-Martis.ppt GFCS - DWD's first experience Dr. Paul Becker and Dr. Andreas Becker GFCS - DWD's first experience Towards Implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services 2013.05.30priority-projects.pdf Key note Key Note Communications and outreach for climate services Communications and outreach for climate services