Introduction to the Concept of Regional Frameworks for Climate Services (RFCS)

Many countries have developed or are currently in the process of developing their National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS), driven by a need for better coordination of the development, delivery, and use of climate information for decision-making. Interest in establishing a similar level of coordination across multiple countries within a region is now growing, building on the success at the national level. Regional Frameworks for Climate Services (RFCS) can complement the national frameworks, underscoring the need for coordinated regional climate services and the vital role of Regional Climate Centres and regional economic and political mechanisms such as the Regional Economic Communities of the African Union, in the development and delivery of trusted and actionable climate services. This perspective article describes the concept of the RFCS, complemented with case studies and reflections on whether, and in what form, RFCSs can be useful. Finally, suggestions are made for the possible development and implementation of RFCSs globally, as a closely aligned and bridging framework with the national frameworks for climate services, which are already well defined and used in practice. The findings are the result of a qualitative assessment, based on interviews and discussions conducted as part of the revision of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Step-by-Step Guidelines for Establishing a National Framework for Climate Services. The findings show that, although some examples of regional collaboration exist, there is significant value and opportunity in offering better regional coordination of climate services and associated guidance on the process, with several National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) strongly requesting support on climate service activities from regional bodies.
Significance Statement

Regional Frameworks for Climate Services aim to coordinate the development, delivery, and use of climate information for decision-making at a regional level. The purpose of this article is to introduce this concept and to provide some illustrative examples of what this looks like in different parts of the world. It also describes the results of interviews which sought to understand the current status of regional coordination of climate services and the need for such frameworks. The findings show that, while some examples do exist, there would be significant value in increased coordination of climate services at the regional scale, and that a Regional Framework for Climate Services, with appropriate guidance and funding, would support this process.