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A landlocked country in Eastern Europe, Moldova is exposed to a myriad of natural hazards. Since 2008, floods and droughts alone have caused $1.2 billion in damage to the country’s economy. An outsized portion of Moldova’s population are dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, making them highly vulnerable to weather-related hazards.

As Moldova braces for the impacts of climate change, timely and accurate weather information will be critical toward its efforts to prepare for and respond to the country’s intensifying disaster risk. Against this backdrop, GFDRR has been working with the Moldova State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS) to improve the delivery of hydrological and meteorological (hydromet) services across the country.

A key focus of our most recent initiatives has been making hydromet services more relevant and responsive through the establishment of regular, multi-sectoral exchanges between information providers, led by SHS, and users of hydromet information. Following national consultation workshops, the government of Moldova’s efforts to modernize its hydromet systems are now informed by a comprehensive national framework and action plan on weather and climate services, which was developed with the input of a wide array of providers and users from both the public and private sector.

Building on long-standing support for strengthening Moldova’s hydromet observation infrastructure, including the installation of a modern Doppler weather radar at the Chisinau International Airport, GFDRR recently worked with SHS to implement improved verification and quality management systems. The promotion of transboundary cooperation with Romania, including through twinning arrangements which facilitate knowledge sharing, has been key in these efforts.

SHS is now better positioned to forecast severe weather and monitor its forecasting performance. It can also more reliably ensure that its products and services meet user demand and legal and regulatory requirements. According to a recent survey by the Zoï Environment Network, 53 percent of key users are now fully satisfied with the weather and climate information from SHS, which is a considerable improvement from years before.