Systematic Observations Financing Facility - Alliance for Hydromet Development

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Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF)

Committing to establish a new way of financing

The Alliance is committed to scale up and unite efforts to generate better weather forecasts, early warnings, and climate information by 2030. As its first priority, the Alliance committed to establishing the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) to close the basic weather and climate observations gap including through innovation in countries with the most severe shortfalls in observations, prioritizing Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. SOFF was then co-created by WMO, UNDP and UNEP as a UN Fund at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

Closing the basic weather and climate observations gap

SOFF provides long-term, grant-based financial and peer-to-peer technical assistance to support the generation and international sharing of basic weather and climate observations, according to the internationally agreed Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) regulations.

SOFF as a foundational element

SOFF is a foundational element and delivery mechanism of the UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All Initiative. Improving the availability of basic weather and climate observations from the most data sparse areas is essential for weather forecasts, early warning systems and climate information services that save lives and livelihoods as well as protect property across the whole globe. The lack of such observations limits countries’ capacity to adapt to climate change and build resilience.

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Terms Of Reference:
This document presents the Terms of Reference of the SOFF UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund (UNMPTF).
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SOFF Operational Manual:
This Manual contains the operational and governance policies, rules and procedures of the SOFF UNMPTF and builds on and complements the SOFF Terms of Reference, the Memorandum of Understanding for the creation of the SOFF UNMPTF, the legal agreements between the SOFF UNMPTF and the Implementing Entities, the umbrella Letter of Agreement between WMO and the SOFF peer advisors, and the Standard Administrative Agreements with funding partners.
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SOFF Brochure:
This document gives an overview of the creation of SOFF, its operations, delivery goals as well as partners and supporters.
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Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF)

Committing to establish a new way of financing

Closing the basic weather and climate observations gap

SOFF as a foundational element

Visit the SOFF website