14th meeting of Working group on interaction of interested regional centers of hydrometeorology of Belhydromet and HEMC of Roshydromet is held from 16 to 19 September, 2019 year in Kaliningrad (Russian Federation).  Ivan Evdokimov, head of monitoring network administration of Roshydromet and deputy head of Belhydromet Svetlana Kuzmich gave a speech at the opening of the meeting. In addition co-chairs reported on the progress in the implementation of previous decisions of Working group and proposals for improving effectiveness of its work.          During the meeting also reports from heads of Kaliningrad, Smolensk, Bryansk HEMCs of Roshydromet were planned as well as heads of Gomeloblhydromet, Vitebskoblhydromet, Grodnoblhydromet, Mogilevoblhydromet of Belhydromet. Main topics of reports are implementation of Plan for exchange of operational and production information and experience in implementing joint activities between departments of Roshydromet and Belhydromet.    Co-chairs of Working group also reported on joint execution of Plan of joint operational activities in frames of Committee of Union State for hydrometeorology and environmental pollution monitoring in 2018-2019.    At the end of the meeting  decisions of Working Group were  discussed and adopted, and date and venue of 15th meeting of Working Group were selected.   

70th meeting of Joint board Committee of Union state for hydrometeorology and environmental pollution monitoring is held on basis of Federal State Budgetary Institution "High Mountain Geophysical Institute" is held in Nalchik  (Russian Federation) from 12 to 14 September 2019.          Meeting’s agenda includes consideration of wide range of issues on interaction of national hydrometeorological services of the Republic of Belarus and Russian Federation, including following issues “Implementation of Union State program “Development of Union State Hydrometeorological Safety System ”for 2017-2021 in first half of 2019,“ on automation and further prospects for development of Meteorological Observation Network for the Republic of Belarus and Russian Federation”,“On Development of Legal Framework base of the Republic of Belarus in terms of environmental monitoring in the area of operation of nuclear power plants based on experience of the Russian Federation ”, “On consideration of new edition of “Procedure for mutual informing in extreme situation of threat and / or radiation emergency  in system of Union state Committee for hydrometeorology and environmental pollution monitoring”.   Based on traditions of holding meetings of joint board, meeting is attended by representatives of Roshydromet, Belhydromet, Standing Committee of Union state, and local administration. Representatives of media are also invited.   Russian delegation is lead by head of geophysical monitoring, active impacts and state supervision department of Roshydromet  Tasenko.    From Belhydromet side takes part: Raman Labaznov, head of Belhydromet, Svetlana Kuzmich, deputy head of Belhydromet deputy chairman of the joint board , Alexander Begansky, member of joint board , head of weather forecasting service, Andrei Korobchuk, deputy head-head of international cooperation department of Belhydromet,   secretary of joint colleague.    

  Dear Colleagues! I cordially congratulate you with 95th anniversary of the establishment of Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus!   From July 1, 1924 , in accordance with the order of Public Commissariat of Agriculture of BSSR No. 80 dated May 22, 1924, Meteorological Bureau of the Experimental Department of the Public Commissariat, first central body of future Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus, began its work . This day is considered to be the date of formation of Hydrometeorological Service of Belarus.        Over past 95 years Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus has repeatedly undergone periodic recessions and booms. The period of Great Patriotic War, when many employees were lost, stations and posts of hydrometeorological observers were destroyed, was a difficult test. Hydrometeorological service in a short time restored most of stations and posts and ensured work of forecasting service.    Until the present day traditions of integrated approach to study of atmospheric processes are carefully preserved in Belhydromet Considerable attention is paid to development of operational activities based on use of modern information technologies and latest computing and telecommunication capabilities. Modernization and expansion of network of radar observations, new technologies of hydrometeorological observations are being actively introduced.   I note with satisfaction the gradual increase to international cooperation in framework of WMO and other international organizations and, of course, in framework of the Union State Committee on Hydrometeorology and Environmental Pollution Monitoring and CIS Interstate Council for Hydrometeorology.    On a wonderful day of Jubilee please accept our most sincere and good wishes for continued success in hard work for the benefit of our country, as well as new achievements in the field of hydrometeorology, implementation of plans and successful completion of all projects started.   We can together preserve and enhance our traditions, achieve new successes!  Please accept warmest words of gratitude and appreciation for your work, for your devotion to the chosen case. I wish you good health, happiness and well-being. 

  Visit of specialists from the National Center of Study of Water Resources at the Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia is held in Belhydromet from 16 to 30 June as part of training course “Radiation monitoring of natural and man-made radionuclides in environmental compartment”.  During the visit guests will familiarize with main activities of Radiation Monitoring Service of Belhydromet and with regulatory and legal acts governing conduct of radiation monitoring in the Republic of Belarus. Both lecture and laboratory classes will be held. On basis of laboratory of radiometry and radiochemistry and laboratory of radio spectrometry , laboratory classes will be held with the participation of teachers of the Belarusian State University.   It is also planned to visit Atomtech UE and familiarize with instruments and equipment of their production. In addition, guests from Saudi Arabia will visit settlement of Masana, which is located on the territory of the Polesye State Radiation and Ecological Reserve, where they will take part in practical exercises on sampling of environmental objects. Belhydromet was selected for training specialists of National Center for Study of Water Resources at the Ministry of Environment, Water Resources and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia and it testifies high professionalism of workers of radiation monitoring service of Belhydromet.   

Water stress, water-related hazards and water quality pose increasing challenges to modern society. And yet, the capacity to monitor and manage this vital resource is fragmented and inadequate. The World Meteorological Organization has therefore decided to give greater priority to strengthening operational hydrological services and to improve monitoring and forecasting.  This is key to tackle issues of too much, too little or too polluted water and supports operational management, planning and decision support. The World Meteorological Congress – WMO’s top decision-making body – approved the way forward towards  new vision and strategy for hydrology and water resources after a special Hydrological Assembly, which heard calls to “count every drop because every drop counts.” “We need to think about water as our most precious commodity on the planet,” said WMO President David Grimes (Environment and Climate Change Canada) . “The impacts of climate change means that there is no time but now to organize ourselves to help decision- makers around the world address such an important issue. “ The Congress approved eight long-term ambitions that should guide the development of WMO activities relevant to water: No one is surprised by a flood; Everyone is prepared for drought; Hydro-climate and meteorological data support the food security agenda; High-quality data supports science; Science provides a sound basis for operational hydrology; We have a thorough knowledge of the water resources of our world; Sustainable development is supported by information covering the full  hydrological cycle; Water quality is known; Congress also agreed to increase the involvement and participation of the broad hydrological community in WMO activities as part of WMO’s planned reform of its governance structures towards a more seamless earth systems approach embracing more integrated weather, climate, water, environmental and ocean services. “We want to open the doors wider for the hydrological community in the future,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. In many countries, meteorological and weather services are separate from hydrological and water services. Cooperation between these services, and with users, is a key to provide integrated and complete information need to support water-smart decision-making. Climate change, urbanization and pollution mean that water resources are stressed as never before. Water-related hazards like drought and flooding are becoming more serious, and a much greater proportion of annual precipitation is now falling in extreme precipitation events rather than spread more evenly throughout the year. Most rivers and fresh water bodies are trans-boundary and decisions by one country on water resource management often have implications for other countries, thus making water a potential source for both peace and conflict. And yet, many countries lack the capacity to monitor and analyse relevant data. This means that decisions on major infrastructure projects like dams or hydroelectric plants as well as urban planning are often made on the basis of outdated or incomplete information. For the first time, the quadrennial World Meteorological Congress therefore hosted a special three-day Hydrological Assembly, attended by 100 participants from more than 50 countries, to discuss a roadmap to ensure sustainable monitoring and decision support for the management of water resources and to support disaster risk reduction. At a high-level panel session, the Hon M. Abdel Aty, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Egypt, cited the example of the Nile river basin. He underlined the key role that scientific knowledge plays in contributing to the solution of trans-boundary water management issues and pointed to the need of reinforcing international collaboration in order to share the benefits from improved water resources management. The panel focussed on how to harness water as an instrument for peace and sustainable development. Key points emerging from the panel discussion were: Water is a key factor for life, environmental protection and sustainable development. Several stressors are affecting the water cycle, its resulting water resources distribution and availability. Special emphasis was given to climate change, population growth and water quality There is a lack of a single strong political voice for water within the UN system, and WMO should take a more proactive coordination and leadership role, focussing on its mandate in Operational Hydrology. There is a market potential for expanding hydrological data and services. WMO could contribute to strike a balance between particular and general societal interest. Collecting, managing and sharing data are fundamental for developing appropriate water management solutions. Data and knowledge are of fundamental importance for informing the decision-making process, particularly in international and transboundary basins. Water quality and quantity issues should be addressed in a holistic way. There is need for opening a dialogue with all users to take into account their needs. Congress approved the appointment of Jan Danhelka (Czech Republic) as chairperson and José Alberto Zuñiga Mora (Costa Rica) as vice chairperson of the Hydrological Assembly until the next session of the Hydrological Assembly is held. During the Hydrological Assembly, WMO and the Global Water Partnership signed a Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic collaboration to achieve the objectives of Integrated Water Resources Management. This builds on existing initiatives, including integrated programmes on flood and drought management. An integrated, cross-sector approach to water resource management is vital because water investments are spread across many institutions and different levels of government. WMO has a number of additional water-related initiatives, including the Flash Flood Guidance System. Additionally, WMO is responsible for the direction of the the World Water Data Initiative, which was implemented under the leadership of the Australian Government and the World Bank. Better data is key to better management of water. With these developments, hydrology is more prominent than ever in the WMO. Congress created new possibilities for a more effective integration of hydrology , climate science and meteorology to support its Members and to inform regional and global processes like the Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement. Water is the commodity of the 21st Century, WMO is responding the call of its Members to act on water issues now. Source:  https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-embarks-new-strategy-hydrology-and-water-resources  

  HEAT In case of heat, it is recommended: •,to close windows with shutters and curtains during the day, and to open them only for  night. If possible, during the hours of the highest temperature increase, you should stay at home and use air conditioning;  • to drink 1.5 - 2 liters of water daily, to avoid alcohol, as well as drinks containing caffeine and large amounts of sugar;  • to wear headwear and light-colored clothing, to limit sun exposure;   • diet should be changed in favor of summer salads, mineral water, juices and cold soups; • to drivers not to drive under the sun if  car is not equipped with air conditioning.   FOREST FIRE AREA • do not make a fire in a dry forest or on a moor. Do not set fire to dry grass in fields or glades in the forest; • ever leave a fire unattended! Keep the prepared fuel in about three to five meters from the burning fire; • if the fire is just beginning to flare up, try to bring down the flame with a broom from green branches or throw it with earth. Report the incident to the nearest locality or forestry; • if the fire is strong, your task is to leave dangerous place as soon as possible; • to avoid windbreaks: dry trees and grass flash instantly;  • relatively safe places are plowed field, large wasteland or rocky ridge.  THUNDERSTORM If storm caughts you off guard: • to avoid detached trees; • while working in the field, leave  metal tools; • do not stand under open umbrella; • do not touch electrical objects and take them out of your pockets; • turn off cell phone (there were cases when an incoming call caused lightning strike); • if possible, wait out storm in the car;  • stay away from tall metal structures; • do not bathe, do not ford the river, move away from the reservoir; • it is impossible to lie on the ground, since the earth is a good conductor of electricity and lightning can get into it; • try not to be at the highest point on the ground.  

From 21 to 30 June 2019 the Republic of Belarus will host the II European Games, which are held every four years under the leadership of the European Olympic Committees - international integrated sports competitions among athletes of the European continent. In a framework of the II European Games will be held competitions in 15 sports. Competitions in 10 sports will be qualifying for XXXII Olympic Games 2020 in the city of Tokyo.  Competitions will be held at the largest sports facilities in Minsk, including stadiums "Dynamo", "Minsk-arena", "Chizhovka-arena".  Organization and holding of the Games in Minsk is a landmark event in sports life of Europe. It will strengthen the authority and confirm the reputation of the Republic of Belarus as a socially oriented state, which pays primary attention to the promotion of Olympic values, healthy lifestyle, development of physical culture and sports.  Reference belfacts.by     

World Environment Day, established by UN is celebrated every year on June 5th. For all ecologists and environmental organizations this date is one of the main ways to attract world attention to environmental issues, as well as to stimulate political interest and appropriate actions aimed at protecting the environment.   The holiday was proclaimed in 1972 at 27th session of UN General Assembly (Resolution No. A / RES / 2994 of December 15, 1972). The chosen date was June 5 –  the day the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment began its work (Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment). Then came creation of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Man is a creator and at the same time the creator of his environment, which ensures his physical existence and provides him with opportunities for intellectual, moral, social and spiritual development. In the course of long and painful evolution of humanity on our planet, as a result of accelerated development of science and technology, man acquired the ability to transform his environment in unprecedented scales to this day. Both aspects of human environment, both natural and man-made, are crucial for their well-being and for basic human rights, including even the right to life itself.   The celebration of this Day is designed to arouse in everyone the desire to contribute to environmental protection and to encourage as many people as possible to take action in order to prevent growing burden on the planet’s natural life support systems.  Message from the Head of United Nations on the Occasion of the Environment Day The theme of this year’s World Environment Day is air pollution. Around the world - from megacities to small villages - people breathe polluted air. It is estimated that nine out of ten people in the world are exposed to air pollutants which concentration exceeds standards specified in World Health Organization's guidelines on air quality. Because of this life expectancy of people in different countries of the world decreases, state of economy getting worse.   Take part in the company #beatairpollution”     Here are some examples: Use public transport, car sharing, bicycle or walk by foot,  Use a hybrid or electric vehicle and order an electric taxi,   Turn off car engine when parking, Reduce own consumption of meat and dairy products to help reduce methane emissions, Compost organic food waste and recycle inorganic waste, Switch to the use of highly efficient heating systems and equipment, Save energy: turn off lights and appliances when they are not in use, Give preference to non-toxic colors and furniture.  References calend.ru , un.org  

  Representative of Belhydromet took part in annual meeting concerning European Union's Copernicus Emergency Management Program on May 21-22, 2019.   14th annual meeting concerning European Copernicus Emergency Management Program finished in Stresa, Italian Republic. It was organized by Copernicus EMS. Representative of Belhydromet – head of water regime studying Kvach Elena took part in the meeting.  The event was attended by representatives of all organizations included in this program, including quick mapping service, risk mapping, European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) and Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) (EFFIS & GWIS), European and Global Drought Observatories (EDO & GDO) and European and Global Flood Awareness System (EFAS & GloFAS).      The event discussed issues of interaction between partner organizations of European Union’s Emergency Management Program Copernicus (Copernicus EMS), presented resources and new EFAS interface.   Photo: Copernicus 

  XV Republican Environmental Forum will be held on June 7-8 in Novogrudok (Grodno region). Special theme of event – “Sustainable development of small towns: global challenges and local solutions”.   Forum’s program is oriented on realization of execution President of orders on  restore order on the land and landscaping, creating favorable conditions for living in cities, effective system  of waste management, preservation of biological and landscape diversity for future generations and other important orders on question of environmental protection.  Minister of natural resources and environmental protection Andrei Khudyk notes, that special theme of Forum reflects one of key tasks for Belarus and whole world society. It is   preservation of natural resources for future generations.  “The need to build a balanced management system  “man - environment – economy” is recognized by world community as main condition for achieving sustainable development of life on Earth. Our state takes environmental problems very seriously. Firstly National Sustainable Development Strategy was developed in 1997. Now National Sustainable Development Strategy is being prepared for the period until 2035. Ways of overcoming global environmental threats associated with climate change, waste management, conservation of biological and landscape diversity have been identified. We have achieved high results in this direction, and for further sustainable development of Belarus they need to be consolidated.  Today it is time to unite efforts of Belarusian cities, large and small, in search of effective ways of further sustainable development. XV Republican Ecological Forum is held for this purpose, which will be unique opportunity to meet and exchange experiences of representatives of cities, universities and academia, private business, international organizations, and public. Representatives of environmental authorities of public administration in a number of foreign countries are also invited to participate in forum. In total, more than 1,000 participants and tens of thousands of Grodno residents are expected to attend the event.     Venue of the forum was also chosen not by chance. The head of state has determined a course for development of small settlements, creation of comfortable living conditions in them. Novogrudok is city that is one of the flagships in the field of sustainable development of medium and small cities. In 2017, Novogrudok became a pilot city of Green Cities project, and today it is a worthy base for replicating experience   On March 15 Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Andrei Khudyk, visited main facilities of 15th Republican Environmental Forum during working visit to Novogrudok district. Minister met with the Chairman of Novogrudok Regional Executive Committee Sergey Fedchenko, with whom he discussed the final program of Forum and timing of the preparation of facilities for events. Also, head of environmental department discussed organizational issues of the Forum in working order with chairman of Grodno regional executive committee, Vladimir Kravtsov.  REFERENCE: Republican Ecological Forum has been held in Belarus since 2003. Over the years, forum events were held in Orsha, Gorki, Polotsk, Braslav, Myadel, Rechitsa, Grodno, Brest, Molodechno, Bobruisk, Mazyr, Minsk, Vitebsk. Ecological forum has developed its traditions - it always becomes a significant event in the life of city in which it is held. The forum is organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection with the assistance of local executive and regulatory bodies, international organizations and partners.  The forum is held in order to consolidate and activate all strata of society in solving problems of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources, to maximize the involvement of citizens of the republic in the environmental movement, improve ecological culture of the population of the republic, promote principles of sustainable development. Delegations include employees of environmental services of the Republic of Belarus, CIS countries and other foreign countries, representatives of organizations (enterprises), representatives of media, public associations.  Forum is attended by members of Government of the Republic of Belarus, representatives of government bodies, republican and local public associations, media, creative teams, various age groups of people.  Source: minpriroda.gov.by