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The Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) is a globally agreed framework that defines the most essential surface-based and upper-air weather observations required to support accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring and early warning systems worldwide. By strengthening the collection and international exchange of high-quality meteorological data, GBON helps close critical data gaps that limit forecasting accuracy, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.
Through the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), Madagascar is strengthening its national meteorological observing network to meet GBON requirements and improve the availability of essential weather and climate data. implemented by Madagascar’s National Meteorological and Hydrological Service, with UNDP support as the Implementing Entity, the project builds on priorities identified during the SOFF Readiness Phase and Madagascar’s GBON National Contribution Plan.
With a total budget of approximately US$4.9 million and a three-year implementation period (2025-2028), the SOFF Investment Phase will support the installation of new land-surface and upper-air stations, rehabilitation of existing stations, and upgrades to sensors, calibration approaches, and data management systems. The project also includes the establishment and upgrading of maintenance centres to strengthen operations and maintenance, ensuring sustained performance and compliance with GBON data-sharing requirements verified by the World Meteorological Organization.
Technical advisory support will be provided by the German Meteorological Service (DWD), supporting implementation quality, knowledge transfer, and alignment with international standards. By closing Madagascar’s weather and climate data gaps, the project will improve forecasts and early warnings for more than 30 million people nationally, while delivering wider benefits for weather prediction across Africa and the global forecasting system.
- National
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Expected outcomes
1. Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) institutional and human capacity developed
2. GBON infrastructure in place
3. Sustained compliance with GBON
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Madagascar is a large and geographically diverse island exposed to a wide range of climate hazards, including tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and heat stress. Because of its size, varied topography, and location in the southwest Indian Ocean, different parts of the country experience distinct hazard profiles and levels of exposure. However, Madagascar’s national meteorological observing network faces significant limitations, as identified through the WMO Global GBON Gap Analysis. These gaps constrain the availability, reliability, and international exchange of essential surface-based and upper-air observations needed to support accurate forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems.
The project addresses these challenges by closing the most significant GBON data gaps identified in Madagascar’s GBON National Contribution Plan. It focuses on upgrading existing surface stations, installing new Automatic Weather Stations where rehabilitation is no longer economically viable, and establishing an additional upper-air radiosonde station to improve vertical atmospheric observations. Given the country’s scale and logistical constraints, the approach prioritizes sustainability through the establishment of regional maintenance centres, strengthened calibration capacity at headquarters, improved power supply through solar solutions, and resilient data transmission and storage systems. Together, these measures are designed to ensure continuous, high-quality observations and long-term compliance with GBON requirements.
Implementation will be led by Madagascar’s National Meteorological and Hydrological Service, with support from UNDP as the SOFF Implementing Entity and technical advisory support from the German Meteorological Service (DWD). The project is aligned with national priorities and complements ongoing regional and international initiatives, including Early Warnings for All, regional climate services programmes, and other hydrometeorological investments. By strengthening institutional, technical, and operational capacity, the project aims to deliver sustained national benefits while contributing reliable observational data to regional and global forecasting systems.
1. Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) institutional and human capacity developed
1.1 National Consultations conducted
1.2 NMHS institutional capacity developed
1.3 NMHS human capacity developed
2. GBON infrastructure in place
2.1 New land- based stations in place
2.2 Improved land-based stations in place
2.3 New upper-air stations in place.
3. Sustained compliance with GBON
3.1 GBON land-based stations commissioning period completed
3.2 GBON upper air stations’ commissioning period completed
Benjamin Larroquette, Global Advisor Early Warning Systems and Regional Technical Specialist, UNDP benjamin.larroquette@undp.org