International data centres like the GRDC ensure access to and use of data with a long-term perspective. We closely collaborate with other global data centres within the Global Terrestrial Network – Hydrology (GTN-H) to improve the exchange of information and data, e.g. by the provision of special data products based on composite datasets.
The network was established in 2001 as a „network of networks” to support a range of climate and water resource objectives, building on existing networks and data centres, and producing value-added products through enhanced communications and shared development. GTN-H is a joint effort of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS, which is co-sponsored by the World Meterological Organization (WMO), UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO IOC) and the International Science Council (ISC).
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Global Terrestrial Network for Hydrology
GEMS/Water Data Centre
The GEMS/Water Data Centre operates the global water quality database and information system GEMStat of the UN Environment Global Environment Monitoring System for Water (GEMS/Water). GEMStat provides scientifically-sound data and information on the state and trends of global inland water quality required as a basis for the sustainable management of the world’s freshwater to support global environmental assessments and decision-making processes.
The Data Centre is part of the International Centre for Water Resources and Global Change (ICWRGC) and hosted by the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) in Koblenz, Germany. Countries and organisations voluntarily provide water quality data from their own monitoring networks to GEMStat. The water quality data available in GEMStat can be used for status evaluation, policy-making, research purposes or within the scope of education and training initiatives.
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International Data Centre on the Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs (HYDROLARE)
The establishment of an international data centre on lakes and reservoirs (HYDROLARE ) as a member of the family of global data centres closes one of the most critical gaps in surface water observations. The centre is hosted by the State Hydrological Institute in St Petersburg, Russian Federation, and operates under the auspices of WMO.
The International Data Centre on the Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs (HYDROLARE) is the youngest data centre operating under the auspices of the WMO. The first meeting of the Steering Committee of the HYDROLARE took place at the State Hydrological Institute (SHI) in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 14-15 June 2007.
The signed agreement to establish the International Data Centre on the Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs (HYDROLARE) was exchanged between WMO and the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring on Friday, 20 June 2008.
The GRDC has supported HYDROLARE from its initial stages by serving on the Steering Committee and through providing valuable insights and experiences on the operation of such a centre directly and in a joint GRDC – HYDROLARE Workshop held in Koblenz in June 2010.
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Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC)
The Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) provides global precipitation analyses for monitoring and research of the earth’s climate. The centre is a German contribution to the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and to the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).
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International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC)
IGRAC has been founded to promote the acquisition and processing of groundwater data and to facilitate the exchange of groundwater knowledge for the benefit of all those who have a stake in groundwater. The Centre has adopted a demand-driven approach: within its fields of activity it will prioritise those activities that are prompted by the international groundwater community, using criteria such as urgency, actuality, feasibility and willingness to co-operate.
IGRAC is located at the UNESCO Institute for Water Education (IHE) Delft, The Netherlands.
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