THE WORLD HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE OBSERVING
SYSTEM (WHYCOS)

WHYCOS is a WMO programme aiming at improving the basic observation activities, strengthening the international cooperation and promoting free exchange of data in the field of hydrology. WHYCOS was launched by WMO in association with the World Bank in 1993.

Its objectives are to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities of Hydrological Services; enable greater efficiency in the

acquisition and dissemination of water-related information by strengthening cooperation at the river basin, regional and global levels; promote  the  international  adoption  of  common  standards and provide much improved knowledge of the status and trends of the world's freshwater resources, as a basis for setting priorities and planning international actions.

WHYCOS is being developed in the form of regional components HYCOSs. The first steps in implementing WHYCOS have been made through the regional HYCOSs in the Mediterranean (MED-HYCOS), Southern Africa (SADC-HYCOS), and West-Central Africa (AOC-HYCOS). They have been made possible by collaboration between WMO, the World Bank, the European Union and the Government of France.

Important product WHYCOS - regional data sets which have consecutive quality and can be used in preparation of water resources asessment and management.