23 March 2001

Bonn, Germany: Millions of volunteers in every country of the world read instruments and pass along critical data on local conditions to help track weather patterns each year, noted Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Coordinator of the Bonn-based United Nations Volunteers programme.

Speaking Friday at a ceremony marking World Meteorological Day, Ms. Capeling-Alakija hailed the efforts of volunteers who often work at remote meteorological stations under demanding conditions.

"While satellites and other sophisticated technologies provide a great deal of information, meteorologists also need to know what is happening in the real world," she said, adding that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) depends on volunteers to get on-site information, which is known as "ground truth".

According to WMO, the theme of World Meteorological Day 2001--"Volunteers for weather, climate and water"-- was chosen to recognize all voluntary contributions, including those of individuals, governments, academic institutions and civil society to the advancement of the sciences of meteorology and hydrology. The theme also coincides with the UN-designated International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV 2001).

It was appropriate, said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Godwin O.P. Obasi, to join the world community this year in paying tribute to the volunteers who have been making significant contributions to meteorology, hydrology and the related geophysical sciences.

Over the past 30 years, UN Volunteers have also taken up assignments as hydrologists, aeronautical forecasters and oceanographers contributing to the success of WMO initiatives.

"Yet many more among the almost 5,000 UNVs who each year serve the causes of world peace and development have joined forces with WMO's volunteers," said Ms. Capeling-Alakija "While volunteer meteorologists collect data in support of the struggle to stem desertification, UN volunteers lead reforestation efforts in arid regions. And where volunteer storm spotters are on the alert against cyclones and tornados, UNVs are first on the ground when natural disaster strikes."

Currently, 20 UN Volunteers are coordinating emergency relief efforts in Mozambique. Some 80,000 people had to flee their homes following the recent floods that hit the southern African country with full force again this year.

"After the devastating earthquake in the Indian State of Gujarat, 35 UN Volunteers are sharing tents with villagers whose homes have been reduced to rubble. They help remove heaps of debris, organize shelter and counsel those traumatized by the loss of loved ones and their livelihoods," she said.