Belarus and Russia discuss cooperation in hydrometeorology

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Maksim Lysenka noted that today, in the face of climate challenges, the countries face tasks to improve emergency warning systems, maintain the high quality of hydrometeorological forecasts, modernise environmental and radiation monitoring, and adapt to climate change. Belarus and Russia share many years of cooperation in the field of hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring. According to Maksim Lysenka, interaction between the state meteorological services of the two countries is a successful example of cooperation within the Union State.

"The radar network of Belarus and Russia has been combined into a single system. This makes it possible to respond more promptly to weather challenges. In addition, our countries are working together on import substitution of hydrometeorological equipment and components," he said.

The agenda of the meeting includes practical issues of developing the industry. One of the main areas is digitalisation. "The countries are moving towards automated analysis of meteorological data. The pilot project on obtaining meteorological information from aircraft is important. Its implementation will improve flight safety and the efficiency of the countries' aviation," the minister added.

Another area of cooperation is the use of satellite data for the needs of the agro-industrial complex. Belarus can share with Russian colleagues its experience in monitoring atmospheric air and developing a network of weather stations. "At least five new weather stations are opened in Belarus every year. We are ready to share our developments and also to learn from Russia's experience," Maksim Lysenka noted.

Head of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of Russia (Roshydromet) Igor Shumakov added that the agenda of the meeting also includes the updated system of global information exchange of the World Meteorological Organization. "Belarusian colleagues are successfully developing information technologies and are not inferior to Russian and foreign partners. Without their help and experience, it would be significantly harder for us to work in this area," he said.

According to the head of Roshydromet, a number of companies producing meteorological and specialised equipment have already entered the Russian market. "We have things to discuss and things to offer so that they can develop their activities on the Russian market more comfortably," Igor Shumakov said.

Over the years of cooperation, the countries have developed and implemented four Union State programmes. Roshydromet and Belhydromet participated in joint activities of Russia and Belarus to protect the population and rehabilitate territories affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident. A draft programme of the Union State on the modernisation and development of the Union State radiation situation monitoring system using mobile platforms for radiometric measurements for 2027–2029 has also been prepared.