Weather and climate data for resilience
A new way of financing surface-based observations
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ABOUT THE SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATIONS FINANCING FACILITY
The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) aims to close the climate and weather observations data gap.
SOFF works in countries with the most severe shortfalls in observations, prioritising the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. By providing long-term financial and technical assistance, SOFF contributes towards a global public good.
SOFF is working to deliver sustained compliance with the Global Observing Basic Network.
SOFF MISSION STATEMENT
In order to save lives and livelihoods as well as protect property across the whole globe, we must improve the availability of weather and climate observations from the most data sparse areas. This includes weather forecasts, early warning systems and climate information services.
The lack of such observations limits countries' capacity to adapt to climate change and build resilience.
Numerous global agreements recognize that successful action on climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience and poverty reduction depends on high-quality weather and climate services, and on the capacity to make informed decisions and take appropriate steps in light of that information.
SOFF funding is a foundational investment that underpins the effectiveness and sustainability of the investments of other development and climate funds in full complementarity.
SOFF UN MULTI-PARTNER TRUST FUND
SOFF is a United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund (UNMPTF) created by World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) in 2021.
EARLY WARNINGS FOR ALL
Warnings are only as good as the data they are built upon.
SOFF is a foundational element and delivery mechanism of the UN Secretary General’s Early Warning for All Initiative launched in 2022. The Initiative calls for the whole world to be covered by an early warning system by the end of 2027.
THE GLOBAL BASIC
OBSERVING NETWORK
(GBON)
CLOSING DATA GAPS IN THE GLOBAL BASIC OBSERVING NETWORK
The current gaps in global surface-based data significantly impact the quality of weather and climate services locally, regionally, and globally.
In 2021, 193 members of the World Meteorological Organization agreed to a set of global standards, the landmark agreement Global Basic Observing Network (GBON).
SOFF was created to support the implementation of the GBON commitments by providing long-term financial and technical assistance to support the generation and international sharing of basic weather and climate observations.
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SOFF FUNDERS
Together, SOFF’s funders are committed to systematically and speedily closing the climate and weather data gaps, and working to provide a global public good. SOFF is very grateful for the pledges to date. All funders of the SOFF UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) are decision-making members of the SOFF Steering Committee.
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Austria
Denmark
Finland
Netherlands
Nordic Development Fund
Norway
Ireland
Iceland
Spain
USA
SOFF UN Fund
funding approved
HOW SOFF OPERATES
SOFF systematically addresses the persistent problems that cause missing observations by providing support through the combination of four key features:
deployment of a global approach with sustained high-quality international data exchange as a measure of success;
provision of innovative, long-term finance for sustainable progress towards Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) compliance
enhancement of technical competencies through peer-to-peer advisory support
leverage of partners‘ resources.
Support to countries is provided in three phases: Readiness, investment and compliance. This is implemented through a close collaboration between beneficiary countries, implementing entities and peer advisors, consisting of advanced national meteorological services.
DOCUMENT LIBRARY
SOFF BROCHURE
This document gives an overview of the creation of SOFF, its contribution to climate action, operations, delivery goals as well as partners and supporters. Download now
SOFF Terms of Reference
This document define the purpose and structures of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund (UN MPTF). Download now
SOFF Operational Manual
This Manual contains the operational and governance policies, rules and procedures of SOFF. It builds on and complements the SOFF Terms of Reference. Download nowLATEST NEWS
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