1. R. Kolli Chief World Climate Applications & Services Division
Polar Regional Climate Centres
Arctic Polar RCC-Network
R. Kolli Chief
World Climate Applications & Services Division

2. Background
Polar RCCs and Polar RCOFs have been the subject matter of discussion on several platforms since 2008, in the context of developing climate services for the Polar Regions (WMO CLIPS/IPY/WCRP Workshop).
EC-PHORS has expressed sustained interest in exploring the application of RCC/RCOF concepts to the Polar Regions, and encouraged further development of the idea through its Services Task Team (STT).
RCCs and RCOFs constitute key elements in the implementation of the GFCS, particularly in its Climate Services Information System (CSIS) pillar.
Both Cg-17 and EC-67 emphasized the importance of RCCs and RCOFs for the Polar Regions.
Polar Regions are among the target areas for a Canada-funded Programme for implementing GFCS on regional and national scales. 2

3. Scoping Workshop on Climate Services for Polar Regions
In the frame of the Canada project a “Scoping Workshop on Climate Services for Polar Regions: Establishing Polar Regional Climate Centres – Towards Implementing an Arctic PRCC-Network” was held from 17 to 19 November 2015 in Geneva as a first step towards developing an implementation strategy for an Arctic PRCC-Network.
To prepare for the Workshop, WMO conducted a Survey among the countries represented on EC-PHORS, on the “Needs and Capacities for Polar RCC Services”, to which there has been an excellent response (70%).
The survey results clearly indicate the requirements for, and capabilities to run relevant PRCC services, and moreover a strong interest by the concerned Members to contribute to PRCC activities.
EC-PHORS STT was closely engaged with the planning and technical preparations for this workshop, which brought together the key stakeholders to:
explore opportunities and challenges relating to polar climate monitoring and prediction services and the underpinning data inputs; and
build on the Survey results to hone the PRCC concept including the priority functions of the PRCCs and the implementation strategy.

4. PRCC Scoping Workshop Session Topics
Participants from 15 countries with active polar interests
CCl/CBS and RA WG representation
Clear indication of interest and requirements for establishing an Arctic Polar RCC-Network
Expression of national capabilities, expertise and commitment in producing relevant products and providing services
Initiation of potential mapping of national capabilities for populating the Arctic PRCC-Network
Session Topics
Existing WMO systems, processes and structures relevant to PRCC
GFCS
EC-PHORS initiatives
National capabilities and initiatives
International partnerships
Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge
Breakouts: Observations/data; Research; Services
Polar Climate Outlook Forum
Antarctic/Third Pole Issues
Way forward

5. Arctic Polar RCC-Network
An RCC-Network model, with the key functions distributed over a network of host entities, is considered to be the most appropriate
Need to build on the experience of the establishment and operations of the RA VI RCC-Network
Two possible options
Nodes based on responsibilities for each of the mandatory/highly-recommended functions, with membership primarily from countries within or having territories in the Arctic region, with each node led by a host institution supported by a consortium of contributing entities (similar to RA VI RCC-Network).
Nodes based on responsibilities for specific geographical sub-domains of the Arctic region, each providing a range of functions both mandatory and highly recommended, adapting the list of functions to the regional needs (greater coordination overhead).
Either way (including a possible combination of the two), the network should ensure a seamless and complete RCC functionality for the entire Arctic.

6. Next Steps Agreed for Arctic Polar RCC-Network
Seek formal endorsement of the implementation approach from RAs II, IV and VI as well as EC-PHORS;
Follow a well-planned timeline towards an implementation plan;
Seek formal expression of intent of Members to contribute to an Arctic PRCC-Network;
Draft a Concept Paper on the implementation approach;
Develop an Arctic PRCC-Network Implementation Plan (including identifying Node leads and consortia, Arctic PRCC-Network Web Portal, open vs restricted product access etc.);
Seek commitment of contributing Members and start demonstration (follow WMO RCC designation process in consultation with CCl, CBS and Secretariat)

7. Concept Paper on Implementation Approach
Governance (part of it will be informed by the descriptions of the core functions);
Available WMO products and how to manage them in a cost-effective manner in the PRCC context;
Include products important for the stakeholders, even beyond the defined RCC products
A range of options for implementation: RCC-Network design with geographical specialization and relevant cross-node activities
Possible mixed models with a combination of geographical and functional distribution to be explored
Capacities/capabilities: Input obtained from Arctic-PRCC participating countries on potential national contributions ;
Other partners to be brought in;
Outreach/communication to gauge the level of interest in the PRCC concept;
Capture the issues and outcomes of the PRCC Scoping Workshop.

8. EC-68 Endorsement
The Sixty-eighth session of WMO Executive Council (EC-68, June 2016), considered the recommendations of the Scoping Workshop on Polar RCCs led by EC-PHORS
Particularly attention was drawn to the specific steps to work towards the implementation of an Arctic PRCC-Network with Members expressing interest in sharing responsibilities with the functions distributed over several nodes
EC-68 adopted Decision 7(1)/3 (EC-68) endorsing the Arctic PRCC-Network as a joint initiative between WMO Regional Associations (RAs) II, IV and VI.
EC-68 also requested that a draft implementation plan be developed in a coordinated manner, and be brought to the attention of EC-69 for further consideration (a version endorsed by the concerned stakeholders, if available).
Requested guidance from EC-PHORS, CCL, CBS and JCOMM.

9. Thank you