There is no doubt that COVID-19 affected CREWS projects globally in the timing and progress of activities and the mode of their delivery. National institutions’ capacities to operate as normal were hampered, while travel restrictions affected abilities of both national and international partners to provide services. However, each CREWS project found ways to keep going to some degree.
Our ambition, nevertheless, remained undimmed. By year end, the CREWS Initiative was supporting 57 countries directly or through regional projects. Another three – Cambodia, Dominican Republic and Lao People’s Democratic Republic – are supported through Canadian government funding.
In addition, Pacific and West Africa regional projects were extended in scope, duration and participation with all three implementing partners now involved. For Pacific Island States, although COVID-19 delayed matters, phase II includes activities to improve hydro-met governance. In West Africa, CREWS is strengthening capacities for sustainable regional climate early warning and piloting local warning services in Sierra Leone.
Twelve country, sub-regional and regional proposed pipeline projects and additional funding for the Caribbean underline both the need for, and growing recognition of, effective early warning and climate services in delivering multiple global and national goals.
