Strengthening hydrometeorological capacity in Moldova (SHC Moldova)
SHC Moldova is a programme aiming to strengthen hydrological, meteorological and climatological information services in Moldova. It is implemented in collaboration between SMHI and our Moldovan sister agency – State Hydrometeorological Service of Moldova (SHS). The programme runs from 2024 to 2029.
Moldova, like other countries, is increasingly affected by the changing climate. This includes more frequent weather extremes such as floods, droughts and extreme heat, which threaten the well-being of the population. It also impacts on infrastructure and the economy, including the important agricultural sector, in a country that is one of Europe’s poorest. To minimize damages, accurate forecasts and timely warnings are essential.
River in Moldova.
Strengthening capacity
The project aims to strengthen the hydrometeorological capacity of SHS – the Moldovan national provider of meteorological, hydrological and climate data – and improve disaster risk warnings. The focus is on data management, forecasting and disaster risk communication skills.
Implementation through six work packages
The project is implemented through training missions, on the job collaborations, workshops, and institutional development, within six work packages (WPs):
- Information Technology (IT)
- Historical data
- Meteorological forecasting
- Hydrological forecasting
- Early Warning Services
- Sustainable Institution
Each WP is assigned a lead both from SMHI and SHS, who collaborate to liaise and implement the activities in their respective WP.
SMHI’s role – from hands on to advisory
From SMHIs side, the initial focus will be technical hands-on cooperation and governance support. The project will build institutional competencies and capacity through working closely with SHS in upgrading existing technology, working procedures and routines, including how to communicate vital weather and climate information to the public.
First year – project kick off and study visit in Sweden
The official project kickoff was held in Chișinău in November 2024, with participants from Sweden and Moldova as well as a number of regional and international organizations.
SMHI and SHS colleagues at the kickoff in December 2024.
In June 2025, SMHI hosted colleagues from SHS for a study visit at our offices in Sweden.
Visiting hydrological stations during the study visit in Sweden.
SHC Moldova
Focus area: Moldova
Subject area: meteorology, hydrology, climate
Duration: 2024-2029
Partners: State Hydrometeorological Service of Moldova (SHS)
Funder: The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Budget total: 3 150 000 USD
