WMOD00399

• Title: WMO Training Workshop on Weather Modification for Meteorologists - Lecture Notes
• Date: 12/1/1979
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

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the selection of a suitable site for a major experiment, but would al~o provide a
basis for advice to individual Members in assessing the possibility of successful
precipitation enhancement projects in their own countries. These statements formed
the original basis for PEP and subsequent actions by the Executive Co~mittee of WMO
since the last Congress. I

Clearly, if WMO was to embark on such an ambitious and comp~ex inter-
national experiment as that outlined above, an appropriate organizational framework
was needed. In all stages of PEP, planning - perhaps the heaviest re~ponsibility -
fell on the Executive Committee Panel/CAS Working Group on Cloud Phys~cs and
Weather Modification, chaired by Professor Roland List, since it was necessary that
consideration be given to all the scientific aspects of the project. Now that the
project is entering the field observation stage, conducted in the ared around
Valladolid, the Precipitation Enhancement Project Board, consisting of representa-
tives of Members making major contributions to PEP, has the critical tesponsibility
of ensuring that sufficient and continuing resources are provided to achieve the
scientific objectives.

'"

Furthermore, WHO Congress laid special emphasis on the need to increase
the number of specialists in the field of cloud physics and its application to
weather modification. This Workshop is, therefore, a first step in the implemen-
tation of a programme of training which, it is hoped, can be expanded over the
coming years.

You will forgive me for taking time to emphasize the highlights of the
WHO activities in the field of this Workshop. I should, however, underline the
great importance which the WHO is giving to the scientifically sound iesearch
efforts directed to the subject of cloud physics and weather modification. Although
some experiments have apparently yielded positive results, the possibl,e practical
benefits of cloud and weather modification can be realised only through meticulous
preparation, execution and giving particular attention to the scientific evaluation
of experiments. To facilitate this, it is necessary to have closer international
collaboration, more intensive exchange of information between the research groups
which, WHO from its side, has always encouraged and facilitated, and r am convinced
this Workshop will contribute further in this direction.

We have a full detailed programme and I do not wish to go on, in further
detail. I should, therefore, like to add a word of warm thanks to the Workshop
Chairman, Professor Roland List, and to the invited lecturers who were a powerful
force in arranging for the Workshop.

Finally, on behalf of the Secretary General, I should like ~o thank, in
particular, the host country Spain, for making available the accommoda~ion for the
Workshop, and last but least, all the participants for coming long distances from
nearly thirty different countries:

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

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