Hidrológiai Közlöny 2001 (81. évfolyam)

4. szám - Hajós Béla: Magyarok a nemzetközi szervezetekben és a határvízi együttműködések

246 Developments and Accomplishments of the Commission for Hydrology from 1984 to 1993, from the Seventh to the Ninth Session Ö. Starosolszky, president of CHy 1984-1993 The addresses of Max Kohler, Eugene Popov and R. H. Clark have brought back good many memories, the history of the Commission. My precedessors were excellent specialists of the hydrology and contributed meritoncally to the global international hydrology and water resources. Thus, their rich heritage encouraged me to follow their pathways during my service since the fourth session of the Commission held in Buenos Aires up-to the tenth session held in 1996 in Koblenz. In this period I had the duty to serve as member of the Advisory Working Group, and chairman of working groups, hydrological advisor to PR of Hungary, vice-president (1980-84) and president (1984-1993). This was an unforgettable experience and I am grateful for the continuous support of the staff of the Hydrology and Water Resources Department of the WMO Secretariat, particularly its directors, during this period: J. Nemec, J. Rodda and D. Kraemer who contributed basicly to improve hydrology within WMO. The results of the Commission's programmes and activities had and now still have significant influence in the planning and development of hydrology and water resources of the hydrological services in the Member countries. The Hydrology and Water Resources Programme is one of the major programmes of the WMO. In the spite of continuos efforts of my precedessors and my follower there are still expectations, which could not be achieved in the proper place of hydrology in order to, reinforced position within the organization. We can hope that the future of hydrology in WMO will be more promising then the past was, due to reinforcement of the position within the constitution, as basic Commission. In this report an attempt is made to summarize major events and achievements through the period of my service, as president of CHy. The number of both Member countries represented in CHy and of the experts nominated by the Member countries were gradually increased during the period 1984-93. More than two thirds of WMO Members have delegated one or more experts to represent them. However, the representation of the Countries on the sessions of the Commission was not so promising. Important issues In the period several important issues were initiated, progressed, implemented or executed. Among them the most important are, as follows: HOMS, Guide, publications, INFOHYDRO WHYCOS etc The Hydrological Operational Multipurpose Subprogram (now System), HOMS was launched and the first edition of HOMS References Manual followed by the second one. HOMS Reference Centres were established in several countries as focal points for the operation. More than 100 National Reference Centres had been established. The Reference Manual had become available in English, French, Russian, Spanish and Chinese, and supplements have been issued. More than 400 technological components used in operations. HOMS remained a dynamic programme and a successful concept. Appropriate and timely changes have been performed to keep the components up-to-date. Among the permanent publications the Volume III of the Technical Regulations was amended, and new fifth edition on Guide to Hydrological Practices was published, as major standardization products. The Guide reflects the improvement in hydrology and covers groundwaters, water quality and sedimentation, as well. Guide to Hydrological Practices One of the most basic means of helping Hydrological Services is by providing detailed guidance for their dayto-day activities. The Guide to Hydrological Practices contains just that type of material - a recipe book for hydrologists and much more. The Guide, last published as the fourth edition in 1981, has been completely revised through the efforts of more than 50 authors and an extensive editorial process. It consists of 59 chapters covering the entire field of operational hydrology, as it is currently perceived, with its applications to water management. The fifth edition, published in 1993, includes many of the scientific and technological advances which have taken place since the 1970s: radar-measurement of rainfall, loggers using solid state memories, the application of personal computers, geographic information systems and the like. It discusses a wide range of hydrological models including distributed models and contains information on how to select one for a specific purpose. The Guide also deals with urban water-resources management, sustainable water development, irrigation and drainage and similar topics relevant to water management. Standardization WMO is deeply involved in standardization over its range of responsibilities, including those concerning hydrology and water resources. Standardization is important to ensure consistency of instruments, practices and procedures from one nation to another. The three volumes of the WMO Technical Regulations are the main publications concerned with standardization. Volume III, dealing with hydrology, was updated during 1992. Long-term planning became a regular activity within WMO and was endorsed by Congresses and commission's sessions. The 10 years plans include four-year term periods, which enables the WMO participation on different meetings organized by other water oriented bodies. The most important event was the UN Conference on Water and the Environment held in Dublin, January 1992, where the president of CHy was elected as vicepresident of the Conference. The Dublin Statement and