Workshop on flood and drought early in Madagascar

The Malagasy government, in collaboration with UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrology Program, the USACE, Princeton Climate Institute and University of Southampton, has unveiled the MDG-FDM, a cutting-edge tool for monitoring weather patterns and predicting floods and drought conditions. This system, which was launched at a workshop in Antananarivo on September 25-26, 2024, is expected to enhance disaster preparedness, and contribute to improving agricultural productivity, and optimizing water resource management.

Participants in the workshop, from the Government of Madagascar, UNESCO, USACE, PCI and University of Southampton

The Government of Madagascar, through the National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC), the UNESCO team, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officially launched a system called the Madagascar Flood and Drought Monitor (MDG-FDM). For several years, Madagascar has experienced an increasing number of natural disasters primarily due to climate change. The MDG-FDM is primarily designed to support the government's efforts in monitoring weather phenomena and forecasting floods or droughts early enough for relevant authorities to take necessary measures and prevent future disasters. Furthermore, the system can benefit the agricultural sector by providing advice on the optimal time for sowing to optimize production, and the water sector as a whole by assisting in the management of hydraulic dams. The workshop brought together 55 participants from various entities in Madagascar, interested in understanding how technology can benefit them and meet their needs. This technology will be made available to the Malagasy state with the support of UNESCO and its collaborating partners, including USACE.