Having a fully operational observational network is not an easy task, even for a well developed NMHS and moreover for the less developed ones. It involves a full spectrum of professional, financial and legal concerns, from basic maintainance to pressing IT considerations. Multiple development projects aimed at improving and strenghtening national observational networks were far from being successful, where one of the main reasons is everything related to education and training.

During the talk, GeoSphere Austria's findings will be presented, as for the "why it did not", some understanding as for "what could have worked better" and some ideas for "what should be, nevertheless, done".

Without a proper operational observational network, any other services provided by NMHSs will be always lacking in quality and quantity and hence, solving this issue should be a main priority of the international capacity development community.

Last modified: Thursday, 20 November 2025, 8:23 PM