Fact sheet – Climatology and Climatic Variability of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

Title of the course
Training workshop on Climatology and Climatic Variability of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Rationale
Integrated assessment of marine environment in the region shall be based on a wide of range of data and information. This requires promotion of regional capacities, strengthening of networking and exchange of experience, which will harmonize the process of data collection, monitoring, analysis and regional synthesis.
Recognizing this, the PERSGA annual training program regularly incorporates training workshops aiming at promoting capacities and networking in the region on various themes related to integrated assessment of marine environment.
Climatic data, and climate characteristics and variability of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are essential elements in the sustainable process of integrated assessment of marine environment. Understanding and prediction of climate variability requires skilled capacities and capabilities for collecting solid observational data, and carry out data analysis and modeling.
The current workshop is intended to support promote capacities and networking among PERSGA countries in this field, with emphasis on climatic characteristics and variability in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Objectives
The workshop is designed to assist enhancing knowledge on climate of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and promotion of regional capacities and cooperation in approaches for collecting, analysis and modeling climatic data through providing:

• Review of climatic characteristics, phenomena and climate variability in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region;
• Review approaches to collecting observational/climatic data, synthesis, building archives and database of climate data and information;
• A platform for discussing approaches to regional networking among PERSGA countries; enhancing regional cooperation in climate observation, joined assessments and research, exchange of data, climate analysis, variability and modeling; Seasonal predictions, Medium-range weather forecasts and experience.

Participants
Participants of this workshop will be selected based on their qualifications and career; they shall include specialists working at government agencies responsible for meteorology, climate observation, prediction and modelling, and related environmental agencies.
The total expected number for this course is not to exceed 25 participants.
Date and Duration
The duration of the workshop is three working days and it will be conducted during January 10-12, 2011.
Location
PERSGA HQ, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Organizers
The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA).

Language
The training language is English. Arabic will be used as an auxiliary medium where appropriate.
Training Materials/References
Details to be provided at a later stage
Instructors/Keynote speakers
Details to be provided at a later stage g