13 March 2013: The Global Water Partnership (GWP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have launched an Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP). The Programme was announced on the sidelines of the High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy (HMNDP), and it focuses on building drought resilience to support global poverty reduction.

Through an integrated approach to drought management, the provision of policy and management guidance, and the exchange of scientific information and best practices, the IDMP aims to: build climate resilience; reduce economic and social losses; and alleviate poverty in drought-affected regions. Key principles of the Programme include a shift from reactive to proactive measures, the integration of vertical planning and decision-making processes and capacity building for all stakeholders.

According to the GWP and WMO, the major output from the IDMP will be a coherent global framework for drought management, prediction and monitoring created through an interconnection of new and existing programmes and activities. Alongside the framework, IDMP will develop guidelines and tools, such as a Drought HelpDesk to promote and support the development of sound and appropriate drought policies and management plans. [GWP-WMO Press Release] [WMO-IDMP Website] [GWP-IDMP Website] [IDMP Flyer]