How do strong partnerships and ownership amplify development collaboration outcomes?

The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) together with the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center (UHMC) and Hydrometeorological Center Black and Azov Seas (HMC BAS) concluded a four-year long hydrometeorological development collaboration project, called UFIM, at the end of year 2025. The project was funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The UFIM project aimed at digitalizing UHMC’s weather and marine service capabilities as well as strengthening professional competence. A strong regional and international collaboration component was included, involving several European partner organizations to mutual hydrometeorological information sharing.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 fundamentally changed the project’s implementation conditions. Despite the prevailing situation, the project achieved outcomes beyond original expectations. In the Annual meeting of the European Meteorological Society, the lessons learned on the enablers of successful project implementation will be introduced. 

Among the others, the key enablers included UHMC’s strong ownership, including commitment to institutional change, and a willingness of staff to adopt and apply new skills. Open communication between project partners supported agile responses and timely adjustments throughout the implementation period of project.

The development strategy of Ukrainian government for hydrometeorological services set a clear pathway to modernize UHMC and HMC BAC, and further, support the digitalization of their operations. The organizations were able to respond effectively through the implementation of UFIM project together with FMI. The commitment and support of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the host organization of UHMC, helped amplifying the outcomes of Finnish Ukrainian collaboration in the field of hydrometeorology. The coordination and collaboration with European partners further supported strengthening the project's achievements.