ASEAN Weather Modification Centre

Principles, Reasons, and Importance of the ASEAN Weather Modification Centre

The ASEAN Weather Modification Centre (AWMC) has been established to operate under the auspices of the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Meteorology and Geophysics (ASEAN SCMG), in response to the increasing frequency and severity of droughts and water-security-related disasters in Southeast Asia.


This initiative aims to advance weather modification technologies and integrate innovative atmospheric water management techniques, emphasizing cooperation and voluntary participation among ASEAN Member States (AMS) along with cooperating and dialogue partners.


The AWMC serves as a regional platform dedicated to enhancing weather modification technologies and promoting the exchange of information and technology. Its objectives include increasing precipitation during extreme dry conditions exacerbated by climate change and mitigating air pollution and regional haze, addressing critical environmental and public health issues caused by natural disasters.

The urgency of achieving water security has been
recognized at both global and regional levels.

In 2003, the United Nations established an interagency mechanism on water security as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This initiative aimed to provide substantive coherence in water security projects at regional and national levels. In 2016, the UN further emphasized water security by including a goal in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for integrated water resources management through transboundary cooperation by 2030. Climate change has a profound impact on various sectors globally, particularly on environmental systems, leading to increased weather intensity and higher risks of water insecurity.

According to an Asian Development Bank Report, water resources in Asia will be under enormous pressure, with estimates indicating that up to 3.4 billion people could be living in water-stressed areas by 2050. At the regional level, ASEAN countries face two significant challenges. Notably, the increasing drought conditions have severely impacted ASEAN, especially its least developed countries, leading to water deficiencies. According to the Weather and Climate Extremes Journal in 2015, these nations have been suffering from escalating droughts. In response, the ASEAN Working Group on Water Resources Management (AWGWRM) was established to enhance the effectiveness of water resource management.

Moreover, the ASEAN region also faces severe smog from forest fires every year due to climate change.

This persistent haze problem, often exacerbated by high levels of PM 2.5 from forest fires, has led to the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, involving collaboration among specialized meteorological services from each ASEAN country. Weather modification is recognized as a viable method to augment precipitation in dry areas and dispel haze and smog caused by drought or land burning. The AWMC plays a crucial role in facilitating these efforts, promoting regional cooperation and the adoption of advanced technologies to combat environmental challenges. Through these initiatives, Southeast Asia is taking proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for its people.

Pain Points in Weather Modification Operations

Posing significant challenges for the ASEAN Weather Modification Centre, these obstacles necessitate a coordinated effort to elevate best standard practices, secure funding, and enhance scientific understanding and technological capabilities within the region.

  Policy Challenges

Policy challenges involve transitioning into the digital era to respond to disruptive technology, requiring accurate, modern, and timely information to deliver modern, convenient, and accessible services.

  Climate and Precipitation Patterns

Precipitation patterns in the ASEAN region are increasingly diverse and complex both spatially and temporally, especially due to topological differences across various areas. Severe climate change has led to extreme weather events such as rainstorms, droughts, and wildfires, making some countries in the region highly vulnerable to climate-related issues and significant weather variability.

  Public Awareness and Confidence

Public awareness for disaster management conducted by weather modification activities is crucial. Some people lack confidence in the safety, efficiency, and economic value of operational results, partly due to insufficient clear and informative communication.

  Sustainable Development and Green Growth

Sustainable development and green growth align with the region's policy of promoting a green economy and the United Nations' SDGs. Therefore, effective ways must be sought to lead missions while considering ecological limits, environmental impact, and low-carbon development.

  Financial Constraints

Financial constraints present a significant barrier, as sustainable funding is necessary for ongoing research, development, and operational activities.

  Legal and Regulatory Hurdles

Legal and regulatory hurdles further complicate matters, as each member state has its own set of laws and policies governing weather modification, making cross-border collaboration and the implementation of joint projects more challenging.

  Complexity of Atmospheric Processes

The complex nature of atmospheric processes and climate change often hampers the effectiveness of weather modification efforts, making it difficult to achieve consistent and reliable outcomes.

Overview of Weather Modification Operations
in ASEAN and Dialogue Partners

Weather modification activities across these countries underscore a shared commitment to addressing climate challenges through innovative approaches, aiming to enhance resilience against weather extremes and ensure sustainable development. Each country's efforts reflect tailored strategies to meet specific environmental and agricultural needs while navigating the complexities of climate variability.

  • Thailand

    Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA)

    Thailand has maintained consistent cloud seeding operations over the past decade, primarily aimed at mitigating droughts and managing water resources. The efforts, led by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA), reflect a proactive approach to addressing water scarcity through technological interventions.

  • Indonesia

    Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG)

    Indonesia has strategically used cloud seeding as part of its disaster management framework, focusing on mitigating the impacts of droughts and floods. Coordinated by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), these operations demonstrated Indonesia's commitment to leveraging technology for environmental resilience.

  • Malaysia

    Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia)

    Malaysia has employed cloud seeding to enhance rainfall and manage water resources during periods of drought. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) oversees these efforts, highlighting Malaysia's proactive stance in using weather modification techniques to ensure water security.

  • Philippines

    Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

    The Philippines has integrated cloud seeding into its disaster risk reduction measures, focusing on augmenting rainfall during dry spells and enhancing water availability. Managed by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), these operations play a crucial role in safeguarding agricultural productivity and water security.

  • China

    Weather Modification Center (WMC)

    China’s weather modification efforts, led by the Weather Modification Center (WMC) with aircraft, rocket, ground-based generator, artillery, UAV and drone focus on enhancing rainfall, reducing hail damage, and improving air quality. Utilizing advanced technologies like cloud seeding with aircraft and rockets, these initiatives effectively address water shortages and support agriculture, contributing to overall environmental management and resilience.

Establishment Timeline of ASEAN Weather Modification Centre

The establishment of the ASEAN Weather Modification Centre (AWMC) represents a strategic effort to enhance regional capabilities in weather modification and address the pressing challenges of climate change, such as droughts and water management. The AWMC's creation involved thorough feasibility studies, extensive consultations among ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners, and the drafting of comprehensive terms of reference. The AWMC is designed to foster scientific collaboration, standardize methodologies, and promote sustainable practices in weather modification across Southeast Asia.

1984

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Royal Thai Government organized the First ASEAN Seminar on Weather Modification and Evaluation Techniques in Chiang Mai, Thailand from December 9-16.

1988

The WMO organized the Consultation on Weather Modification for ASEAN Countries in Thailand from April 25-29.

1989-1993

The Applied Atmospheric Resources Research Program (AARRP) Phase I in Thailand, initially backed by the Royal Thai Government (RTG) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has established the capacity to develop, implement, oversee, and assess scientifically-grounded, cost-efficient precipitation augmentation initiatives.


Several meetings of the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Meteorology and Geophysics (ASEAN SCMG) have culminated in a tentative agreement to collaborate towards achieving the common goals of their respective national rainmaking initiatives, while the ASEAN nations agreed in principle that Thailand should be the centre of joint research activities.



1994

Thailand hosted the ASEAN Workshop on a Scientific Plan for an ASEAN Cooperative Weather Modification Project in Cha-Am, Thailand from March 2-5. During this workshop, ASEAN participants drafted a Memorandum on the Proposed ASEAN Cooperative Weather Modification Project.


The Memorandum was formally endorsed at the 17th Meeting of the ASEAN SCMG from July 26-30.


The 16th ASEAN SCMG meeting recommended Thailand to host the ASEAN workshop on weather modification. However, the workshop was not held due to limited funding and the reorganization of the Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation.

1995-1999

AARRP Phase II, exclusively supported by the RTG, has extended the efforts on scientific research and integrated them with the ASEAN Cooperative Weather Modification Project.


2017

The 39th ASEAN SCMG meeting in the Philippines, supported by Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, proposed the workshop on ASEAN Weather Modification. Thailand was selected to host this workshop in the second quarter of 2018, in accordance with the Meteorological and Geophysics work plan under the SCMG framework.

2018

ASEAN Workshop on Weather Modification 2018 held to share experiences in tropical cloud seeding and discuss collaborative work within the region.

2019

Training on Understanding Cloud Nature and Weather Modification for Water Resources Management in ASEAN conducted to enhance participants' skills, transfer knowledge, and promote collaboration in weather modification technology for sustainable water resources management.


At the 41st ASEAN SCMG meeting in Singapore, it was decided to strengthen collaboration on weather modification among ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners. Thailand was assigned to develop a concept note and terms of reference (TOR), and to provide a full proposal for an ASEAN Working Group/Centre on Weather Modification.

2020

Thailand developed a concept proposal of ASEAN Working Centre on Weather Modification.


The concept proposal was circulated to AMS for consideration/comments.


Thailand received comments provided by Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore.

2021

Thailand drafted TOR of Establishment on ASEAN Weather Modification Center (AWMC) according to ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) and Singapore comments.


Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines held a teleconference meeting to edit the first draft of TOR together on 5 November.


Thailand updated at SCMG-42 meeting that after the draft concept proposal was circulated, the first draft of TOR was developed in response to AMS's comments.


The second draft of TOR was circulated to AMS by ASEC and further revised and developed to be the final-agreed text of TOR by AMS.

2022

The final-agreed text of TOR was circulated to AMS for final approval.


SCMG-43 meeting expressed in principle to support the TOR submitted by Thailand.


TOR was submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat’s Legal Division (LSAD) for comments before submission to COSTI for endorsement.


LSAD commented that "The TOR" does not seem to create AWMC as a legal entity under the domestic law of an AMS or through a legal instrument among AMS.

2023

Thailand was informed by ASEC to have internal coordination with SCMG Chair and members to conclude the endorsement.


Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), International Affairs Branch (On behalf of SCMG Chair) suggested to seek SCMG member’s endorsement for the AWMC’s establishment at SCMG 44.


MSS requested ASEC to circulate the latest copy of the AWMC TOR’s to SCMG Members


Thailand proposes the endorsement of TOR on AWMC establishment at SCMG 44th meeting.


The 44th ASEAN SCMG meeting in Bohol, Philippines, endorsed the TOR for AWMC establishment. This was further tabled to COSTI for endorsement.


Thailand, through DRRAA, proposed to host an ASEAN Regional Seminar on Weather Modification 2024 as an implementation activity under AWMC cooperation.

2024

AWMC was also announced at the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-20)


Establishment of the AWMC Secretariat and appointment of key personnel


Development of the AWMC digital interactive platform for information sharing and best practices.


The ASEAN Regional Seminar on Weather Modification 2024.

Up Next  Future Plan


Evaluation of initial projects and training programs, refinement of methodologies and practices. 



Expansion of AWMC activities, including new research initiatives and increased participation from international organizations.


Annual AWMC meeting to review progress and set priorities for the upcoming year.


Regular AWMC meetings to review activities, share updates, and plan future initiatives.


Ongoing research, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing activities to enhance regional weather modification capabilities.

Missions of ASEAN Weather Modification Centre

To enhance the capacity of AWMC members in mitigating droughts and other related disasters in a sustainable manner through:


  Promote Scientific Exchange

Facilitate the exchange of scientific information, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices related to weather modification among ASEAN member states

  Collaborative Research and
      Development

Encourage joint research initiatives and the development of new weather modification techniques and technologies

  Capacity Building

Strengthen the capabilities of weather modification personnel through training, seminars, workshops, and academic exchanges

Organizational Structure