The Amazonian Network of Meteorological Service Authorities (RASEM) will strengthen information exchange, meteorological monitoring and technical cooperation among the eight OTCA Member Countries.
Brasília, October 19, 2026. The member countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) took a new step toward regional cooperation with the official establishment of the Amazonian Network of Meteorological Service Authorities (RASEM) during its first meeting, held virtually on Monday. At the meeting, the Network’s Rules of Procedure were approved and adopted, and Peru was elected to hold its first Pro Tempore Presidency through the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (SENAMHI), a public institution affiliated with Peru’s Ministry of the Environment.
The establishment of RASEM creates a permanent coordination mechanism among the meteorological authorities of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. Its purpose is to strengthen meteorological monitoring and surveillance in the Amazon region, promote the exchange of information and experiences, and develop joint technical capacities.
The new Network will enable greater coordination among national meteorological services, particularly in the exchange of data and forecasts, the integration of observation systems, and the strengthening of countries’ capacities. Meteorological information will also contribute to disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and enhanced resilience in the Amazon.
Peru Assumes the First Pro Tempore Presidency
During the meeting, the member countries elected Peru to hold the RASEM Pro Tempore Presidency, a responsibility that will be undertaken by SENAMHI for a two-year term, in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of Procedure.
In this capacity, Peru will be responsible for chairing meetings, coordinating work priorities and promoting technical cooperation initiatives among the region’s meteorological services, with the support of ACTO’s Permanent Secretariat.
A Framework to Promote Regional Cooperation
The approved Rules of Procedure establish three operational bodies: the Pro Tempore Presidency, the Meeting of Meteorological Service Authorities, and the Technical Support Group.
The Meeting of Authorities will serve as the main coordination and decision-making body, while the Technical Support Group, composed of experts appointed by the countries, will be responsible for preparing proposals, facilitating the exchange of meteorological information, and identifying opportunities for cooperation and capacity strengthening.
As a next step, the Technical Support Group will begin discussions to develop RASEM’s Work Plan and Roadmap, which will define regional cooperation priorities and actions and will be submitted for consideration by the Meeting of Authorities.
The establishment of RASEM follows up on the mandate issued by the foreign ministers of ACTO Member Countries to establish a regional meteorological cooperation mechanism. It also opens a new chapter in joint efforts to improve understanding of meteorological conditions in the Amazon and strengthen national capacities through regional cooperation.
