National Strategy and Framework for Weather, Climate, and Ocean Services nearing completion
National Strategy and Framework for Weather, Climate, and Ocean Services nearing completion
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) and its stakeholders completed the review of the “National Strategy and Framework for Weather, Climate, and Ocean Services” on Thursday last week.
The National strategy is a document developed to chart a course for the SIMS for the provision of effective weather, climate and ocean services for a period from 2023 to 2028.
This is a very important piece of planning document given the fact that Solomon Islands is highly vulnerable to weather and climate conditions. The experiences we are currently going through in terms of hydro meteorological conditions and coastal erosion can be attributed to climate change and sea level rise.
In his remarks to participants of the review Deputy Secretary Corporate for the Ministry of Environment climate change disaster management and meteorology Mr Karl Kuper said that the Solomon Islands National Development Strategy has prioritised “ Resilient and environmentally sustainable development with effective disaster risk management, response and recovery” under its 4th objective. The achievement of this is dependent upon effective weather, climate and ocean services, providing information on how these conditions and associated hazards may affect people, socio economic activities and the environment”.
He added that the Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology’s (MECDM) corporate plan 2022 – 2024 also captured the idea in the following strategies under SIMS
- Regulating governance and operational framework in accordance to international, regional and national standards and practices
- Enhance relevant, timely, accurate and accessible meteorological and ocean services
- Modernize integrated infrastructure and supporting services
- Explore relevant scientific knowledge research and capacity development
Mr Kuper stressed that we as a nation must be resilient and support sustainable development through the application of weather, climate and ocean services. Reliable and timely weather and climate information and forecast can improve safety, prosperity and livelihood of all Solomon Islanders and preserve our natural resources.
“This strategy will focus on addressing the needs of the sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, food security, tourism, energy, water resources, public health, transport, disaster management, and infrastructure, and strengthens the entire value chain for production and application of weather, climate, and ocean services to address these needs and reduce of loss of life due to disaster events.”
The SIMS hopes that the document when complete will provide the desired guidance for partnership at the national level that is required to effectively provide climate services for informed climate-sensitive decision-making, and effectively contribute to sustainable development and resilience-building of communities and economies.
The SIMS wishes to thank the World Meteorological Organisation, Climate Risk Early Warning project for funding and facilitating the review. The consultant for this work is Tonkin, and Taylor (New Zealand) which supported SIMS to draft the document, which was discussed.
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