Weather experts to gather in Raro

Weather experts will be meeting in Rarotonga from Monday to review climate services and discuss the region's needs.

Considering that weather, climate and water-related events and climate change have significant impacts on the socio-economic development of Pacific nations, the World Meteorological Service, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and key partners have organised a Regional Consultation on Climate Services for Pacific Small Island Developing States from March 31 to April 4 at the Crown Beach Resort.

Objectives of the meeting are to:

• Review the current status of climate services in the region and assess specific needs in the initial four priority areas (agriculture and food security; water; health; and disaster risk reduction) regional, national and local levels;
• Review and characterise the current status of interfacing mechanisms and interactions between climate services providers and users, identify major areas for improvement and recommend effective mechanisms and practices;
• Articulate the capacity building needs for the region, in terms of mandates, infrastructure and human resources, in all the components of GFCS;
• Discuss and recommend improved arrangements for national observation networks, enhanced research and analysis of national and local climate issues including impacts indicators, improved access and utility of climate data and predictions. -- Release