The Republic of Vanuatu has launched a new Framework for Climate Services, making it the first Pacific Island nation to reach this milestone. The successful provision of climate information and services remains a challenge for many Pacific Island nations due to financial and resource constraints. The Vanuatu Framework for Climate Services (VFCS) addresses these issues by helping its people to manage and adapt to climate variability and change through sustainable and accessible climate services. These services are particularly important for Vanuatu, which may bear many of the impacts of climate change such as:
- sea level rise, which can result in coastal erosion;
- storm inundation and salt-water contamination of groundwater in the country; and
- heightened sea temperatures, which may intensify tropical cyclones and lengthen the cyclone season.
The development of the VFCS involved over 100 participants from local communities, provincial governments, government sectors and non-governmental organizations. Discussions focused on assessing the relevance, reliability and content of the current climate information services provided by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazard Department (VMGD). It also included mechanisms to foster greater integration and dissemination of information to the most remote and rural communities on the island.
Guided by the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), the VFCS also examined existing linkages with global, regional and national frameworks, strategic plans and policies. A list of 18 recommended actions were provided, as well as a Roadmap for Strengthening Climate Services, which includes a suggested prioritization, timeframe and indicative associated costs.
The Framework was prepared by the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd in consultation with the VMGD, with financing from the Climate Investment Funds through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Strategic Fund, administration by the Regional Technical Support Mechanism at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and support from the WMO and regional partners.
For more information, read the Vanuatu Framework for Climate Services (VFCS).
