Climate Predictions in Pacific Island Countries

Education and Training Services for “Enhanced Application of Climate Predictions in Pacific Island Countries”

The objectives of this project are to expand seasonal forecasting capabilities within the National Meteorological Service (NMSs) of participating Pacific Island Countries, and to enhance the prudent use of seasonal predictions by client groups in climate-sensitive industries for decision-marking and planning. The ultimate aim is to develop, within the NMHS of participating countries, a sustainable seasonal prediction capacity and service.

Over a 3 year period 10 Pacific Island Countries will receive training at a number of levels.

Firstly, each NMHS will be provided with and trained in the applications of new prediction software. A series of 1 week workshops were conducted in most particpating countries in late 2004.

The second phase of training will be targeted at end users, the beneficiaries of improved prediction services and their application, which will include government agencies and private companies with interests in eg. agricultural development, health services, coastal engineering, water resource management and the like. These workshops were conducted in the first half of 2005.

The third phase will include a series of pilot studies demonstrating the benefits of applying the range of prediction products projects provided and cover a range of issues including:

• Improving NMS Capacities in Media, Public Awareness and Communications,
• A Fisheries Guide: Communicating Meteorological and Oceanographic Information to Pacific Island Marine Stakeholders,
• Climate Forecasting in Water Management, and
• Climate Forecasting in the Sugar Industry.

The pilot projects will be delivered by way of workshops in selected countries during the period November 2005 - June 2006.

For more information about this project see: www.bom.gov.au/climate/pi-cpp/index.shtml