New Climate Centre Empowers Erromango Community with Lifesaving Information

9 September 2025. Ipota, Erromango, Vanuatu – The remote community of Ipota, close to 2,000 people are now better equipped to face the challenges of a changing climate and natural hazards, thanks to the official launch of its new Community Climate Centre (CCC).

The Centre, established by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) and the Van-KIRAP project, will serve as a vital hub for weather, climate, and disaster information.

The launch was capped by a four-day intensive workshop that brought together 48 participants from North and South Erromango, including chiefs, church leaders, teachers, nurses, and community members.

A key focus was ensuring equal representation, with women making up 50% of attendees and strong participation from youth and persons with disabilities.

Mr. William Bae Worworkon, VMGD’s Community Climate Centre Coordinator, emphasised the Centre's role in bridging a critical information gap.

"For too long, accessing real-time and seasonal climate forecasts and warnings has been a challenge for our remote communities," he said.

"The Ipota CCC, with its new Starlink internet connection, changes this. It puts vital, life-saving information directly into the hands of the people who need it most, empowering them to make informed decisions to protect their families, their gardens, and their livelihoods."

Workshop sessions covered a wide range of topics, from understanding tropical cyclone forecasts and seasonal climate outlooks to recognising volcanic and earthquake warning signs.

Participants also learned to use the ClimateWatch app to document traditional environmental knowledge, creating 18 new monitoring spots on Erromango.

The workshop employed strong Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approaches, including a dedicated session where participants simulated visual, hearing, and mobility challenges to build empathy.

This focus had a direct positive impact, empowering women with the knowledge and confidence to actively participate in community disaster planning and response, roles often dominated by men.

For many attendees, the training was transformative. Ms. Annalyne Rungu, the Nurse in Charge of the Ipota Dispensary where the centre is housed, has been appointed its Climate Champion.

"This information is a powerful tool for community health," she said. "Understanding climate risks helps us prepare for disease outbreaks after floods or droughts. As a woman and a caregiver, I now feel equipped to ensure our most vulnerable community members are not forgotten when disasters strike."

Mr. Remy Nambill, Area Administrator for North Erromango, highlighted the practical benefits for community resilience.

"Before, we relied on rumours or information that came too late. Now, we will have our own reliable source. This centre will help our farmers plan their planting, our fishermen understand sea conditions, and our entire community prepare together for cyclones. It gives us control and makes us stronger."

The Ipota Community Climate Centre is now operational, providing the community with unprecedented access to VMGD's forecasts and warnings, reliable climate information services fostering a new era of resilience and preparedness on Erromango.

The new Ipota Community Climate Centre is one of twelve community climate hubs in remote areas or “last mile” funded by the Green Climate Fund through the Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (Van-KIRAP) project.

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The Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (Van-KIRAP) project is a five-year, USD 22 million project which aims to support climate resilient development in Vanuatu through the development, communication, and application of climate information services to benefit agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, water sectors and communities.

It is funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme in partnership with the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and APEC Climate Center.

For more information please contact Mr. Sunny Kamuta Seuseu, VanKIRAP Manager on email: [email protected]