2 August 2019, Apia, Samoa - “We do not need to ‘dumb down’ our terminology and language. What we need to do is to raise people’s understanding of that language.” 

This was one of the messages shared during the first day of Mana classes for Meteorological Service Directors and officers, which is taking place in Apia, Samoa 

The Mana Classes aim to support Directors and other senior personnel of Meteorological and Hydrological Services in their endeavour for effective communications skills.

In the effort to build a resilient Pacific island region, countries and partners across the region are dealing with a need for new analysis and guidance for climate projections. These tools will help them better deal with climatic disruptions and events. 

To grapple with these issues and build on lessons learned from the Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning (PACCSAP) is the ‘Next Generation Climate Projections for the Pacific.’ (Next Gen)

The Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (Van-KIRAP) project supported the Climate Division of the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department carried out the rescue of thousands of historical records as well as a major cleaning up of the archive room, removing dust and brightening up the National Climate Archives.

VMGD is the custodian of Vanuatu's meteorological data that dates back to the 1950's and longest complete records in the Pacific region. 

Better resilience outcomes for 60% of Vanuatu’s population is a result of enhanced climate information and technology infrastructure.

The enhanced Vanuatu Climate update (VCU), Monthly Climate Summary and the Early Alert Rainfall Watch are tailored climate products that are circulated every month by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) to targeted development sectors: tourism; agriculture; infrastructure; water and fisheries.

The The Vanuatu Klaemaet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (Van-KIRAP) project conducted a training workshop in March 2019; to develop an Environment and Social Safeguards Plan (ESSMP).

The Van-KIRAP Environment and Social Safeguards Plan is a Green Climate Fund (GCF) and SPREP requirement that the project activities to be looked at through environmental and social lenses to see how the Van-KIRAP project can contribute to improved environmental and social management in Vanuatu and ensure no harm is caused.

The Vanuatu Klaemaet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (Van KIRAP) project held its third Steering Committee (Van-KIRAP SC-3) Meeting on 28 May 2019 at the Melanesia Hotel, Port Vila, Vanuatu.