Strengthening integration of traditional knowledge in modern science for seasonal forecasting in Vanuatu.

26 September 2025, Port Vila, Vanuatu – A week-long training focused on developing traditional knowledge-based seasonal forecasts is currently underway for the Vanuatu Meteorological Services Department. The initiative is supported by the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) and aims to strengthen the integration of Indigenous environmental knowledge into national climate services.

Across Vanuatu, communities have long relied on traditional indicators such as early, heavy, or extended fruiting of trees like mangoes to anticipate seasonal changes and extreme weather events, including tropical cyclones. These observations, passed down through generations, form the basis of traditional seasonal forecasting systems that help communities prepare for floods, droughts, and other climate-related challenges.

The training brings together climate officers, IT specialists, and community representatives to refine the use of these indicators and incorporate them into digital tools such as the Climate Watch App. This approach not only preserves valuable cultural knowledge but also enhances the relevance and accessibility of climate information for local communities.

“It’s empowering to see our traditional knowledge being recognised and used alongside scientific methods,” said John Rueben, Acting Manager, Climate Division from the Vanuatu Meteorological Services. “This training helps us ensure that our communities are better prepared for the impacts of extreme weather and climate events and climate change.”

“The use of science and traditional knowledge to forecast extreme weather and climate events is a big step forward. It gives us tools to communicate climate risks in ways that make sense to our people,” said Siosinamele Lui, COSPPac Traditional Knowledge Advisor for SPREP.

Climate officers participating in the training also shared their reflections.

“This training is helping us connect the dots between what communities observe and what we see in our traditional climate monitoring data,” said Joseph Worwor, Climate officer for the Vanuatu Meteorological Services. “It’s a powerful way to build trust and improve how we deliver forecasts.”

“We’re learning how to document traditional indicators more systematically, which will help us improve seasonal forecasts and make them more locally relevant,” Mr Worwor added. “It’s also a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with communities.”

By combining scientific data with traditional insights, the Vanuatu Meteorological Services Department is taking a significant step toward more inclusive and locally grounded climate resilience strategies. 

“The ultimate measure of success for any initiative is its tangible, lasting impact on the ground. This Traditional Knowledge Seasonal Forecast Training is a powerful model of sustainable development. For Vanuatu, the benefit is twofold: it's about building resilience and reinforcing cultural sovereignty” said Sunny Seuseu, SPREP Manager, VanKIRAP project.

“By systematically integrating generations of Indigenous environmental knowledge with modern scientific data, we are not just creating more accurate forecasts; we are co-creating climate services that are truly by and for the people of Vanuatu. This approach ensures that vital early warnings are communicated in a language and context that communities inherently understand and trust” added Seuseu.

The Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific Phase 3 (COSPPac3) project is a four-year project funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Government of New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), which aims to support Pacific National Meteorological and Hydrological Servies to deliver useful and usable climate and ocean information services to enable all Pacific peoples to remain resilient to the impacts of climate change and disasters. It is jointly implemented by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the Pacific Community, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Siosinamele Lui at [email protected].