“We are losing one long-term climate dataset every two years in the Pacific. This is a crisis. Despite increased investment in climate finance, we are seeing a decline in climate data—largely due to sustainability and maintenance challenges.”
These were the words of Mr. ‘Ofa Fa’anunu, Weather Ready Pacific Programme Manager based at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), as he opened the Pacific’s inaugural workshop on Observation Networks and Maintenance Planning last November.
Held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in partnership with Earth Sciences New Zealand, the workshop brought together senior representatives from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), members of the Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC) , and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) along with regional experts in multi-hazard networks and asset management.
The workshop marked a critical milestone in the implementation of WRP’s decadal investment programme, endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2021. Participants undertook a regional stocktake of observation infrastructure, started developing national maintenance plans, and reviewed standardisation guidelines to ensure robust and sustainable systems. Earth Sciences experts in meteorological and multi-hazard early warning observations contributed to discussions, and a refurbishment plan for priority stations in 2026 was advanced.
“Reliable weather and climate observations are the backbone of early warning systems and climate resilience,” said Mr. Fa’anunu. Earth Sciences NZ looks forward to continuing this work in partnership with SPREP and the PMC as the region collectively works to protect, and revitalise, the networks and datasets that underpin Pacific resilience.
For more information: https://www.sprep.org/news/weather-ready-pacific-hosts-first-regional-workshop-to-strengthen-observation-networks