Fijians are becoming more aware of the importance of accurate and consistent information during times of natural disasters.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon Mere Vuniwaqa, at the World Meteorology Day celebrations in Suva today. At the event, the Minister said the weather office plays a vital role in providing the essential information on the weather and climate.
Building on theme for this year’s celebration “Climate Knowledge for Climate Action”, she said the timely and correct information on climate variability was very important to the livelihood of people with very few now contesting the evidence or the need to take responsibility on climate change.
“Climate knowledge can and must support this process, helping decision makers at all levels to make better decisions with available information,” she said.
Speaking on the situation on the ground, Mrs Vuniwaqa said she had seen firsthand the impact of encroaching seawater to sugarcane farms in the North with the soil salinity affecting the livelihood of people who for decades depended on the land.
Government for its part continues to boost the capacity and capabilities of the Fiji Meteorological Services (FMS) with a budget allocation of $5.7m in 2015 since it provides timely advice to climate sensitive sectors.
“Today, the average weather forecast of five days in advance is as skillful as the two-day forecast 25 years ago and seasonal climate forecasts have become increasingly skilful,” Minister Vuniwaqa said.
She said Government will continue to work on expanding weather and climate monitoring network; in further improving predictive capabilities and introduce new methods and techniques including climate models.
“The Bainimarama Government is committed to all Fijians to provide an essential service that is aimed to reduce the loss of life and property caused by disasters and other catastrophic events related to weather, climate and water,” the Minister said.
To commemorate the day, the FMS office at Fletcher Road had an open day where schools were invited to take a tour of the office and the booths displaying weather and environment related materials.