Pacific islands meteorological strategy 2012–2021 sustaining weather and climate services in Pacific island countries and territories

"National Meteorological Services (NMSs) underpin economic growth and sustainable development in the Pacific Islands region. The weather and climate services provided by NMSs significantly contribute to the safety and well-being of Pacific people and communities and support key economic areas including agriculture, aviation, forestry, fishing, water resources, energy industries, transportation and tourism. In addition, these services are crucial to enhancing resilience to and reducing vulnerability from natural hazards and the effects of climate variability and climate change. The Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC) has adopted the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy to ensure that NMSs have the capacity to fulfill their responsibilities over the next decade. Its Vision is: "National Meteorological Services of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) are able to provide relevant weather and climate services to their people to make informed decisions for their safety, socioeconomic well-being and prosperity and sustainable livelihoods." The Strategy identifies four priority areas for action: ■ Improved weather services, in particular aviation, marine and public weather services. ■ Improved end-to-end Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS). ■ Enhanced infrastructure (data and information services) for weather, climate and water. ■ Improved climate services. The Strategy sets out priority areas in a Matrix of Pacific Outcomes and Activities that can be undertaken at national, regional and international levels. The priorities and actions are supported by a set of institutional partnerships that bring together PICTs and development partners to support meteorological (weather and climate) services in the Pacific Islands region."