SOLOMON Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) and the Australian Bureau for Meteorology (BOM) launched a twinning partnership at the SIMS Office at Vavaya Ridge in Central Honiara on Tuesday.
The Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Trevor Mahaga, in his remarks at the launch, expressed gratitude to the Australian High Commission and BOM for their commitment to this vital partnership.
Minister Mahaga welcomed the partnership between the Australian Government and Solomon Islands Government through their technical agencies responsible for weather and climate.
“This is not a new partnership, but a partnership that has its own history and goes a long way back. In fact, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service was initially established as an outstation of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology,” he said.
Minister Mahaga highlighted the necessity of effective weather monitoring, particularly given the geographic proximity of the two nations.
He pointed out that weather and climate do not recognise political boundaries as he reflected on the impact of recent natural disasters.
“Last two weeks or so, we experienced the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which started along the coast of Queensland and travelled over the coral sea towards Solomon Islands and then returned and did a lot of damage to parts of Queensland.
“Monitoring and providing important information to the authorities and the general public
during such times for decision-making is critical,” Minister Mahaga said.
“This new partnership aims to strengthen the capabilities of the SIMS by enhancing their disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, which is critical in a country already facing challenges from severe weather events,” he added.
Minister Mahaga emphasised the importance of data sharing, innovative technology and skills transfer through such partnership.
“It is through partnerships like this that we can achieve meaningful advancements in our capacity to predict, respond, and mitigate the impacts of tropical cyclones and other severe weather events.
“Through skill transfer, technical support and sharing of innovative technologies, we will empower our Meteorological Service to better protect our communities and preserve our natural resources
The Australian High Commission’s Minister-Counsellor Lindsay Buckingham, in her remarks, reiterated Australia’s support for the improvement of Solomon Islands resilience to climate change impacts.
Ms Buckingham conveyed enthusiasm for the twinning arrangement, which will facilitate training and development in meteorological practices and emphasised that this initiative builds on decades of cooperation between the two countries in forecasting and disaster risk management.
“The partnership will strengthen weather observation and forecasting capabilities by introducing modern semi-automated weather stations and training programs aimed at developing local meteorological expertise.
“This partnership will save lives and minimise economic losses, fostering resilience among our communities.
“Australia have committed to support SIMS operational resilience and I am happy to say that under this new support, three staff members of SIMS are in Melbourne this time, doing Graduate Diploma in Meteorology, alongside forecasters from Australia and Papua New Guinea.”
By JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
