The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is supporting research on the experiences of the Finland-Pacific (FINPAC) Project and how it is enabling the provision and use of community-relevant multi-hazard information for disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.
The FINPAC Project aims to contribute to reduced vulnerability of Pacific communities to the impacts of climate change through improved National Meteorological Services with funding support from the Government of Finland.
The research focusses on the FINPAC Project in Vanuatu in Epau which is implemented by Vanuatu Red Cross Society (VRCS), Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) and other members of the national coordination team.
It aims to identify ways to connect the national makers and community users of information so that timely, ongoing, culturally appropriate and community-relevant hazard information is made available, accessible, understandable and actionable.This includes mechanisms and knowledge systems that support and connect national and community based Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems.
Ms. Patricia Wilden, the researcher, a PhD Candidate at the Australian National University worked with VMGD for a year in the areas of communications, outreach and partnership, she was also involved in provincial workshops similar to the FINPAC model, with VRCS.
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"I have been fortunate to work with SPREP, IFRC and their national affiliates on this research. There are a many good things that have already been captured coming out of the FINPAC model, especially where National Meteorological Services, National Disaster Management Office and Red Cross Societies come together to plan and support communities build their resilience through better understanding and use of weather, climate and early warning information," said Ms. Wilden.
According to the FINPAC Project Manager, Ms Christina Leala-Gale, "we are excited about the research as it is another platform to share the successes, challenges and lessons learnt from the community interventions of the project".
The research aims to deliver both practical and academic outcomes so findings from the research are shared with stakeholders and partners before publication.
For further information please contact [email protected].