The Line Islands Group in Kiribati is two hours ahead of the capital Tarawa where the Kiribati Meteorological Service (KMS) is based. As such, the timely preparation of weather bulletins, in particular, weather warnings need to factor in this time difference.
There is much pressure placed on the KMS given the challenges they face in trying to deliver timely weather information such as the slow internet access. The KMS must also ensure the information is well understood by communities who are then able to take action based on what they have been told.
With radio being the most reliable channel of communication to reach people in the outer islands of Kiribati, the vital role of the media is key.
These were some of the points of discussion at the recent Media Training held in Tarawa by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) through the Finland-Pacific (FINPAC) Project on Reduced Vulnerability of Pacific island communities' livelihoods to the effects of climate change' through improved National Meteorological Services (NMSs).
Ms. Elaine Iuta Bwebwe, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Te Beretitenti in her opening remarks also encouraged the participants to use the opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the KMS and media in communicating reliable and timely information to the public, which is in line with the objectives of the training.
"I have been fortunate to learn more about the important work of the KMS and the challenges they experience on a daily basis" says Mr. Joe Tiira of Kiribati Update, a weekly newspaper in Tarawa.
The media training also helped to strengthen the confidence of KMS staff to work better with the media as they continue to improve the communication of weather, climate and early warning information to the different sectors and communities.
The Director of KMS, Mr. Ueneta To'orua, expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback provided by the media on how information can be further improved for the public - "we want the communities and stakeholders to use the information we provide therefore using the media to reach out to our remote communities becomes very important for us and we will continue to tailor the information for end-users".
He also conveyed his sincere thanks to the Government of Finland, SPREP and Mr. Samisoni Pareti who facilitated the training.
Joe Tiira of Kiribati Update listens on as Assistant Climate Officer of KMS Mr. Mauna Eria explains the Climate Outlook for Kiribati. Photo Credit: Ms. Azarel Mariner-Maiai
For further information contact SPREPs FINPAC project manager, Christina Leala-Gale ([email protected]).