Communication to the two outer islets of Ribono and Nuotaea in Abaiang, Kiribati can be extremely challenging as information, especially when there are weather warnings in effect, tends to be mainly received through radio and word of mouth when people travel in between the islands.
With funding assistance from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) through the Finland-Pacific (FINPAC) Project and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)-Canada Project, in partnership with the Government of Kiribati, communities in Ribono and Nuotaea came together for the first time last week to discuss the hazards, warnings and what actions people can take to better prepare for situations such as drought, strong winds, extreme spring tides and inundation which are regarded as the most common weather related hazards experienced across Kiribati.
Complementing the Whole of Island Approach, the end results to be achieved through this project are to develop a Community-Based Early Warning System and a Community Climate and Disaster Resilient Plan for the two islets.
"This project is really good for our communities, it is important for us to ensure that warning information is delivered as soon as possible and received by people especially those on these two islets," said the Mayor of Abaiang, Mr. Ngaluega K. Iatakee.
A team of national experts from the Kiribati Meteorological Service (KMS), Kiribati Red Cross Society and the Ministry of Internal Affairs together with the support of the Abaiang Island Development Committee facilitated the process through participatory focus group discussions in the two islets.
It was the first time for some of the KMS staff to be involved in the process.
"This experience has been very helpful for us, to sit down with the leaders, the men, women and youth and talk about the hazards and warning information. It will definitely help us improve with our work so that people can access and be able to use the information we provide to plan for predicted periods of drought, storm surges and so forth," said Climate Officer, Ms Kamaitia Rubetaake.
These activities were coordinated in partnership with the Kiribati Red Cross Society, who has been working with many communities across Kiribati. Technical support was provided by SPREP and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Traditional taro pits now underwater in Nuotea Islet, Kiribati. Photo credit: Salesa Nihmei
For further information contact SPREPs FINPAC project manage, Christina Leala-Gale ([email protected]) .