The Tonga Meteorological Service (TMS) has concluded a seven-day training program to improve climate data services, focusing on the agriculture sector.
The training, part of the Climate Data for the Environment Services Client (CliDEsc) initiative, aimed to enhance TMS’s capacity to manage and interpret climate data. This effort is crucial for accurate forecasting and addressing environmental challenges.
Funded by the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac), the program addressed operational aspects, including familiarity with CliDEsc functions and customized climate services. Tonga’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters underscores the importance of TMS’s role in climate monitoring and communication.
Participants, including TMS staff and agriculture sector representatives, received hands-on experience with advanced climate monitoring tools and data analysis techniques. The training was conducted in collaboration with experts from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).
Ms. Seluvaia ‘Ilolahia, Head of Climate & Observations Division, emphasized the program’s significance, saying, “The training program was a crucial step in building our capacity to monitor and respond to the changing climate conditions in Tonga and the wider Pacific region.” She added that providing accurate, real-time climate data is vital for community safety and well-being.
The training covered topics such as climate prediction models, early warning systems, and the application of climate data in agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management. Two days were specifically dedicated to the agriculture sector to tailor climate services to their needs.
This initiative aligns with Tonga’s broader climate adaptation strategy and the TMS Strategic Development Framework (2023-27), aiming to strengthen the country’s resilience against extreme weather events. The program was made possible through partnerships with NIWA and funding from COSPPac, supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments.
Mr. Laitia Fifita, Director of TMS, highlighted the broader impact, stating, “We are not just training our staff to become better climatologists or forecasters, but also empowering them to become climate change leaders in Tonga.” He expressed confidence that the enhanced skills will drive climate-smart policies and help communities adapt to future challenges.
TMS plans to expand training programs in the coming years, focusing on areas such as climate change adaptation and integrating climate data into development planning. The service is committed to using the knowledge gained to develop Tonga’s multi-hazard early warning system policy and support the country’s climate resilience efforts.
