Fiji will be able to access the newest Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) launched yesterday at the Nordic Pavilion, Blue Zone at the Scottish Events Campus, Glasgow.

SOFF is designed to fill the gaps in essential weather and climate data and at the same time boost the international response to climate change and climate action.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama spoke briefly at the launch alongside leaders of other vulnerable countries.  He said SOFF was vital for Fiji.

“I believe the most effective protection we can give our people in the face of a serious storm is timely knowledge – an early warning of what they can expect.”

But in order to access the Facility, Fiji’s Meteorological Service will have to meet certain requirements.  Unlike short and medium term projects that come and go, SOFF provides a long term financial facility for long term projects.

Fiji Met acting director Terry Atalifo said the Facility would be best suited to finance the building and maintenance of weather stations that can continue observations and provide information to the main Nadi Centre.

“One of the struggles with small island states is maintaining weather stations. The Facility can help close this gap in terms of observation in the Pacific.”

Mr Atalifo envisioned that if all Pacific island countries were able to access the Facility, it will assist in data gathering and sharing to global experts and technology.

“In return we get access to quality, numerical weather predictions data – so overall it improves our weather predictions.”

The Facility was co-created by the World Meteorological Organisation, United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme. 

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