By
Makereta Komai, PACNEWS: http://www.pina.com.fj/index.php?p=pacnews&m=pacnews
3 July,
2013, Nadi, Fiji - Fiji and
Samoa have been thanked by Tokelau for providing timely weather reports to the
tiny Polynesian atoll.
Without
these daily weather bulletins, the 1,700 residents on the island are unable to
make informed decisions daily on changing weather situation or prepare for any
natural disaster, said Kelemeni Tavuto, the island’s manager environment
services.
He is in
Nadi this week to seek assistance from other Pacific Island Countries and
Territories (PICTs) on improving climate services on the island.
“After
the political referendum on the island in the 1990s New Zealand has shied away
from some of its responsibilities, especially in the area of climate services,
said Tavuto.
“That is
why we are represented here to seek help from other Pacific Island Countries
and Territories and try and find ways to seek funding from donors.
Tavuto
however admits that New Zealand provides million of dollars to other areas of
the administration of the island but climate services, including meteorology
has been neglected.
“For
example, my department receives NZ$900,000 for three government department -
which is sub-divided into environment, economic development and meteorology.
“Even
though each ‘nuku’ or village is provided budget for its own, residents
often rely on the national government to provide these essential services to
the community, said Tavuto.
Responding
briefly to the Tokelau country report, the Pacific Manager for NZMet, Penehuro
Lefale said New Zealand has been and continues to assist Tokelau with its
climate services.
One of
the immediate needs for Tokelau is the establishment of weather offices on all
the three islands.
“My main
purpose here is to reach out to potential partners and donors to assist us.
Tokelau will not reach its potential unless we get help from our Pacific
brothers and sisters.
“I would
expect them to assist us with the implementation of climate change programs and
improved, severe weather updates, said Tavuto.
This is
the first time that Tokelau is being represented at the Pacific Meteorological
Council meeting.
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