Tanna Chief breaks new ground in climate resilience for people with disabilities

Chief Jimmy Dick from Lenakel Iman village on Tanna Island is no ordinary leader. As a person living with a disability, he has long advocated for his community, ensuring that no one is left behind in disaster preparedness. His dedication underscores the importance of inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies.

This week, he participated in a Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) and Vanuatu Climate Information Ready for Use, Adaptation and Protection (Van-KIRAP) workshop held on Tanna Island. The workshop was specifically tailored to provide climate and disaster knowledge to people with disabilities. Such initiatives are crucial for empowering vulnerable populations.

Alongside other participants, Chief Dick is learning how to track weather patterns, understand early warning systems, and make informed decisions to protect his people. Chief Dick stated, "The workshop provides guidelines on what actions to take during disasters and also teaches what types of crops can be planted during the dry and wet seasons. As a chief, it is very important to take this valuable information back and share it with the community." This knowledge transfer is vital for building community resilience.

This week, VMGD and Van-KIRAP are taking life-saving weather and climate information directly to the people on Tanna and Malekula Islands, marking a historic shift in how Vanuatu celebrates World Meteorological Day and World Water Day. Unlike the usual events held in Port Vila, this year’s program reaches rural communities through hands-on training, interactive discussions, and new tools for enhancing climate resilience. This decentralized approach ensures that critical information reaches those who need it most.

In Norsup, Malekula Island, local stakeholders, including area administration officers, Vanuatu Community Climate Resilience Project (VCCRP) officers, Community Disaster and Climate Change Committees (CDCCC), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as the Red Cross, and youth representatives, gathered to learn how to access and use VMGD and Van-KIRAP services. The training focused on bridging the gap between scientific climate predictions and local community action, ensuring that early warnings reach the last mile. This collaborative effort strengthens community preparedness.

In addition to the training workshops, the outreach program includes school visits, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns designed to inspire the next generation of climate leaders. Secondary schools on Malekula and Tanna Islands have the opportunity to interact with meteorologists, explore career paths in climate science, and learn about the crucial role of traditional knowledge in local forecasting. Furthermore, this year's program includes the launch of climate maps for MALAMPA and TAFEA provinces, providing localized climate data to help communities understand their specific risks and make informed decisions about their future. These initiatives empower youth and provide valuable resources for local communities.

As the activities continue through Friday, March 21, 2025, VMGD and Van-KIRAP are calling on everyone in Lenakel and Lakatoro to participate in this unprecedented initiative. By engaging in these activities, individuals and communities can strengthen their climate resilience, contribute to a safer Vanuatu, and take control of their future in the face of climate change. This is more than a celebration; it is a call to bridge the early warning gap, ensuring that every community, no matter how remote, has the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe. This collaborative approach is essential for building a resilient Vanuatu.