The Dominica Meteorological Service (DMS), in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), successfully organized its first-ever National Climate Outlook Forum in Roseau, Dominica, on December 1.
The event, supported by the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme, marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the World Meteorological Services (WMO) Global Framework for Climate Services Programme at the national level.
The primary objective of the forum is to provide key insights into weather patterns, climate change projections, and potential impacts on various climate-sensitive sectors. This information will facilitate the development of strategies and adaptation measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and variability, fostering sustainable development. The inaugural National Climate Outlook Forum is a crucial step in shaping Dominica’s climate resilience agenda.
Ithoma James, Senior Meteorologist at the Dominica Meteorological Service, emphasized the importance of the forum, stating, “By bringing together key stakeholders, we can collectively work towards building a resilient and sustainable future for our nation.”
Adrian Trotman, Head of the Regional Climate Centre for the Caribbean at CIMH, highlighted the collaborative efforts, stating, “The National Climate Outlook Forum provides an opportunity for collective action and knowledge-sharing among climate scientists and stakeholders. This forum demonstrates Dominica’s proactive stance in addressing climate challenges.”
Donna Gittens, Programme Manager of the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, conveyed EU Ambassador Malgorzata WASILEWSKA’s support for Dominica. Gittens acknowledged the significance of regional and national forums in addressing climate challenges and commended Dominica’s efforts.
Sherri Frederick, Programme Manager of the Intra ACP ClimSA Programme at CIMH, underscored the impact of the National Climate Outlook Forum, stating, “ClimSA is proud to support Dominica in hosting this forum. By providing accurate and accessible climate information, the forum enables decision-makers at all levels to make informed choices and implement appropriate adaptation measures.”
The forum brought together over 30 key stakeholders, including experts and policymakers in agriculture, food security, water, health, and meteorology. Among the attendees were Jo-Anne Commodore, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs; Dr. Cédric Van Meerbeeck, Co-leader of the WMO Regional Adviser IV Expert Team on Climate Services for British Caribbean Territories; and The Honourable Cassanni Laville, Minister for Health, Wellness, and Social Services.
The forum addressed critical issues related to the impacts of climate change and climate variability on Dominica’s key climate-sensitive sectors. Minister Laville officially launched the Intra ACP ClimSA Caribbean Programme’s Climate and Health agenda in Dominica, the target country for climate and health under the Programme.
