Third Country Training Program

Participants from 2010 Training

Background
In 1998 JICA finished the constructed of the Regional Meteorological Observation Center in Nadi, Fiji with a total cost of $16.6 million Fijian dollars (appro: US$8 million). The main aim of this project was to see that observation and communication system for the natural disaster such as tropical cyclone was improved for weather forecasting purpose. JICA procured numerous equipments which would improve both observation and analyzing system.

After the opening of the new Regional Specialized　Meteorological Center with it’s new and modern observation and communication equipments, JICA further its commitments towards the Pacific Island Countries by agreeing to provide a Regional course every year for three years in the areas of Meteorology with the assistance of Fiji Meteorological Service.

The Project name as “Regional Meteorology Training for Pacific Island Countries” is one that will be carried on from 2010 till 2012 with 11 Pacific Island Countries such as Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Fiji as the targets.

Purpose:
To provide the participants from Pacific Islands Countries with an opportunity to improve their knowledge and techniques in the field of meteorology.

Objectives:
At the end of the course, the participants are expected to have;

1. Acquired the ability to deal with the surface and upper observations, and to perform.
2. Acquired the ability to use various data including cyclone advisories and warning received through different communication systems; and
3. Acquired the ability to carry out maintenance of instrument.

Project Budget (Estimated);
USD$205,000 (FJD$360,000)
JICA will be dispatching Japanese lecturers and will also invite lecturers from World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other Meteorological organization who will give advice to Fiji Meteorological Service and deliver lectures as and when seen necessary to provide the participants from the Pacific Island Countries with an opportunity to improve their knowledge and techniques in the field of Meteorological.

Activities for 2010:
Early August 2010 saw the signing of the Record of Discussion between Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) represented by Mr. Alipate Waqaicelua (Acting Director for FMS) and JICA Fiji office represented by Mr. Juichiro Sasaki (Resident Representative).

October 4th marked the opening of the training that was scheduled for 2010. This two weeks training was held from 4th till the 15th of October with a total of 15 participants from 11 countries and facilitated by lecturers from Japan Meteorological Agency and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research of New Zealand.

The Training theme for 2010 was “Calibration, General Operations, Maintenance and Repairs of the Meteorological instruments.”