ClimateWatch Vanuatu: Building community climate resilience

Across Vanuatu, trusted and meaningful weather forecasts are critical for communities to respond to the increasing threat of natural disasters and extreme weather. The ni-Vanuatu have long used traditional knowledge for climate forecasting, but circulation and inter-generational transfer of knowledge is decreasing. Meanwhile, there is a reluctance in many ni-Vanuatu communities to acknowledge and respond to contemporary climate forecasts. This project builds upon existing local programs to deliver the ni-Vanuatu community and Vanuatu government a digital tool (ClimateWatch App) to collect traditional knowledge data and monitor ecosystem changes with climate (phenology) over time. The program monitors species from agricultural, marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Data from the project will contribute to hybrid climate forecast products (i.e. forecasts developed using both contemporary and traditional knowledge systems) to provide meaningful forecast information to ni-Vanuatu communities, whilst ensuring traditional knowledge is shared nationally and incorporated in existing ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives. Insights gained from the project will inform the design of future programs in Pacific Island nations facing similar challenges. 

Project Updates

ClimateWatch Vanuatu was launched in 2023, and is the first mobile application of its kind available in the local Bislama language. By involving the community as Citizen Scientists, the program enhances local engagement and resilience to climate change, as well as helping communities harness and preserve their traditional knowledge which is crucial for predicting weather patterns and preparing for climate extremes. 

1. Expanded ClimateWatch Citizen Science Data Collection: ClimateWatch data points have been collected in every province of Vanuatu, totalling over 200 registered users and 800 data points. 

2. Established ClimateWatch Trails for Community Engagement: The project has developed 11 ClimateWatch trails spanning all provinces of the country. At each trail location, Community Climate Champions have been appointed to promote and upskill the use of the app to collect valuable data. 

3. Integrated ClimateWatch into School Learning: School workplans and lesson plans have been developed and piloted to align data collection through the ClimateWatch app to the Traditional Knowledge school curriculum.  

4. Strengthened Climate Forecasting: ClimateWatch data has been utilised in government climate and cyclone forecasting, enhancing the the climate preparedness of the country. 

Check out ClimateWatch Vanuatu data collection in real time via the web interface.