African Ministers meet on meteorology in Cape Verde

African Ministers responsible for meteorology are meeting in Cape Verde to coordinate and accelerate regional efforts to strengthen resilience to extreme weather hazards and adapt to climate change, a statement issued by the African Press Organisation (APO) on behalf of the African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (AMCOMET) said on Tuesday.

The theme of the conference, which begins Tuesday, Feb 10, is “Weather and Climate Services Underpin Sustainable Development in Africa’’.

According to the statement, the four-day conference is being hosted by the Government of Cape Verde in Praia.

“The conference will focus on improving weather and climate services which are vital to food security, water management, disaster risk reduction and health.

“The services are also vital to key economic sectors like transport, energy and tourism, among others.

“Every African country should be involved in the collective effort towards the transformative socio-economic development of the continent to build `The Africa We Want.’

“The Africa We Want was envisaged in the African Union Agenda 2063,’’ Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, the African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, was quoted as saying in the statement.

The General Secretary of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Michael Jarraud, was also quoted as saying that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services were critical actors in supporting sustainable development.

“There is today increased awareness of the socioeconomic benefits delivered by weather and climate services,’’ Jarraud said.

The statement added that the ministers would discuss the Integrated African Strategy on Meteorology (Weather and Climate Services).

“One of its aims is to increase recognition and funding for the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).

“They will approve a new regional climate centre for Central Africa to consolidate research and forecasting capabilities.

“Ministers will also consider input from the meteorological community to a pan-African Space Policy and Strategy,’’ the statement read in part.

It also quoted Dr Antero Veiga, the Cape Verde Minister for Environment, Housing and Territorial Planning, as underscoring the importance of the conference.

“Knowledge, research and innovation are all vital to the competitiveness of the African economy and to allow us to meet weather, water and energy challenges,’’ Veiga was said.

Saviour Kasukuwere, the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate of Zimbabwe and the outgoing Chair of MCOMET, was also quoted as remarking that the recent devastating flooding in many parts of Africa highlighted how hazards from weather could undermine economic development.

“The recent devastating flooding in many parts of Africa, particularly Southern Africa, has highlighted once again how weather-related hazards undermine and disrupt social, political and economic development.

“There is no doubt that the vagaries of weather and climate will play a critical role in shaping Africa’s development agenda.

“This requires a collective approach, unity of purpose based upon the shared vision on climate proofing of our beloved continent, genuine partnerships and commitment,’’ Kasukuwere said.

(NAN)