14 March 2011: The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) announced that the Pacific Meteorological Services will create a “Pacific Desk” at SPREP to help implement the 10-year strategy for enhanced meteorological services in the region.

Reporting at the Pacific Climate Change Roundtable, being held from 14-18 March 2011, in Alofi, Niue, SPREP said a two-year review of the Pacific Meteorological Services completed in 2010 produced recommendations on: strengthening Fiji’s meteorological services; providing regional support and coordination; and strengthening national meteorological services. The creation of the Pacific Desk at SPREP is a result of the recommendations.

The Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation is providing support for the Pacific desk, which is expected to become operational in July 2011. [SPREP Press Release]