11 November 2011: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) are supporting the restoration of weather and climate services in Sierra Leone. The country’s meteorological infrastructure was severely damaged during the civil war.

UNEP underscores the importance of accurate weather forecast in order to understand the impacts of climate change in Sierra Leone, warn farmers of extreme weather events, and provide advice on crops planting and harvesting.

As part of their assistance, UNEP and UNDP are funding and overseeing training for staff at the Sierra Leone Meteorological Department, and installing six automatic weather stations across the country. [UNEP Press Release]