ClimSA Project – Overview and Background

Introduction

The ClimSA Project (Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications) is a major initiative funded by the European Union aimed at improving the generation, provision, and use of climate information and services in African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries — including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Kiribati.

By strengthening national and regional climate services, ClimSA empowers governments and communities to make better-informed decisions in the face of increasing climate variability and long-term climate change.

Background

Small island nations in the Pacific are among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. Rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, droughts, and shifting rainfall patterns have major impacts on food security, water availability, public health, and disaster preparedness.

In response, the ClimSA Project was launched to:

  • Enhance the technical and institutional capacity of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs)

  • Improve access to climate data and analysis tools

  • Support climate-informed planning and risk management

ClimSA is coordinated globally by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with regional implementation through institutions such as the SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme) for the Pacific.

ClimSA Activities in Kiribati

The Kiribati Meteorological Services (KMS) plays a central role in implementing ClimSA activities nationally. Key areas of focus include:

  • Improving climate observation systems and data collection

  • Developing user-focused climate services for sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, health, and disaster risk reduction

  • Training and upskilling staff in climate data analysis, modeling, and forecasting

  • Enhancing communication of seasonal forecasts and early warnings to communities

The project promotes co-design and co-production of climate services — meaning users and providers work together to ensure services are relevant, understandable, and actionable.

Expected Outcomes for Kiribati

Through ClimSA, Kiribati aims to:

  • Increase climate resilience and preparedness at the national and community levels

  • Provide reliable, timely, and localized climate information to decision-makers

  • Improve early warning systems and planning tools for sectors vulnerable to climate impacts

  • Strengthen collaboration between KMS, regional organizations, and local stakeholders

Regional and Global Partnerships

ClimSA is funded by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), with technical oversight by the WMO and partnerships across:

  • SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme)

  • ACP Secretariat

  • National Meteorological Services (like KMS)

  • Civil society, academia, and development partners