Solomon Islands Launch Weather and Climate Resilience Project to Strengthen National Preparedness
This story was originally published by UNDP Pacific Office here.
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Solomon Islands Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Systematic Observations Financing Facility, organised the stakeholder inception workshop for the Advancing Meteorological Observation Systems for Resilience and Development (AMOS-RD) Project With a total budget of USD 7.9 million and a five-year implementation timeframe, the initiative is a vital step toward building the country’s resilience to climate-related and geophysical hazards.
As the world’s second most at-risk country on the 2025 World Risk Index, Solomon Islands faces escalating threats from tropical cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and rising sea levels. These risks are intensified by the nation’s archipelagic geography, high reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and limited infrastructure.
AMOS RD aims to enhance early warning systems and disaster risk reduction by ensuring the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) meets the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) standards for improved weather data. The project prioritises upgrading weather stations throughout the country to enhance the observation infrastructure and processes to provide higher-quality, more reliable meteorological data for Solomon Islands and the world.
The AMOS-RD project will respond to these challenges by equipping SIMS with modernised observation infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of 8 surface stations and the construction of 3 new upper-air stations. The project will also invest in institutional and human capacity development to ensure long-term sustainability of operations.
Speaking at the launch, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM), Susan Sulu emphasised the project’s alignment with both national priorities and global frameworks:
“This project is more than just an investment in technology—it is an investment in people, in our systems, and in our future. It enhances our meteorological capabilities to meet reporting commitments and strengthening weather forecasts and early warnings systems to make informed decisions and prepare for climate-related risks to safeguard communities and ecosystems.”
The project prioritises vulnerable communities and integrates gender and social inclusion across all levels. By enhancing weather forecasting and early warning systems, AMOS-RD supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 5: Gender Equality
UNDP Pacific Office Deputy Resident Representative, Raluca Eddon reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to long-term resilience building in Solomon Islands:
“AMOS-RD is not just about infrastructure—it’s a testament of empowered local institutions to generate, own, and act on climate intelligence. UNDP is proud to partner with the Government and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) to ensure that no community is left behind in the face of climate change.”
The network of upgraded weather stations will span the country’s key marine and land corridors, including:
- Surface Stations: Lata, Tinggoa, Henderson, Honiara, Auki, Munda, Taro, Kirakira
- Upper-Air Stations: Lata, Tulagi, and Taro
These locations were strategically selected based on geographic vulnerability, transport connectivity, and exposure to tropical weather systems, and are aligned with the GBON standards.
About AMOS-RD
AMOS-RD aims to:
- Strengthen institutional and human resource capacity within SIMS.
- Build and rehabilitate infrastructure and data systems to comply with GBON.
- Ensure data is shared internationally and linked to results-based finance mechanisms.
Through this initiative, Solomon Islands will increase access to timely, accurate weather and climate information—helping save lives, reduce losses, and enhance planning across sectors.
For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst | UNDP Solomon Islands Office | (E) daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org | (Cell) +677 7740740
Addition by the SOFF Secretariat: Solomon Islands is supported with grant-based finance, working with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology acting as SOFF peer advisor for technical assistance and UNDP as Implementing Entity.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...
