Rwanda is strengthening its weather monitoring and forecasting systems to improve preparedness for climate-related disasters, as the country highlights the importance of reliable climate information at the COP31 climate conference in Türkiye.
Environment Minister Dr Bernadette Arakwiye and Meteo Rwanda Director General Aimable Gahigi presented the country’s efforts during discussions organised by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Antalya.
The discussions focused on investing in weather and climate information to protect communities and support decisions on investment, particularly as countries face more frequent extreme weather events.
“Climate information is essential for forecasting and preparing for extreme weather conditions caused by climate change,” Arakwiye said.
Reliable forecasts help authorities prepare for hazards such as heavy rainfall, floods, droughts and extreme temperatures. They also help farmers decide when to plant and harvest crops, while providing information that planners can use when designing roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
Meteo Rwanda is responsible for collecting and providing weather information to support decision-making across different sectors.
The country is also implementing a four-year project to improve its capacity to collect weather observations and share them through international data networks.
The project is supported by the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), WMO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding of $3.5 million. It runs from 2024 to 2028.
It aims to address gaps in Rwanda’s weather and climate observations and strengthen the country’s participation in the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Basic Observing Network, which facilitates the exchange of weather data between countries.
COP31, which opened on November 9, runs until November 20 in Antalya. Discussions at the conference include the need for sustained investment in weather observation and early warning systems to help countries respond to climate risks.
