9 February 2026, Melbourne, Australia – The collaboration between the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), which focuses on supporting Pacific Island countries to deliver effective, lifesaving weather, climate and ocean services, was further reaffirmed and strengthened through discussions which took place when the heads of the two organisations met last week.
The discussions between the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Dr. Stuart Minchin, and the Director General of SPREP, Mr. Sefanaia (Sefa) Nawadra, took place ahead of two weeks of coordination meetings for the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) and the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) programme, both of which play a critical role in enhancing forecasting capability, early warning systems, and provision of climate information for decision-making across the Pacific.
The leaders also discussed the Bureau’s continued technical and institutional support to the Pacific Meteorological Council and Pacific National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, particularly in the context of increasing climate and disaster risks facing the region.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for follow-up discussions on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between SPREP and BoM last year, with both organisations committing to further strengthening collaboration under the agreement. Areas of focus include coordinated technical assistance, capacity development, information sharing, and alignment of regional initiatives to maximise impact for Pacific communities.
Mr. Nawadra said the meeting highlighted the importance of trusted regional partnerships in protecting lives and livelihoods across the Pacific.
“Our collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology is critical to ensuring Pacific Island countries have access to timely, reliable and relevant weather and climate information,” Mr. Nawadra said.
“Through programmes such as COSPPac and Weather Ready Pacific, and under our MoU, SPREP and the Bureau are working together to strengthen national capabilities and regional coordination at a time when climate impacts are intensifying.”
Dr. Minchin stated that the Bureau values its partnership with SPREP and its role in supporting Pacific priorities.
“The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is proud to work closely with SPREP and Pacific partners to support strong, sustainable meteorological and climate services across the region,” Dr Minchin said.
“This engagement is an important step in continuing our collaboration under the MoU and ensuring our support aligns with the needs of Pacific Island countries and the Pacific Meteorological Council.”
The meeting set the tone for the subsequent COSPPac and Weather Ready Pacific coordination meetings, which brings together partners such as the Bureau, SPREP, the Pacific Community, and Earth Sciences New Zealand to align priorities, share progress, and strengthen collective action in building a more weather-ready and climate-resilient Pacific.
For more information, please contact Mr. Salesa Nihmei, Director of SPREP’s Climate Science and Information programme, at [email protected].