12 December 2025, Laknawi, Vanuatu – The Government and the people of Vanuatu, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), are celebrating the launch ofthe nation’s first-ever weather radar system, a transformative tool for weather forecasting, early warnings and national safety.
The official ceremony at Laknawi was presided over by the Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geohazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management (MoCCA), Honourable Jotham Napat, who initiated the radar project a decade ago.
The event was attended by Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of SPREP and High Commissioners from the United Kingdom H.E Nicolette Brent; China, H.E Li Minggang; Japan H.E Naohisa Okuda and H.E Max Willis from Australia.
The Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Meto Nganga, Chairman of the Vaturisu Council of Chiefs - Chief Simeon Poilapa, Pastor Bernard Yalimyau , Secretary General, Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC), Misa Funaki, Director Fiji Met Service and Vice President of the WMO Region-V Association, Michael Altous and Fritz O’Hora, Vaisala, Mr. Huascar Vargars and Carlos Requiz from Cetelent South Pacific, traditional leaders, community representatives, development partners, and officials from various government departments and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD), Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation (MoCCA) joined the important gathering.
“Today, we are not just launching technology; we are launching a new shield for our people,” said Prime Minister Napat.
“This radar fulfills a long-held vision to empower every Ni-Vanuatu with the knowledge needed to protect lives, livelihoods, and our future from a changing climate.”
SPREP Director General Nawadra commended the achievement as a testament to regional cooperation and national determination.
“The journey of this radar, from vision to reality, inspires our entire Pacific community,” he said.“SPREP is proud to have partnered with Vanuatu in every step of the way and remains committed to supporting the vital work of VMGD.”
The Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Professor Celeste Paulo congratulated Vanuatu, SPREP and the VanKIRAP project.
"This radar system can mean the difference between life and death and today we are here to celebrate life and to protect livelihoods. Vanuatu is a perfect candidate for the United Nations early warnings for all initiative," Mr Paulo.
"At WMO we always say that early warnings work they must work for everyone and all the time and Vanuatu is no exception."
The state-of-the-art radar, situated on Efate, will provide unprecedented real-time monitoring of severe weather, including cyclones, heavy rainfall and destructive winds, for nearly half of Vanuatu’s population.
It represents a critical upgrade to the nation’s early warning capabilities, offering communities and decision-makers more accurate data and extended lead times to prepare for natural hazards.
The radar’s data will be integrated into the VMGD’s weather forecasting system, ensuring life-saving information reaches all communities. The project was made possible with generous funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), technical support from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the steadfast commitment of the Government of Vanuatu.
The commissioning of the radar system signifies the successful completion of the project "Climate Information Services for Resilient Development Planning in Vanuatu (FP035)," widely known as the Klaemet Infomesen blong redy, adapt mo protekt (VanKIRAP) initiative.
The weather radar system was supplied by Vaisala Pty Ltd and constructed by Cetelnet South Pacific.
About the VanKIRAP Project:
The Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (VanKIRAP) Project is funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD). The project aims to improve climate resilience in Vanuatu through the development and delivery of improved climate information services for agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, water sectors and communities.
For more information, please contact Mr. Sunny Kamuta Seuseu on email: [email protected]