5 November 2025, Port Vila, Vanuatu – Vanuatu is better positioned to protect its communities as the 2025-2026 Tropical Cyclone season begins. The Seventh National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF-7) concluded successfully on Friday, October 31, 2025, following a week of intensive discussions aimed at strengthening Vanuatu's ability to prepare for climate-related challenges. The Forum, held at the Le Life Resort in Northeast Efate, culminated in the official declaration of the 2025-2026 Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Outlook Statement.
NCOF-7 brought together meteorologists, climate scientists, government officials, and twenty two stakeholders from crucial sectors like agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, tourism, water, and disaster risk reduction.
The core message of the forum was captured by its theme: “Yumi biltim wan Resilient Vanuatu thru long Klaemet Infomesen Seveses” - We build a Resilient Vanuatu through Climate Information Services.
“This annual platform is vital for making sure that accurate and timely climate forecasts are available and effectively communicated to both decision-makers and the general public,” said Ms Moirah Matou, Project Manager of the Green Climate Fund Climate Information Services for Resilient Development Planning (VanKIRAP) project.
The declaration of the 2025/26 Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Outlook was announced at NCOF-7. While the agenda included a detailed session on the outlook's future prediction and key messaging on Thursday, October 30, the official declaration marked the end of the week-long preparation process on Friday, October 31, 2025. This critical statement provides early warning information that helps communities and sectors prepare for and adapt to anticipated climate conditions, especially those related to extreme weather events like tropical cyclones.
“We also showcased new, enhanced tools developed under VanKIRAP to help make climate information both accessible and actionable for everyone,” said Ms Matou.
“We are doing all we can to help the people of Vanuatu be aware, so they can prepare as needed."
The Flood Early Warning Dashboard: A new tool to help monitor and prepare for flood risks was featured as was the Vanuatu Climate Futures Portal : A dedicated online portal providing detailed climate information. Also popular is the Climate Watch App : A modern application designed to help monitor and collect valuable traditional knowledge data related to climate, weather and ocean and the Operational and Historical Climate Maps for Vanuatu.
Participants also spent time learning how to access climate information through the VMGD Weather App and the VMGD website , ensuring the public knows where to find the latest updates.
“The forum also included practical sessions focused on helping vital sectors better utilise climate data,” said Ms. Matou.
“The information is best used when it helps our sectors get ready for what lies ahead. As such we are committed to building the capacity of Vanuatu so they remain resilient at all times.”
Agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, extension officers, and NGOs such as World Vision Vanuatu, Save the Children Vanuatu-VCCRP, Vanuatu Red Cross, Lokol Solutions and Human Capacity Development Inc, received intensive training on the Tailored System of Climate Services for Agriculture (OSCAR).
This aims to enhance their capacity to use this climate tool, ultimately helping to improve food security across Vanuatu.
Discussions also finalised and operationalised the Vanuatu ENSO Directive which will support planning, decision-making, and the activation of plans at the sectoral level, helping Vanuatu respond effectively to El Niño and La Niña events.
“At the end of the day, our work is aimed towards building a resilient Vanuatu. All the information and data that we gather is to help our people. The NCOF-7 in Vanuatu saw a huge step being taken towards making that happen. Our doors are always open should anyone have any questions or need further help with using any of these products,” said Ms. Matou.
The NCOF-7 funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) supported VanKIRAP project, played a crucial role in building the nation’s climate resilience by ensuring that climate information is both accurate and effectively used in decision-making, helping the nation better anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate-related challenges.
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]
Image: Aftermath of Cyclone Pam 2015 on Efate Island, Vanuatu © Stuart Chape.