Press release 27.2.2012

The Finnish Meteorological Institute helps Sudan to produce better weather and climate services

Working in cooperation with the Sudan Meteorological Authority (SMA), the Finnish Meteorological Institute launched a project funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Photo: Alessandro Chiariello

The aim of the cooperation is to develop the SMA’s organisation and human resources so that the SMA can produce and convey more advanced weather and climate services for various sectors of society. The project also supports the ongoing large investment project for modernising the observation network in Sudan. As part of the project, the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s experts train their Sudanese colleagues, for instance, how to operate and service modern weather observation instruments and how to utilise the data obtained for supplying society with increasingly better products and services.

The project also includes a separate segment of assistance to South Sudan, which is helped to develop an independent weather service.

Adaptation to climate change another focal area

The project led by the Finnish Meteorological Institute is entitled: “Promoting Adaptation to Climate Change by Reducing Weather and Climate-Related Losses through Improved Services in Sudan – FISU”. It also strengthens the SMA’s capacity to conduct research, for instance, on climate change. Risk management and adaptation to climate change are means of improving tolerance to any consequences arising from extreme climate events. Reducing vulnerability and exposure to weather factors is an important element in adaptation to climate change. In Sudan, too, provision for risks associated with the weather and climate requires additional changes to the existing technical and administrative systems.

Additional information:

Harri Pietarila, Head of Unit, tel. (09)1929 5432; harri.pietarila(at)fmi.fi