Mozambique and Norway cooperate in oceanographic studies
INAM Mozambique and MET Norway strengthen collaboration to enhance weather and climate services
9:08 CAT | 09 Nov 2023
All photos: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Maputo
In a significant step to enhance weather and climate services in Mozambique, the National Institute of Meteorology of Mozambique (INAM) and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET Norway) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on institutional cooperation on Wednesday. The ceremony, witnessed by H.E. Minister of Transport and Communication, Mr Mateus Magala, was held at CFM installations.
INAM and MET Norway uniting in the SAREPTA Mozambique project, represent their shared commitment to deliver high-quality predictions for extreme weather events and seasonal forecasts. Dubbed ‘SAREPTA,’ the project symbolizes a boundless jar, mirroring its vast weather data coverage for millions of global locations updated every 6 hours.
Climate change causing more frequent extreme weather events necessitates accurate and timely warnings. Early warning systems offer vital information for preparedness and response, enabling timely evacuations, adaptive farming, and effective government interventions. Investing in robust systems enhances resilience and aids in post-disaster recovery, forming a critical component of government measures against climate impacts.
As highlighted by the Norwegian Ambassador, Haakon Gram-Johannessen, “At the end of the day, meteorological services can save lives, as well as ensure our survival.”
“We recognize and encourage the implementation of this partnership between the National Institute of Meteorology and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, as it strengthens the country’s resilience to cope with climate change,” stated His Excellency, Minister Magala, in his speech.
As part of the partnership, MET Norway brings advanced digital open-source tools for early warning and weather forecasting, ensuring rapid dissemination of crucial information. These tools encompass wind, waves, drift, and marine pollution, enhancing marine forecasting capabilities. By integrating INAM’s ground data with diverse datasets, MET Norway facilitates informed decision-making and proactive adaptation measures for climate change.
Aligned with the World Meteorological Organization’s global framework for climate services (GFCS), the initiative leverages diverse datasets, including global climate models, to support decision-making and risk management. The project also focuses on ocean forecasting, ensuring accurate predictions of waves, storm surges, and offshore wind conditions.
Additionally, through the Sarepta-Mozambique project, MET Norway introduces OpenDrift, an open-source tool for ocean pollution simulations and search and rescue operations, enhancing capabilities for managing environmental challenges. These initiatives reflect MET Norway’s commitment to promoting more precise and reliable weather services, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.
The collaboration represents a significant leap in strengthening Mozambique’s resilience against climate challenges. By improving weather predictions and fostering proactive measures, the partnership aims to make a positive impact on climate change adaptation.
About MET
MET Norway, responsible for public meteorological services in Norway, is devoted to safeguarding lives and property. Their mission focuses on providing accurate weather forecasts, conducting climate analysis, and engaging in essential research and development. With a team of 70 dedicated scientists, they explore regional climate changes and prioritize accurate local weather predictions through numeric atmospheric modeling and data assimilation.
In collaboration with the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, MET Norway offers yr.no, a free online weather service. Yr is unique in Europe due to its detailed weather forecasts and free data policy. The platform provides hour-by-hour forecasts spanning up to 10 days, along with valuable insights like observations, advanced maps, marine forecasts, UV predictions, and forest fire forecasts. Launched in September 2007, Yr gained instant popularity in Norway, now reaching 11 million weekly users, and providing forecasts in English and Norwegian for approximately 1 million places in Norway and 12 million places worldwide.
About INAM
The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) in Mozambique, established in 1989, operates under the Ministry of Transport and Communication. As the nation’s primary authority for weather and climate services, INAM provides essential meteorological and climate information to mitigate weather-related hazards. Their activities include weather forecasting for public, marine, and aviation sectors, climate observations, air quality monitoring, research, and climate services.
INAM’s vision is to be a recognized source of high-quality information, supporting sustainable socio-economic development in Mozambique through modern techniques. Their goals include enhancing reliable weather and climate services, engaging with decision-makers and the public, strengthening scientific partnerships, and fulfilling international commitments in alignment with global policies.
Source: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Maputo/Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET Norway)/ / Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM) / Joint Press Release
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