By JOHN HOUANIHAU
Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management (MECDM), Karl Kuper, has assured that network accessibility will not hinder the use of the newly redeveloped Pacific Ocean Portal (POP).
Speaking to Island Sun following the launch of the platform in Honiara, Mr Kuper said the portal is designed to be simple, user-friendly and free, making it easier for rural communities to access vital ocean information.
“There are concerns that people in rural areas may struggle due to limited mobile towers and fewer mobile phone users. However, accessibility of mobile networks is being addressed separately by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. More than 60 mobile towers were launched to improve connectivity,” he said.
Mr Kuper explained that while MECDM, through the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, manages and localises the portal, information can also be shared across multiple channels.
“Information can be distributed through radio, social media, and other media platforms to reach different users around the country. You don’t need to be a technical person to use it; that’s why it has been redesigned for all users,” he said.
The Pacific Ocean Portal allows users to view maps, graphs and forecasts about the ocean, with options to download and save the data. It provides near real-time observations and long-term projections that are essential for communities, governments and decision-makers across the Pacific.
The Pacific Community (SPC) officially launched the redeveloped portal on Wednesday, October 1, at The Club, Heritage Park Hotel. Originally developed under the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the portal was transferred to SPC in 2016.
The launch marks the significant step to ensure open access to ocean data, strengthening Pacific resilience against climate change and environmental challenges.
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