BY NED GAGAHE
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) successfully hosted a two-day Science Communication Stakeholders Workshop from March 4-5, 2026 at the ER Conference Room, Vavaya Ridge in Honiara.
The workshop was held under the theme “Validation of Communication Materials and Strategy Plan”, bringing together key partners to improve how weather and climate information is communicated to communities across the country.
About 33 participants attended the workshop, representing government ministries, the National Disaster Management Office, media organizations, NGOs, humanitarian partners, and SIMS technical staff.
Weather and climate information plays an important role in protecting lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and key economic sectors. The workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate with SIMS to ensure that meteorological information is clear, accessible, and actionable for all Solomon Islanders.
During the opening session, SIMS Director, Dr Alick Haruhiru highlighted the importance of effective communication in disaster preparedness.
“Weather forecasts, climate outlooks, and early warnings are most effective when people understand them and take action. Strengthening our communication partnerships helps ensure this information reaches communities in ways that are clear and useful,” he said.
On Day One, participants reviewed existing SIMS communication materials including:
- Weather hazard posters
- Climate outlook fact sheets
- Early warning pamphlets
- GIS and visual information products
Stakeholders worked in groups to validate, redesign, and improve these materials to ensure they are user-friendly and culturally appropriate for communities across the Solomon Islands.
On Day Two, discussions focused on validating priorities under the SIMS Communication Strategic Plan (2026–2028). Participants worked together to identify priority activities, develop an implementation roadmap, and outline a provisional budget to support future communication initiatives.
The workshop achieved several important outcomes:
- Improved templates for weather and climate communication materials
- Agreed priority communication products for 2026–2027
- Draft Communication Strategic Plan Activity Matrix
- Provisional budget framework for communication activities
- Strengthened collaboration between SIMS and key stakeholders
SIMS Communication Officer Mr. Lloyd Tahani said that strong partnerships are essential for effective public communication.
“Our goal is to ensure weather and climate information reaches communities in ways that are easy to understand and useful for decision making. This workshop strengthens our collaboration with partners to improve how we communicate critical information,” he said.
The workshop marks an important step to strengthen science communication and early warning awareness across the Solomon Islands.
Through improved communication materials and stronger partnerships, SIMS continues its commitment in ensuring communities have timely and reliable weather and climate information to prepare for natural hazards.
Photo credit: SIMS
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