10 March 2025 – Port Vila, Vanuatu – In a bid to bridge the gap between climate science and public understanding, sixteen Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) staff members have been empowered to deliver critical climate, weather and geohazards updates in a more engaging, accessible, and visually compelling way.
This followed a one-day intensive training where the Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong redy, adapt mo protekt (VanKIRAP) FP035 Project and VMGD partnered with Red Eye Creative to equip climate experts with cutting-edge communication tools. Held on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at the VMGD conference room, the workshopfocused on four key pillars of modern communication: crafting press releases and news articles, mastering photography basics, producing dynamic Facebook Reels, and refining photo editing techniques.
These skills aim to transform complex climate data into digestible, actionable information for communities across Vanuatu.
Ms Ellen Luke, a VMGD weather forecaster, shared her enthusiasm.
“This training has transformed how I approach communication,” she said. “Learning to create Facebook Reels means I can now share urgent cyclone alerts in under 60 seconds—reaching younger audiences where they are. The hands-on photo editing session also showed me how a single image can convey the urgency of rising sea levels more powerfully than pages of text.”
VMGD’s Director, Mr Levu Antfalo, emphasised the training’s broader impact.
“Climate science saves lives, but only if people understand it. By blending technical expertise with storytelling, we’re helping experts humanize data,” he said. “A well-edited photo or a crisp press release can turn abstract forecasts into relatable warnings, fostering quicker community action.”
VanKIRAP Project Manager, Ms Moirah Matou highlighted the initiative’s strategic importance.
“Vanuatu faces escalating climate threats, from intensifying cyclones to coastal erosion. Effective communication isn’t optional—it’s a lifeline,” she said. “Equipping our experts with these skills ensures that vulnerable communities receive timely, clear information to prepare, adapt, and protect themselves.”
The training facilitated by Red Eye Creative was made possible through funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) under the VanKIRAP project, jointly implemented by VMGD and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). The initiative underscores the critical role of international collaboration in building local resilience.
With enhanced skills in visual storytelling and digital outreach, VMGD staff are now better equipped to disseminate weather updates, disaster alerts, and climate adaptation tips. Communities are encouraged to follow VMGD and VanKIRAP platforms for real-time information aimed at safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
“When climate experts speak clearly, communities listen—and act,” added Ms Matou.
🌐 Stay informed: Follow VMGD and VanKIRAP on social media, toll-free line 116 and the new VMGD Weather App for updates that keep Vanuatu safe, prepared, and resilient.
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The Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (Van-KIRAP) project is a five-year, USD 22 million project which aims to support climate resilient development in Vanuatu through the development, communication, and application of climate information services to benefit agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, water sectors and communities.
It is funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme in partnership with the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and APEC Climate Center.
For more information, please contact Mr Sunny Kamuta Seuseu, at [email protected]