New CREWS project will support Early Warnings in Djibouti

More than 30 representatives from the National Meteorological Agency, the Center of Studies and Research of Djibouti, and the Executive Secretariat for Risk and Disaster Management and other national public institutions met in Djibouti on 30 September to launch the four-year, US$3.6 million Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Initiative (CREWS) Djibouti project.

The project is jointly implemented by WMO and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). It will strengthen the capacity of national Djiboutian authorities to produce, deliver and disseminate Multi-Hazard Early Warnings, and preparedness, early action and response efforts to hazardous hydrometeorological events impacting the country.

During his keynote address, the Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, Hassan Houmed Ibrahim stated, "The government of Djibouti is committed to the implementation of the CREWS Djibouti project. This project is an investment in our prosperity and national security."

Djibouti is considered highly vulnerable to climate change, with 33 percent of its population living in high hazard risk zones. The country is expected to experience adverse impacts from increased temperatures and aridity, reduced precipitation resulting in longer periods of drought and a more frequent occurrence of intense rainfall leading to a heightened risk of floods and flash floods.

The launch event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review and discuss the project structure and work plan, to ensure a bottom-up approach is being taken. The project steering committee, which will govern the implementation of the project over the coming four years, was also developed.

Expected outcomes set during the development of the project include:

• Improvement service delivery from NMHS and NDMO
• Development of risk information to guide Early Warning Systems and climate and weather services
• Strengthening of information and communication technology
• Development of preparedness and response plans with operational procedures
• Development of knowledge and awareness products on early warnings
• Provision of gender-sensitive and capacity building trainings

National institutions further presented their current status, capacities and other ongoing initiatives, as well as their expectations for project implementation, they highlighted several key priorities:

• To enhance coordination amongst national institutions and organizations involved in producing and disseminating warnings in Djibouti
• To build capacity of operational staff in the meteorological and hydrological institutes
• To ensure that this new project builds on existing EWS projects being implemented in Djibouti, and serves as a catalyst future funding opportunities.

Gerard Howe, Head of the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Adaptation, Nature and Resilience Department and CREWS Steering Committee Chair stated, "I acknowledge and applaud the leadership of the Djibouti national meteorological service and the Ministry of Interior for leading on the first CREWS financed project for the country. CREWS supports country-led efforts to strengthen early warning services that lead to life and livelihood saving actions for the most vulnerable populations."

WMO and the Red Crescent of Djibouti also undertook a field visit to the commune of Boulaos, the area most affected by floods in Djibouti. Community leaders and last-mile users provided insights on the reality that they are facing more frequently, due to the changing climate, and the unacceptable number of lives lost every time a flood ravages their commune. They also spoke of the better coordination and anticipatory action needed between national institutions and local communities to mitigate these problems in the future.

Activities being undertaken through the project are aligned with CREWS value propositions and core programme indicators, which will demonstrate concrete impacts of the project. They are further aligned with the Early Warnings for All Initiative through which Djibouti was selected as one of 30 pilot-countries to receive coordinated and targeted support.