Moving forward on anticipatory action for MENA

By Karine Zoghby, Climate Centre, Paris

Twenty-four professionals from across the Middle East and North Africa met in Dubai late last month (photo) for training on impact-based forecasting for MENA – the first session of its kind in the region.

The workshop was jointly organized by the IFRC, several National Societies, and the Climate Centre as part of the UK-supported Istibak project, in collaboration with the UK Met Office and its WISER programme; the UN’s WFP and FAO agencies and BBC Media Action also participated.

Case studies from Algeria, Iraq, Palestine and Syria demonstrated best practices in translating weather forecasts into life-saving action at the three-day Training of trainers on impact-based forecasting for early action.

“This training gives us tools to move from response to prevention,” said Khadija Maalej from BBC Action. “By anticipating hazards and understanding their likely impacts, we can act early and save more lives.”

The workshop also emphasized regional collaboration alongside local leadership, and the importance of simplified, community-centred messaging.

Fewer negative impacts

MENA is at once one of the most conflict-affected regions in the world and among the most vulnerable to climate change, including the full range of floods, storms (including dust storms), heatwaves, droughts and wildfires.

Adopting anticipatory approaches as part of national risk-management is seen as crucial, including efforts to include the refugees and internally displaced people who are often otherwise left out.

The intention behind Istibak is to enhance weather and climate information services in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, integrating forecast-based early action with local and regional coordination.

The goal is that refugees, IDPs and host communities will experience fewer negative impacts from extreme events through better access to and use of weather and climate services.

Last month’s training session in Dubai involved 24 professionals from across the MENA region, one that is simultaneously vulnerable to conflict and climate impacts. (Photo: Climate Centre)