National Consultation Workshop on the National Framework for Climate Services in Rwanda

A National Consultation Workshop for the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) in Rwanda gathered representatives from national institutions and partners, and experts from the World Meteorological Organization, International Research Institute for Climate and Society, University Reading, International Center for Tropical Agriculture. At the opening ceremony, Minister of Environment Dr. Vincent Biruta noted that the NFCS intends to bridge the gap between weather and climate information developed by Meteo Rwanda with other advisory services produced by institutions in various sectors—all with the aim of meeting the needs of the general public and other users.  The Minister added that the new framework will identify mechanisms and networks to improve and sustain the flow of climate information for different users in Rwanda. “The National Framework for Climate Services will enable us to create and provide authoritative, credible and usable science-based climate information and advice that is of value to government institutions, socio-economic sectors mainly agriculture, disaster management, transport safety, health and others, and the broader community,” said Biruta. In addition to the work done during the plenary session and in working groups, participants also visited Lake Cyohoha North, a drought-prone area which has suffered from extreme events in recent years. Local fishermen welcomed the weather and climate prediction knowledge shared by Meteo Rwanda and requested more weather and climate information to help them deal with the challenges in their area.