LocationsThe climate is rapidly changing, and this is something we’re all experiencing.
New Meteorological Equipment Installed for Improved Weather Forecasting and Water Management
July 19, 2023
Mr. George Paiman Chief General Service of MDS checks if the designated piece of land meets the requirements for the installation of the AWS. Upper chief (Granman) of Matawai Mr. Lesley Valentine, Jordy Pawirodinomo of WLA, and Gillian Babb of GCCA+, are listening to Mr. Paiman's explanation.
GCCA+ Phase 2 Project Suriname,March 2023
The impact of climate change is also noticeable in Suriname. In order to better prepare for the future, the Government of Suriname has developed strategies with the support of national and local stakeholders. One of the approaches includes collecting and analyzing accurate hydrological and meteorological data and installing and maintaining Hydro-met instruments.
To collect and analyze data for improved weather forecasting and water management, the national hydro-meteorological network is being expanded. The Meteorological Service (MDS) and the Hydraulic Research Division (WLA) of the Ministry of Public Works, play an important role in the expansion of the hydro-met network.
Hydro-Meteorological services can help make fundamental changes in preparing societies and economies for climate change. The GCCA+ Phase 2 Project provided 18 meteorological instruments for national hydro-meteorological network expansion, with funding from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Suriname. The 18 meteorological instruments consisted of 3 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and 15 Automatic Rain Stations (ARS).
Concrete landfilling and fencing for the AWS installation by Mr. G. Paiman and 2 staff members of the Technical Department of The Ministry of Public Works: Irosemito R. and Wongsodihardjo R
GCCA+ Phase 2 Project Suriname,March 2023
In December 2021, under the GCCA+ Phase 2 Project, the MDS installed the first AWS in Totness- Coronie, followed by the second AWS installation in Traymore -Moengo in May 2022. The first ARS, under the GCCA+ Phase 2 Project, was installed by MDS in Tijgerkreek – Saramacca in February 2023, then in Redi Doti Village – Para. In March two ARS were installed in Poesoegroenoe Village – Matawai Area and in Spieringshoek – Commewijne.
In addition to the fact that the installation of the 18 meteorological stations will allow weather data to be collected and analyzed, this activity also enhances community engagement and capacity-building in the relevant village communities.
The installed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at Poesoegroenoe, Suriname
GCCA+ Phase 2 Project Suriname,March 2023
“In March 2022, villages in the Matawai Area were affected by flooding. This new weather station will ensure that we have up-to-date weather data. For us, as a community, it is in our best interest to receive accurate weather data, so we are very positive about the installation of the Automatic Rain Stations,” said Captain Valentijn of Poesoegroenoe village.
“But, along with receiving accurate data, the village's youth is given the opportunity to work and provided with training to be able to execute minor maintenance on the equipment and maintain the area around the station. We really appreciate this," Captain Valentijn also stated.
Accurate weather data benefits the entire community since it has an important role in safeguarding the security, well-being, and economic development of communities.
The remaining 12 meteorological instruments under the GCCA+ phase 2 project will be installed in the period of May and October 2023 throughout different parts of Suriname, such as Galibi, Wageningen, and Coeroenie.