Welcome to the December 2010 edition of NIWA's Asia-Pacific Update. Here we bring you news of some of our latest projects around the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about NIWA's work in the Pacific Rim, contact Doug Ramsay, d.ramsay@niwa.co.nz
Soil erosion and the conseqeunt land degradation are serious problems around the world. NIWA is part of an international team developing novel techniques to help better inform land management in vulnerable areas.
NIWA is working with Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), and other partners, to develop a climate early warning system in Samoa. The system will provide more timely and targeted climate information, and ultimately help local people mitigate the effects of climate variation and change.
The Wai Votua Project, which involved development and construction of a wastewater treatment system for Votua village in Fiji, has been completed. The project has been acclaimed as a model for successful community participation and engagement.
NIWA has been assisting the Water Authority of Fiji to upgrade flood warning systems in two vulnerable catchments. Our role was to provide new data-measurement and telemetry technology, and train local staff in data collection and interpretation, to enable an improved flood warning service.
Two technical staff from Pacific Island states have been on work placement at NIWA as part of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Development Group initiative to help develop technical skills within Pacific Island governments.
