Climate Exchange

[

] 59

griculture

tions discuss seasonal issues associated with FNS in

each country. However, there is currently no way to

measure its impact in improving FNS conditions. It

should be noted that food insecurity problems are of

a structural nature and climate variability, although

a relevant part, represents only one of the factors

that influence it. However, recognizing that it will

have an impact, a contingent evaluation instrument is

expected to be developed by FAPC for reducing food

insecurity associated to climate risk.

The working model described is based on accept-

ance that the national weather services have limited

conditions and resources, but their capacities to

generate products and services are enhanced by

regional technical cooperation, integrated into

working groups. This sectoral model at Central

American scale has been possible thanks to the

existence of a regional institutionality represented

by SICA and supported by a political mandate at the

highest level, which has prioritized risk reduction

and promoted joint work by the regional sectoral

institutions on all issues related to that risk and to

FNS. This makes the Central American experience an

example that can be replicated in other regions that

share the same limitations, and which can contribute

to sectoral institutional integration at regional and

national level.

New resources to support the FCAC and FAPC process

To support these processes the NMHSs, coordinated by CRRH,

have constructed a Central America Climate Database through the

Regional Fund for Public Assets of the Inter-American Development

Bank. This has enabled the quality-controlled collection, order-

ing and classification of historical records from over 150 weather

stations in the seven countries and, with the support of the PREVDA

programme, the Central American Meteorological and Hydrological

Integration Center – an information-sharing platform that will

improve virtual technical coordination between the meteorological

and hydrological services.

Challenges

The main challenges facing the FCAC and FAPC are the intro-

duction of more information contributed by users’ sectors for

the development of situational analyses and their involvement in

financial sustainability to ensure continuity of this process.

FCAC and FAPC have responded to an unsatisfied need, filling the

seasonal climate information gap that existed previously. The results

of this initiative include facilitating the exchange of information

between countries, sectors and institutional and individual, public

and private users. In addition, FCAC and FAPC are promoting

better knowledge of the potential of weather outlooks and increased

expectations for more products and services in response to situa-

tions associated with particular behaviours of climate variability.

FCAC and FAPC are used as technical reference for the national

fora coordinated by PREFNSCA, where inter-sectoral institu-

Source: Jorge Lopez-OSPESCA

Applying the climate outlook to the fisheries sector, December 2011-January 2012

Intense rainfall events; and high river flows likely

to impact aquaculture of shrimp and tilapia

Severe weather conditions very likely to affect

fishing activities and damage public roads and

infrastructure

High risk of red tide because of sudden increased

of plankton organisms

Sea and fisheries

Above normal

rainfall scenario

Possible effects

Suggested measures

Aquaculture

Artisan fisheries

Impacts on shrimp and tilapia ponds because of

overflowing or dam breaks, loss of animals,

larvae and risk of viral diseases

Loss of days at sea

Loss of fishing gear

Strengthen communication with National Weather

Services and promote effective communication

channels for dissemination of alerts

For fisheries authorities:

Be prepared with maps and contacts of producers for

easy alert distribution and help. Strengthen bulwarks

Help producers to develop their contingency plans

Be prepared with extra empty ponds to move

displaced animals from impacted areas

For social system authorities:

Contingency/emergency help for families depending

on daily catches

Contingency funds to help small fisheries replace

fishing gear

Strengthen controls and/or help small fisheries with

communications and security equipment