Belize Hosting 14th Annual National Climate Outlook Forum
BELOMOPAN, Belize – Belize is hosting the 14th annual National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) which it says remains an important mechanism for bridging climate science and policy, fostering dialogue among stakeholders, and promoting the use of climate services as a cornerstone of sustainable development and disaster risk reduction in the country.
The two-day event is being hosted by the National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management and development partners.
It is being held under them theme “Strengthening Disaster Risk Management and Resilience through Climate Services in the Context of El Niño and Climate Extremes.”
According to the organisers, the annual forum brings together government agencies, regional and international organizations, development partners, academia, the private sector, and civil society to examine current and projected climate conditions and strengthen Belize’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate-related hazards.
“As climate variability and extreme weather events continue to affect countries around the world, the National Climate Outlook Forum serves as a vital platform for promoting collaboration, enhancing the use of climate information in decision-making, and ensuring that key sectors have access to timely and reliable data to support planning and preparedness efforts.”
They said that over the course of the two-day forum, participants will engage in presentations, discussions, and technical sessions focused on seasonal climate and hurricane outlooks; El Niño and climate extremes and their implications for Belize as well as disaster risk management and preparedness measures and advancements in technology, climate, and youth development, and local and international data collection and transmission.
“Participants will also examine how climate information can be better integrated into national planning and decision-making processes, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, disaster risk management, food security, and community resilience.
“The forum further provides an opportunity for stakeholders to identify emerging challenges, share experiences and best practices, and develop practical recommendations for strengthening coordination and building resilience across Belize,” the organisers added.
They said special sessions throughout the forum will highlight ongoing initiatives designed to improve weather and climate monitoring, strengthen early warning systems, expand observational networks, and promote community-based approaches to resilience building.
