In 2018, the Pacific Fund will support two new research projects involving New Zealand and French partners, for a total of 55 000 € :

1. Implementation of a Lightning detection network for the French territories in the Pacific

This research project led by Meteorological Services of New Zealand Ltd (MetService) will benefit a €30 000 financial support from the Pacific Fund.

“In the face of climate change, severe weather becomes more frequent and more severe, leading to stronger impact on Pacific communities. Lightning is a key indicator of severe weather activity and can provide a significant advantage in predicting storm activity, as well as providing vital information to prepare for this threat.

The Pacific Fund will contribute to the development and ongoing maintenance of lightning detection sensors located in the French Pacific territories, which in turn contributes to the South Pacific lightning detection network.The South Pacific Lightning Detection Network is currently being installed in departments of the national meteorological services and ministries through a partnership between MetService and TOA Systems and includes seven sensors (Wallis Island, Futuna Island, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Hiva Oa, Mangareva and Rapa).

The South Pacific French Territory lightning sensor sites are being used to complement other sensor sites in the South Pacific Lightning Detection Network to ensure wide coverage of real time lightning detection and awareness.”

Peter Fisher, Business Development Manager at MetService

2. Quality and Safety of drinking water on Lifou and Maré islands

This project is mainly led by Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science) and will benefit from a €25 000 support.

“Climate change, urbanization, and rising agricultural and human practices threaten the quality and safety of drinking water supplies on the small tropical islands. The freshwater reserve of the Loyalty Islands Province main islands, Lifou and Maré, are particularly affected by exploitation and sensitive to contaminations.

In both Lifou and Maré, which shares many environmental similarities, it is necessary to establish an initial reference of this quality accompanied by a regular monitoring of the captured waters. The future of these small islands is highly dependent on the quality of drinking water and the environment to support the health of their inhabitants.

We are seeking the support of the Pacific Fund to undertake a new study on the waters captured from Maré, update the previous study on Lifou and disseminate information to local communities on the vulnerability of their aquifer and how to protect it for the future.”

Karyne Rogers, Senior Scientist, National Isotope Center, GNS Science