require during or early after transition. BoM’s future role will also be expressed within COSPPac phase 2. Future support should continue to recognise the great diversity among NMSs and Pacific Island stakeholders, such as Land and Survey Divisions and ensure the availability of flexible funding to suit each country context to at least the level of current annual allocations ($36,000). Future support should maximise country-specific engagement (e.g. activities) and avoid ‘one-size-fits-all’ support and training. Agree. DFAT acknowledges that support to Land and Survey Divisions, flexible funding, and a tailored approach to country-specific support and training have had an important role in COSPPac. possible, these will be incorporated into the design for COSPPac Phase 2, subject to budgetary considerations. To be considered in the design of COSPPac Phase 2. DFAT In terms of specific issues for COSPPac until mid-2016, the following should be considered: Support for extending communications skills among scientists (who have already benefited from previous communications training) so they can work more effectively and extensively with communities and public/private sector stakeholders Strengthening of SCOPIC (Seasonal Climate Outlooks for Pacific Island Countries) to include dynamical model outputs such as POAMA (to complement statistical models) (while remaining aware that new Agree. This activity will be transferred to SPREP and USP to become part of their training program – this was agreed and endorsed by the COSPPac Steering Committee in May 2015. The priority for 2015 - 2016 is to deliver a and bug-free SCOPIC to SPREP by June 2016 therefore adding new features may delay this process. To be considered during the drafting of individual transition plans. If funding and time permits, COSPPac will include outlooks into SCOPIC. This may also be included as a possible further modification in SCOPIC under the new management. COSPPac Team Transition Plan Sub-committee
Korean software using dynamical modeling may obviate the need for SCOPIC to do so). In of specific issues for post-2016 support, the following should be considered: Use of Pacific Islands institution(s) for the coordination and delivery of ongoing training and education (including both formal and informal, pre and customised training) rather than dependence on external trainers Continued funding and engagement with GA and the National Centre for data collection, calibration and maintenance of essential equipment in Pacific Island locations Increased responsibility within SOPAC for supporting the ongoing use of ocean focused software products as well as work with tidal gauges, land-based GNSS stations, surveys and calibration Ongoing maintenance of CliDE Database, subject to detailed further review. Agreed. DFAT acknowledges that Pacific Island institutions are well placed to deliver a of education and training options in a well-targeted and cost effective way. Agreed, subject to budgetary considerations and a review of costs for this service. Agree. The partnership between GA and SPC – GeoScience Division is an important one and Australia supports an increased role for SPC – GeoScience Division in providing technical support in the region. Agree. CliDE is now part of COSPPac – under the new arrangement the current Bureau CliDE team will report to the COSPPac Steering Committee. DFAT acknowledges the importance of a stable, user-friendly, climate data management system for the Pacific. A separate review of CliDE was completed in March 2015 by DFAT and recommended fixing existing bugs and issues in CliDE be fixed prior to handing over to the region. DFAT’s response to the CliDE review is outlined in a separate management response. DFAT and BoM are actively discussing with Pacific Islands institutions (such as SPREP, SPC and USP) for the coordination and delivery of ongoing training and education. DFAT to discuss funding considerations with GA. To be considered under the transition plan. DFAT to discuss the options outlined in the CliDE Review and develop a management response in consultation with BoM and COSPPac partners. DFAT (Pacific Regional Branch and Suva Post), COSPPac Management unit , SPREP, SPC and USP. COSPPac Management Unit, Geoscience Australia and SPC – GeoScience Division. COSPPac Management Unit, COSPPac Sea level Team, SPC, GA. DFAT, BoM