Lesotho Living Lab visit: strengthening relationships and advancing Climate Services
From 22-26 July, representatives from the I-CISK project gathered in Maseru (Lesotho) to advance the development of climate services and enhance anticipatory action capabilities in the Lesotho Living Lab. The group included Daniele Castellana and Emie Klein Holkenborg from the Netherlands Red Cross’ data and digital team, 510, Balbina Nyamakura from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, and Katherine Egan from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), with the visit hosted by Sebongile Hlubi of the Lesotho Red Cross Society.
The team carried out several key activities during the week. One of the primary tasks was the validation of low-fidelity prototypes for a climate service aimed at anticipating and mitigating the impacts of droughts. This validation process was essential to ensure that the prototypes aligned with the needs of the users and could inform their decision-making in the long term. Another significant component of the visit was the presentation and discussion of a study on local indigenous knowledge related to drought risks. This study provides valuable insights into traditional practices and understanding, which can complement scientific approaches and improve the effectiveness of climate services. In collaboration with the Lesotho Meteorological Service (LMS), the team conducted a climate workshop. The workshop addressed cold wave and drought anticipation, focusing on the different products and processes used by LMS and ECMWF. ECMWF presented a prototype user-centred evaluation process and preliminary results for low temperature and snow forecasts in Lesotho. These discussions were productive in identifying synergies and potential future collaboration between the two organizations. The team also worked on validating the project’s Theory of Change, which helped align the project’s strategic objectives and provided clarity on the expected outcomes, ensuring that all partners were working towards a common goal. Additionally, work began on a mini-documentary that will highlight the I-CISK project’s objectives, the socio-geographic context of Lesotho, and the region’s climate risks. The documentary aims to provide an informative overview of the project and its relevance to the local context.
This collaborative effort engaged various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in developing effective climate services. The outcomes from this visit will contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of tools and strategies to enhance climate resilience in Lesotho.