Mauritania strengthens climate resilience through national climate intelligence initiative

Mauritania is taking a decisive step toward a safer and more climate-resilient future with the National Consultation and Validation Workshop on the project “Establishing a National Climate Intelligence and Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Climate Resilience in Mauritania,” to be held from January 20 to 22, 2026.

Organized by UNIDO, with the contribution of UNDRR, the three-day consultation brings together government institutions, technical partners, civil society, and the private sector to shape a transformative national system that protects lives, livelihoods, and development gains.

A National Platform for Climate Action

Convened in Nouakchott, the workshop provides a high-level, inclusive platform to consolidate national ownership of a proposed Green Climate Fund (GCF) project. Participants are engaging in open dialogue to align the project’s vision, technical design, and long-term sustainability with Mauritania’s national priorities and operational realities. 
At the heart of the discussions is the ambition to establish a National Climate Intelligence and Multi-Hazard Early Warning System that strengthens climate monitoring, forecasting, risk analysis, and decision-making across sectors.

National leadership, global partnership

The workshop reaffirms the leadership of the National Observatory for the Environment and the Coastline (ONEL) as the national anchor institution for the system. It also clarifies the complementary roles of key international partners supporting Mauritania’s vision through global standards, risk governance, and strengthened observation networks. 
Together, national and international stakeholders are defining clear responsibilities to ensure coherent implementation and long-term impact.

What the workshop aims to achieve

Through technical presentations, discussions, and group work, participants aim to:

• Identify gaps in climate monitoring, forecasting, and climate intelligence.
• Validate the project’s structure, components, and strategic direction.
• Build consensus on institutional roles and coordination mechanisms.
• Ensure the system delivers timely, people-centered early warnings, especially for vulnerable communities.
• Strengthen national commitment to evidence-based, climate-informed decision-making.

From vision to action

Over three days, the agenda combines high-level dialogue with in-depth technical sessions:

• Day 1 focuses on national context, problem analysis, and technical briefings.
• Day 2 deepens discussions on financing, institutional arrangements, safeguards, and stakeholder-led group work.
• Day 3 emphasizes targeted consultations with ministries, NGOs, and the private sector to refine partnerships and next steps.

Expected outcomes

By the close of the consultation, Mauritania is expected to have:

• A nationally validated project document ready for GCF submission.
• A shared assessment of technical and institutional gaps.
• Agreed priorities for infrastructure upgrades, digital platforms, and capacity building.
• Inputs for environmental, social, and gender safeguards.
• Strengthened national alignment around climate resilience and early warning services.

Building a climate-resilient future

This national consultation marks a critical milestone in Mauritania’s journey toward a resilient, climate-informed future. By uniting institutions, partners, and communities around a shared vision, the country is laying the foundations for a modern climate intelligence system that turns data into action and warnings into protection.