Mariam has been appointed as the head of Burkina Faso’s National Meteorological Agency, ANAM. Her achievements at NORCAP led to improvements in climate services through the adoption of the Weather Research and Forecasting model. Mariam highlights the importance of women’s empowerment in addressing climate change and the role of meteorology in diverse sectors. Her leadership emphasizes the need for inclusivity and collaboration in climate governance.
Mariam has been appointed as the new head of the Burkina Faso National Meteorological Agency (ANAM). She joined NORCAP in 2023 through the Climate Action Accelerator Programme, where she thrived under the mentorship of Emmanuel Poan. Her successful adaptation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to local conditions has significantly enhanced ANAM’s climate service capabilities, leading to more accurate forecasts critical for agriculture, disaster risk management, and water resource administration.
The collective efforts of Mariam and her team have bolstered ANAM’s abilities, resulting in reliable climate predictions. Mariam emphasizes that these advancements have empowered decision-makers and communities to make informed choices that strengthen resilience against climate risks. Her noteworthy application to NORCAP’s programme distinguished her among many candidates.
Mariam highlights ANAM’s participation in FESPACO 2025, Africa’s premier film festival, as a pivotal achievement. Her team, consisting of meteorologists and communication specialists, effectively demonstrated the broad impact of weather on film production and public safety. She notes, “This initiative expanded ANAM’s reach, demonstrating that meteorology is not just about forecasting but also a crucial tool for risk management, logistics, and creative industries.”
Through her endeavors with NORCAP and ANAM, Mariam has successfully bridged the divide between scientific knowledge and societal needs. She expresses her sincere appreciation to the Burkinabè authorities for their trust and commitment to gender inclusivity in climate governance. Mariam highlights the multifaceted impacts of climate change in Burkina Faso, especially on women, emphasizing their crucial yet often neglected roles in adaptation strategies.
Mariam advocates for the empowerment of women in leading climate action, asserting that their unique perspectives and resilience make them vital agents of change in the quest for a sustainable future. She continues to call attention to the need for their inclusion in climate science and decision-making processes to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change effectively.
Mariam’s appointment as the head of ANAM marks a significant advancement for the agency and climate services in Burkina Faso. Her work exemplifies the crucial intersection of meteorology and practical applications in various sectors, including agriculture and disaster management. Additionally, her commitment to gender inclusivity and the empowerment of women in climate governance underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing climate challenges. As Burkina Faso navigates the complexities of climate change, leadership that embraces inclusivity will be paramount for resilience and sustainable development.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
