Advances and challenges in the implementation of the UNESCO/LOC tsunami ready recognition programme in the pacific and caribbean region

• Main Authors: Kong, L., von Hillebrandt-Andrade, C., Hincapie Cardenas, C., Soto, S., Brome, A., Aliaga, B.
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Pacific; Indian; Northeast Atlantic
• Online Access: https://gfzpublic.gfz-potsdam.de/pubman/item/item_5016206

In June 2022 the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO established the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme. It is modelled after the US TsunamiReady® Program established in 2001. To receive Tsunami Ready recognition, each community must meet 12 indicators that cover Assessment, Preparedness, and Response. The recognition is renewable every four years. The Tsunami Information Centres in each region (ITIC in the Pacific, CTIC in the Caribbean, IOTIC in the Indian Ocean and NEAMTIC in the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic) facilitate the implementation of this Programme. To date, more than 30 communities in 20 countries in the Pacific and Caribbean, and 40 globally have been recognized. ITIC and its Caribbean Office (previously known as the Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program) have been supporting the program in its different phases since 2012. In 2014, Anguilla, a UK Territory in the Caribbean, was the first to be recognized. Currently, with funding from USAID, ITIC, in coordination with CTIC for the Caribbean, is leading TR projects in several SIDS in the Caribbean and Pacific. It is also providing support through capacity development and sharing of best practices worldwide. Additionally, ITIC hosts the website for the Programme (tsunamiready.org). By conducting this work ITIC and CTIC and the countries, communities and other stakeholders will be contributing to the IOC Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme and specifically the goal of 100% of communities at risk are prepared and resilient to tsunamis by 2030. An overview on the implementation process, deliverables and challenges will be presented.