Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commision of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) EU DG-ECHO CoastWAVE project country representatives gathered online between 16-17 February 2023 to learn more on the implementation of the IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP). The training focused on Tsunami Ready Indicators was hosted and facilitated by the IOC-UNESCO CoastWAVE project team. The training approach involved empowering CoastWAVE project representatives from Malta, Spain, Türkiye, Cyprus, Greece, Morocco, and Egypt. Experts of IOC-UNESCO Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Center also facilitated the training.

The IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition Program (TRRP) is a global initiative aimed at promoting tsunami preparedness and resilience in coastal communities consisting of 12 Indicators to be achieved. The program is designed to help communities improve their readiness by taking a set of specific actions, such as establishing a local tsunami warning system, conducting public education and outreach, and promoting evacuation planning.

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During the training, participants from seven communities (El Jadida-Morocco, Alexandria-Egypt, Larnaca-Cyprus, Buyukcekmece-Istanbul, Marsaxlokk-Malta, Chipiona-Spain, Samos-Greece) learned about the requirements and benefits of the IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition Program. They also had the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on how to implement the program in their own community.

Mr. Bernardo Aliaga, Head of Tsunami Resilience Section, and Dr Denis Chang Seng, Technical Secretary of ICG/NEAMTWS, provided opening remarks highlighting the benefits, history, mission and vision of the programme, and the required skills, tools, and knowledge on how to better implement IOC-UNESCO TRRP. The training focused on key presentations regarding the implementation of 12 indicators of TRRP in accordance with Manuals and Guides 74.

"IOC-UNESCO is organizing this TRRP training with the aim of educating and empowering national project partners and relevant stakeholders to implement TR in their respective communities” said Dr Derya Vennin, Assoc. Project Officer, the project coordinator of CoastWAVE project.   

Mr. Ardito Kodijat, Head of IOC-UNESCO Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Center (IOTIC) supported the facilitation of the training. He emphasized that the key importance of this programme is to strengthen the national capacities to become resilient to sea-level related hazards. Participants also expressed their appreciation of the training. "This program is an important step in ensuring that our community is prepared for the threat of tsunamis. By taking these actions, we can reduce the impact of tsunamis and help protect our residents and visitors."  said Dr Didem Cambaz, the vice manager of Tsunami Service Provider, Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI).

"We are excited to participate in this program and take the necessary steps to become IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Ready," said Dr Suzan El-Gharabawy, representative of National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF). "It is important that we work together to protect our community and ensure that we are prepared for any potential coastal disasters."

The training concluded with a wrap up discussion.

The training was attended by 48 experts. There was a declaration of commitment /interest to continue pursuing the IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition Program. In future, the NEAMTIC Secretariat plans to organize a bigger regional training on TR with the participation of other ICG/NEAMTWS Members States.