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Strengthening Early Warning Systems in Europe

Strengthening Early Warning Systems in Europe. Vera Goldschmidt Ferreira National Detached Expert Monitoring and Information Centre European Commission DG ENV A3 Civil Protection Unit http://ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/index.htm. Background. Tsunami disaster of December 2004

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Strengthening Early Warning Systems in Europe

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  1. Strengthening Early Warning Systems in Europe Vera Goldschmidt Ferreira National Detached Expert Monitoring and Information Centre European Commission DG ENV A3 Civil Protection Unit http://ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/index.htm

  2. Background • Tsunami disaster of December 2004 • Hyogo Declaration 2005; priorities for action: • “…enhance early warning” • EU Action Plan, Jan 2005 “proposals should cover the establishment of a detection and early warning system for the Indian Ocean, as well as for the Mediterranean and the Atlantic” • UNESCO-IOC • Council Conclusions of 21 Dec. 2006: COM proposals to be presented by July 2007

  3. Hazards and risks in Europe Floods Wind storms Forest fires Seismic risks

  4. Main gaps Tsunamis Tourists Impaired Education

  5. Changing nature of risks • Population growth • Climate change • Mobility • Vulnerability of modern societies

  6. Europe’s need for a tsunami EWS • 10% of all tsunamis happen in the region • Devastating historical tsunamis • Active seismic zones

  7. Europe the only region at risk where no operational EWS is in place for tsunamis • High vulnerability (population density along coastlines, ports, economic assets) • Citizens from all over Europe will be affected • Basic elements already in place (seismic network)

  8. Historical tsunamis in the Atlantic-Mediterranean area Source: Bologna University, Italy

  9. Basic Principles for Further Work • Cross-sectoral • Multi-hazards • Complementarity • Fit into ongoing initiatives (UNESCO IOC)

  10. Main Areas of Action • Risk assessment • Detection systems • Disseminating alerts • Preparedness, education, awareness raising

  11. Risk Assessment • Identification of high risk areas - GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) • GMES could provide data required for run-up models (e.g. coastal topography) and risk maps, to be shared with all relevant stakeholders through the GMES process.

  12. Risk Assessment • Creating a web-based platform to share data and methodologies for risk assessment • Support workshops to facilitate the elaboration of methodologies for risk assessment (e.g. DG RTD)

  13. Detection Systems • Real time data sharing • Common platform • MoUs and data-sharing protocols • Mainstreaming with Med countries • Member States to install additional detection systems • Tsunami modelling through JRC

  14. Alert Dissemination • Portal to incorporate alert tools • Upgrade MIC IT facilities • Participation of Euro-Med countries • Sub-working group to elaborate proposals for common tsunami warning signals • Multi-national projects - MS • Use other COM opportunities (e.g. regional policy programmes) • Involve Mediterranean countries

  15. Preparedness, Education, Awareness • Capacity building for civil protection authorities • Contacts with tourism associations • Education programmes for local communities in risk areas - MS • Simulation exercises - MS • CPX in 2008 - MIC • Improve sustainable coastal management measures (building codes, land use planning, protective infrastructure) - MS • Mainstreaming with Mediterranean countries (e.g. education, tourism, health sector)

  16. Follow up Next steps 2007/2008 • Implementation of Council Conclusions of Dec. 2006 • Analysis of UNESCO IOC Implementation Plan • Identify possible contributions of MS/ EC • MIC EWS expert group meeting: November • Discussion ProCiv: November • UNESCO-IOC meeting Lisbon: November • Presentation of work plan 2008: 28 November

  17. 2nd Second Civil Protection Forum 22-23 November 2007 Session “Raising the Alarm” http://ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/forum2007/index.htm

  18. Thank-you for your attention

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