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 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

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

Main gaps Tsunamis Tourists Impaired Education

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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.

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

Thank-you for your attention