1. Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in the Caribbean Community: State of Play
Sub-Regional Forum on Disaster Reduction and Early Warning Systems
Tuesday-Wednesday, March 26-27, 2019
Sheraton Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

2. Presentation overview
Context for Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems
Caribbean EWS Overview
Current Work in the Caribbean
Considerations going forward

3. Drought
Air quality
Heat

4. Caribbean EWS Overview

5. Observations 2005-2015 Ref. Collymore 2016
Diverse ad hoc interventions; Variable by hazard
Since 2003 >US$50M invested
At least 75% focused on warning tools, equipment and capacity building
Some progress in advancing EWS
Integated EWS at ‘embyonic stage’ – cyclones, flood, tsunami, volcanic hazards
Increasing use of science – CIMH drought, cyclones and severe weather; Seismic Research Centre

6. Recommendations Ref. Collymore 2016
Establish strategic vision for EWS development
EWS Policy - underway
Prioritisation of the investment in EWS – strategic process undertaken in support of prioritisation
Revisit and strengthen governance frameworks for EWS – consultations commenced and planned
Consolidation of National integrated EWS – guidance document
EWS more visible in national and regional strategies and programmes – sustainability dialogues with decision-makers have begun

7. Caribbean EWS Overview

8. risk knowledge Hazards Data collection Risk Assessments Organization
Hydro meteorological hazards
Severe weather; cyclones; drought
Collection of data on the hazard; return period calculations
Embryonic stages - qualitative approach
Eg. Weather Ready Nations (high, medium, low)
RAZOR - will look at quantification
CIMH
Seismic & Volcanic hazards
Collection of data on earthquakes and volcanic activity
Quantitative – Eg. seismic hazard atlas
Seismic Research Centre
Tsunami
Pacific Tsunami Centre
To be addressed
Caribbean Tsunami Information Centre

9. Detection, monitoring, analysis, forecasting
Hazard
Detection and Monitoring
Analysis and Forecasting
Organizations
Hydro meteorological hazards
Severe weather; cyclones; drought
Air quality; Heat
Tropical cyclone, severe weather Monitoring
Caribbean Drought and Precipitation Monitoring Network (Drought Bulletin)
Modeling of excess rainfall, wave heights; Storm surge
Drought
Impacts forecasting
CIMH
National Met Services
Seismic & Volcanic hazards
Seismic monitoring network
Seismic Research Centre, MVO; Mona Earthquake Unit
Tsunami
Monitoring of seismic activity
Analysis at national level
Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

10. Dissemination and communication of warnings
Hazard
Dissemination and Communication of Warnings
Organization
Hydro meteorological hazards
Severe weather; cyclones; drought
Public Advisories, Watches and Warnings
National Authorities
Seismic & Volcanic hazards
Tsunami

11. Preparedness to respond
Hazard
Preparedness Actions
Organization
Hydro meteorological hazards
Severe weather; cyclones; drought
National Plans, Exercises, Training etc.
CDEMA & Partners - Regional Response Mechanism
Organizations of the National Emergency Management System
Seismic & Volcanic hazards
Tsunami

12. Governance and institutional arrangements
Model National CDM Bill and Regulations provide guidance on governance and institutional arrangements for MHEWS at the national level
Part IX National Multi Hazard Alert System
Annex 5 EWS Regulations
NB: No specific policy guidance identified
Space to strengthen governance and institutional arrangements
Number of PS enacting legislation
Key to sustainability
Space for further elaboration on the national coordination mechanisms for MHEWS

13. Key issues
Responsibility and authority: Is the level of responsibility sufficiently supported by authority?
National Disaster Coordinator
Level of authority of National Meteorological Services? Legislation?

14. CURRENT WORK IN THE CARIBBEAN

15. EWS COnsortium Launched in June 2017
Function: strategic and advisory body for the advancement and strengthened coordination of Early Warning Systems within the Caribbean Region
Met in January, 2019 to develop a regional vision, Consortium mission and to identify strategic objectives in pursuit of the regional vision as outlined in their draft action plan.
strategic and advisory body for the advancement and strengthened coordination of Early Warning Systems within the Caribbean Region

16. Regional Vision for MHEWS
‘A Global Model for Sustainable People- Centered and Reliable Multi-Hazard EWS that is Caribbean Owned, Well Coordinated, Accessible and Trusted’
Consortium’s Mission
‘To Provide Leadership in the Coordination of a Dynamic Regional MHEWS Effective in Saving Lives & Livelihoods of People in the Caribbean’

17. Role of the ews consortium
Regional Strategic Vision and Action Plan
Standards
Stakeholder Engagement
Resource Mobilization
Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting

18. Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting
EWS CHECKLIST - Background
Hyogo Framework for Action
The Third International Conference on Early Warning (EWC III) held in Bonn, Germany (2006)
a simple list of the main elements and actions; a practical, non- technical reference tool to ensure that the major elements of a good early warning system are in place
Adapted for Caribbean Context 2017 including gender
Applied in Saint Lucia, Antigua, St. Vincent, Dominica
Assessment
Gap Validation
Roadmap
Implementation
Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting

19. Key Elements Cross-cutting Issues Key Actors
Ews checklist
Risk Knowledge; Monitoring and Warning Service; Dissemination and Communication; Response Capability
Key Elements
Effective Governance and Institutional Arrangements; A Multi-Hazard Approach; Involvement of Local Communities; Consideration of Gender Perspectives and Cultural Diversity
Cross-cutting Issues
Communities, Local governments, National governments, Regional institutions and organizations, International bodies, Non-governmental organisations, Private sector, Science and academic community
Key Actors

21. EWS Toolkit

22. Considerations FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Vision for EWS (National and Regional)
Prioritization of EWS
Enabling environment – policy, legislation, regulations
How do we advance and sustain integrated EWS governance and institutional arrangements? Governance mechanism:
EWS Consortium (regional); National Governance Options?
Coordination amongst actors is key
Harnessing lessons to shape this space for operation – review of past events

23. Considerations FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Analysis of EWS Checklist Results
Acknowledgement, celebration of and maintenance of EWS gains
Integration of EWS gaps into programming
Target setting, monitoring, lesson integration
Consider vulnerable groups and gender
Programmatic integration of Community EWS and National EWS actions
Balanced investment in 4 EWS elements and enabling environment – sequencing and prioritization
National and external investment guided by the national programmatic approach

24. Strengthen integrated early warning systems for more effective disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean through knowledge and tool transfer
IMPLEMENTED BY
SUPPORTED BY

25. Strengthen integrated and cohesive preparedness capacity at a regional, national and community level in the Caribbean
IMPLEMENTED BY
SUPPORTED BY

26. Dr. Alexcia Cooke, Regional Technical Coordinator, CDEMA
Thank you
Dr. Alexcia Cooke, Regional Technical Coordinator, CDEMA