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

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 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”

18. Thank-you for your attention