News
Charting the Future of Tsunami Early Warning System and Preparedness: Outcomes of the 5th Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme Scientific Committee Meeting
The 5th Meeting of the Scientific Committee (ODTP-SC), held in Paris from January 16-17, 2025, marked a significant step in reviewing, planning, and aligning the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Programme initiatives with activities proposed under the
A key focus of the discussions was the review of the The Committee emphasized the need for collaboration between ODTP-SC and the White Paper Working Group 6 team to integrate tsunami warning systems with the objectives of Ocean Decade Challenge 6, particularly in advancing people-centered Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS). The role of Tsunami Early Warning Systems (TEWS) as a critical foundation for user-focused MHEWS was also highlighted.
The Committee commended efforts to improve monitoring and tracking of the ODTP-endorsed actions, highlighting enhanced coordination and strategic implementation. The Calls 6 and 7 for Ocean Decade Actions generated strong engagement, with new project proposals amounting to €20 million in investments from partners. Two proposals have already received endorsement, while others are under review.
A key outcome of the meeting was the discussion on the Tsunami Ready Coalition (TRC) Implementation Plan, a global initiative aimed at ensuring 100% of at-risk coastal communities achieve tsunami preparedness by 2030. The TRC Implementation Plan defines a clear action plan, governance structure, proposed membership, and communication strategies. As a collaborative initiative, the TRC brings together global, regional, and Member State stakeholders to strengthen supporting the UN Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme’s objective of achieving full tsunami preparedness by 2030. The Coalition will focus on advocacy, resource mobilization, networking, and guidance. Reporting to the Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards related to Sea Level Warning and Mitigation Systems () the TRC will have a small, diverse membership, primarily institutional, by invitation from UNESCO-IOC. The ODTP-SC welcomed the proposed Implementation Plan, which was subsequently presented for endorsement at the TOWS-WG and Task Team meetings (February 20-25, 2025) before its submission for endorsement at the 33rd IOC Assembly (June 25 - July 3, 2025).
Significant progress was also reported on the development of a Methodological Protocol for Mapping Tsunami Risk. Initially applied in the Caribbean Basin, this methodology aims to identify the number of Tsunami Ready communities, with the potential for global scalability.
Additionally, the Committee acknowledged advancements in the development of the Tsunami Programme ODTP-RDI Performance Monitoring and Tracking Tool to ensure effective monitoring of programme actions. Further refinements will be made, with updates on its progress to be made available to members online.
Looking ahead, the ODTP-SC has outlined key initiatives for 2025, including participation in the International Tsunami Symposium (ITS) 2025, set to take place in Hyderabad from November 12-14. Additionally, the IOC/Tsunami Resilience Section will engage in major global events, such as the EW4All Global Stakeholder Forum (June 2-3, Geneva) and the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) (June 4-6, Geneva).
Through these efforts, the ODTP-SC continues to drive forward initiatives that strengthen tsunami preparedness, enhance early warning systems, and support the global commitment to disaster risk reduction.
