Resilient Coastal Communities to Tsunamis High on the Agenda at the “Science for Sustainable Development” Conference in El Jadida, Morocco

An ‘International Conference on Science for Sustainable Development’ was organized by the Laboratory of Marine Geosciences and Soil Sciences (LGMSS) of University of Chouaib Doukkali (UCD), Morocco on 9-10 March 2023. The conference also featured presentations on tsunami risks in El Jadida/Morocco the status of implementing tsunami early warning and alerting systems, the progress of IOC-UNESCO Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme and scientific studies completed, contributing to make El Jadida Tsunami Ready.

Source: Khalid El Khalidi

Experts highlighted the importance of integrating tsunami science into sustainable development planning to mitigate the devastating impact of future tsunamis on vulnerable coastal communities. Several high-profile attendees gave speeches on a range of topics: Dr. Denis Chang Seng, IOC UNESCO Technical Secretary of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation System in the North-eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and connected seas (ICG/NEAMTWS) delivered a presentation on the progress, challenges of implementing NEAMTWS. He also provided an overview of the new Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme, as well as opportunities offered by CoastWAVE project to El Jadida, Morocco. Prof. Amr Hamouda, Director of national Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) highlighted tsunami risks in Egypt and progress acheived under the framework of ICG/NEAMTWS DG ECHO CoastWAVE project. Mr Karim Hilmi, IOC UNESCO Officer, presented an overview of the mission and vision of IOC-UNESCO, IOC-UNESCO Africa and its implementation plans as well as the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap.

Prof. Frederique Leone from University of Montpellier reported that an integrated approach has been applied to prepare tsunami inundation and evacuation maps of maximum probable tsunami in El Jadida. Finally, Prof. Khalid El Khalidi informed participants on the establishment of tsunami warning system in Morocco, and the activities of CoastWAVE project and upcoming tsunami exercises planned in El Jadida.

The conference was followed with a high-level stakeholder meeting on 11 May. The representatives of Morocco-National Civil Protection Agency, CNRST, Ministry of Interior, Solidarity Fund against Catastrophic Events, Department of Meteorology, Delegation of Tourism, University of El Jadida and Montpellier, Department of Ports and Maritime, National Commission of UNESCO and IOC-UNESCO and the local media gathered in a meeting to discuss on key actions to strengthen the resilience of the City of El Jadida to tsunamis and other coastal hazards.

The meeting brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, and civil society. The meeting deliberated on improving early warning systems, enhancing preparedness and response mechanisms, and building more coastal resilient communities in Morocco.

Participants also discussed the need for more investment in tsunami alerting systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the importance of raising public awareness about tsunami risks. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working together to build a more resilient future in the face of tsunami risks.