CoastWAVE Project

Project title: Strengthening the Resilience of Coastal Communities in the North East Atlantic, Mediterranean Region to the Impact of Tsunamis and Other Sea Level-Related Coastal Hazards

Organization: UNESCO/IOC

Funding:EU DG ECHO (European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations)

Start of the Project: 01/09/2021

Implementation Period: 30 Months

Geographical scope/Benefiting countries: North Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea /  Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Malta, Morocco, Spain, and Turkey

Risk Scenarios Covered: Tsunamis and other coastal hazards

Brief Summary: This project is designed to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in North-East Atlantic, Mediterranean Tsunami Warning System (NEAMTWS) countries to tsunamis and other sea level-related hazards. At the end of the project selected communities will have improved understanding of tsunami and sea-level related risks; better communication strategies to govern sea-level related risk, recognized Tsunami Ready communities; as well as an improved framework for the sustainability of the existing Inexpensive Device for Sea Level (IDSL) Network.

Local Implementation Partners:  

- Tsunami Service Providers (TSPs) and National Tsunami Warning Centres (NTWCs);

- Tsunami detection and sea level monitoring organisations/institutions in participating countries;

- Civil Protection Agencies and First Responders and other Members of the National Emergency Management System e.g. National Tsunami Warning Focal Points & National Tsunami Contacts, Ministries of Education, Ministries of Tourism etc;

- Local District/Community Emergency Organizations, Community Emergency Response Teams;

- Local government/authorities at Tsunami Ready pilot location;

- Community leaders, community members and tourists/visitors at Tsunami Ready pilot locations.

Other Institutions and Stakeholders:

 - Scientific/research organisations/institutions in participating countries. The project will solicit the support of scientific/research organisations/universities in participating countries particularly in the field of coastal inundation modelling and evacuation mapping;

- Disaster risk reduction organisations at national and EU UCPM level. National Civil Protection Authorities and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism are expected to be both contributing partners and beneficiaries. The CPAs will be involved in developing the Tsunami Ready Standards and Guidelines for the NEAMTWS region and will benefit from implementation at national level;

- UNESCO field offices will assist with logistics and liaison with national stakeholders in Egypt and Morocco;

- Professional associations, NGOs and media Communication group to raise awareness of the Programme and project objective and expected outcomes;

- UNDRR, Joint Research Commission (JRC).

Project Components:

Component 1 -  Adapt Global Tsunami Ready Standards and Guidelines and pilot Tsunami Ready within the framework of the ICG/NEAMTWS.

Component 2 - Supply and install tsunami detection and alerting equipment in selected NEAMTWS countries

Component 3 - Evaluate the effectiveness, compatibility, performance and benefits of the “Inexpensive Device for Sea Level” (IDSL) network in NEAMTWS countries and secure its sustainability.

Project Outcomes:

Outcome 1 - Commitment of NEAMTWS Member States to Implement Tsunami Ready pilot programmes based on standards and guidelines developed and adopted by the ICG/NEAMTWS strengthened.

Outcome 2 - Understanding and communication of tsunami and other sea-level related risk in selected communities in Cyprus, Egypt, Malta and Morocco enhanced.

Outcome 3 - Selected coastal communities in Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Malta, Morocco, Spain and Turkey better prepared to respond to sea level-related hazards.

Outcome 4 - Access to near real time seismic and/or sea level detection and alert technology to provide early warning of rapid onset sea level-related hazards in selected coastal communities in Cyprus, Egypt, Morocco and Spain improved.

Outcome 5 - Longer term Sustainability of the Inexpensive Device for Sea Level (IDSL) network to provide early warning of rapid onset sea level-related hazards in NEAMTWS countries enhanced.

 UNESCO/IOC and EU DG ECHO, CoastWAVE Project