Research, Development and Implementation Plan for the Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme

The Indian Ocean Earthquake of 26 December 2004 resulted in one of the deadliest tsunamis in recorded history, claiming around 230,000 lives and causing extensive damage across 14 countries. Recent tsunamis from varying non-seismic sources underscore the limitations of existing warning systems, and highlight the need to enhance coordination and preparation on a global scale. 

To address these challenges, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) oversaw the creation of Intergovernmental Coordination Groups (ICGs), which meet mitigation and preparation needs across regions. ICGs work alongside Tsunami Warning Services, Member States’ Tsunami National Contacts (TNCs), Tsunami Service Providers (TSPs), regional and national Tsunami Warning Centres (TWCs), and Tsunami Warning Focal Points (TWFPs) to optimise emergency measures, as well as monitor sea-level hazards, launch warnings, and review response procedures when tsunamis do occur. 

In June 2021, IOC-UNESCO launched the Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme (ODTP) as part of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), an effort to bolster the global tsunami warning system by reducing response times and enhancing community readiness. Through initiatives like the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP), the ODTP seeks to ensure that all at-risk communities are prepared and resilient by 2030, providing a special focus on the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). 

Key challenges include comprehensive tsunami risk assessment, effective early warning systems, timely dissemination of warnings, and enhancing preparedness and response capabilities across the globe. Inclusive governance and capacity development across regions, genders, and generations lie at the core of the ODTP, guiding the way for implementation through collaboration among Member States, academic institutions, industry, and other stakeholders.