Early Warning Systems in Central America: Key Element to Disaster Risk Reduction

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1 Early Warning Systems in Central America: Key Element to Disaster Risk Reduction WORKSHOP: STRENGTHENING DROUGHT EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS Eng. Roy Barboza Sequeira Executive Secretary CEPREDENAC

2 DRR Information Tools Central American Use of Satellite Data Central American Hurricane Map Total Annual Precipitation

3 Coordination Center for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America CEPREDENAC was created since 1987 to coordinate and promote Disaster Risk Reduction actions with a regional scope of 6 countries. 30 th ANNIVERSARY. Since the early 1990s, CEPREDENAC has worked along with scientific entities in order to create mechanisms, provide equipment and develop capacity to establish EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS, at national and community level.

4 Central American Policy on Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management (PCGIR) CORE ELEMENT E: Disaster Management and Recovery mandates: CEPREDENAC, in coordination with development sectors, shall foster the improvement and efficient use of information for DRR, through MONITORING AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS, harmonized along the region. CEPREDENAC and UNESCO conducted a regional diagnostic of EWS during Over 166 systems identified in 6 countries, but only 63 functioning. None of these were Drought EWS. Hazard Number EWS FLOODS 18 VOLCANIC ERUPTION 10 LANDSLIDE 24 MULTI-HAZARD 11

5 Drought in Central America and Advances in EWS Central American Dry Corridor Affectations due to El Niño / La Niña and extended drought periods, have worsened since the early 2010s. Disaster risk has increased along with land degradation and food crisis in Central America. CEPREDENAC and other Central American and International organizations, have promoted policies, action plans and programs, to improve PREVENTION and MITIGATION actions. Recent Actions by CEPREDENAC: Support countries in accessing satellite data, acquiring software and EWS training Support countries in water harvest and other drought related mitigation solutions Regional Forum on Drought Risk - April 2016 Participation in FOSAT-s Project (ongoing)

6 High Level Mandate: XLVIII Presidential Summit December 2016 We instruct CEPREDENAC to prepare an operative proposal on Early Warning System for prevention and preparation against emergencies that may affect one or more countries, and to coordinate with different natural phenomena monitoring institutions. As such this EWS will support the timely activation of the Regional Mechanism on Mutual Support for Disaster Occurrence. CURRENT SITUATION: Central America is in urgent need to update EWS related equipment, to harmonize protocols and achieve more efficient coordination. Central America has technical capacity in the use of hydro-meteorological information (precipitation index, vegetation condition index, threshold modeling, among others). However, more capacity building is needed, also include local government, operative managers and high-level decision making officers.

7 CEPREDENAC and FOSAT-s Project CEPREDENAC Participates and contributes to periodic training workshops and forums. Constitutes a repository of information. Facilitates and promotes the participation of national DRR technicians in capacity building process. FOSAT-s in general: Maintains a network of information and knowledge exchange among technical experts. Provides technical training and access to satellite data. Raises awareness in the use of information technology and related products.

8 CEPREDENAC and FOSAT-s Project: THE WAY FORWARD Challenges and Opportunities: The Action Plan needs to be revised and updated. Resources from countries, UN and cooperation partners, should be allocated to strengthen the project (consider the PRESIDENTIAL Mandate as a priority). Invest in software, equipment and training. Continue and scale-up the capacity development in Central America. Update the Central American ATLAS with drought related information. Raise awareness in the HIGH LEVEL DECISION MAKING. Thank you!