Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre (IOTIC)
Head of IOTIC: Mr Ardito M Kodijat
Website: iotic.ioc-unesco.org
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO has established the Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre (IOTIC) in Jakarta to to provide support for the countries of the Indian Ocean region in disaster risk reduction focusing on tsunamis through the preparation and dissemination of awareness and preparedness materials and the development of educational programmes.
Goal
The overall goal of IOTIC is to support the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS Member States in tsunami risk reduction for Indian Ocean at-risk communities through capacity building in tsunami hazard, awareness, preparedness, education, and mitigation measures.
Objectives
• Strengthening the Indian Ocean (national and regional) tsunami disaster risk reduction and emergency response capacity for an effective tsunami early warning system,
• Supporting preparedness against tsunamis of at-risk communities, especially through the implementation of IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP).
• Providing resources in tsunami risk reduction, educational, awareness, and preparedness for the Indian Ocean region.
Terms-of-Reference
1. Help reduce the overall tsunami risk across the Indian Ocean by working closely and in coordination with the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS, it’s Steering Group, Working Groups, Task Teams, IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat, and the TOWS-WG Task Team on Disaster Management & Preparedness (TT DMP) to:
a. Contribute to the development of global guidelines in tsunami risk reduction and their implementation in the Indian Ocean.
b. Maintain close familiarity of the operations and needs of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System and work closely with the Tsunami Service Providers (TSPs), National Tsunami Warning Centres (NTWCs), and Disaster Management Organisations (DMOs) to assist, as needed, with the socialization, promotion, and capacity building required for an effective tsunami emergency response.
c. In coordination with the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat and as needed, support the ICG/IOTWMS and it’s Working Groups and Task Teams to conduct training programmes, workshops, and seminars.
d. In collaboration with the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat develop project proposals and assist with project implementation in support of the ICG/IOTWMS programmes and activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
e. Manage tsunami post-event performance surveys and compilation of reports in close collaboration with the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat under the overall direction of the ICG/IOTWMS Steering Group, assisted by the International Tsunami Information Center (ITIC), IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Unit, and teams of experts nominated by the UNESC)-IOC ICG/IOTWMS Steering Group as required.
2. Help Member States of the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS reduce their tsunami risk by:
a. Serving as the focal point under the guidance of the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS to guide, facilitate, and process the implementation of the UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP) in the Indian Ocean.
b. Serving as the focal point under the guidance of the ICG/IOTWMS, in coordination with the IOC-UNESCO Secretariat, to guide, facilitate, support, and coordinate the activities of the World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) in the Indian Ocean.
c. Assisting national stakeholders in the overall improvement of tsunami preparedness and effective tsunami emergency response through tsunami risk assessment, warning guidance and emergency response, education and awareness, tsunami mitigation, and the implementation of national initiatives to reach certification against the IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Ready indicators.
d. Serving as an information resource providing for the development, publication, and distribution of resource materials on tsunami hazard, awareness, preparedness, and education for the Indian Ocean.
e. Serving as a technical resource and help foster research and its application to strengthen technical and institutional aspects of tsunami preparedness and tsunami emergency response to prevent loss of life and minimize damage to property.
3. Coordinate activities and exchange materials, resources, and information with other Tsunami Information Centres (TICs) of the other ocean basins (Caribbean Tsunami Information Centre (CTIC), International Information Centre (ITIC), and North-East Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas Tsunami Information Centre (NEAMTIC)) to ensure global consistency and potential use of derived products across all regions.
4. Share information on programmes, activities, and events, as well as information on tsunami education, awareness, and preparedness resources by managing and maintaining the IOTIC Website and social media channels as platforms for information exchange
Governance
The IOTIC is an IOC-UNESCO entity operating under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of IOC-UNESCO. The day-to-day management is performed by the IOC-UNESCO National Programme Officer stationed in Jakarta under the supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Office Jakarta and the Head of the IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Unit in Paris. The operational and implementation of programmes and activities of IOTIC is in close coordination with the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat in Perth. The IOTIC reports to each session of the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS and to the inter-sessional meetings of the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS Steering Group. IOTIC’s activities and work plans are guided by and coordinated with the overall needs and requirements of the IOC-UNESCO ICG/IOTWMS, it’s Working Groups and Task Teams.