Recommendation ICG/PTWS-XXI.4
Working Group on the Central America Pacific Coast for the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Sytem
The Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System,
Recognizing that Central America has a significant threat from both local and distant tsunamis,
Noting that the six countries of Central America and the Coordination Centre for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America (CEPREDENAC) during a meeting held in Managua, Nicaragua on 3 September 2003 decided to start the process for a Regional Tsunami Warning System, and to request IOC/ITSU assistance in developing it,
Remembering that this International Coordination Group in its session XIX decided to assist the Central American countries in this process and established a Working Group on this behalf composed of representatives from Nicaragua, Chile, France, Observer from El Salvador, the Directors of ITIC and PTWC and chaired by the representative from Nicaragua,
Recognizing that a strategy for the Regional Tsunami Warning System was adopted by the Central American countries in a meeting from April 25–27, in Managua, with the objective to create National Warning Systems in each of the countries, which shall cooperate closely and shall form finally a Regional Warning System,
Recognizing that Nicaragua and El Salvador already initiated to operate National Tsunami Warning Systems,
Acknowledging that there have made further improvements in Central America regarding the capabilities applicable to the requirements of a regional tsunami warning system as on line seismic data exchange and training of personnel,
Further acknowledging that there are mutual benefits to the Central America region and the Pacific region that would be realized through the establishment of this warning system,
Decides to continue with the work of the Intersessional Working Group on the Central America Tsunami Warning System with the following terms of reference:
Recommends that the Group will be composed of representatives from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Chile, France, the Directors of ITIC and PTWC and Chaired by the representative from Nicaragua;
Acknowledges that ICG/PTWS is the Coordinating Body for the Tsunami Warning System in the Pacific and encourages non-PTWS Member States to contact the IOC Secretariat to request membership of the ICG/PTWS.
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Financial implications: US$ 2,000