International Tsunami Survey Team Samoa

The ITST-Samoa comprised (October 14-23) more than 60 scientists from seven counties, along with local expertise and participation from Government of Samoa scientists, Samoa Red Cross Society, and Samoa researchers, and non-government representatives.  A coordination team consisted of the Government of Samoa (GoS), SOPAC, UNESCO Apia, SOPAC, University of South Pacific, and ITIC, and was led by a chief scientist from Australia.  At the conclusion, the team provided a preliminary report of its multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral findings to the GoS.  Its success has set a benchmark for a coordinated ITST to support national early recovery efforts & tsunami research, and is a demonstration that working together can produce a much stronger and more valuable outcome than working alone.  Strong principles of professional conduct, mutual respect, collaboration, partnership, and concern for affected community welfare were embedded in the ITST-Samoa work plan.