DIPECHO project: learning and adapting to tsunamis in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile

This paper describes the project "Adaptive Learning Mechanism on Tsunami Preparedness in Coastal Communities of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile" (2009-2010). The overall objective of the project is to develop awareness and resilience in communities vulnerable to tsunami risk and to enhance learning and community participation in prevention, preparedness, early warning and response to natural disasters. It gives some results and activities, as well as some experience and lessons learnt from previous actions such as the global Campaign "Disaster Risk Reduction Begins at School" conducted within the priority for action 3 "Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels" of the Hyogo Framework for Action.

The project is being implemented by the Regional Office of Education for Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO within the framework of the Sixth DIPECHO Action Plan for South America. It targets the school communities and local authorities in the selected vulnerable areas.