Quepos

In April 2022, Quepos Canton (territory), Costa Rica, received recognition as Tsunami Ready under the Pilot Community Performance Based Tsunami Recognition Programme being developed by Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As part of the efforts in Costa Rica to improve an end-to-end tsunami early warning system, Quepos fulfilled the Programme’s guidelines; thus, empowering its vulnerable coastal communities to take effective action in the event of a potential tsunami and save lives. Outputs included the creation of an inundation and evacuation maps, as well as the installation of signage for evacuation routes, assembly points and tsunami hazard zones, in addition to a tsunami alarm. The National System for Monitoring of Tsunamis (SINAMOT) - National University of Costa Rica (UNA) also undertook extensive public education, conducted drills, and formulated an emergency operations plan (EOP). Schools, businesses and the public also actively participated in a number of activities during the implementation process. The Tsunami Ready effort was part of the research project, Participative Strategies for Climate Change at Local Level, UNA and the Joint Project of the Tsunami Unit of IOC/UNESCO and the Men and Biosphere Program of UNESCO to increase tsunami and flooding preparedness for coastal Biosphere Sites. As part of the latter, extensive hazard assessments and preparedness activities were carried on also at Manuel Antonio National Park. The effort was supported by SINAMOT, CNE, SINAC (National System of Consevation Areas), the Municipal Commission for Emergencies at Quepos (CME), the Commission for Climate Change at Quepos as well as the Government of the United States, NORAD and the UNESCO/IOC and ITIC. The Tsunami Ready Programme incorporates risk knowledge assessment, preparedness actions and response planning with recognition being granted upon the satisfactory completion of a verification process confirming fulfilment of the guidelines.

Quepos Documents