Infrastructure and human resources should be developed to establish a national operational ocean forecasting system for ocean based disaster mitigation through scientific and technological exchange among the Indian Ocean Rim (IORA) countries, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday.
The minister was addressing the Expert Group Meeting on Capacity Building for Indian Ocean Operational Forecasting System in Colombo held with the participation of representatives of 28 countries.
"All IORA countries should develop and operate their own sub-regional local level models. As countries surrounded by or bordering the Indian Ocean, it is important that we should be aware of the possibilities of the ocean based incidents, and acquire a good understanding of their nature to be in readiness cope with any disasters which may take place," he said.
"The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, which took most of our countries by surprise, is a good example. Hence, this initiative of IORA in organiaing an expert group on the subject of Ocean Forecasting for building the capacity, and for setting up an operational system, deserves praise. I hope this meeting will lead to in depth scientific studies, and build up a sound knowledge base which will enable the sharing of information among the countries. This will make it possible to provide timely alerts to the countries and communities likely to be affected. This will also greatly benefit to all of us, the member countries located at the rim of the Indian ocean," the minister said.
"The member countries should have the knowledge on the oceanic processes, but they should also have the capacity to prevent any disaster wherever possible, and to effectively cope with them, and mitigate any adverse impacts that may result. I am sure an Expert Group like this, will be able to provide such information and help to build capacities of countries such as ours," Amaraweera said.
"As a former minister in charge of disaster management a few years back, it has impressed upon me on the need for such readiness and capabilities. I am glad that our own scientists at NARA have got this valuable opportunity to interact closely with an able group of oceanographic experts attending this meeting. I wish that this forum would serve as a platform to share technology, knowledge and expertise," he said.
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