United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
AdministrationAnd
Resources Management
(3404)
United Nations
Environment
Programme
&EPA
CARIBBEAN
CURRENTS
Volume 4, Number 4
August 1996
EPA/220/N-96-014
UNEP
Welcome.
...to CARIBBEAN CURRENTS, Volume Four, Number Four. This
newsletter is edited by INFOTERRA/USA in its capacity as the
Regional Service Centre (RSC) for INFOTERRA National Focal Points
(NFPs) in the English and French-speaking Caribbean. Although the
CURRENTS is assembled at INFOTERRA/USA, the content belongs to
you, the readers. You are encouraged to send in any questions;
comments, problems, or interesting issues relevant to the Region for
inclusion in the CURRENTS. Please see the Guidelines for
Contributions on page 4 for more information.
Each issue will feature a Directory of NFPs in the Region so that
anyone with international environmental questions can contact their
nearest resource. Please feel free to contact one another as well as
your RSC for assistance or materials.
Please don't hesitate to share CARIBBEAN CURRENTS with your
friends and colleagues, and to make copies as needed. The Currents
should serve as an informational forum for anyone who lives, works,
r. or is involved in environmental issues in the English and French-
speaking Caribbean Region.
This issue's topic: natural disaster preparedness. Coming next issue, CARIBBEAN CURRENTS
will lode at coral reefs. Coral reefs are a valuable resource, for food, tourism, coastal protection,
and biodiversity in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the worlds' coral reefs are declining and changing
in composition. The reasons that coral reefs change their equilibrium arc varied and complex, and
include destructive fishing practices, diminished water quality and elevated water surface
temperature. Scientists around the world are studying this phenomenon.
If you have any comments on this topic, or would like to contribute a short article or have a resources
guide to share, please submit your contribution following the guidelines on page 4. Any information
you can provide is useful. Please feel free to fax, write to, or call the RSC with any questions or
comments you may have. Share any information you have and we will include it in die next or a
fiiture issue of the CURRENTS. Thank you for your assistance.
MANAGING NATURAL DISASTERS
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The Challenge of Natural Disaster Reduction
"There is no reason why we should wait passivelyfor the next natural disaster to strike. We should mobilize scientific
knowledge and technological know-how. We should give a positive reponse to the strong political interest and
commitment of the international community." Boutros Boutros-Ghali, UN Secretary-General.
In the Caribbean, as elsewhere in the world, there has been a dramatic upsurge in the level of destruction
caused by natural disasters. Hurricanes and tropical storms with their related flooding and landslides are
the most frequently experienced natural hazards in the Caribbean. Earthquakes and volcanoes pose a risk
in the region as well. The daunting costs of recovery and the mandate to save lives have created multiple
cooperative worldwide alliances among private voluntary organizations, non-governmental organizations,
international organizations, U.N. Agencies, and U.S. Organizations/Programs.
Prevention of natural disasters is not often possible. However, strategies to reduce losses can be
developed within each country through: (1) risk assessment and analysis, (2) mitigation, and (3) the
development of early warning systems.
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment determines the likelihood of an event. This involves (a) identifying the
nature of various natural hazards, and (b) assessing the probability of impacts, considering the
vulnerability of exposed populations, critical facilities, structures, natural resources, etc. The
tools to carry out risk assessment include monitoring systems, geographical information
systems, and computer models, such as those developed by the insurance industry for
quantifying risk.
Mitigation
Mitigation efforts seek to lessen the impact by reducing the number of victims and lowering
the financial cost of disasters. This can be accomplished by: (a) developing construction
standards and enforcing building codes that require structures able to withstand the effects of
natural disaster; (b) implementing land-use measures that identify areas which are particularly
threatened by natural disaster (floodplains, steep inclines, the slopes of volcanoes) and that
restrict construction in these areas, (c) instituting economic measures such as adequate
insurance coverage; (d) empowering through education, training, and technology transfer those
who implement mitigation measures and those responsible for relief and recovery. These are
mitigation strategies that development organizations are increasingly incorporating into planning
and investment projects.
Warning Systems
Good warning systems provide timely information about an impending disaster to those who
need to know, in order to facilitate appropriate decisions and timely responses. Effective
warning systems require: (a) scientific forecasting from radar, satellites and other observation
networks; and (b) communication that involves scientists, government officials, the media, and
the public. Notably, the warnings issued must be understandable and evoke the appropriate
response.
The current emphasis of international and regional partners is to attempt to predict, control, and limit the
impact of natural disasters. The International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction (1990-2000) has
challenged members of the international community to take a proactive stance in reducing the damage
fjrgm hazardous natural phenomena, stressing die economic and societal benefit to be gained from diligent
mitigation and preparedness activities.
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INTERNET SITES ON DISASTER PLANNING
A few ofmany sources of electronic information on disasters,
disaster preparedness and mitigation.
' EPICENTER
Emergency Preparedness Information Center
http://tlKepicenter.com
The Emergency Preparedness Information Center site features a "Tip o' da Week" on topics revelant to disaster planning and
response. In addition, this Seattle Washington site contains news of disasters, and products for disaster, including survival
kits, supplies, books, audio and video resources.
EPIX
Emergency Preparedness Information eXchange
http://hMlii.cic.ffu.ca/--epc
The Emergency Preparedness Information eXchange (EPIX), is operated in English and French by Simon Fraser University,
Vancouver, Canada. This site supports exchange of ideas and information about the prevention of, preparation for, recovery
from and/or mitigation of risk associated with natural and socio-tochnological disasters. EPDCs Natural Hazards Research
and Applications Staff have compiled a number of useful directories that deal with hazards and disasters.
FEMA
FEDERALEMERGENCVMANAGEMENTAGENCY
http://miiiv.fema.gov/fana/prelJMinl
The FEMA site on preparing for disaster provides information on planning for various kinds of natural disasters and
technological disasters. It lists a number of FEMA publications that are available on earthquake preparedness, fires, floods,
hurricanes, among other topics.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaigne
Cooperative Extcnnnon Service Disaster Resources
http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/~dijaiter
This web site provides information on disaster preparedness for educators, professionals and thegeneral public. Includes
news, releases about current disasters and weather conditions around the world. Gives information on how to prepare for
disasters, what to do after a disaster strikes, how to get disaster assistance, and how to get help for disaster victims. The site
also provides names of agencies, organizations, and networks worldwide.
HazardNet
United Nations
http://ho»hi.cic.ifti.ca:80/--hazard/
An international, prototype natural and technological hazard information network that is a collaborative demonstration
project of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction flDNDR). For persons and organizations worldwide
concerned with preventing, mitigating, preparing for, or responding to large-scale emergencies. This site includes warnings,
forecasts, and other information about natural disasters around the world using a Geographic Information System, and an
information service according to hazard type.
How to Contact PAHO's Emergency Preparedness Progam
Pan American Health Organization
http://www.paho^rg/eiisBsh/pedcanen.htai
http-.//www.pahair^jpani»Mpe
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5«K¥»S
Coi\fere#voe*' &rv Viic^iter Hetecwchs a*uL 1le4ponj&
October 9-12,1996
A four day conference entitled the Second Caribbean Conference on Natural Hazards and Disasters will beheld in
Kingston, Jamaica. The first conference was held in Trinidad in 1993. The objectives of the meeting, accordingto a
conference flyer; are "to review the current research on and management of natural hazards as well as the establishment
ofa network of organisations involved in this work." Interested participants should respond to Dr. B. Caiby,
Coordinator, 2nd Caribbean Conference on Natural Hazards and Disasters, Department of Geology, University ofthe West
Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica. W. I. Telephone: (809)929-2781,927-2253.927-2728; Fax:(809)927-2156. E-mail:
bcaaby@uwimona.edu.jm
October 11-14,1996
The International Conference on National Experiences in 1 .
Venezuela. Formore information about this conference (in Spanish or English), c~ ,
Conferencia Internacional sobre Manejo de Desastres. Apartado postal 344, Merida 5101, Venezuela. Telephonetfax: (58-
74)441-270. E-mail: confimer@bolivar.iunmid.gov.ve
October 14-16,1996.
A Technical Conference on Engineering Design to Cope with Risk and Uncertainty, will be held in Port of Spain, Trinidad
and Tobago. Contact: Ministry of National Security, NBS Radio 610 Bldg. (Ground Floor), 17 Abercromby Street. Port-af-
Spain,TrinidadandTobago. Telephone: (809) 6234008; 1943;2078. Fax:(809)6258926.
Guidelines for Contributions to CARIBBEAN CURRENTS
Any organization or individual operating or involved in the English and French-speaking Caribbean Region is welcome to
contribute to the content of the newsletter. Contributions should be addressed to:
Carribean Currents Coordinator
INPOTERRA/USA
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Headquarters Libraiy, 3404
401MStreet, S.W.
Washington. D.C. 20460
UNITED STATES
Telephone: (202)260-5917
Fax:(202)260-3923
Internet: libraiy-infoterni@epamail.epa.gov
Please note that submissions should meet the following criteria:
• They should be relevant to environmental issues
• They must be of interest to or directly involve the Region
• They must not endorse or recommend any product or commercial service either explicitly or implicitly
• They must be brief—preferably under 2S0 words: Bulletin Board requests should be kept under 100 words
• They must be received by the posted deadline (see below)
Please feel free to contact the Caribbean Currents coordinator if you are interested in submitting a longer article. You
should contact the coordinator to discuss your topic and any size or content restrictions beforehand. Be aware that once
your aiticle is submitted, it is subject to editing as needed. Final decisions on editing and inclusion of any contributions
are left to the INFOTERRA/USA Manager. Please contact INFOTERRA/US A using the address above to contribute any
comments, questions, problems, or ideas.
DEADLINE FORCONTRIBUTIONSTOVoL5,No. 1: Octobers, 1996
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Expanded, Improved Weather Services Now Available in the Caribbean
Caribbean weather forecasts, hurricane warnings, and other meteorological data are now more reliable and available >
faster than ever before. New two-way, interactive, high-speed, satellite links for meteorological data have been
made operational between the United States and the Caribbean and Central American countries. The new
International Satellite Communication System (ISCS) is a cooperative effort between the National Weather Service "
at theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the World Meteorologic Organization
(WMO), within their World Area Forecast System (WAFS). Antiquated land line circuits, previously operated by
the Antilles Meteorological (ANMET) and the Central American Meteorological (CEMET)systems, have aow been
replaced by the new system throughout the Caribbean, as of August 15,1996.
There are two parts to the system The 24 hour satellite data transmission part of the system is ran by MCL
financed by FAA and the Caribbean countries. To connect with the satellite part, each country has installed a Very
Small Aperture Terminal antenna (VSAT) placed on the ground and a receiver placed in the meteorological forecast
office. The second part involves a Satellite Telecommunications and Analysis for Region IV (STAIM) workstation
in each country's hydro- and meteorological services; these have been donated to each country under the auspices
of WMO's Voluntary, Cooperative Program, and several other cooperative agreements. The STAR4
microcomputers, designed and manufactured by Alden Electronics, can create, communicate, analyze, display and
store meteorological ma«ngfy and charts, and are capable of performing a large number of ftmctions
simultaneously. Seventeen STAR4 systems are now operating throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central
America.
Comparison of New Weather Service to Old |
AW-Commenlcatloii
System
• TrammiU directly from
satellite to antennas
* Operatae at 38.4 kilo
bits per seoond
* Mora detailed, up4o-
date weather information
• Data can be
incorporated into climate
models run by «tate-of-
the-art Natl Weather
Service supercomputer*
NEW DISASTER MANAGEMENT VIDEOS
Supply Management After Disaster. 1996, 12 minutes, S3 seconds. From PAHO, a video that help* avoid what
has been termed the "second disaster," by teaching how to manage what can be an unpredictable and overwhelming flood of rsBef
supplies after the disaster. Gives an overview of the Supply Management Project (SUMA) a methodolo©' that was developed
to quickly sort and inventory large volumes of relief supplies and report on these supplies to the prop* authorities. The video
alio provides guidelines for countries requesting emergency assistance, as well aa guidelines for potential donora. Available in
English and Spanish. Price: free in the Caribbean. $25 to others. Contact: Pan American Health Organization, gnwpney
Preparedness Program. 525 Twenty-third Street, N.W.. Washington. D.C. 20037. USA, (202) 861-6096, tot: (202) 775-4578,
e-mail: disasterr@paho.org
Emergency Planning; The Big Picture for Water Utilities. 1995, 27 minutes. Produced by the American
Water Works Association. First hand accounts and case studies of how water utilities have survived and teamed ftwa ualastlyiiliin
events. Demonstrates the role that perseverance, innovation, and even heroism pipy in keeping cutfomsn suppled wMhsen
drinking water after devastating disasters. A 1996 Telly Award winner. If purcfcsasd wittt a companion mawBd,iSnw|Mioy
Planning for Water Utility Management, the price is $215 (EPSET). Contact: American Water Warta Aiseaisfina, 6666 W.
Quincy Ave., Denver, CO. 80235, USA. (303) 794-7711. Ox (303) 79*7310. - ¦ ¦ . V
OM-ANMET ami
CEMET
• Antiquated lead-
line eirciiits that were
vulnerable to :
jomKocrwnt
break in tb» land-
baaed ohainwoaldcot
off life*eavuig
information to islands
farther down the
• Operated at 7S baud
• Discontinued
operation t-15-96
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Inexpensive or Free Periodicals on Disaster
Preparedness
International publisher contacts, including telephone numbers and prices, according to our latest sources, arc given below.
Caribbean Disaster News, The Newsletter of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency, Saint Michael,
Barbados, fax: (890) 437-7649. Quarterly- free.
Disasters: Preparedness and Mitigation in the Americas, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC,
(202)861-4323. Quarterly-free.
Emergency Preparedness Digest, Emergency Preparedness Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, (613) 992-3322. Quarterly - $20
(Canadian)/year.
epicenter News, U. S. Army Corp of Engineers, San Francisco, CA. (415) 744-2806. Quarterly - free.
Hazard (formerly Hazard Monthly), EIS International, Rockville. MD, (800) 999-5009. or (301)424-2803, fax: (301) 738-
1026. Ten issues peryear-$30.
International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware,
(302)451-6618. Threetimesperyear-$48,institutions; $20, individuals.
Natural Disaster Loss Reduction Update, National Committee on Property Insurants, Boston MA (617) 722-0200,
fix: (617)722-0202. Published irregularly-free.
Natural Hazards Observer, Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center, Boulder, CO, (303) 492-
6819,fox: (303)492-2151. Bimonthly-$15/year.
Stop Disasters, United Nations Secretariat for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, Geneva 10,
Switzerland, (41)227988400.fex: (41)22 733 8695: or. Naples Italy, 39-81769. Bimonthly-free.
Unscheduled Events, Research Committee on Disasters. International Committee on Disasters, c/o Hazards
Assessment Laboratory, ColoradoStateUniversity, Fort Collins, CO. (303) 491 -7347, fax: (303)491-2191. Three times per
year-$22/year.
Cities At Risk—IDNDR Day—October 9,1996
"Cities at Risk" a the thane of International Day on Natural DmmUt
Redaction (IDNDR) this year. The reason for oelebreling IDNDR day is to
rtfec awareneu about disuter risks, show how cities can be protected, and
epcourage govemments ntd communities to take action. Pamphlets on
Ouidelincsfor Local Organizations. Conferences, Facto and Figures. Poster
Coated, and Activities for Children are available in English or French from
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) Secretariate.
UN Department of Hsmmitarian Affairs. Palais des Nations. 1311 Oeneva
10, Switzerland, (41 22) 79* 6S94. flue (506) 257 2139, or e-mail.
idndr@diia.iini9c.orB
An IDNDR Internet Conference, "Solutions for Cities at Risk." will be
broadcast via Interest from Angus! 26 to October 23, 1996. The text is
available in English, Portuguese and 8panUi. The Internet address is: http://
www.quipo.net
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Welcome to The Caribbean Currents
Bulletin Board
Each issue, we will publish questions or concerns of interest to Currents
readers. Anyone who has materials or information that they are seeking or
that they feel will be helpful should feel free to contribute. We will post
queries and offerings of general interest on the Bulletin Board. You may
respond by contacting the reader who has placed the item, or the RSC
Bulletin Board
a
DOCUMENTS
AVAILABLE
INFOTERRA/USA has free copies of the
following publications available.
Ifyou would like copies of any ofthese
documents, please let us know.
Eflhcta of Increased Ultraviolet Radiation
o» Biological Systran, Proceedings of a
Workshop Arranged by the Scientific
Committee on Problems of the
Environment (SCOPE)
Barriers to U.S. Envlrno mental Technology
Innovation, Report and Recommendations
of the Technology Innovation and
Economics Committee: Permitting and
Compliance Pollcyt Iff!
Improving Technology DtfTMon for
Environmental Protection, SopoH and
Recommendations of the Technology
Innovation and Economic* Committee, 1992
To request copies of these documents, just
write to INFOTERRA/USA using the
contact information on page 8.
if
-Psf '
A1?*}!!
Information Needed on
Your Country
INFOTERRA/USA receives many
requests for information on countries
around the world, includingthe Caribbean.
We collect publications about
environmental protection in various
jurisdictions, organizing them together
geographically, in our "Country Boxes,"
Wewouldliketoupdateour collection
with current materials for the benefit of
researchers and visitors to INFOTERRA/
USA. Any environmental information,
regulatory or educational guides you can
provide would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact INFOTERRA/USA using
theinformationonpageSifyoucan
provide any assistance. Thankyoufbr
yourswpport!
Sand your BnMaa to the RSC for publication in tbm nmtit iMU*.
the Guideline# on page 4 for information on submitting items.
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About the NFP Directory
This directory reflects changes and additions to the INFOTERRA Directory of National Focal Points
distributed by INFOTERRA/PAC, dated July J995. Please check this information to verify that it is correct
and up-to-date. If you have any changes or corrections, please notify the RSC as soon as possible. We will
be happy to relay the information to the PAC.
NFP DIRECTORY
4
Mrs. CandiaWilliams
Conservation Officer II
Ministry ofTourism. Culture, and Environment
Queen Elizabeth Highway
St. John's
ANTIGUA, WEST INDIES
Telephone: (809)462-4624 FAX: (809)462-2836
Mrs. Lynn Holowesko
The Bahamas Environment. Science & Technology
Commission
Office of the Prime Minister
P.O. BoxCB 10980
Nassau
THE BAHAMAS
Telephone: (809)327-4691 FAX: (809) 327-4626
Mr. Lionel Moe
Permanent Secretary (Environment),
Ministry of Tourism, International Transport and the
Environment
Sir, Frank Walcott Building, Cuiloden Road
St. Michael
BARBADOS
Telephone: (809)431-7680 FAX: (809)437-8859
Jaime Villanueva
F isheries Department
Princess Margaret Drive, P.O. Box 148
Belize City
BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA
Telephone: 501-2-44552 FAX: 501-2-32983
Mr. Felix Grcgoire
Forestry and Wildlife Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Botanical Gardens
Roseau
DOMINICA, WEST INDIES
Telephone: (809)448-2401 FAX: (809)448-7999
Ms. Mavis Taylor
INFOTERRA Director, c/oUNDP
P.O.Box 10960
Georgetown
GUYANA
FAX: 592-2-62942
M.Dalberg Claude
Ministers de T Agriculture et des Ressources
Naturelles et du Developpement Rural
P.O.Box 1441
Port-au-Prince
HAITI
Telephone. 509-1-21867 FAX: 509-1-23599
Ms. Yolanda N. Mittoo
Natural Resources Conservation Authority
53 1/2 Molynes Road
P.O. Box 305
Kingston 10
JAMAICA. WEST INDIES
Telephone: (809) 923-5155/5125 FAX: (809)923-5070
Mr. Leonard Hugging'
Environmental and Development Officer
Planning Unit
Charleston. Nevis
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
Telephone: (809)469-5521 FAX: (809)469-5435
Mrs. Vanesta Moses-Felix
Government Docu mental ist
Ministry of Planning, Development
and Environment
National Documentation Center
P.O. Box 709
Castries
ST. LUCIA, WESTINDIES
Telephone: (809)453-1951 FAX: (809)452-2506
Regional Service Centre (RSQ:
Emma J. McNamara
INPOTERRA/USA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Headquarters Libnuy, 3404
401M Street. S.W.
Washington, D. C. 20460
UNITED STATES
Telephone: (202)260-5917 FAX: (202)260-3923
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