Technical teamwork to tackle disasters - 9/03/2007

Pacific regional efforts to tackle natural disasters are to be strengthened after the establishment of a new regional partnership between two key Pacific technical organisations.

The Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and the Pacific Islands Telecommunication Association (PITA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Suva today for regional cooperation and promotion in disaster mitigation and information and communication technology (ICT).

SOPAC Director Cristelle Pratt said the MOU was about bringing together organisations with the ability to use technology to help reduce the impact of disasters.

“Man-made and natural disasters are a real threat to Pacific countries and territories and strong technical organisations such as SOPAC and PITA, working in partnership, can provide a greater level of support for communities in disaster risk planning and recovery.

“No country in the region is immune from the devastation of hazards such as tsunamis, cyclones and earthquakes but fortunately, recent technology advances have provided improved early warning systems and the ability to more rapidly communicate key information that could prevent injuries and loss of life,� Ms Pratt said.

President of PITA Mr Maui Sanford, said the MOU will strengthen domestic and regional preparedness and mitigation for disasters by SOPAC and PITA cooperating with telecommunication and information and communication technology needs.

“The MOU aims to build a cooperative working relationship by sharing technical skills and information on laws, policies, and customs in order to enhance regional telecommunications and information technologies by creating a network of national and regional stakeholders,� Mr Sanford said.

The MOU will also support the implementation of the Pacific Regional Digital Strategy, endorsed by Forum ICT Ministers in 2006, by improving regional harmonisation and the use of ICT in Pacific countries.

“Although information and communication technologies are critical in helping communities to minimise the impact of natural disasters, they are also essential to good governance, improved livelihoods and sustainable development,� Mr Sanford said.

PITA is a non-profit organisation formed to represent the interests of small island nations in the Pacific in telecommunications and aims to improve and promote telecommunications services. More information is available at www.pita.org.fj.

SOPAC is a Pacific regional organisation working with countries to strengthen disaster risk management, enhance access to freshwater, energy, IT and communications and improve assessment and management of ocean and island resources. Further information is available at www.sopac.org.

Media enquiries: Shane Fairlie (SOPAC) 944 2100/338 1377 shane@sopac.org