This week, Samoa will receive a boost to its existing tsunami warning and mitigation system, with the support of an international team who will lead a week long tsunami warning and mitigation system workshop.

The devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 highlighted the need for the global community to protect coastal communities, by working towards efficient and robust tsunami early warning systems. Last years Solomon Islands tsunami, which took the lives of approximately 22 people, was a solemn reminder of the tsunami threat existing in the Pacific Ocean.

Samoa’s Principal Disaster Management Officer, Filomena Nelson and other Samoan experts are this week participating in the workshop which began today in Apia.

A week long assessment of Vanuatu’s tsunami warning and mitigation system which begins today will help the country better prepare for tsunamis, says Vanuatu Meteorological Service Director, Mr Jotham Napat.

Napat says the assessment will determine areas needing attention and how to better respond to tsunami warnings.

“At the completion of the project, we will have a clear understanding and appreciation of the current status of Vanuatu’s ability to respond to tsunami events and where appropriate, what is specifically required to enhance our preparedness and effectiveness” said Mr Napat.

Energy efficiency and conservation emerged as an important issue in the Pacific region due to the continuing increase in the world market oil prices which affect increases in electricity tariffs, transportation costs, prices of consumer goods and services.

As the world celebrates Earth Day today, the region is urged to focus on energy efficiency efforts to work towards regional energy security.

The Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission’s Energy Adviser Koin Etuate says the use of Renewable Energy technologies and Energy Efficiency and Conservation practices at homes and offices should be recognised as part of the solutions to sustainable development and enhancing energy security.

As millions of people around the world prepares to mark Earth Hour tomorrow, the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) calls on the public to practice efficient energy use everyday.

SOPAC encourages the public to seize the Earth Hour moment and use it to cut down on unnecessary future costs.

SOPAC has joined Earth Hour, the climate change initiative, led by the World Wildlife Fund which asks people to turn off their lights for one hour at 8pm tomorrow (March 29)

Energy efficiency and conservation emerged as an important issue in the Pacific region due to the continuing increase in the world market oil prices which affect increases in electricity tariffs, transportation costs, prices of consumer goods and services.

Additionally, the increasing preference to use more electrical appliances in most homes is running parallel to energy demand and consumption.