Tsunami Ready, a public engagement tool for risk mitigation: The Italian experience

In this article, we describe the functioning of a Tsunami Warning (and mitigation) System (TWS), with particular attention to its downstream component. Besides the scientific and technological developments of such systems, it is important that scientists get involved with society at various levels to help reducing the tsunami risk, supporting actions by local communities and authorities, and supporting the interface between science and policy. In particular, we point our attention to the importance of involving citizens in the risk reduction strategy, starting from the background of the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030 which focus on people and their needs: There has to be a broader and a more people-centred preventive approach to disaster risk. The approach of the Italian Tsunami Alert Center of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) for tsunami risk mitigation involves several activities aimed at increasing people’s awareness and preparedness, including the UNESCO IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP) discussed in this contribution. After describing the study of tsunami risk perception carried out in recent years in Italy, we focus on the experience gained in our country over the past four years, particularly examining the TRRP of Minturno, the first Italian municipality to receive this recognition in July 2024.