UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC) recognizes Minturno as Italy’s first “Tsunami Ready” community

During the ceremony, Mayor Gerardo Stefanelli, accepted the recognition certificate from Dr Denis Chang Seng, Programme Specialist and Technical Secretary of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation System in the North-Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and Connected Seas (ICG/NEAMTWS).

Gerardo Stefanelli, said "It is an honour for the Minturnese community to have received this international recognition. We have worked hard to get this virtuous achievement, and for this we thank those who guided us along the way, including the National Civil Protection, the INGV Tsunami Warning Centre, and The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, the Regione Lazio. Finally, I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the implementation process. The local Civil Protection, the Municipal Police Command, and all the authorities involved."

Dr. Chang Seng praised Italy's pioneering role in tsunami readiness, noting that Italy was the first to establish a National Tsunami Ready Board and one of the first countries in the region to pilot the programme in 2021. Dr Allesandro Amato, Chair of UNESCO's ICG/NEAMTWS, highlighted the dedication of stakeholders (including schools, community leaders and their communities) and the multi-year collaboration required to reach this goal.

The event also recognized key contributors with appreciation certificates, including deputy mayor Elisa Venturo, the municipality Civil Protection Group, Alessandro Amato, Salvatore Stramondo and Lorenzo Cugliari of INGV.

Following the ceremony, local authorities showcased Minturno's tsunami preparedness measures, including newly installed siren network, tsunami signage, and coastal evacuation routes along the shoreline.