Message from the Director of INIOAS on the Occasion of Passive Defense Week and World Tsunami Awareness Day

Tsunamis, undersea earthquakes, marine storms, meteotsunamis, rip currents, storm surges, coastal erosion, and coastal flooding are among the hazards for which understanding the underlying mechanisms and potential impacts is of great importance to coastal communities. In addition to these phenomena, harmful algal blooms and marine pollution can also threaten human health, economic activities, and the sustainability of the marine environment.

The coincidence of Passive Defense Week, observed from 26 October to 2 November, with World Tsunami Awareness Day on 5 November provides an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of understanding these hazards and enhancing preparedness for their consequences. Passive defense emphasizes prevention, vulnerability reduction, and resilience building. In coastal and marine areas, these objectives cannot be achieved without scientific understanding of the marine environment, continuous monitoring of relevant phenomena, and access to reliable and up-to-date information.

Events such as the 1945 Makran tsunami and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami have demonstrated that marine hazards can have consequences extending beyond geographical boundaries, and that preparedness requires scientific, institutional, and regional cooperation. The Makran coast and the Sea of Oman, owing to their tectonic characteristics and proximity to the Makran subduction zone, require continuous attention in terms of tsunami hazard identification and assessment. The same applies to other marine hazards, including rip currents and meteotsunamis, which can affect vessel safety, port operations, coastal tourism, and the lives of coastal communities.

As the country's specialized research institution in marine and ocean sciences, the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS) has pursued not only basic and applied research to understand and assess marine hazards but also the development of monitoring, forecasting, warning, and public information activities. The establishment of the National Marine Hazards Forecasting and Warning Center, the preparation and distribution of educational and informational books and brochures on marine hazards, and participation in tsunami drills held simultaneously with countries bordering the Indian Ocean are among the initiatives undertaken to raise public awareness and strengthen preparedness. Alongside scientific research, these initiatives demonstrate the importance of linking knowledge generation with specialized services and improved societal preparedness.

Nevertheless, understanding hazards and reducing their impacts is a cross-sectoral responsibility that requires sustained support and cooperation among executive agencies and relevant institutions. The National Disaster Management Organization, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, and institutions responsible for the development of the maritime economy are among the entities that can play a decisive role in translating scientific findings into practical programs and effective decisions. Supporting the development and continuity of specialized forecasting and warning centers, incorporating marine hazard research findings into development and infrastructure projects, and facilitating cooperation between scientific institutions and executive agencies should be regarded as essential components of safe and sustainable coastal management.

One of the most important applications of this knowledge is in land-use planning and spatial planning for coastal and marine areas. The siting of settlements, ports, industrial and energy facilities, transportation infrastructure, and other development projects in coastal areas must take into account hazard-prone zones and be based on scientific assessments and reliable data. Failure to consider marine hazards during the site selection and design stages of projects can impose substantial human, economic, and environmental costs on the country in the future. Therefore, the findings of marine hazard studies must be given a clearly defined and effective role in land-use planning documents, integrated coastal zone management plans, and the assessment and permitting processes for development projects.

In this regard, the development of marine monitoring networks, the completion and updating of bathymetric data and information on seabed and coastal characteristics, the enhancement of hazard forecasting and assessment models, the identification of vulnerable infrastructure and settlements, the strengthening of warning and public information systems, and the education of coastal communities are among the key priorities. Achieving these priorities also requires institutional support, sustainable funding, and the systematic use of the scientific capacities of the country's research institutes and universities.

It is hoped that, by strengthening cooperation between scientific institutions and executive agencies and placing marine hazard awareness at the heart of development planning and decision-making, more effective steps will be taken to protect human lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and enhance the resilience of the country's coastal communities.

Dr. Ali Mehdinia
Director
Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS)