In a significant step toward enhancing regional disaster preparedness, Seychelles and Mauritius reaffirmed their commitment to the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative through a joint Risk Knowledge Technical Workshop that was held on the 23rd – 25th June 2025 at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort.
Organized by the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) of Seychelles, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (NDRRMC) of Mauritius, and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the workshop focused on the theme: “Use of Risk Knowledge in Early Warning and Early Action (EWEA).”
Building on outcomes from a previous session held earlier during the month (10th –12th June 2025), the workshop supported the implementation of Pillar 1 of the national EW4All Roadmap and Action Plan. This pillar emphasizes the collection, analysis, and effective use of risk knowledge—a critical foundation for the design and implementation of robust Early Warning Systems (EWS).
Despite proven benefits, one in three people worldwide still lacks access to effective early warnings. In response, the EW4All initiative—launched by the United Nations (UN) in 2022—aims to ensure universal coverage by 2027. Seychelles and Mauritius have responded proactively, developing national roadmaps and prioritizing capacity-building across the four EWS pillars: risk knowledge, observation and forecasting, warning communication, and response preparedness.
The workshop had four main objectives:
- Enhance national capacities to gather and apply risk information.
- Foster inclusive and collaborative risk knowledge frameworks.
- Integrate technology and innovation to improve forecasting and communication.
- Strengthen early action and preparedness planning through risk-informed decision-making.
The event brought together representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) involved in disaster risk reduction, public health, environment, education, infrastructure, and emergency response. Attendees included representatives from the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS), the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT), Department of Environment, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, the Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA), and other key institutions involved in risk assessment and early warning systems.
The initiative ensured a broad exchange of expertise, perspectives, and best practices to support the development of more inclusive, localized, and effective early warning strategies. The workshop also reinforced the need to reach the most vulnerable communities with timely, understandable, and actionable warnings.
The workshop saw strong engagement and reaffirmed the collective commitment to building a safer, more resilient future for all. It marks another critical step in Seychelles’ and Mauritius’ ongoing efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the face of climate-related risks and disasters.
