In response to seismic risk, particularly in the vulnerable French West Indies, researchers Samuel Auclair, Aude Nachbaur, Pierre Gehl, Yoann Legendre, and Benoit Vittecoq from BRGM (French Geological Survey) collaborated with local stakeholders from Martinique (Caribbean) to assess the relevance and feasibility of implementing three advanced earthquake alert systems. Their study evaluated three main types of solutions: Operational Earthquake Forecasting (OEF) for probabilistic forecasts, Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) for imminent tremor alerts, and Rapid Response to Earthquakes (RRE) to assess post-quake impacts. This approach aligns with the goals of the GOBEYOND project, focusing on enhancing disaster resilience and supporting user-centered alert systems across multiple contexts.

The research applied a user-centered, multi-step methodology involving online surveys, targeted interviews, and workshops with key stakeholders in Martinique. The study revealed that while OEF could improve risk awareness, its effectiveness is hindered by public skepticism and challenges in communicating probabilistic forecasts. EEW was particularly valued for its ability to trigger immediate protective measures, but stakeholders noted that brief warning times could limit its impact. The RRE system was widely recognized as crucial for immediate post-earthquake assessments, aiding in prioritizing emergency responses.

Key findings highlighted the need for an “informational continuum” integrating these systems to provide cohesive support across pre-, during-, and post-earthquake phases. Stakeholders emphasized that false alarms and inadequate communication could erode trust, underscoring the importance of involving end-users in designing alert dissemination methods.

Overall, this research supports the GOBEYOND mission by providing actionable insights for implementing effective, user-centered seismic alert systems in the French West Indies and similar regions globally.

You can read the article at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104932.

2nd GOBEYOND Plenary Meeting: A Collaborative Step Forward

From October 15th to 17th, 2024, the 2nd GOBEYOND Plenary Meeting took place in Setúbal, Portugal, marking a significant milestone in our collective journey toward building a more resilient future. Over three dynamic days, GOBEYOND partners came together to reflect on the project’s progress, share valuable insights, and map out the next steps in our mission. The meeting was characterized by engaging presentations, lively discussions, and a strong spirit of collaboration, highlighting the dedication of everyone involved.

Key Highlights from the Plenary:

1. Advancements in Pilot Sites and Living Labs: Partners provided updates on the activities in the pilot sites and the successful organization of workshops and Living Labs. These activities play a crucial role in engaging with end-users and refining our tools through a co-creation approach.
2. Project Progress Updates: The consortium shared the latest developments on key components like the GOBEYOND Multi-Risk Impact-Based Early Warning System (MR-IEWS), EW4Europe, and EW4Med, reaffirming our commitment to delivering robust early warning solutions that meet the needs of diverse communities.
3. Engaging with Local Stakeholders: The meeting featured a special presentation of the project’s objectives to Setúbal’s municipal risk management services and other local stakeholders, emphasizing our focus on fostering local collaboration and creating real-world impact.

A heartfelt thank you to the Municipality of Setúbal for hosting this important plenary meeting. The mayor of Setúbal welcomed us warmly, expressing strong local interest in enhancing emergency management systems, which are crucial for supporting civil protection authorities. During the event, representatives of Setúbal’s Civil Protection presented the local risks they face, such as urban floods, forest fires, earthquakes, and rockfalls as well as the initial version of the Setúbal prototype. They noted that “risks are a reality in the area and they produce damages, casualties, and losses in the community.”

As the GOBEYOND project celebrates its first year, the progress achieved thus far lays a solid foundation for the work ahead. The advancements made during this period energize us for the upcoming phases, and we look forward to shaping a future where communities are better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.

On July 5th, 2024, the GOBEYOND project marked a significant milestone with the organization of its first Living Lab in the Attica region of Greece. This event, co-organized by the Civil Protection Office of the Region of Attica and DRAXIS Environmental, brought together a diverse group of 15 local stakeholders, including Civil Protection Authorities from Piraeus and other municipalities, representatives from the Fire Department, the Hellenic Rescue Team and the National Observatory of Athens.

The primary objective of the Living Lab was to engage these key stakeholders in identifying existing limitations, better understand the needs of end-users and align the GOBEYOND solutions to meet these needs effectively. The project places significant emphasis on co-creation, so the event prioritized an inclusive and participatory framework where participants actively contributed their expertise.

The session introduced participants to the project’s goals, initiatives, and pilot demonstrations and highlighted the Multi-Risk Impact-based Early Warning System (MR-IEWS) that is being developed for geohazards and weather/climate events.

The event sparked very interesting discussions about the daily challenges faced by Attica’s Civil Protection Authorities and the various hazards impacting the region, such as floods, fires and earthquakes. Participants expressed keen interest in the MR-IEWS being developed by GOBEYOND and discussed how it could enhance their current practices by providing timely and accurate information, allowing for better preparedness, resource allocation, and coordinated response to natural hazards, ultimately reducing the impact on communities and infrastructure. The exchange of ideas and experiences helped identify specific requirements that would make the tools more effective and user-friendly.

Overall, the first Living Lab was a successful step in fostering collaboration and innovation among key stakeholders. By aligning GOBEYOND’s solutions with the real-world needs of end-users, the project is well on its way to strengthening resilience and promoting sustainable practices for mitigating the impact of natural hazards and disasters globally.

More Living Labs are set to follow, both in Attica as well as Andalusia and Campania. These initiatives will continue to build on the collaborative spirit and innovative solutions, further enhancing the project’s results.

Exciting Updates from the 1st Plenary Meeting of the GOBEYOND Project

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the 1st Plenary Meeting of the GOBEYOND project! Over three days of engaging discussions, our partners came together to discuss the course of the project. Here are some highlights from the event:

1. Insightful Visit to Predict Services: Our partners at Predict Services generously hosted the meeting, providing an enriching experience for all attendees. They opened their doors, offering a comprehensive tour of their facilities and showcasing their services.
   
2. Dynamic Roundtable Discussion: A highlight of the meeting was a roundtable session facilitated by Philippe Quevauviller. The discussion centered on the importance of co-creating platforms and response systems, with partners sharing insights into prioritizing end-users’ needs.
   
3. Significant Progress and Presentations: Throughout the meeting, many presentations were delivered, reflecting the dedication and expertise of our partners. Significant progress was made on various fronts, setting the stage for continued progress.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the 1st Plenary Meeting, we look forward to our next gathering!

17-19/10/2023

From October 17th to 19th 2023, the GOBEYOND consortium met in Castelldefels, Barcelona for the project’s kick-off meeting, hosted by CRAHI-UPC.

The dynamic gathering witnessed interesting discussions and insightful presentations, fostering collaboration. It was a great opportunity for partners to get to know each other and discuss about the next steps.