Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Integrating Early Warning Systems (EWS) has been a core national priority within Barbados’ National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategy / country’s work programme (CWP). This commitment is firmly embedded in the Barbados Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Policy 2022, which identifies, as a key strategic priority, the need to create an enabling environment for a Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) policy and to improve related communications at both national and community levels.
In alignment with this priority, a Technical Multi-Hazard Early Warning Committee was established bringing all sectors and stakeholders together to develop and implement the MHEWS policy, thereby embracing a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to preparedness and response. The EW4All initiative, launched in 2023, provided significant impetus to this process, boosting the relevant political commitment and resource allocation and catalyzing its approval and formal establishment in 2024.
To further amplify the impact of the MHEWS, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) launched a public education campaign focusing on communities and vulnerable groups, with particular emphasis on the elderly and youth to increase their understanding of early warnings and how to act on them effectively. The campaign also extended to the fisheries sector, prompting an adaptation of the language used in alerts and warnings to ensure a full understanding from all last-mile communities.
Key impacts
- Barbados’ success in institutionalizing MHEWS governance, securing resources, and prioritizing inclusive communication has significantly enhanced national resilience and disaster preparedness. The country serves as a model for integrating early warning into national DRR strategies, ensuring a sustainable, people-centered approach to disaster risk reduction.
- The establishment of Barbados’ Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) policy (2024) has contributed to significantly strengthen governance and policy framework by solidifying political commitment and resource allocation for disaster preparedness.
- The Technical Multi-Hazard Early Warning Committee ensures that all sectors are integrated into national preparedness and response efforts, thereby fostering a whole-of-society approach.
- The formalization of Barbados’ MHEWS policy improved national coordination and communication, reduced disaster impact and strengthened response mechanisms.
- A targeted public education campaign launched by the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) contributed to enhancing vulnerable groups’ understanding (elderly, youth, and the fisheries sector). Adapting the alerts language also improved accessibility and comprehension of warnings for last-mile communities.
- The integration of MHEWS as a priority in Barbados’ Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Policy 2022 and the Country Work Programme (CWP) guarantees sustained investment and commitment to DRR.
Lessons learned for replication or adaptation
- Governance and institutional frameworks are key to sustainability: A formalized MHEWS policy and governance structure ensures long-term political and financial commitment to early warning and disaster preparedness. Developing a dedicated multi-sectoral coordination mechanism (Technical Multi-Hazard Early Warning Committee) enables better integration across sectors.
- Embedding the policy as part of international initiatives can accelerate national progress: the EW4All initiative acted as a catalyst for accelerating the approval and operationalization of Barbados’ MHEWS. Aligning national efforts with global frameworks (Sendai Framework, CDM Policy 2022) enhances credibility, funding, and technical support.
- Governance and financial commitment must go hand-in-hand: a policy alone is insufficient – securing financial and resource commitments is essential for effective early warning and disaster preparedness. Embedding MHEWS in national strategies ensures it remains a priority in budget allocations and development planning.
- Early Warning systems must be backed by actionable plans: Simply having an early warning system is not enough – its operationalization and integration into national DRR strategies, associated with a fully participatory, well-coordinated and well-implemented early warning response system, is what ensures impact.
- Adapting alert language and tailoring communication to vulnerable groups improves last-mile accessibility and ensures early warnings translate into action. A strong public education campaign backed up by government fosters a culture of preparedness, reducing risks at the community level.