Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, September 8, 2026. – Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Ayora, and Puerto Villamil celebrated their “Tsunami Ready” recognition by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO during a ceremony held in Puerto Ayora on September 8, 2026, bringing together international, national and local authorities, scientific and technical institutions, authorities of the Navy, and representatives of the archipelago’s communities.
The ceremony celebrated a process of recognition that began with San Cristóbal in 2024, when Puerto Baquerizo Moreno became the first “Tsunami Ready” community in South America, followed by Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil in 2025. Such recognitions highlight the commitment and progress made by communities on the islands of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela in risk assessment, preparedness, and response capacity regarding tsunamis. Thus, the Galápagos improves its position as a model of cooperation among science, institutions, and communities for risk reduction and the protection of life.
