Christopher Williams, a consultant supporting the World Bank on this project, noted that the training introduced participants to tools and techniques for analyzing satellite imagery, drone data, and LiDAR to enhance disaster risk management and climate resilience.
“This was a week-long training, the intention is to introduce a number of tools to these agencies. Find different ways of using the data and software that they already know how to use open source tools like QGIS, Python, other tools like Google Earth Engine, showing persons how to access satellite imagery. The intention is to provide this introduction to help them to learn these tools and hopefully to be interested to learning some more in the future.”
The training brought together members of the National Geographic Information Systems Technical Committee, a group comprising government agencies and utility companies that use geospatial data for operations and decision-making. Fabian Felix, Civil Engineer, National Integrated Planning and Programme Unit in the Department of Finance highlighted that the training is all about upscaling public servants and certain utility companies on how to better use Earth observation and sensory data for Saint Lucia for disaster risk and management.
“The Ministry of Finance has collaborated with the World Bank Group and it all ties with risk-based asset management. It’s really to help other government institutions the existing digital data, geospatial data that’s out there and how they can use it for their day to day activities.”
Teun Vogel, CEO of Cambisol a company from the Netherlands said the training was developed collaboratively with the participants via questionnaires and meetings to develop the training objectives. He praised participants for their dedication and commitment to the specialized training.
“We have been developing this training programme together with the University of Arni in the Netherlands and the University of Padova in Italy and us, Cambisol, and it’s a lot about Earth fundamentals observation. That means using satellite imagery, using drones, and LiDar data. So how can you use all these satellites flying around every now and then but how can you convert that kink of information to something useful? For example to enhance disaster risks. How to make that useful for the daily work of all those people? And that is government, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture but also WASCO is here and even the fire brigade is here, how can we all make use of that data in an efficient and effective way.”
This training complements Saint Lucia’s efforts to implement its recently approved National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). The NSDI establishes a comprehensive framework for the development, archiving, dissemination, and management of spatial data. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s pursuit of leveraging technology to enhance resilience and promote sustainability.