“The whole idea is to encourage citizen science. Get young persons, particularly our students, into the whole idea of Earth observation. As you know, climate change is real, but it is as real as you can see it. So we want to get students into the whole business of observing the environment. Where best to start? We felt that the first sensor should be installed at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, which is our premier learning institution. “
The SALUT Project seeks to establish a network of weather stations across Saint Lucia, primarily in schools. The stations will collect localized data on rainfall, wind speed, temperature, and ultraviolet radiation, helping to improve climate monitoring while creating valuable educational opportunities.
Representatives from KU Leuven University are in Saint Lucia to train local stakeholders on the installation and operation of the equipment. Junior Researcher and SALUT Project Co-Coordinator, Evert Van Bever, says the weather stations will provide highly localized information that complements traditional meteorological systems.
“These small sensors give us a very dense network where we then can compare local differences. We will use it to teach people and students about weather differences, and we hope it can help us indicate things like storms, local rains and disasters.”
According to project officials, the weather stations are relatively low-cost compared to traditional monitoring equipment, making it possible to deploy more units across the island and expand access to climate information. NIPP will play a central role in coordinating the installation of approximately twelve weather stations and supporting schools as they become part of the growing climate observation network. Wells says the initiative reflects the Unit’s broader commitment to strengthening evidence-based planning and building resilience through technology, innovation, and partnerships.
“We have on board with us teachers and faculty from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College who will not just be receiving the training on how the sensors are installed, but they will also be part of curricula that we’re hoping to have developed under this project.”
Over the next several months, the project team will work to connect the weather stations to a centralized data platform, allowing information to be accessed and analyzed by educators, researchers, government agencies, and communities. Officials believe the initiative will not only improve climate monitoring but also help foster a culture of environmental awareness and scientific inquiry among Saint Lucia’s youth.
“We’re here for a week, but of course, the project is running over, three years span. We’re in the first year, about halfway. This week, we’ll do some short sessions where we teach the installation of the sensors, and then over the next half year, we’ll train people on how to connect them fully to a sensor network we’re hoping to set up.”
As climate challenges continue to affect Small Island Developing States, the National Integrated Planning and Programming Unit says projects such as SALUT demonstrate the importance of empowering citizens with data and knowledge to support more resilient and sustainable development.