Summary
Information and communication technologies have always been
recognized as an important dimension in disaster management in
the Caribbean. Initially much of its use was centered on
emergency communications technology. However, the rapid
evolvement of information technologies and tools and the
immediacy of information this has afforded has revealed the
importance of ICT in providing a seamless link across the phases
of the disaster cycle: preparedness, mitigation, relief,
response and reconstruction.
The application of ICT tools such as Geographical Information
Systems (GIS) and web data sources have improved prospects for
the rapid acquisition of information on the impact of hazards at
the community level. Unfortunately, the acquisition of such data
remains a significant challenge in the region and not all
Caribbean institutions involved in disaster management have been
able to utilize these opportunities. The technologies are
available but the challenge has been cost, reliability, latency
and lack of research on the application and effectives of the
alternative options available.
In recognition of this CDERA has secured funding of BDS $704,211
through the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to
implement a “Research Project” (September 2007- February 2009)
which supports the cross-cutting theme of ICTs of the Enhanced
Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and Framework
2007-2012 for the Caribbean.
The plethora of ICT options that have emerged over the last
decade combined with the more longstanding ICT options of
Amateur (HAM) radio, and fixed telephone, offer opportunities to
enhance the effectiveness of early warning. Emerging
technologies include internet, Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), mobile telephones, cell broadcasting, addressable
satellite radio and HAM PACTOR. The wide range of options
available has not to a large extent been researched within our
region to determine the most appropriate technologies to utilize
for specific situations. More extensive research is therefore
required to provide a robust basis for the specific choice of
innovative ICT options within various disaster management
scenarios including early warning systems for fast onset
hazards. Such research must be relevant to current national and
regional priorities and address hazards which are of greatest
concern to the people of the region and by extension, the
political directorate.
In the context of the above therefore, this project aims to
enhance the effectiveness of Disaster Management practices in
the Caribbean region through the identification and testing of
innovative Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
applications. Research will be conducted to ascertain the ICT
capacity of CDERA Participating States utilizing a number of
methodologies and approaches. Based on the findings, Pilot
States will be selected for training and testing of applications
and tools recommended.
Collaborating partners will include research institutions such
as the Disaster Risk Reduction Centre and the Seismic Research
Unit of the University of the West Indies.
Specifically the project will:
- Identify and assess the effectiveness of innovative ICT
tools in national notification protocols for fast onset
hazards in the Caribbean, with a focus on e-messaging,
amateur (Ham) radio and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
applications.
- Test and analyze the role of ICTs in strengthening
community knowledge and support in the collection of post
event information for earthquake in the Eastern Caribbean
- Develop a set of policy recommendations in the form of a
strategic paper, aimed at enhancing regional strategies to
respond to natural hazards.
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