The PARATUS project, in the framework of its Caribbean Application Case Study, recently organised a successful two-day regional workshop titled “Disaster Risk Knowledge for the Caribbean Region” in collaboration with CDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency) and UNDRR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction). The event brought together disaster risk management leaders from across the Caribbean to strengthen regional capacity and foster knowledge exchange on multi-hazard risk assessment.

A Regional Gathering of Key Stakeholders

The workshop gathered representatives from the national disaster risk management organizations of all 20 CDEMA member states, along with experts and institutional partners. After opening remarks from UNDRR and CDEMA, the workshop focused on practical approaches to disaster risk knowledge, tools, and strategies relevant to the Caribbean context.

A picture of the panel discussion with left to right: Andres Cruz – CDRI, Naoki Matsumura – JICA, Leslie T. Gittens – CCRIF, Virginie Andre – European Union. On-screen: Stacy Richards-Kennedy –CAF. Mediator: Jair Torres – UNDRR

Showcasing the Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment Framework

A highlight of the event was the presentation by the University of Twente’s Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, co-chair of the Caribbean Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG). They introduced the final draft of the “Framework for Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment in the Caribbean”, a key output developed through PARATUS. The framework is designed to support harmonised approaches to risk assessment across hazards and territories, encouraging evidence-based planning and improved data integration.

Data Maturity in Focus

A second contribution from PARATUS came from Melanie Drooglever of the Netherlands Red Cross – 510, who presented a compelling methodology for data maturity assessment. This tool enables organisations to assess their capacity to collect, store, analyse, share, and manage data—offering a clear picture of their current capabilities and highlighting areas for improvement. The presentation sparked strong interest among participants, especially given the importance of reliable and accessible data in effective disaster response and planning.

Follow-Up Activities in Trinidad and Tobago

Beyond the workshop, the PARATUS team engaged in a series of bilateral meetings in Trinidad and Tobago, including discussions with Curmira Gulston, Hazard Mitigation Specialist at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), and Gabrielle Thongs, Geographic and Information Systems and Disaster Risk Reduction expert from the University of the West Indies (UWI). Together, they outlined a 40-hour training programme on risk assessment and disaster data management, to be delivered over six weeks.

Additionally, the team met with Major Rodney Smart, CEO of ODPM, to further align the training initiative with national priorities.

Exploring Regional Expansion

The workshop also opened doors for potential future collaboration. In a meeting with Virgenie Andre, EU research representative in the Caribbean, the possibility of EU funding to scale the Trinidad and Tobago training model to other Caribbean countries was discussed. This aligns with CDEMA’s own vision for expanding regional capacity building efforts.

Conclusion

By bringing together regional disaster management authorities, sharing new tools and frameworks, and supporting local training initiatives, the PARATUS project continues to strengthen the foundation for more resilient and coordinated multi-hazard risk management in the Caribbean. The outcomes of this workshop reflect a shared commitment to improving disaster preparedness and response through collaboration, capacity building, and innovation.