Caribbean: Caribbean Risk Information Program II

Context and objectives

In order to be able to efficiently mainstream disaster risk management (DRM) into development, knowledge on hazards and risk assessments, easily accessible data, information with a user-friendly presentation, and the use of this information in decision-making, is critical.

The Caribbean Handbook for Risk Information and Management (CHaRIM) was developed and supported by a previous ACP-EU NDRR project. CHaRIM provides a tailored methodological framework that governments can consult during the procurement of services that need to consider landslides and floods. While there have been trainings introducing technical personnel to the handbook and the resources it offers, the gained knowledge is only to a limited extent finding its way into day-to-day work.

This follow-up ACP-EU NDRR project aimed to strengthen the capacity in the Caribbean to design and guide hazard and risk assessments as well as use to the resulting information for decision-making. 

Main activities and results

A new regional geospatial data platform, the geospatial Caribbean Risk Information System (CRIS) was launched in November 2020, with support from the ACP-EU NDRR Caribbean Risk Information Program II project. Managed by CDEMA, this platform serves as a “one-stop-shop” for gathering and sharing information and data on DRM, ensuring that Caribbean countries have access to data on DRM. So far, the platform has increased awareness about flood risk management in Saint Lucia and Grenada, and about hazard information for infrastructure in Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and increased knowledge about coastal and urban resilience in Grenada.

CDEMA also developed a webpage to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on its member states (accessible here). Several CDEMA staff members were trained to ensure the operationalization, sustainability and maintenance of the platform.

Partnerships and coordination

The project was implemented in close collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, CDEMA, and the EU Delegation in Barbados.

Useful links

The CRIS platform can be accessed here. 

The launch event of the CRIS can be viewed here. 

A video about the CRIS platform can be accessed here.