Saint Lucia Training for Climate Resilience using Citizens Science Data

ongoing

Saint Lucia is one of the Eastern Caribbean islands prone to the impacts of climate change: more frequent occurrence of (flash) floods due to heavy rains; longer periods of draught; devastating tropical storms and heavy winds; ... Public authorities already monitor these effects and try to better forecast what is coming. Most of the data used to do so is already managed in a Spatial Data Infrastructure: weather stations, topographic maps, data about buildings at risks, etc. But more fine-grained and real-time data are needed. Therefore, SALUT wants to transfer the necessary knowledge and skills to expand this infrastructure using a more dense network of relatively cheap weather sensors to be put in schools and other public buildings. SALUT aims to mobilize, create awareness and built capacity among young people and professionals to help collect these data through a citizens science approach. SALUT will first train experts from public bodies that manage and use this type of data, and the tutors from a VET school (Train-the-Trainer). They will in turn train young citizens and other people from public bodies and private companies so they can become an active participant in climate resilience efforts. The results will be replicated and made available to other islands in the region.