Caribbean conservationists urge greater focus on disaster risk management
Published:Thursday | August 1, 2024 | 12:09 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
Caribbean conservationists are encouraging small island developing states (SIDS) to place greater attention on disaster risk management and prevention measures, so that the appropriate strategies are in place and actionable before the countries are devastated by natural disasters.
This, as Hurricane Beryl made history by becoming the strongest and earliest Atlantic hurricane on record in June or July.
Speaking at a Global Conservation Connection webinar on Tuesday under the topic ‘Disaster Risk Management and Hurricanes in the Caribbean’, keynote speaker Dr Trevor Johnson Jr, from The Bahamas, a consultant with the Inter-American Development Bank and a regional disaster management specialist with the Pacific Disaster Center, stated that issues surrounding disaster management should be at the forefront of the agenda of all governments within the Caribbean region.
He argued that as disasters impacted every socio-economic sector, deliberate, laser-focused and pragmatic regional discourse is necessary, and that the issues of disaster risk management demand a full community approach.
“Disaster risk management is everyone’s business,” he said.
On the morning of July 1, Hurricane Beryl completely ravaged homes, and farmlands in Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, leaving little to no trace of vegetation or the possibility of continued livelihoods. It also interfered with electrical infrastructure, telecommunications and water services. There were similar occurrences in Jamaica when the Category-4 storm lashed the south coast of the island on July 3.
According to Johnson Jr, there will be more natural disasters, as this was simply the new reality of “our warming world”. Countries must, therefore, be prepared to take steps to lessen their vulnerabilities, ensure preparedness, actively engage in mitigation efforts, respond to emergencies, and ensure recovery.
‘We do not heed warnings’
Nadia Cazaubon from St Lucia, who is the deputy chair of the Soufrière District Disaster Management Committee, called for all countries to pay greater attention to preparing residences for impending disasters.
“I have a military background, and I can tell you that in the Caribbean we do not take heed of warnings,” she said.
Cazaubon further called for more disaster and safety education and drills for all eventualities to be taught at the community level, and stated that all citizens should take personal responsibility to ensure that they get each other adequately prepared, “because when a disaster hits, it affects every single one of us”.
She continued that St Lucia has had challenges with disaster risk management, particularly in the town of Soufrière, which is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes and storm surge damages.
“The community I’m from, Soufrière, has been hit particularly hard by a number of disasters year after year... . For recovery in Soufrière it’s an ongoing process, it’s as if we take two steps forward and then we have something else coming through that sets us back again,” she explained.
Tracey Edwards, a Jamaican social and environmental entrepreneur who has over 16 years of experience with climate change, disaster risk management, and coastal and marine conservation, stated that resilience needs to be strengthened and is essential at both the individual and infrastructure levels.
Although policies are necessary, she contended that it was unclear how the current policies are being implemented to help with the socio-economic difficulties.
“The poor communities are always going to be challenged. One of the arguments that we hear is that the responsibility for your resilience is based on the individual; but if you’re challenged economically, how is that possible?” she questioned.
She emphasised the multiple aspects of resilience building and recovery initiatives, and pointed out that there were numerous obstacles facing every individual, such as concerns about their ability to recover financially, physically, and psychologically.
She therefore urged organisations to collaborate with communities in their efforts, starting “from the ground up” and help to cater to specific needs of individuals as well, for example, handing out food parcels which are appropriate for the consumption of those with health concerns, such as diabetes.
The Global Conservation Connection is an online international community of practice for conservationists and conservation non-governmental organisations.
The GCC promotes collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds and is a hub for individuals, whether they are conservationists, dedicated researchers, seasoned professionals or curious students who are looking to exchange knowledge or share best practices.