Experts to map Cayman infrastructure hazards

(CNS): The Overseas Countries and Territories R3i – Regional Risk Reduction Initiative – is holding a conference in the Cayman Islands next week examining the risks face by small islands in the region. Experts will be examining the achievements and progress of R3i to date but they will also be focusing on the potential hazards on Grand Cayman and mapping critical buildings and infrastructure. With funding provided by the European Union R3i looks at strategies to address these potential hazards brought about by climate change and the risks faced by low lying coastal areas.

The projects are implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNPD) and seek to address the risk and exposure of small islands by providing a network of regional infrastructure, programmes, policies and protocols to strengthen the capacity to predict and prepare for natural hazards. Experts say the goal is to improve resilience and reduce risk and subsequent loss. Hazard mapping and vulnerability assessment, as well as modeling to inform planning and development processes are also part of the R3i remit.

The conference opens on Sunday 20 May at the Marriott Hotel with the first three days focusing on geographic information systems training followed by a number of meetings and presentations relating to the progress to date.

The territories covered by the programme include eleven British and Dutch overseas countries and territories. AS well as the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius are covered by the initiative.