Environmental support is looking up in the Kalinago Territory, literally, as the Kalinago Council received a DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 drone procured under the Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience in the Kalinago Territory (SSLR) Project. Now the council has a bird’s eye view of the surroundings which will assist the Kalinago in monitoring their major water catchments (Majini and Concord) and reforestation efforts. The Council is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to increase the water levels of these two catchment areas and reduce soil erosion in the community. This essential project will allow greater access to clean water for drinking, farming and basic day-to-day activities and lay the foundations for climate resilience, while the drone will assist in the extensive monitoring required to keep the project on track.

To ensure that the Kalinago Community can benefit from the drone to the fullest, it was essential to provide training for the Council. With the assistance of a representative of the Government of Dominica’s Ministry of Public Works, a series of trainings are being conducted the first of which took place on February 11, 2022. The Kalinago Council headed by Chief Lorenzo Sanford, the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture East Extension team and other key community individuals attended the sessions which had a total of 21 persons in attendance. This session explained drone laws in the Commonwealth of Dominica, educated interested persons on the key features of the drone, pre flights inspections as well as actually flying the drone. There is no better way to learn than through practice and so practice the participants did! The carpark outside the training room was thoroughly “monitored” as several participants tried their hand at drone navigation. The participants are developing the skills that will allow for a more effective, timely and efficient monitoring system that over time will inform conservation efforts.

The training which was facilitated by the HLCM Group – Geospatial and Agriculture monitoring will continue until the project end date of June 30^th, 2022, to enhance necessary skills to monitor reforested areas and the health of the water catchments.

At this time when exogenous threats like COVID-19 are impacting the region, it is vital that developmental efforts are continued to reinforce the need for regional resilience and building forward better. This project is part of the work of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in its commitment to promoting economic diversification, job creation and resilience with the "Blue Economy for Green Islands" vision. As the Caribbean continues to seek solutions to build resilience and livelihoods for traditionally vulnerable groups, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, remains dedicated to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region and building resilient communities that can withstand shocks and crises through targeted projects and programmes. 

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UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.bb.undp.org or follow at @UNDPBarbados