First Two Workshops Lay the Foundation for Future Progress in Suriname's Involvement
Suriname has taken a significant step towards enhancing its capacity in the use of geospatial technology, information, and data for better environmental decision-making through its participation in a regional training program. Organized by SERVIR-Amazonia and hosted by Lybra Training, Coaching, and Consulting, this initiative aims to equip Surinamese representatives with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the sustainable management of mangroves and hydrological events in the Caribbean region.
SERVIR-Amazonia is part of SERVIR Global, a joint development initiative between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Since 2005, SERVIR has been working in partnership with several countries worldwide to promote the use of information provided by Earth observation satellites and geospatial technologies to improve environmental decision-making.
The program, which has recently commenced, includes representatives from six Caribbean countries: Guyana, Barbados, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Lybra Training, Coaching, and Consulting, based in Paramaribo, Suriname, serves as the local host institution, providing crucial logistical and technical support to ensure the success of the training series
The first two workshops have already taken place, marking an important milestone in Suriname’s involvement in the program. These initial workshops focused on introducing participants to key concepts such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and the use of Google Earth Engine. Held from May 10 to May 12, 2023, at the Lybra Training Coaching and Consulting facilities, the in-person workshops garnered active engagement and enthusiasm from the Surinamese participants.
While the first two workshops have laid a strong foundation, there is much more to come in the following months. The training program consists of a total of eight workshops (twelve days), combining in-person and virtual trainer in the sessions. The upcoming workshops will delve deeper into topics such as intermediate and advanced Google Earth Engine applications, including mangrove mapping and change detection or flood mapping and change detection, based on the specific needs of the participating countries. Participants will explore various types of imagery, validation practices using Collect Earth Online, and gain a comprehensive understanding of ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro.
Below is a short teaser of this session:
With their newfound knowledge and skills, participants from Suriname, alongside their counterparts from the other Caribbean countries, are poised to make significant progress in the coming months. The program’s objective is to increase the capacity of organizations in the development of services and data sharing related to the sustainable management of mangroves and hydrological events.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the participating countries, the program aims to establish a regional network of experts who can collectively address the challenges associated with geospatial technology, information, and data on mangrove monitoring and the management of hydrological events. Suriname’s involvement in this initiative reflects its commitment to environmental sustainability and its recognition of the importance of leveraging Earth observation satellites and geospatial technologies for informed decision-making.
The success of
Suriname’s involvement in this capacity-building program will be measured by
the progress made in the coming months. The dedication and enthusiasm displayed
by the participants during the initial workshops set a positive precedent for
the journey ahead. Suriname’s inclusion in this program signifies a significant
milestone in the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
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