PARIS, France – With support from the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, media professionals and disaster preparedness officials recently participated in a specialised training session in Kingston, Jamaica, focused on the use of drones, geographic information systems (GIS), and artificial intelligence (AI) for crisis preparedness and response.
With support from the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, media professionals and disaster preparedness officials recently participated in a specialised training session in Kingston, Jamaica, focused on the use of drones, geographic information systems (GIS), and artificial intelligence (AI) for crisis preparedness and response.
The training, led by Jamaica Flying Labs in collaboration with the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), is part of UNESCO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of Caribbean media professionals to report safely, accurately, and responsibly during emergencies, by equipping them with practical tools and technical skills.
The program introduced participants to the safe and ethical use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), geospatial technologies and AI tools to support data-driven journalism and improve situational awareness during disasters. Participants explored key topics, including UAV fundamentals, flight safety and mission planning.
They also explored aerial imagery collection and the use of GIS for mapping and spatial analysis. These technologies enable journalists to capture high-resolution aerial imagery, visualise disaster impacts, and share timely, reliable information with the public, helping to better understand emergencies and respond more effectively.
The Caribbean is among the most disaster-prone regions, with hurricanes, floods and other hazards posing significant risks to Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Strengthening the ability of media professionals to safely document and report on disasters is therefore essential for effective public communication and response.
“By equipping journalists with skills in drones, geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence, we are strengthening their ability to safely gather and verify information before, during and after disasters. These tools support more accurate reporting, better situational awareness and ultimately contribute to stronger resilience across Caribbean Small Island Developing States.” ~ Paul Hector, advisor for communication and information at the UNESCO office for the Caribbean.
Through initiatives such as this training, UNESCO continues to work with regional partners to strengthen media capacity, access to information, and disaster preparedness across the Caribbean.
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