SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES SESSIONS HELD IN DURING THE FIG WORKING WEEK 2023

28 - 29  May at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek / Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Serving Society for the benefit of people and planet; Facing the global challenges in Small Island Developing States: The Role of Land Professionals

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face many distinct challenges on their ongoing path towards strong sustainable economic development and getting the most from their rich socio-cultural heritage. All governments face limited resources and staffing. This is especially true for SIDS where the available resources and land are more constrained. Global challenges can exacerbate these already difficult resource allocation decisions. Land management and administration for SIDS must be well organized and part of a broader regional effort in order to meet Societal Development Goals (SDGs), enhance resilience and disaster response. Professional national surveying societies greatly enhance these efforts in Land Management and form the fundamental membership of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG).

FIG has organized several regional forums on the role of land professionals in supporting SIDS in the Pacific, Asia, and Oceania. Participants, professionals, and member states have shared and received valuable knowledge that support the backbone of their social and economic systems. This year, our focus has shifted to the Caribbean where we hope to bring our expertise to the challenges of the region. Many NGO, governmental, and professional organizations are already engaged, and we hope to share our experience while also expanding the base of knowledge to be shared with all SIDS. We aim to ensure that FIG’s efforts supplement and synergize with the currently ongoing work for the betterment of all interested parties and society at large.

UN-GGIM-Americas Caribbean Geospatial Development Initiative (CARIGEO) is a collaborative initiative that seeks to empower the countries and territories of the Caribbean. It seeks the greater use and sharing of geospatial and statistical information. This will in turn support improved decision making for sustainable national and regional development, improving the possibilities for the environment, the economy, and our evolving societies. In addition, a Joint Action Plan involving UN-GGIM-Americas, SIRGAS, PAIGH/IPGE, the OAS and others is already in place to positive effect. Our FIG Corporate Sponsors and the other Private Networks we coordinate with have a global reach and are likewise trying to develop improved capacity towards a sustainable future and for the betterment of all.
These groups have missions that focus on regional scientific and national collaboration. In contrast, FIG’s mission addresses the needs and capabilities of professional land surveyors of all kinds. These are a core component in the implementation, construction, and finance of everything that is ultimately developed. Professional societies throughout the world, the Americas and in particular, the Caribbean are invited to participate in this forum. We all have much to learn, to share and to collaborate on, and together we can meet the global challenges of both today and tomorrow.
There are many similarities across all Islands states. However, important regional differences of many kinds can play an important role in shaping which tools and methods are most appropriate for successful outcomes.  These can become even more significant at the national level where environmental, societal, cultural, political, institutional, legal, resource, and economic factors are key to achieving best results. The key topics we propose to begin our focus upon will be:

  • The specific context and vulnerabilities for SIDS and their top concerns
    • The specific challenges faced by SIDS in the land sector
    • Resilience in the face of climate change, sea level rise and natural disasters
    • Urbanization in small islands
    • Strategies for influencing government/ ministers
  • Challenges for improved land governance.
  • UN GGIM’s IGIF, GGRF and other emerging frameworks
    • Country Action Plans and potential World Bank funding 
    • Development of national infrastructure as a part of a regional plan
    • Geodetic Reference Frame for the Americas integrating marine & terrestrial data
  • Training opportunities/resources from regional national partners, Private Sector and global NGO’s
  • Concept Note

PROGRAMME

Monday,
29 May
08:00–08:50
Nassau, Hilton/Waldorf

SIDS MORNING MEETING
Chair: Dr. Daniel Roman, United StatesWelcome address, Amanda Allred, NSPS President

Welcome address: the Global Role of FIG, Diane Dumashie, FIG President

Monday,
29 May
11:30–13:00
Nassau, Hilton/Waldorf

SIDS - INTRODUCTIONS OF GLOBAL AND REGIONAL SUPPORTING PARTNERS - SESSION 1 (TS01D/10533)
Chair: Dr. Daniel Roman, United StatesFIG regional and sub-regional capacity development, Rob Sarib, FIG CDN

FIG and Pacific SIDS support, Andrick Lal, PGSC

UN-GGIM-Americas Regional Committee, John Nyberg, Vice-President

CARIGEO Initiative, Simone Lloyd, CARIGEO

Disaster Relief Support for the Caribbean, TBD St. Maarten, WG on Disasters

UN-GGIM-Americas Academic Network, Rosario Casanova, President

Geodetic Reference Frame for the Americas, Dana Caccamise II, SIRGAS US Rep.

Monday,
29 May
14:30–16:00
Broadway/Carnegie, Hilton/Waldorf

SIDS - TOP CONCERNS OF THE CARIBBEAN SIDS - SESSION 2 (TS02J/10534)
Chair: Mr. Rob Sarib, AustraliaUN-GGIM Americas Private Networks, Valrie Grants, Private Networks

GIS Support to the Caribbean, Linda Foster, ESRI

U.N SDG’s, Paula Dijkstra, Task Force on FIG and the SDGs

Summary of questionnaire responses, Steven Nystrom, FIG Commission 9

Short presentations expressing top five concerns (5-10 minutes each)

Presentations include:

  • Mr. Wayneworth Hamilton, Turks and Caicos, Director of Surveys
  • Mr. Trevor L. Benn (Comm./CEO) Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission
Discussion
Monday,
29 May
16:30–18:00
Nassau, Hilton/Waldorf

SIDS - TOP CONCERNS OF THE CARIBBEAN SIDS - SESSION 3 (TS03D/10535)
Chair: Dr. Daniel Roman, United StatesShort presentations expressing top five concerns (5-10 minutes each) continued

Presentations include:

  • Trich Loctor-Polius (President) St. Lucia Association of Surveyors
  • Charisse Griffith-Charles, University of the West Indies
Discussion
Tuesday,
30 May
08:00–08:50
Nassau, Hilton/Waldorf

SIDS MORNING MEETING
Chair: Dr. Daniel Roman, United States
Follow-ups, discussion and any further presentations on Top Concerns

Tuesday,
30 May
11:30–13:00
Nassau, Hilton/Waldorf

SIDS - SUMMARY SESSION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DRAFT DECLARATION - SESSION 4 (TS04D)
Chair: Dr. Daniel Roman, United StatesSummary of Top Concerns and Draft Declaration, Steven Nystrom

Discussion led by Rob Sarib and Andrick Lal

Next Steps, Daniel Roman and James Kavanaugh

Closing remarks by Daniel Roman