TNC Caribbean Workshop Strengthens Scientific Capacity to Improve Hurricane Damage Assessment
Following delays caused by Hurricane Melissa, The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Science Capacity Building Workshop on using geospatial data for change detection in coastal ecosystems convened on February 9 and 10, 2026 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. The workshop included participation from more than 70 government stakeholders with responsibility for reporting on coastal wetland targets in Jamaica’s Nationally Determined Contributions, NGO stakeholders who manage protected spaces, as well as local conservation practitioners and scientists.
The two-day workshop focused on the fundamentals and applied use of remote sensing to evaluate hurricane impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems, using PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. The training responds to a growing need for rapid, accurate and scalable tools to assess environmental change as extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity across the Caribbean.
Led by the Caribbean Lead Scientist Dr. Steve Schill and other experts at TNC, the workshop combined theory, hands-on analysis and real-world case studies to strengthen the link between satellite data and field-based decision-making.
The first day introduced core remote sensing concepts such as what remote sensing is and the requirements for remote sensing assessments. It also highlighted methods and options for private and open-source software. Participants were exposed to the basics of field data collection and integration, and shown how to easily access satellite imagery and other mapping tools available from both public and private sources. They also learned how to combine satellite information with field data, using a variety of widely available software platforms. The training included demonstrations of cloud-based tools such as Google Earth Engine, with real examples showing how these technologies support faster, more accurate change detection assessments.
“Remote sensing enables us to detect hurricane impacts in a matter of days. With drones, we can map damage as soon as the weather permits”, explained Steve Schill, TNC Caribbean lead scientist. “By combining satellite and drone imagery with on-the-ground observations, this workshop strengthened the technical capacity needed to make timely, science-driven decisions that support coastal recovery, restoration and resilience.”
The second day shifted to some participants learning to process and analyze satellite imagery using popular mapping software such as ArcGIS Pro and QGIS. NGO stakeholders and other participants learned by using Kobo Toolbox and Google Earth Pro. Sample datasets were analyzed to assess changes in mangroves and seagrass ecosystems, and sandy shorelines. These hands-on sessions were designed to strengthen practical skills that can be immediately applied to post-disaster assessments and long-term coastal monitoring.
“Reliable and timely environmental data is vital for translating post-disaster assessments into appropriate policy and investment decisions,” said Donna Blake, program director at TNC Jamaica. “Strengthening the technical capacity of resource managers and practitioners ensures that disaster response and restoration efforts are grounded in evidence and aligned with national long-term resilience goals.”
By equipping local practitioners with accessible tools and practical experience, the workshop aimed to improve Jamaica’s ability to monitor and report on its climate ambitions related to coastal ecosystems, but also to improve the speed and quality of environmental assessments following major disturbances such as hurricanes.
This workshop is a part of the project Integrating coastal wetlands into Jamaica’s Nationally Determined Contributions and is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Workshop participants included representatives from the National Environment and Planning Agency, Forestry Department, National Fisheries Authority, Planning Institute of Jamaica, and other government agencies, as well as the University of the West Indies, private entities and NGO stakeholders who manage protected spaces.
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