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Joseph Weekes of the UWI Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) during a drome flight and data capture exercise at the inaugural Caribbean Drone Symposium.
The inaugural Caribbean Drone Symposium, hosted in Barbados by the University of the West Indies' Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) from February 10-12, was a game-changer for the region’s drone ecosystem. Bringing together experts, policymakers, and innovators, the event highlighted how drones can revolutionize everything from environmental monitoring to disaster response — and even spark new business opportunities.
Here are five key takeaways that set the stage for the Caribbean’s drone-powered future:
1. Drones: The Caribbean’s New Environmental Superhero
Forget cloudy satellite images — drones are stepping up as the go-to tool for tackling the Caribbean’s unique environmental challenges. From tracking sargassum invasions to mapping coastal erosion and assessing post-disaster damage, drones deliver real-time, high-resolution data that satellites can’t match. CERMES has already pioneered drone protocols for sargassum monitoring, and projects in Dominica have used drones to study microclimates and carbon removal. Plus, during Hurricane Beryl, thermal imaging drones helped locate sunken boats and hazardous materials. The future? Pairing drones with AI and cloud-based platforms for even smarter data analysis.
2. Regulatory Reform: Clearing the Runway for Growth
Let’s face it — flying drones in the Caribbean can feel like navigating a maze of red tape. While Trinidad and Tobago leads with relatively mature regulations, most islands lack clear policies, causing delays and stifling innovation. The solution? A harmonized regional approach. Think standardized licensing, insurance requirements, and training programs. A proposed Civil Aviation subsection act could provide the framework needed to streamline operations and unlock the full potential of drone technology.
3. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The Sky’s the Limit
The global drone market is worth $30 billion, and the Caribbean is ready to claim its share. From precision agriculture (think crop monitoring and pesticide spraying) to infrastructure mapping and tourism (hello, stunning aerial footage!), drones are creating safer, more efficient workflows — not replacing jobs. The symposium also highlighted the urgent need for local drone repair and maintenance facilities, reducing reliance on overseas services and fostering homegrown entrepreneurship.
4. Regional Collaboration: Stronger Together
Why go it alone when we can soar together? A unified regional approach is key to scaling the drone industry. Initiatives like CDEMA’s disaster response pilot training and Jamaica’s National Land Agency drone programs are paving the way. By pooling resources for software, hardware, and training, Caribbean nations can make drone technology more accessible and cost-effective.
5. Community and Academia: Empowering the Next Generation
Drones aren’t just for experts — they’re tools for everyone. Projects like EcoShores Expeditions in Antigua and Barbuda show how drone imagery can inspire local conservation efforts, from sargassum removal to wetland preservation. Meanwhile, academic institutions like UWI are stepping up to lead innovation. The proposed Caribbean Drone Hub at UWI Cave Hill aims to be a one-stop shop for research, training, and policy advocacy, bridging the gap between academia, industry, and government.
What’s Next? Let’s Take Flight!
The symposium set the stage for action. Here’s what’s needed to keep the momentum going:
Launch the Caribbean Drone Hub to coordinate research, training, and advocacy.
Harmonize regulations to streamline operations and attract investment.
Build local capacity through accredited training programs and certification.
Boost public awareness to showcase drones’ diverse applications.
Foster partnerships between governments, businesses, and academia.
The Caribbean has the tools, talent, and vision to become a global leader in drone technology. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can protect our environment, drive economic growth, and build a resilient future. The sky’s not the limit — it’s just the beginning!
Authored by Miguel Trim, UNDP Analyst. The views and opinions expressed are a summary of insights from the symposium and do not necessarily reflect the views of UNDP.
About the Caribbean Drone Symposium
The inaugural Caribbean Drone Symposium aimed to create awareness, identifying gaps and points of convergence in policies, laws and regulations related to drones and the low-altitude economy. The event was hosted by the UWI's Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), with the support of the Project for Improving National Capacities for Management of Sargassum, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP.
