Brasilia, Brazil, June 30, 2025 - A high-level regional delegation, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), recently completed a mission to Brazil, engaging with several of the country’s institutions that are focused on disaster risk management, scientific research, and environmental protection.
The team included Executive Director Ms. Elizabeth Riley, her Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, Principal of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) Dr. David Farrell, Coordinating Director of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization Dr. Arlene Laing, and Senior Research Fellow Geologist in the Seismic Research Centre of the University of the West Indies, Professor Richard Robertson. The technical visit took place from June 10 to 13, 2025.
While in the country, the delegation made several technical visits to familiarize themselves with agencies and research centres to gain first-hand knowledge of innovative approaches to disaster preparedness, response, and sustainable development.
The engagements started in Rio de Janeiro with a visit to the Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research, Development, and Innovation Center (CENPES) of Petrobras, where the delegation explored advancements in research and technology that contribute to resilient infrastructure and energy security. The team later toured the National Observatory, which highlighted Brazil’s scientific expertise in monitoring natural phenomena, a critical component of disaster risk management.
The mission continued with a visit to the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels, where discussions centered on regulatory mechanisms that safeguard critical energy sectors in hazard-prone environments.
In São José dos Campos, the delegation visited the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) and the Center for Monitoring and Early Warnings of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN). These institutions demonstrated Brazil’s world-class capabilities in space-based monitoring and early warning systems, which are vital tools for anticipating and mitigating the impacts of disasters. The visit also included the Firefighters Higher School in Franco da Rocha, providing exposure to Brazil’s emergency response training systems and community preparedness initiatives.
The mission culminated in Brasília, where the delegation held strategic discussions with the National Center for Risk and Disaster Management (CENAD), the Operations and Management Center of the Amazonian Protection System (CENSIPAM), and the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). These engagements offered valuable perspectives on national disaster coordination, environmental protection, and hazard forecasting. The team also met with officials from the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), exploring integrated approaches to climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
While there, the CDEMA team also participated in the Brazil-Caribbean Summit which pledged US$290 million for Haiti. The mission represents a critical step in strengthening the Caribbean’s disaster resilience through collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities. The Technical visit is part of efforts by CDEMA to further collaborate and engage with B5azil on advancing regional cooperation and leveraging technical expertise to enhance disaster risk management systems within the Caribbean.
Photo 1: The visiting team posed for a group photo during their technical visit to Brazil
Photo 2: The team gained some insight into the operations at OSEAN.
For further information, please contact:
Keith Goddard
Communication and Public Relations Specialist
CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA)
Suite #3, Building #1,
Manor Lodge Complex,
Lodge Hill,
St. Michael
Barbados
Email:
Tel: (246) 434-4880 Ext 3233
Fax: (246) 271-3660