USM Concludes Powerful Climate Resilience Workshop
June 27, 2025
USM, in partnership with CAS, VROMI, and DEAL, wrapped up a dynamic 3-day Climate & Disaster Risk Reduction Workshop focused on community resilience. From shared lived experiences to shaping the Climate Impact Atlas, participants worked together to strengthen St. Martin’s preparedness.
Pond Island, The University of St. Martin, in partnership with the Climate Adaptation Services Foundation (CAS), the Ministry of VROMI, and the Territorial Unit of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy (DEAL), successfully concluded its three-day Climate & Disaster Risk Reduction Workshop on Friday, June 28, 2025.
Held under the thought-provoking theme, “How safe and protected are the people of St. Martin in the face of climate change?”, the workshop brought together a cross-section of leaders, experts, and community voices in meaningful dialogue to address the urgent need for resilience and preparedness.
The opening session featured deeply moving “lived experience” stories, both in person and by video, sharing firsthand accounts of climate impacts from devastating hurricanes to repeated flooding events. These narratives laid the emotional groundwork for the technical and policy discussions that followed.
Mr. Raymond Jessurun, USM Research Coordinator, formally opened the event, followed by remarks from USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, Acting Minister of VROMI Melissa Gumbs, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, and Bernadette Davis, Second Vice President of the Collectivité. Faculty member and poet Ms. Rochelle Ward shared community reflections in a moving performance that set the tone for active participation and heartfelt discussion.
Throughout the days workshop, participants explored key frameworks such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement, asking critical questions about how these global agendas translate into local action.
Representatives from the Office of Disaster Management, Ministry of VSA, WIFOL, BAK, VROMI, the Meteorological Department, Nature Foundation, the Collectivité, and other institutions brought their expertise to the table. Together, they highlighted both gaps and opportunities for improving climate data, community engagement, and cross-border coordination.
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the St. Martin Climate Impact Atlas, an evolving tool that visualizes local climate risks. Participants gave feedback and helped shape how this resource could best reflect community priorities and serve as a foundation for future planning.
The final day saw participants co-creating a visual mind map of climate challenges and solutions. This activity captured collective insights from across sectors and will be integrated into the next phase of the Atlas ensuring that community knowledge plays a central role in shaping climate resilience.
In reflecting on the workshop’s success, USM emphasized the importance of listening to both experts and citizens.
“Workshops like these show that we all have a role to play,” noted Mr. Jessurun. “From policymakers to youth, we must work together to map out our risks and build a safer, more informed St. Martin.”
USM extends its gratitude to all partners, facilitators, and participants for making the event a meaningful step forward in climate and disaster risk reduction for the island and the wider region.
Latest News →
Held under the thought-provoking theme, “How safe and protected are the people of St. Martin in the face of climate change?”, the workshop brought together a cross-section of leaders, experts, and community voices in meaningful dialogue to address the urgent need for resilience and preparedness.
The opening session featured deeply moving “lived experience” stories, both in person and by video, sharing firsthand accounts of climate impacts from devastating hurricanes to repeated flooding events. These narratives laid the emotional groundwork for the technical and policy discussions that followed.
Mr. Raymond Jessurun, USM Research Coordinator, formally opened the event, followed by remarks from USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, Acting Minister of VROMI Melissa Gumbs, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, and Bernadette Davis, Second Vice President of the Collectivité. Faculty member and poet Ms. Rochelle Ward shared community reflections in a moving performance that set the tone for active participation and heartfelt discussion.
Throughout the days workshop, participants explored key frameworks such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement, asking critical questions about how these global agendas translate into local action.
Representatives from the Office of Disaster Management, Ministry of VSA, WIFOL, BAK, VROMI, the Meteorological Department, Nature Foundation, the Collectivité, and other institutions brought their expertise to the table. Together, they highlighted both gaps and opportunities for improving climate data, community engagement, and cross-border coordination.
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the St. Martin Climate Impact Atlas, an evolving tool that visualizes local climate risks. Participants gave feedback and helped shape how this resource could best reflect community priorities and serve as a foundation for future planning.
The final day saw participants co-creating a visual mind map of climate challenges and solutions. This activity captured collective insights from across sectors and will be integrated into the next phase of the Atlas ensuring that community knowledge plays a central role in shaping climate resilience.
In reflecting on the workshop’s success, USM emphasized the importance of listening to both experts and citizens.
“Workshops like these show that we all have a role to play,” noted Mr. Jessurun. “From policymakers to youth, we must work together to map out our risks and build a safer, more informed St. Martin.”
USM extends its gratitude to all partners, facilitators, and participants for making the event a meaningful step forward in climate and disaster risk reduction for the island and the wider region.
Latest News →
