Representatives from across thirteen countries in the Caribbean convened from 23-24 April 2026 in Bridgetown, Barbados, to advance in how hazardous events, disasters, and losses and damages can be tracked and analyzed to inform decision-making, marking a significant step toward more risk-informed development in the region.  

The regional workshop on DELTA Resilience and Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) within the framework of the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Caribbean initiative, was organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and brought together disaster risk management authorities, technical partners and UN agencies to strengthen national disaster data systems and reporting capacities, which address a key gap identified in the region as part of the EW4All initiative. 

Country representatives, alongside regional and international partners, focused on a shared challenge: how to produce reliable, standardized and actionable data on hazardous events and losses and damages that can allow a better understanding of disaster risks, guide policy, investment and preparedness in an increasingly complex risk landscape. 

From data gaps to decision-ready evidence 

A central theme throughout the workshop was the critical role of disaster-related data in strengthening risk knowledge for effective policies and action. Countries explored how consistent tracking of hazardous events, disasters and their impacts across sectors and population groups can serve as a critical decision-support tool for a range of actions, from the development calibration and/or validation of probabilistic risk models, strengthened early warning systems through impact-based forecasts and anticipatory action instruments, to recovery planning and climate finance. 

Discussions emphasized that disaster data is no longer for reporting purposes only. When properly structured and analyzed, it becomes a strategic asset for governments, helping identify risk hotspots, developing better prospective models, prioritize investments, and monitor progress toward national and global targets.  

The DELTA Resilience (Disaster & Hazardous Events, Losses and Damages Tracking & Analysis) system was presented as a key enabler in this shift. Building on decades of experience with national disaster loss databases such as DesInventar, it offers countries an innovative system to record hazardous events, disasters, and associated losses and damages, including non-economic losses as well as cascading hazards and impacts that are often overlooked. Reflecting on its value for small island contexts, Michelle Forbes, Director of the National Emergency Management Organization, stated: “Delta Resilience allows small islands like St. Vincent and the Grenadines to track the impacts of all hazards. This allows for more effective planning to reduce risks and build Resilience based on the losses over a period of time or new and emerging risks.” 

Strengthening national systems and capacities 

A strong focus was placed on institutional capacity and the establishment of standardized data collection formats and systems, recognizing that technology and disaster data alone cannot deliver results without robust governance, clear roles, and sustainable workflows. The workshop familiarized participants with the Data Ecosystem Maturity Framework (DEMA) and the Disaster Data Readiness Assessment (DARA) tool, designed to help countries assess the maturity of their national data ecosystems, identify gaps as well as possible improvements in areas such as data collection, coordination and quality. These assessments are expected to inform country-led action plans for strengthening disaster tracking systems in the region. 

A live demonstration of DELTA Resilience allowed participants to better understand functionalities, including hazard classification, data entry and analysis, linking with global frameworks. 

Connecting national data to global frameworks 

Another key outcome of the workshop was improved alignment between national disaster data systems, regional and global reporting requirements, e.g., under CDEMA’s Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the ABAS agenda for SIDS, and the SDGs. Participants reviewed how disaster loss data monitored in DELTA Resilience feeds into the Sendai Framework Monitoring system, particularly Targets A to D, and explored ways to reduce reporting burdens by improving data consistency and interoperability. A dedicated “data clinic” enabled countries to review their reporting status to the Sendai Framework Monitor, identify gaps, and take concrete steps toward improving data completeness and accuracy in the future.  

The integration of global standards and approaches, such as the 2025 Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs), the Global Disaster-related Statistics Framework (G-DRSF), and disaggregation requirements, were highlighted as essential for ensuring comparability, credibility, and actionability of data across countries and over time. 

From tracking losses to enabling resilience 

Beyond reporting, the workshop underscored the growing importance of using disaster data to support forward-looking decision-making. Participants were exposed to and discussed practical use cases, including risk-informed planning, anticipatory action, and accessing financing for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. Leveraging on the discussions by the International Migration Organization (IOM) on displacement data, application and use, the need for disaggregated data and standardized methodologies for data management and governance within the region were highlighted. Regional examples presented by UN OCHA, highlighted how access to timely and accurate damage and loss data during the catastrophic hurricane Melissa in 2025 was used in supporting response and recovery efforts. The development of country-specific action points marked a critical step toward institutionalizing nationally owned disaster tracking systems powered by DELTA Resilience. These plans aim to ensure that disaster tracking systems are not only established but actively used to inform policies, actions, and investments. 

A regional effort toward data-driven resilience 

The diversity of participants, from national disaster risk management offices to meteorological services, humanitarian agencies and technical partners, reflected the multi-sector nature of comprehensive disaster risk management. This collaborative approach is expected to continue beyond the workshop, supporting countries as they implement DELTA Resilience and strengthen their reporting under the Sendai Framework. 

As disaster risk intensifies across the Caribbean, the ability to generate and use high-quality disaster data will be a defining factor in building resilience. This workshop marks 

an important milestone in that journey, moving from fragmented data toward integrated, decision-ready systems that support safer and more resilient futures.