Dr. Sandra Sookram and Dr. Michael Sutherland

Biography

Dr. Sandra Sookram

Dr. Michael Sutherland holds an M.Sc.E. and Ph.D. in Geomatics Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, Canada specializing in land information management and GIS. He previously held post-doctoral positions at the University of Ottawa and Dalhousie University, Canada where he did GIS research in relation to multi-criteria decision analysis supporting socioeconomic and environmental phenomena. Dr. Sutherland is a member of the Canadian Institute of Geomatics and the Institute of Surveyors of Trinidad and Tobago, and is an elected member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is also an Associate of the Canadian Fisheries, Oceans, and Aquaculture Management (C-FOAM) research group, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Sutherland is a lecturer, and the Programme Coordinator of the B.Sc. in Land Management Programme in the Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. At UWI, St. Augustine, he is also an Honorary Fellow of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies. Michael is currently Chair of Commission 4, International Federation of Surveyors.

Article Title

Grande Riviere, Trinidad and Tobago: The Vulnerability of a Coastal Community to Sea-level Rise

Abstract

The community of Grande Riviere in Trinidad and Tobago was the subject of a multidisciplinary study that employed a combination of geomatics, i.e., the use of field surveys and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and socio-economic data to evaluate the susceptibility of the community to floods and storm surges due to sea-level rise. An examination was made of the level of risk that the critical facilities and properties in the community could face in the future by using projections of sea-level rise presented via spatial GIS models. Micro-data on socio-economic characteristics of the community was collected through a face-to-face administered questionnaire. The results of this study may have important policy implications since policy- and decision makers will have to act to reduce and/or eliminate risk of exposure of specific areas of the community by implementing adaptation or mitigation measures and directing development away from future high-risk areas.

Schedule


A detailed schedule may be found HERE
Book Fair and Cultural Exhibits 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Keynote Reception 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Conference Opening 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm


Morning Session 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
(Includes a 10-minute coffee break)
Luncheon & Cultural Interlude 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Afternoon Sessions 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
4:15 pm - 7:00 pm
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Book Fair / Historical and Cultural Exhibits Continue 9:00 am – 5:30 pm


Morning Session 9:00 am – 11:15 am
Luncheon & Cultural Interlude 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Afternoon Sessions 12:20 pm – 3:20 pm
3:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Book Fair / Historical and Cultural Exhibits Continue 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Closing Plenary and Cocktail Reception 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

*Plenaries will be scheduled during morning and luncheon sessions.

Persons whose papers have been accepted present on Day Two and Three of the conference.