New Fugro partnership aims to build climate resilience in the Caribbean

Caribbean island nations are on the front lines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, stronger storms and mounting pressure on coastal infrastructure. To help these Small Island Developing States…

Caribbean island nations are on the front lines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, stronger storms and mounting pressure on coastal infrastructure. To help these Small Island Developing States (SIDS) meet such challenges, Fugro has joined forces with the SDG Data Alliance in a newly formalized partnership focused on locally led resilience efforts.

The collaboration aims to strengthen coastal adaptation by improving access to decision-ready geospatial data and building local technical capacity. By combining advanced technology with region-specific expertise, the partners will support Caribbean SIDS in developing practical, data-driven solutions to climate-related threats.

Addressing long-standing gaps

Fugro brings extensive experience in high-resolution mapping, geospatial analysis and data visualization. These services will be delivered alongside hands-on training, helping to address long-standing gaps in digital infrastructure and technical expertise across the region. The work will be channelled through the SIDS Global Data Hub, a digital platform hosted within the SIDS Centre of Excellence.

This initiative also aligns with the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the roadmap adopted at the 2024 UN SIDS4 Conference to guide island nations towards resilient prosperity. Together, Fugro and the SDG Data Alliance aim to empower local stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to build a more secure coastal future.

Technical depth and regional experience

Greg Scott, executive director of the SDG Data Alliance, said: “The Data Alliance was founded as a multi-stakeholder partnership and is driven by public-private collaboration that is focused, practical and built for impact. Fugro brings the kind of technical depth and regional experience that can turn ambition into action. Their support will help us expand the reach and impact of the SIDS Global Data Hub and deliver on the promise of ABAS.”

Céline Gerson, Fugro’s group director for the Americas and president of Fugro USA, stated: “We know that real progress happens when communities lead. Our work with the Data Alliance is about equipping government and community stakeholders with the geodata tools to drive their climate response on their terms and timelines. We’re excited to continue this work in collaboration with the Data Alliance and contribute to a more resilient future for Caribbean SIDS.”

This new partnership builds on Fugro’s recent agreement with Esri, a founding member of the SDG Data Alliance, to expand access to critical data and tools for climate resilience. The announcement also comes just ahead of the 15th session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), where Dr Valrie Grant will represent the company. A geospatial professional and the Caribbean lead in Fugro’s Climate and Nature practice, Dr Grant joined the company in May and now plays a key role in advancing the impact of both partnerships across the region.