Data Journalism for Caribbean Disaster Preparedness

The “Data Journalism in Action: Empowering Caribbean Disaster Preparedness” project aims to address the Caribbean’s increasing vulnerability to natural disasters by harnessing the power of data journalism. This innovative initiative seeks to equip journalists from Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and Grenada with the skills and tools necessary to produce data-driven reporting that supports disaster risk reduction (DRR), fosters community resilience, and empowers citizens during crises.

By building the capacity of journalists, the project highlights the pivotal role of journalism in disaster preparedness and response. Through collaboration, innovation, and mentorship, it seeks to advance impactful storytelling while strengthening connections between journalists, communities, and DRR stakeholders.

The project comprises several core activities:

• Hackathon: A three-day event in Barbados where journalists work in teams to conceptualise and develop data-driven DRR projects tailored to local communities.
• Virtual training: Virtual sessions to build foundational skills in data journalism, including the intersection of gender considerations and community engagement. The training will address specific needs identified during the hackathon.
• Mentorship and solutions testing: Over a four-month period, country teams will receive tailored mentorship to refine and implement their DRR projects.
• Projects showcase: A virtual event to celebrate and share the outcomes of the project. Teams will present their work, exchange insights, and discuss strategies for sustainability, cross-border collaboration, and future initiatives.

Natural disasters pose persistent and growing challenges to the Caribbean, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and threatening livelihoods. While media plays a critical role in disseminating information during crises, there is a significant gap in leveraging data journalism for disaster preparedness and response.

This project recognises the urgent need to bridge this gap by equipping journalists with the necessary skills and fostering their role as key contributors to DRR efforts. Data journalism provides the tools to interpret and present complex information in accessible ways, enhancing public understanding and engagement with disaster preparedness strategies.

Additionally, the initiative addresses a skills gap in data journalism, particularly in its application to DRR, where merging technical expertise with practical storytelling is crucial; a disconnect between DRR stakeholders and local communities, emphasising the need for inclusive communication strategies; and the underrepresentation of gender and community perspectives in disaster reporting, aiming to foster narratives that reflect diverse voices.

By addressing these challenges, the project envisions a more informed, resilient society where data-driven journalism contributes to robust disaster preparedness and response frameworks.

Project activities will commence in May 2025 and run until October 2025.