Eastern Caribbean Climate Resilient Infrastructure Workshop Part of the:

Transcription

1 Eastern Caribbean Climate Resilient Infrastructure Workshop Part of the: Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Program (RDVRP) & Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Insurance Scheme Facility January 26-27, 2012

2 Eastern Caribbean Climate Resilient Infrastructure Workshop Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Insurance Scheme Conference Facility January 26-27, 2012 Introduction: The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Ministry of Transportation and Works is hosting the Eastern Caribbean Climate Resilient Infrastructure (CRI) workshop to tackle the challenge of designing infrastructure that is resilient to climate-related weather patterns that are increasing risks of natural hazards in the Eastern Caribbean. This CRI workshop is designed to support and foster regional collaboration to improve infrastructure engineering designs and technologies to improve climate adaptation strategies for small island developing states (SIDS). This knowledge exchange is composed of national ministries, development agencies, private enterprises, regional experts and international practitioners and it aims to improve local engineering conditions and infrastructure designs to improve resilience in order to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change. Background: Current global modeling suggest that changing climate-related weather patterns pose increasing risks of hazards in the Eastern Caribbean. Islands in the Eastern Caribbean are regularly exposed the effects of hurricanes, rain, and drought that have significantly impacted their national and local economies through recurrent damages to public infrastructure (roads, bridges, ports, airports, and public buildings), private investments, and coastal zones. Every sector, including commerce, tourism, fishing, and agriculture, is vulnerable to these impacts, and both the government and private sector need to integrate climate impact analyses to improve the resilience of infrastructure investments in the Eastern Caribbean. To develop climate adaptation strategies in the Eastern Caribbean, four countries including Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia (SLU), and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have been selected to participate in the Caribbean regional Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR). This program aims to pilot and demonstrate ways in which climate risk and resilience may be integrated into core development planning and implementation in vulnerable communities in the Caribbean.1 Additionally, in Grenada and SVG, the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Program (RDVRP)2 is leveraging PPCR and World Bank financing to support regional collaboration to improve disaster risk management by sharing risk analyses, technologies, data improvements, and investments strategies. Thus, it is critical that national governments and regional agencies exchange knowledge and data related to local engineering conditions and infrastructure designs to help improve resilience to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change. 1 The PPCR is financed by the Climate Investment Fund. For more info: 2 It is expected that Dominica and Saint Lucia will opt to become part of the RDVRP in

3 Eastern Caribbean Climate Resilient Infrastructure Workshop Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines January 26-27, 2012 Objectives: Discuss engineering design challenges related to infrastructure in small island developing states (SIDS) To improve access to data, models and practical new technologies to support improved construction designs To increase the capacity of engineers and policy-makers to strengthen the design, construction standards and methods to build climate resilient infrastructure in SIDS To support the creation of a technical engineering community to share information and international best-practice to provide inputs for regional development of standards, codes, models, etc. Outputs: Increased understanding of national, regional and international standards, codes and technologies Establish a formal working group of the regional engineers among the conference participants Establish next steps and activities for participants to foster knowledge exchange related to infrastructure through a formal regional association Outcomes: Improved understanding of building codes, standards and policy recommendations Strengthened designs, TORs and standards for long-term durability of regional infrastructure investments that prevent and mitigate climate-related disasters in the Eastern Caribbean Improved access to international codes, models, technologies related to and climate resilient infrastructure. Improved climate resilience of planned infrastructure investments made through the PPCR/RDVRP Participation: Ministry of Works engineers (Chief technical officers) or engineering staff National procurement specialists or project coordinators responsible for constructions contracts and their supervision 2

4 DAY 1: Building the Foundation TIME SESSIONS Opening Ceremony: Prayer, national anthem, vote of thanks Keynote Address: Climate Change & Planning for the Future Keynote: Honorable Senator Julian Francis, Minister of Transport and Works, SVG 08:30 09:15 Future climate change scenarios and economic planning, public works, and the integration of line ministries in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Opening Remarks: Facilitator: Gerald Meier, Project Specialist, World Bank Workshop expectations, objectives, agenda review, introductions. Island case-study: Saint Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) Langley Park Presenter: Brent Bailey, Chief Engineer, Ministry of Transportation & Works, SVG An SVG perspective on the infrastructure design process, including a case-study on 09:15 10:00 Langley Park and data gaps; A discussion of challenges in forecasting meteorological hazards, and the infrastructure return-period; An overview of planned works under the PPCR/RDVRP. Overview of Building Codes, Standards and Best Practices Presenter: Christopher Westbrook. P.E. Structural Engineer, Bridge Safety Program Manager, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Overview of USACE, design criteria, drawing specifications, construction quality; 10:00 10:45 Review of codes, standards and best practices applicable to island environments, with emphasis on survivability and infrastructure (bridges and buildings); Discussion of examples of integrating design codes and standards into the total engineering process, including design, implementation, supervision, examples. 10:45 11:00 AM BREAK Building Codes & CUBiC & Wind Loading in St. Lucia Presenter: Tony Gibbs, Civil Engineer, Caribbean Uniform Building Code Overview of building codes, history of CUBiC and national adoption in the Eastern Caribbean; Development of earthquake-resistant standards (hazards and engineering) in the 11:00 11:45 Commonwealth Caribbean; Development of wind loading standards (hazards and engineering) in the Commonwealth Caribbean; Laws, regulations and enforcement of building standards in the Caribbean; Effect of climate change on wind loads for structural design in the E. Caribbean. 12:00 13:00 LUNCH Engineering Project Cycle Management and TQM Presenter: Subhash Seth, Infrastructure Engineer Consultant, The World Bank 13:00 13:45 Detailed review of infrastructure implementation, operations and engineering project cycle management. PCU Expectation for Line Ministries Speaker: Janelle Quow, Engineer, Central Planning Division, Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines 13:45 14:15 Discussion of the procurement process of PCU, including international bidding process, EOIs, feasibility studies, etc.; Expectations of Line Ministries to support the entire procurement cycle. 3

5 14:15 14:15 PM BREAK Engineering Models & Data Limitations & Forecasting Returns Presenter: Sean Smith, Hydraulic & Hydrology Branch Chief, US Army Corps of 14:15 15:00 Engineers (USACE) Overview of hydraulics & hydrology models, engineering applications, data requirements. Panel Discussion: Building Codes, Standards & Modeling Technologies Panelists: Brent Bailey, Tony Gibbs, Christopher Westbrook, Sean Smith 15:00 16:15 Moderator: Gerald Meier Regional application of building standards, codes and modeling to improve infrastructure design. 16:15 16:30 CLOSE of Day 1 17:00 18:00 Cocktail Hour (Mariners Hotel) DAY 2: Laying the Bricks TIME SESSIONS Climate Change & Engineering Perspectives Presenter: Cecil Harris, Chief Technical Officer, Ministry of Works, Grenada 08:30 09:15 A presentation on geo-engineering, design considerations and policy matters as currently configured by overseas engineering associations. Design Standards: A private insurance perspective Presenter: Dennis Anderson, VP & Engineering Application Manager, FM Global 09:15 10:15 An exposé on risk assessment and wind hazard. Examination of vulnerabilities, building designs and their weaknesses, and practical solutions to integrate. 10:15 10:30 AM Break Coastal Zone Infrastructure Presenter: David Smith, Coastal Engineer, Smith Warner International Ltd. 10:30 11:30 Discussion of engineering considerations and tools for climate resilient coastal zone management. 11:30 12:30 LUNCH Slope Stabilization Modeling in the Island Tropics Presenter: Malcolm Anderson, Professor of School of Geography and the Environment 12:30 13:15 Land slip analysis modeling, data collection and slope stabilization techniques; Data requirements for engineering designs. Panel: Tools & Considerations for Future Engineering in the Islands 13:15 14:15 Panelists: Cecil Harris, Dennis Anderson, David Smith, Chris Westbrook Facilitator: Gerald Meier 14:15 14:30 PM Break Association of Engineers & Next Steps Facilitator: Gerald Meier 14:30 15:30 Discussion on next steps for technical community of engineers and expectations of strategic partners, agencies, and government ministries. 15:30 16:00 CLOSING CEREMONY 18:00 20:00 RECEPTION (Mariners Hotel) 4

6 Eastern Caribbean Climate Resilient Infrastructure Workshop PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES Gerald Meier Disaster Risk Management Consultant World Bank, Latin America & the Caribbean Region Mr. Meier is an international consultant specializing in Environmental Science and Disaster Risk Management. Mr. Meier has been a member of the World Bank Disaster Risk Management Team in Latin America and the Caribbean Region for the past 10 years and has worked closely with Caribbean Governments developing programs for disaster risk reduction and post-disaster response. Mr. Meier has over 30 years of experience in international programs, particularly relating to national development and infrastructure. He served two consecutive three-year appointments to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Transportation Research Board, and is presently assisting with the development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change programs in the Caribbean. D. Brent Bailey Chief Engineer Ministry of Transport, Works, Urban Development & Local Government St. Vincent & the Grenadines Mr. Bailey graduated in 1994 from Tufts University in Medford, MA with a Bachelor s in Civil Engineering and completed a Masters in Geotechnical Engineering in He has worked with CCA Ltd. on Canouan as a Structural Design Engineer; with InTEC of Austin, Texas, as a Geotechnical Engineer; and with Lee Young & Partners in Trinidad. He has acquired a broad range of experience in the fields of Civil Works Design, Geotechnical Design, Transport Engineering & Planning, Sea Port Design and Construction, Project and Construction Management, Public Policy Advice, and Board Participation. Mr. Bailey is currently under contract as Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Transport, Works, Urban Development and Local Government in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. 5

7 Chris Westbrook Senior Structural Engineer United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mr. Westbrook is a Senior Structural Engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters Office, Engineering and Construction Division. He works on establishing policy and developing guidance for the Corps related to structures such as buildings, bridges, and components of dams. Mr. Westbrook leads the Corps Bridge Safety Program, providing oversight for the inspection, evaluation, maintenance, and repair of over 860 bridges that the Corps owns. He is also a Team Leader in the Corps Search and Rescue Structures Specialist Cadre. Mr. Westbrook has been with the Corps of Engineers for over twenty years. Prior to the Headquarters Office, he was Chief of Structural Design for the Baltimore District Office. Prior to the Corps, he worked for several private engineering firms, performing both design and construction. Mr. Westbrook is a graduate of the University of Maryland and is a registered professional engineer. He resides in Maryland with his wife and three children. Tony Gibbs Consultant Consulting Engineers Partnership Ltd. Tony Gibbs is a civil engineer specializing in structures and practicing in the Caribbean and elsewhere. He did his undergraduate studies at The Queen's University of Belfast (BSc. in Civil Engineering, 1961) and he was a Commonwealth Scholar at The University of Leeds. His engineering career included assignments with Norman & Dawbarn at the UWI campus in St. Augustine, Ove Arup & Partners in London, and Caribbean Construction Company in Jamaica. He is now a Consultant to Consulting Engineers Partnership Ltd. with active offices in four Eastern Caribbean islands. He is Past President of The Barbados Association of Professional Engineers, Past Vice President of The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE HQ in UK), Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (HQ in UK), Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. 6

8 Subhash C. Seth Senior Civil Engineer - Consultant World Bank Subhash C. Seth is a Civil Engineer with graduate level course in Transportation Engineering from George Washington University, USA. He has 44 years of professional experience in project life cycle management including identification, planning, design, and construction management of public buildings, highways, bridges, airports, and other infrastructure projects in several developing countries of Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Europe and Central Asia, and the Caribbean. He has worked for the Governments of India, Lesotho, and Somalia as a Technical Adviser under the Technical Assistance Programs of the United Nations. He joined the World Bank in 1992 and retired as a Senior Highway Engineer in April Since then, he has been advising and assisting several Word Bank Task Teams as a Senior Civil Engineer Consultant in the overall management of infrastructure projects. Janelle Quow Engineer, Central Planning Division Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning St. Vincent & the Grenadines Janelle Quow graduated from the University of the West Indies in 2002 with a degree in Engineering and recently completed a post-graduate certificate in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. She has worked in the manufacturing industry in Barbados in Procurement and Project Management and has worked as a Procurement Officer for the World Bank and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadinesfunded projects for the last 6.5 years. She has also received specific training in World Bank procurement procedures. Sean Smith Chief of the Water Resources Engineering Branch U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCAE) Sean L. Smith is Chief of the Water Resources Engineering Branch, Engineering Division, Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is responsible for overseeing the development of regional and subregional modeling applications, water management activities, and environmental restoration work. He provides staff advice, technical assistance, and supervision of branch activities. His areas of expertise include dam safety studies, flood damage reduction with risk analysis, impact analysis, river hydraulics, surface water hydrology, water surface profile modeling, storm water management, urban drainage design, soil erosion control, regional system-wide water management, flood warning system design and implementation, and inland navigation lock structure design and evaluation. 7

9 Cecil Garner Harris Chief Technical Officer Ministry of Works, Physical Development & Public Utilities Grenada Mr. Harris graduated in 1979 from Southampton University, England, in the field of Civil Engineering, and from the University of London in 2005 with a degree in Law. He has worked throughout the Caribbean in construction, the consulting sector (Trintoplan Consultants [Trinidad] and CEP Ltd. [Dominica]), and since April 2009, the Government Service (Grenada). He has acquired a broad range of experience in the fields of civil works design, structural design, project management, dispute resolution, policy advice, and board participation. Mr. Harris is currently based in Grenada under contract as a consultant with the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation as Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Works, Physical Development and Public Utilities. Dennis M. Anderson, P.E. Vice President & Engineering Application Manager FM Global Based at FM Global s Research Campus in West Glocester, Rhode Island, USA, Mr. Anderson is responsible for addressing client, media, and business partner groups to illustrate the science and engineering capabilities. Mr. Anderson has been with FM Global for over 34 years. He has previously served as Vice President, Chief Engineer, and was appointed to his current position in Mr. Anderson holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and a BSCE degree from North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA. 8

10 David Smith Coastal Engineer and Managing Director Smith Warner International Ltd. Dr. Smith has nearly 30 years experience in the fields of Civil Engineering, Riverine Hydraulics and Coastal Engineering. In pursuing his educational goals, he was a graduate of the UWI, St. Augustine (BSc. Civil Engineering); the Imperial College, University of London (MSc. Civil Engineering Hydraulics) and Queen s University, Ontario, Canada (PhD Coastal Engineering). Dr. Smith previously worked at the Ministry of Works, Jamaica. Since 1996, Dr. Smith has been Managing Director of Smith Warner International Ltd. in which he continues to undertake a number of Coastal and Marine Engineering projects. Malcolm G. Anderson Professor of Hydrology University of Bristol University of Oxford Malcolm G. Anderson is Visiting Professor of Hydrology at the University of Oxford and a Consultant with the Disaster Risk Management Group (Latin America and Caribbean) at the World Bank in Washington, DC. During , he was Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Bristol, UK. He has held a number of overseas appointments; most notable are two twelve-month appointments as environmental research consultant to the US Corps of Engineers at the principal research laboratory in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and as senior consultant research geotechnical engineer to the Government of Hong Kong. He is the author of over 200 papers and books, as well as industry standard software. 9