The University of Guyana (UG) has launched an advanced coastal monitoring platform, marking a significant leap forward in the nation’s ability to track and respond to climate change impacts along its vulnerable coastline.
The new web-based system, known as the Guyana Coastal Analysis System (G-CAS), was developed by UG’s Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences with support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. G-CAS provides real-time access to satellite data on critical issues such as flooding, sea level rise, and the health of mangrove ecosystems. The platform is designed to be open-access, allowing government agencies, researchers, private sector stakeholders, and the general public to monitor coastal changes and make informed decisions.
At the launch event, university officials and disaster management experts highlighted the platform’s potential to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience. Colonel (retired) Nazrul Hussain, Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, praised the initiative, emphasizing the growing importance of digital and AI-driven tools in managing disaster risks.
Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohammed noted that G-CAS will also support sustainable development by informing climate-friendly building codes and land use policies, particularly as construction continues along the country’s low-lying coast. The platform’s data is expected to be integrated into national planning efforts, providing credible, validated information to guide both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Developers of G-CAS have expressed readiness to collaborate with government agencies and other stakeholders, offering their expertise to further national climate change efforts. The launch of this platform comes at a pivotal time, as Guyana faces increasing threats from sea level rise and extreme weather events, with much of its population and infrastructure concentrated along the coast.
Project leaders hope that G-CAS will serve as a model for other developing countries seeking cost-effective solutions for environmental monitoring and disaster management. As Guyana continues to invest in climate resilience, the new platform is poised to play a central role in safeguarding the nation’s future.
