Enhancing Humanitarian Relief in Haiti with Drone Technology: Insights from a Stakeholder Meeting

By Haiti Flying Labs and Jamaica Flying Labs

On Friday, September 27, 2024, a significant meeting was held via Zoom, organized by Jamaica Flying Labs and Haiti Flying Labs to discuss the use of drones in humanitarian operations in Haiti. The meeting commenced at 11:00 am with a warm welcome and an introduction to the objectives by Jamaica Flying Labs. Participants were given the opportunity to introduce themselves, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions.

The main objective of the meeting was to evaluate the current state of drone use in humanitarian efforts in Haiti, share experiences, and devise strategies to enhance their effectiveness. A brief summary highlighted both the successes and challenges encountered in using humanitarian drones in the region.

Haiti Flying Labs then took the floor to discuss the development and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The importance of SOPs was underscored, as they ensure the safety and efficiency of drone operations. Detailed steps for developing and documenting SOPs were shared, emphasizing the need for consultation with key stakeholders, including local authorities such as the Directorate for Civil Protection and community members. This collaborative approach is crucial for the smooth implementation of SOPs.

The discussion progressed to the certification and accreditation process. Haiti Flying Labs provided an overview of the requirements under the Project Development Model (PDM). The stages of development were discussed, highlighting the importance of collaboration with both local and international bodies to ensure compliance with current safety standards and regulations.

Implementation and training were the focus of the next session. Strategies for implementing SOPs and certification processes were shared, along with proposed training programs for drone operators and stakeholders. These programs aim to build skills and ensure adherence to SOPs. Potential challenges, such as logistical constraints and cultural resistance, were identified and solutions were suggested to overcome them.

Monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement were also addressed. Haiti Flying Labs presented methods for assessing the effectiveness of SOPs and certification processes. The importance of gathering feedback from operators and stakeholders was emphasized, as it helps identify areas for improvement and enhances the quality of operations. Continuous improvement strategies were proposed to ensure that SOPs remain relevant and effective amidst technological advancements and new challenges.

The meeting concluded with a question and answer session, allowing participants to discuss the points raised. A summary of the main takeaways and actions to be taken was provided, with responsibilities assigned to ensure the implementation of the decisions made.

This meeting marked a significant step towards improving the use of drone technology in humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti, fostering collaboration and innovation among key stakeholders, including Jamaica Flying Labs, CDMA, GDS, the Directorate for Civil Protection (DGPC), and the National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC).