INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE of LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (I2LEC) VIRTUAL MEETING ON CLIMATE DISASTER OBSERVERS TRAINING PROGRAMME UAE Ministry of Interior 22 - 25 January 2024

From 22 January 2024 to 25 January 2024, the International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate Change (I2LEC), led by the Ministry of Interior, United Arab Emirates (UAE), has hosted and organised a virtual training programme on Climate Disaster Observers Training Programme (Green Helmets), aimed to equipped international law enforcement community in response to climate disasters.

The 4 days programme has been attended by the organiser, law enforcement officers across the world and esteemed academicians. DSP Chan Yew Hiok, Police Services Officer I (PSO 1), Cpl Sabkiriman Zabidin, Cpl for Plans and Programmes, and Cpl Suhasini Gunasagaran, Cpl for Police Services representing the ASEANAPOL Secretariat (AS) for this training programme.

The first day training programme commenced with the organiser, Lt. Col. Ahmed Alzarouni Eitan Charnoff, a Consultant and Entrepreneur for Emergency Services, UAE giving his opening remarks and welcoming a total of twenty-seven participants attending the programme. He kicks off the training with an introduction on Climate Disaster Observation and Its Significance for Disaster Management, illustrating further on the role of emergency service practitioners, including firefighters, police and emergency medical services in managing the planning and operations in emergency and crisis scenarios. Among one of the pivotal concerns raised is law enforcement officers’ roles when faced with crimes against the environment.

Day two of the training delved into the heart of the matter: understanding climate emergencies and the science behind them. Mr. Diego Reyes, Associate Programme Officer from the United Nations Environment Programm e, guided participants through two key areas: Climate Science and Hazards and Community Information Gathering during a Disaster. He discussed the intricate relationship between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and wildfires. Additionally, he guided participants through the vital process of gathering community information during a disaster, emphasising its importance in effective response and recovery efforts.

Day three of the training programme switched gears to focus on crucial tools for proactive disaster management: Early Warning Systems and Monitoring. Mr. Jack Eades, an expert from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), revealed ways to track environmental changes, which allows for proactive identification of potential risks. He empasised on how data and information is crucial to leverage with climate monitoring to guide rescue efforts and recovery strategies.

The final day of the training programme focuses on Observing techniques, data collection, reporting and information sharing. Jade Eades, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) guides the participants with the use of the geographical information system tools to better equipped the emergency service practitioners in facing climate incidences.

Wrapping up the 4 days programme, the Chair showered all participants with appreciation for their active participation and insightful exchanges to the training programme. He further emphasized the importance of carrying forward the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing as we embarked on this critical mission to safeguard the communities from the impacts of climate change and disasters.

Motto: “Together We Keep This Region Safe”