UB-ERI Co-Facilitates Workshop on Environmental Data Automation

The University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (UB-ERI) recently collaborated with the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation to deliver a technical workshop on Automation in Data Processing under the Ocean Accounts Pilot Project in Belize. Held on May 13, 2026, in Belize City, the workshop brought together participants from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, and the private sector to explore practical approaches for strengthening environmental data systems through automation.

UB-ERI’s Wilbert Castillo co-facilitated sessions focused on the use of RStudio and workflow automation tools for improving data validation, processing, management, and reproducibility. Demonstrations highlighted how automated workflows can support more efficient, transparent, and traceable environmental data systems, key foundations for the long-term development of Ocean Accounts in Belize.

The workshop emphasized the importance of consistent and well-managed datasets generated across institutions, and encouraged participants to identify opportunities for automation within their own organizations.

Ocean Accounts provide a framework for integrating environmental and economic information to support evidence-based decision-making for marine and coastal management. Strengthening national data systems is therefore essential for improving how Belize monitors, values, and manages its ocean resources.

UB-ERI is proud to support initiatives that build national technical capacity and strengthen environmental data infrastructure for sustainable development in Belize.