Women in GIS: Kim Chan Bagot

“Women make the best conservationists because it’s our natural instinct to nourish and nurture,” says Kim Chan Bagot, a GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in Guyana. Like many STEM fields, the field of GIS has historically been male dominated. However, the percentage of females in GIS is considerably higher than in other STEM careers and continues to grow (Lenhard, 2015). Women are now making significant stride in Guyana, this progress is exemplified through young geospatial leaders like Kim Chan Bagot, who excels in using GIS to meaningfully contribute to Guyana’s development

With a background in architecture and engineering, Kim has always been passionate about the environment. As such, she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in geography to better understand how designs and construction impact the environment. During her studies, Kim was introduced to GIS and remote sensing, which altered her perspective on the environment. This deepened her interest in the environmental field and ignited her desire to pursue a career as a GIS/remote sensing specialist. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood, being a wife and being a full-time student, Kim remained steadfast, recognizing the significant role of her career choice in the development of Guyana. A balancing act that tested her resolve: “GIS was a male-dominated field when I started, and juggling motherhood, marriage, and full-time studies was tough. But I believed my work could make vital contributions to Guyana’s development.”

By working as a GIS specialist at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in the department of Mangrove Restoration and Management, Kim has contributed to numerous mangrove restoration projects. One standout achievement, as identified by Kim, was her application of GIS and remote sensing, alongside advanced satellite technology, to help bridge critical research gaps. Kim believes bridging the gaps in research is necessary to balance development and conservation as the information discovered influences decision-making processes and policy changes. An example of this in her work is the assessment of the spatial distribution of mangroves to identify areas where significant changes were observed. This allowed the identification of impacts on sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure so that effective solutions can be formulated. Furthermore, Kim’s research on estimating and mapping blue carbon in Guyana provided pertinent information for the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, while also contributing to the global understanding of climate change.

​In addition, Kim highlighted her involvement in a collaborative project with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and SERVIR Amazonia, which sought to develop an online application that allowed free access to mangrove related datasets for individuals interested in mangrove research. She noted that these data sets have also meaningfully contributed to the development of mangrove related policies such as the review of the Forestry Act, Sea and River Defense Act and the NAREI Act. The aforementioned contributions are essential to the country’s environmental development, thus highlighting the pivotal role Kim plays in the achievement of environmental sustainability in Guyana.

Launch of the Guyana Mangrove Information System App

Kim voiced the importance of women in the field. “Women make the best conservationists because it’s our natural instinct to nourish and nurture”, says Kim. She believes that grassroots advocacy—starting in schools—will continue to drive the surge of women entering fields like GIS, remote sensing, and environmental science.
“Women make the best conservationists because it’s our natural instinct to nourish and nurture. It’s critical we encourage young women to be at the forefront of environmental leadership.”

Educating schools on mangroves on their visit to our Mangrove Centre, Mon Repos

Educating schools on mangroves on their visit to our Mangrove Centre, Mon Repos

For those who aspire to make a difference, Kim emphasizes embracing challenges and treating mistakes as learning opportunities : “Challenges help build problem-solving skills, and mistakes teach us what works and what doesn’t. So, don’t be afraid to take up the challenge and contribute to Guyana’s development.”
 
Kim serves as a powerful inspiration to young girls aspiring to pursue GIS related careers. Her innovative solutions to address complex environmental issues in Guyana have greatly aided in advancing  the country’s development. Through collaboration, advocacy, and continual research, she reminds us all that development and conservation need not be at odds—an insight that will shape Guyana’s progress for years to come.
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