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Rural Senses Impact Assessment: Measuring real-world impact using Earth Observation technology

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Enga Highway Impact Assessment: Measuring real-world impact using Earth Observation technology

As part of our ongoing commitment to building sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructure, AnyWay Solutions has partnered with Rural Senses—an AI-powered platform for community-centered impact evaluation. 

 

This collaboration represents a pivotal step in measuring and enhancing the real-world impact of our projects in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating Rural Senses’ participatory and data-driven methodologies, we are assessing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of our work more effectively.  

We are using the Rural Senses technology to assess the impacts of our work on the communities surrounding the Enga Highway where AnyWay’s climate resilient design and engineering solutions have played a key role in the highway’s rehabilitation and upgrade.

Using Earth Observation to Measure Real-World Impact

In this phase of the study, the evaluation uses mixed methods, leveraging Earth Observation (EO) data to complement the traditional process of in-person surveys used to understand communities’ needs and perceptions.  Through this process we can create a richer, more objective view of long-term development impact on the region, related to the work we have been involved in upgrading the highway. In doing so, we combine local insights from community engagement tools with our geospatial analytics and engineering expertise to track the actual impact on the surrounding areas.

EO as a Tool for Measuring Community / Economic Growth

Using  earth observation , we analyzed changes along the corridor of the Enga Highway, a 67kom long road, through the years 2017 to 2024. This period was chosen to track the years following the completion of the rehabilitation of the Highway in 2017, enabling us to collect data points that could be compared to the prior period. This included quantifiable signals of urban growth, visualized through color-coded land cover maps (see image), revealing significant expansion of built-up areas and agriculture development around towns adjacent to the highway. Through combining the on-the-ground surveys with EO technologies we link quantitative data on geographic changes and expansion with qualitative social and economic data from surveys. This also enables us to identify high-impact zones for future infrastructure investments and interventions.

 

Caption:  Sentinel-2 10m Land Use-Land Cover Time Series produced by Impact Observatory and Esri.  Above, is a clip of the Sentinel-2 10m Land Use-Land Cover Time Series data produced by Impact Observatory and Esri. When the slider bar is moved to the left, you can see the red areas indicating built-up areas of more densely populated areas in back in 2017. With the slider moved to the right, you can see there are areas with developed towns adjacent to the highway, signaling significant urban expansion within the area up to 2024.

Beyond A Map: A Multi-Dimensional View

In parallel with the earth observation technologies, AnyWay field staff have been conducting surveys throughout the community to gather qualitative data on the direct impacts to community-members. Using both anecdotal, in-person interviews and enhancing it with data collected through satellites allows us to achieve a multi-dimensional perspective that includes measurable geographic outcomes. When we overlay EO-derived land use changes with Rural Senses’ qualitative data—on employment, access to services, and community well-being—we start to build a multi-dimensional view of development. We will go more in depth

Forward Looking – The future is here

At AnyWay Solutions, our goal is not just to provide designs and solutions that are focused on climate resiliency for transport infrastructure but also to ensure it contributes to long lasting, inclusive development. With partners like Rural Senses and tools like Earth Observation, we’re changing how impact is measured and being evaluated in developing nations.

Read more about the different phases of the Rural Senses impact assessment of Enga Highway project here:

Rural Senses: Building a Theory of Chang

Rural Senses Impact Assessment: Building a Theory of Change

Posted on by Keri-Ann

Rural Senses Impact Assessment: Building a Theory of Change

As part of our ongoing commitment to building sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructure, AnyWay Solutions has partnered with Rural Senses—an AI-powered platform for community-centered impact evaluation. 

This collaboration represents a pivotal step in measuring and enhancing the real-world impact of our projects in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating Rural Senses’ participatory and data-driven methodologies, we are now able to assess the environmental, social, and economic benefits of our work more effectively.  

We are using the Rural Senses technology to assess the impacts of our work on the Enga Highway between Togoba Junction to Wabag in Papua New Guinea. Since starting to use the technology, we are continuously learning new things about how our projects impact built, natural and community environments. 

Assembling data to support assessment of project impacts 

In this phase of the study, we are focused on defining key impact indicators and developing a structured data collection plan. This plan serves as a detailed guide, outlining what will be measured, where and how data will be gathered (using methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups), the tools and technologies involved, and the timeline for implementation. Once in place, this system enables both participatory and quantitative assessments that help us evaluate the tangible, long-term benefits of AnyWay Solutions’ projects. 

At the same time, the Rural Senses team is training local surveyors in Papua New Guinea using a mixed-methods framework developed at the University of Cambridge, known as “The User Perceived Value.” This approach captures community perspectives through open, natural conversations conducted in local languages—ensuring the insights we collect are both authentic and actionable. 

The training focuses on: 

  • Ethical interviewing and building trust 
  • Ensuring data consistency and quality 
  • Using innovative tech, including voice-based surveys 
  • Addressing cultural nuances to minimize bias 

We’re excited to see how this groundwork will shape the stories and insights we uncover. Stay tuned as we continue to share stories from the field, and the lessons we’re learning as we work to create long-term value in the communities we serve. 

More information on our work with Rural Senses here: https://anywaysolutions.com/engaging-with-rural-senses-to-assess-our-projects-impacts-on-progressing-sustainable-development-goals/ 

Meet Matt Fisher – Guidance and Oversight

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Meet Matt Fisher - Guidance and oversight

Matt serves as the Chief Legal Officer of The Metrontario Group, which is the parent organization of AnyWay Solutions. In this capacity, he plays a key role in overseeing a diverse range of business ventures within the Metrontario Group’s extensive portfolio. These ventures span various industries, including residential and commercial real estate development and management, nuclear medicine, marine agriculture and consulting engineering for climate resiliency, to name just a few. 

Matt has played an active role in AnyWay Solutions since its inception over 25 years ago, having co-founded the company alongside Zeevik Halber, the CEO, and Alex Campbell, the Director of Engineering. Throughout his career, Matt has thrived on the camaraderie and shared sense of humor that exists within the company. He values the close-knit, eclectic team of employees who are spread out across the globe, working together to achieve their common goals. 

One of Matt’s most cherished memories from his work with AnyWay Solutions dates back to a project in the early years of the company. AnyWay played a critical role in building soil block homes for a struggling community located just outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. This experience was particularly impactful for Matt as he witnessed firsthand the difference that his team’s work could make in the lives of people in developing regions. It was a defining moment that shaped his understanding of the positive social impact that the company could have. 

Since that pivotal project, AnyWay Solutions has continued to contribute to numerous infrastructure projects in developing regions around the world. The company remains committed to its mission of connecting communities through the development of infrastructure that prioritizes both accessibility and climate resilience. As the team moves forward, it continues to innovate and expand its reach, always striving to make a lasting impression on the communities it serves. 

Looking ahead, Matt is excited about the prospect of further expanding AnyWay Solutions into new countries and regions. “I’m confident that our people will continue to forge meaningful relationships and have a positive impact, wherever we go,” he says, reflecting on the company’s promising future. 

Matt Fisher headshot

Restoration of an agent agriculture farm

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The Government of Israel – The Authority of Antequties

Rosh Ha’Ayin, Israel

Project Objective:

Over the past decade, a few cities in Israel have been developed extensively. With new neighbourhoods being developed in outskirts of the cities, in untouched areas. As developments progress, many agent sites are being discovered. Such was the case in the eastern new neighbourhood of Afek in Rosh Ha’Ayin, Israel. An agent 2700-year-old agriculture farm was discovered during the works. “We see a trend all over the world that cities are approaching archaeological sites that were once protected. In a small country as flooded with archaeology as Israel, this is expected to happen” says Ya’ara Shaltiel, Head of the restoration Planning Branch at the restoration Administration of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The approach the Authority took was one that aimed at integrating these restored agent sites in the new neighbourhoods as part of the public areas for the new residents.

The Challenge:

Making an ancient site accessible to the public and adhering to the new standards was a challenge, as the usual work of digging into its floor or bringing in compactors was not possible. From an architectural point of view, the solution would also need to combine the old appearance of the remaining structural elements on the site. AnyWay got into the picture with its solution of low carbon emission concrete, PathWay. Not only would PathWay create an area that would comply with the current accessibility standards of the urban environment, but it would also combine well with the ancient site and complement the architecture. Not need to dig in the floor of the site, no need to bring any metal bars or geofabric, like would be need with cement-based concrete. PathWay was applied directly to the existing floor of the site, as it was found.

Why AnyWay eventually got to be included in the project is the fact that PathWay is a low carbon emission material; it is mineral-based. Also, the main ingredient is quarry by-product material that reaches the soil. In addition, no metal mash was required for the slab. All these comply with the requirements of working in such a sensitive ancient environment.

The Results:

The site was opened to the public within a few days after it was concreted. It is situated with in a park surrounded by newly built buildings and kids could walk through the site without even knowing that their small feet actually walk in a 2700 year old farm.

AnyWay’s Role:

AnyWay supplied PathWay with concrete mixers to the site and coordinated the application by a specialist concrete slabbing company also using concrete pumps.

Meet Alfer Parreño – A Rising Star

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Meet Alfer Parreño - A Rising Star

Alfer Parreno is a Design Engineer at AnyWay Solutions and the newest member of the team. He was drawn to AnyWay after learning about their climate resiliency solutions in developing nations, and about the innovative engineering projects designed to make transport infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change. 
 
Alfer earned his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in the Philippines and became a licensed Civil Engineer in 2021. After completing his studies, he worked at the Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highways before joining AnyWay in July. 

At AnyWay, Alfer appreciates the learning opportunities provided to him and is always eager to enhance his skillset. He enjoys working on a diverse range of projects around the world, solving unique engineering challenges, and learning from a team of experts. Alfer embraces using new technologies such as Lidar, satellite data, and AI. He enjoys finding ways to integrate these digital tools into engineering solutions to solve clients’ problems while streamlining workflows. 
 
As a young engineer, Alfer finds great satisfaction in seeing his projects come to life. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the bridges, roads, and flood mitigation structures I’ve helped create improve people’s lives,” he says. 

Alfer believes that communication and listening are key to both personal and team success. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and photography. 

Looking ahead, Alfer is committed to helping AnyWay provide climate-resilient solutions to clients, particularly in remote areas of the world. He looks forward to continuing his work with developing countries to provide long-lasting solutions for transport infrastructure and flood mitigation. “The continuous improvement of satellite data, along with advancements in AI, gives us the opportunity to take a data-driven approach to remote locations that lack reliable data. I hope to see this technology continue to improve,” he says. Optimistic about the future, Alfer believes that technology will play a critical role in accelerating climate resilience efforts, enabling communities to adapt and recover from the impacts of climate change. 

Alfer1

Meet Zeevik Halber

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Meet Zeevik Halber – An inspiring leader

The captain of the AnyWay organization is none other than Zeevik Halber. As CEO of AnyWay Solutions, Zeevik maintains many roles, from navigating operations and managing internal team members to conducting business relations with clients and collaborators. As a global organization, Zeevik must manage a multicultural team across the globe, which is a challenge – but a good one to have.

Zeevik has been a leader most of his life. From early on, he was a basketball coach. He then served the army as an officer before taking various managerial roles at the Metrontario Group (AnyWay’s parent company) and eventually becoming CEO of AnyWay. Through this experience, he has realized the importance of listening to what others have to say to truly engage and motivate them as a team. He references the adage, “A leader needs to be like the sea; all streams flow towards it because it is lower than they are.” When leading his team, Zeevik strives to set a positive influence by being committed to the company, showing respect to other team members, and representing the company wherever they work in a dignified and professional manner.

He loves collaborating with this team – forming a plan, implementing the solution, and getting the reward of seeing the results.

“I am so fortunate to work with a team of great people, each with their own character yet all committed to the values of the company.”

It brings him happiness every time he sees the achievement of a team goal that was set out. He describes a sense of togetherness that the team has when working collaboratively and feels fortunate to work in a place that has such a positive and transformative impact on the lives of local communities.

“We actually take a role in changing people’s livelihood through our work. It is really amazing.”

Reflecting on one of his favorite memories during his tenure at AnyWay, Zeevik recalls the time the company donated medical refrigerators to the people of Enga Province in Papua New Guinea, where AnyWay has done many transport infrastructure projects. He was so proud of the local team and of the organization for not only doing good things for the community through their work but also through charitable initiatives to truly make a difference for the people there.

Personally, Zeevik used to practice Ashtanga Yoga for many years. However, a back problem prevented him from continuing his practice. Nevertheless, he believes yoga is extremely beneficial for the mind and body. He also enjoys swimming three or four times a week, where he gets some of his best ideas. When not at work or practicing his hobbies, you can find Zeevik in his home of Tel Aviv, Israel, where he has raised four daughters

Looking forward, Zeevik foresees AnyWay’s biggest challenge to be transitioning as a company and expanding its services and business focus on climate resiliency solutions for transport infrastructure. “The global recognition of climate change and its effect on transport infrastructure has the greatest impact on what we do now and how we do it,” he says. Through this opportunity, AnyWay is helping communities and using their existing technical strengths to tackle this challenge in developing nations. When asked about the next evolution of AnyWay, Zeevik says, “We are always evolving as a company, and this time it is a major one. The opportunities for us as a company are amazing, both in terms of the places we are going to work and the clients we will work with. I am excited to see how we forge our future.” New and advanced technologies are also presenting an opportunity for AnyWay’s future that will allow them to expedite services that traditionally took longer in the developing parts of the world.

Zeevik considers himself fortunate to work with so many people from different backgrounds and locations—from country leaders to labourers and equipment operators on site. He looks forward to continuing to work with many people around the world while passing his knowledge on to others in the company so that they can grow and develop their careers like he has.

Introducing AnyWay’s PathWay

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Introducing AnyWay’s PathWay – A Low Carbon Emission Concrete Solution

Concrete, the second most widely used material on Earth after water, has a significant environmental impact. The production of Portland cement, a key component of concrete, is responsible for about 8% of global carbon emissions. In the face of the urgent challenge, achieving carbon neutrality, or net-zero carbon emissions, has become a crucial goal in the global fight against climate change.

With a global commitment to reducing GHGs and the pressure on the cement and traditional concrete industry to reduce carbon emissions, a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 has been established. To achieve this goal, the industry looks at the complete value chain of concrete production. This includes the need to produce low-carbon concrete mixes, optimize designs for the lowest life cycle emissions, increase the use of alternative fuels, use renewable energy in cement production, and introduce new cement mixes.

AnyWay Solutions is thrilled to announce a new patent for our product PathWay, a low-carbon emission mix optimization approach concrete designed for rigid walkways and paths with a cumulative impact on embodied carbon that is significant.

Unlike previous approaches to reducing concrete’s carbon emissions, primarily focused on reducing Portland cement within the mix, our patented invention takes an entirely different route. We’ve not only changed the ingredients in the mix, aggregates, and binder but also reduced elements of its application process, further contributing to the overall reduction of its carbon footprint. This unique approach sets PathWay apart, offering a substantially reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete, making it a sustainable choice for construction projects.

“As a company, we continuously look at ways to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a comprehensive approach to enhancing climate resiliency for transport infrastructure, including developing unique patented technologies and solutions. PathWay is our way of reducing carbon emissions globally and significantly contributing to the climate action goal (SDG 13). We’ve developed a solution for rigid walkways that significantly reduces carbon emissions and minimizes the environmental impact of construction. By utilizing recycled materials and eliminating the need for certain traditional construction components, we’re making a positive difference for the environment.” Zeevik Halber, AnyWay CEO.

Greenhouse gas emissions will continue to increase without critical steps to shift economies towards carbon neutrality. Anyway Solutions is expanding its climate action in the transport infrastructure industry to positively impact our world through our unique approach and materials.

CARIBBEAN CLIMATE RESILIENCY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE – Roundtable 2

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CARIBBEAN CLIMATE RESILIENCY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE - Roundtable 2

Real Problems, Real Solutions for Climate Resilient Transport Infrastructure

the Caribbean Climate Resiliency Roundtable webinar, where like-minded professionals and transport officials involved in the Caribbean communities collaborate on climate resiliency issues and solutions and share and learn with a robust group with diverse knowledge for the region’s benefit.

Building off what we heard at the 2023 Caribbean Congress in the Bahamas and continuing our initial discussions in November to advance implementing solutions and policies for the greater region. In our second roundtable, representatives from various island countries will provide insights into current solutions for others to learn from. Participants can appreciate that there are similarities across the Caribbean and that there is room for greater collaboration across the region.

Key discussion goals:
Each speaker presented their island/project’s key issues regarding vulnerability, risks and resiliency needs.

  • What gaps do they have in approaching climate resiliency (e.g. data, buy-in, funding, capacity, etc.)
  • What are some of the solutions they are considering or have applied?
  • Where is there room for improvement or areas for regional collaboration?

There is no replacement for knowledge share and experience, and that was well demonstrated by the panellists: Keeshan Ramkissoon, Associate Director – Civil Engineer, Beston (Trinidad & Tobago), Shinella Johnson, Manager, Engineering Design, Ministry of Public Works (Guyana), Gordon Keller, Geotechnical Engineer, moderated by Alex Campbell, Director of Engineering Solutions at AnyWay Solutions and hosted by Magid Elabyad, IRF Senior Vice President.

The Caribbean Climate Resiliency Community of Practice Round Table Series was created to engage with the Caribbean Region as a platform to help prosper knowledge sharing and create resilient pavement infrastructure. 

Join us quarterly! The next event will be June 2024

For more than two decades, AnyWay has been a global expert in providing climate-resilient solutions to the global transport infrastructure industry. AnyWay is a member of the Canadian Metrontario Group of Companies, with over 75 years of business experience. Its total commitment to quality is what has fueled AnyWay’s success.

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Workshop on Climate Resiliency for Road Transport

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Workshop on Climate Resiliency for Road Transport

In an effort to support developing nations with knowledge sharing on the importance of climate resiliency on transport infrastructure, we are pleased to offer a three-hour workshop for transport infrastructure engineers.

This workshop is designed to provide an introduction to the risks of climate change and how they impact transport infrastructure. Participants will be introduced to the principles of climate change, the vulnerability and risks associated wit a transport infrastructure network, and best-practice approaches to integrate into transport infrastructure projects to enhance their resiliency to climate change effects. The workshop will introduce drainage and water management approaches that are aimed at increasing he resiliency to an uncertain climate future. Tehniques that will be addressed include infrastructure technology (InfraTech) that can be used to capture pertinent data, proper drainage and catchment area analysis, pavement design principles, and approaches to produce more robust pavement assets. Ask extensive set of resources will be reviewed where participants can turn to access more information and learn about how best to manage transport infrastructure assets as we navigate an uncertain climate future. 

Course themes:

  1. Introduction to climate change and climate resiliency of transport infrastructure. 
  2. Climate vulnerability and risk assessments. 
  3. InfraTech and data acquisition and interpretation
  4. Best-practices for climate resiliency of transport infrastructure. 
  5. How to get more information. 
  6. Conclusions and questions. 

Course outcomes:

  • Define the vulnerability and risks of transport infrastructure assets, including bridges, culverts, drainage elements, and pavements. 
  • Understand pavement design parameters and their relevance to creating climate resilient designs. 
  •  Develop an understanding of how InfraTech can assist with the decision making process. 
  • Develop a set of road transport interventions that can be used to safeguard critical infrastructure from an uncertain climate future. 
  • Understand the need for forward-looking designs. 
  • Understand how to get more information related to the subject and what is needed to better estimate the resiliency of transport infrastructure networks/projects. 

Schedule a workshop

Reach out if you would like to schedule an online workshop for your department hosted by AnyWay’s Alex Campbell. 

Download the workshop brochure. 


Climate workshop thumbnail

AnyWay and De La Salle University Enter Partnership to Enhance Climate-Resilient Transportation

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AnyWay and De La Salle University Partner to Enhance Climate Resilient Transportation

Memorandum of agreement signed between De La Salle University and AnyWay Solutions

We have partnered with De La Salle University (DLSU) – Gokongwei College of Engineering to exchange knowledge, and collaborate on climate-adaptive transportation infrastructure over the next five years. 

By signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), we have officially partnered with De La Salle University (DLSU). The partnership aims to establish knowledge exchange and collaboration programs on climate-resilient transportation infrastructure that benefit both parties over the next five years. The MOA provides a framework for us to collectively understand, collaborate, and discuss specific programs to:  

– Identify opportunities for the exchange of faculty and research staff 

– Identify other areas of possible research interest and collaboration 

– Make faculty and students aware of the educational resources offered

 

For the first few years, we will work together with DLSU to educate the students on various aspects of climate resiliency for transport infrastructure, including pavement design, pavement rehabilitation, low-volume roads engineering and rehabilitation and upgrading of road pavement structures through implementing techniques and technologies of soil stabilization to develop graduate research projects. A mentorship program will also be established to continue research into these topics.  

At COP28, the Philippines was highlighted as one of the nations most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Recognizing the urgency to bolster the country’s infrastructure against these effects, DLSU sought a partnership with AnyWay Solutions, based on our 20-year track record of delivering climate-resilient transportation solutions to developing countries.

This collaboration will leverage our expertise to engage with academia and global experts in a concerted effort to fortify the nation’s resilience. By building local capabilities and introducing cutting-edge technologies to the next wave of engineers, this partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in crafting a sustainable transportation network for the Philippines that will serve future generations well. Such partnerships are instrumental in transferring knowledge and expertise to those who will continue to develop and maintain the nation’s transportation infrastructure, while also fostering research and the adoption of innovative technologies to climate resilience. 

Following the signed MOA, Zeevik Halber, AnyWay CEO was invited to appear on Business Outlook on ABS-CBN News in the Philippines. In the interview, he shares more details on the partnership and the projects and solutions that will help the Philippines strengthen their transportation infrastructure and enable it to become more resilient in the wake of climate change.

See the full interview below beginning at 10:00.

“As we look to the future of our industry workforce, programs like the ones we are embarking on with the DLSU will prepare the next generation of engineers for the challenges ahead of them, specifically to benefit the Philippines and build local capacity.”  –Zeevik Halber, AnyWay CEO.

For more than two decades, AnyWay has been a global expert in providing climate-resilient solutions to the global transport infrastructure industry. AnyWay is a member of the Canadian Metrontario Group of Companies, with over 75 years of business experience. Its total commitment to quality is what has fueled AnyWay’s success.

AREAS OF INTEREST

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