The GEF Small Grants Programme: Green Reporter Vol. 4, Issue 8

GREEN REPORTER

National Coordinator's Message

Dr. David Bynoe National Coordinator SGP Barbados

Some 50 years ago, the world came together for the 1972 Stockholm Conference under the theme “Only One Earth”. This conference focused on human interactions with the environment, and the actions required by national governments and international organizations to address environmental issues It led to environmental governance being placed on the international agenda for both developed and developing countries and the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme, the first UN organization to be headquartered in a developing country. The work done by the conference catalyzed the concept of sustainable development and created a precedent for greater inclusion of civil society in UN Conferences.

Despite the significant progress made over the last 50 years in raising awareness of the critical issues resulting from human interaction with the environment, cohesive action beyond national governments and international organizations is required to avert the pending global environmental crises

In this edition of the SGP Green Reporter, we focus on the actions of SGP Grantee Partners and catalytic SGP partnership events at the community level that contribute to our ambitions to preserve the “Only One Earth” we have. As you read this edition, you will recognize that these actions by SGP grantee partners address the triple planetary crisis. From tackling the global climate emergency to combating the loss of biodiversity and creating innovative mechanisms to turn the tide of pollution and waste.

I know you will find this edition informative and interesting, but I also hope you will be inspired to take action. There is no more time for talk only for collective action. All of us and each of us must take action to protect our climate, our biodiversity, our resources, and our earth. On behalf of the GEF SGP Barbados team, I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support!

David Bynoe

Welcome to another edition of the SGP Green Reporter!

SJPI Students participate in the installation of photovoltaic system at BIMAP

Through the BIMAP Greening Project, the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP) partnered with the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) to provide practical training for students on the installation of photovoltaic panels at BIMAP’s Wildey lo This training was done in conju with the contractor, Solar Systems Inc.

The team of five (5) students four males and one female all received training in photovoltaic installation and safety procedures. The students were exposed to working at height training, proper procedures in securing panels and other fittings to the roof as well as cable installation

The partnership proved to be an enjoyable learning experience for the students. Judith Clarke, the only female among the group, remarked that “the hands on experience and the opportunity to work with the team on the project from the beginning, was one that I believe all persons doing the course would do well to experience”.

Front Row: SJPI Students Back Row: Team from Solar Watt Systems Inc.

Students and the Solar Watts team on the roof.

Dr Sonia Greenidge-Franklyn, Executive Director BIMAP and Ian Drakes, Principal of Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between both entities.

Chevron Nesfield

Quality Assurance and Research Assistant Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity

BIMAP is honored to have provided such an opportunity for these students to gain valuable on the job training. As Barbados continues to pursue its 2030 renewable energy goals, BIMAP remains committed to doing its part to assist in the achievement of these goals by forging partnerships with various organisations. BIMAP looks forward to a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with the SJPI.

Photovoltaic panels installed on the BIMAP roof.

Have you heard about BitEgreenMarket?

BitEgreen Market is a technological system being developed under the Caribbean Environmental Management Bureau (CEMBI) via a web platform and app It is designed to enhance overall operational efficiency by diverting waste used to make new products through working with companies and individuals each playing a part. We help to manage wasted energy and unhealthy actions not just solid waste

CEMBI’s team believes that any business is an environmental business that can play its part through BitEgreen’s system. Presently, only 9% of recyclables are utilized in manufacturing new products globally. BitEgreen is focused on mechanisms to help retrieve the other 91% of recyclables while working with existing companies to achieve this.

Essentially, BitEgreen is a behavior modification system, that incentivizes wider participation to include those not customarily involved in sustainable actions like recycling, by providing rewards that appeal to a broader cross section of society; while being mindful of public education and green verification. This is applied to multiple actions, waste streams and countries through our system.

It is the only solution of its kind globally, designed to drive multiple aspects of productivity in multiple industries.

This technological system seeks to help all businesses prosper. Key actors accommodated are manufacturers, agro processors, distributors, retailers, restauranteurs, health and tourism industries, SMMEs and end users. BitEgreen’s system allows poor and vulnerable populations to receive products, services and cooked meals at a lesser price, or for free It is also designed to include persons without daily access to technology nor transportation. The collection, sorting and validation of recyclables opens avenues to secure employment, including self employment for women and vulnerable populations Importantly, it is also an avenue for exercising environmental stewardship to further reduce pollution by 70% and affect climate change within 47% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

The excellent support shown by Dr. David Bynoe and the GEF-SGP team along with other business support organizations towards the development of this project is greatly appreciated and highly commendable.

Simera Crawford, Executive Founder, Caribbean

Environmental Management Bureau

Virtual Symposium: April 6 7

The Plant Biodiversity and Traditional Plants

- Then, Now & the was hosted on April partnership with the Indies, Cave Hill Institute for Cooperation grantee partners, Research Programme, Youth Equipped to Achieve!.

The virtual symposium being done in biodiversity environmental, social, built greater public awareness biodiversity and alternative social, environment as a sustainable solution in the 21st century SGP grantee partners biodiversity and traditional medicine.

The two day symposium from development academia. The contributions plant biodiversity and the Caribbean could industry and develop further income streams for regional economies but further investment and research was needed to support these areas. These sentiments were echoed by Professor Winton Moore, Deputy Principal of UWI, Cave Hill Campus and Allister Gleane, Representative of Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. Also in attendance was the Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Health and Wellness who spoke about the importance of plant biodiversity and traditional medicine in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle especially in light of the high levels of non communicable diseases in Barbados.

Contributions from grantee partners highlighted their work in research and documentation of local plant biodiversity for medicinal purposes and the development of value added products such as teas, bath salts, rubbing balms, lotions, hand sanitizers among other products. An integral reason for the hosting of the symposium was to demonstrate the commonalities between the partnering organizations as well as further knowledge sharing to the wider public.

Karen Harper - Programme Assistant, SGP Barbados

A snapshot of an article via the Government Information Service website highlighting the remarks of the Hon IanGooding Edghill at the Plant Biodiversity and Traditional Medicine Symposium

A snapshot of an article, 'Potential for traditional meds' which appeared in the Nation Newspaper following the symposium.

Dr Damian Cohall, Deputy Dean Preclinical Studies, UWI Cave Hill Campus presenting on the key findings of a survey of traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants

Virtual Symposium cont'd

Grantee partner, Codrington College highlighted their project, 'The Barbados Medicinal Plants Project' which partnered with the UWI through the expertise of Dr Damian Cohall, Deputy Dean of Preclinical Services and Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology to support in research and documentation of medicinal plants in the College Land, St John area as well as the Organic Growers Cooperative Society for the cultivation of crops including aloe vera, blue vervaine, ginger, turmeric and lemongrass. Also partnering with the UWI is Youth Equipped to Achieve! for support in the extraction of alginates from aloe vera and Sargassum seaweed. Dr Sonia Peter, Executive Director, Biocultural Education and Research Programme spoke about the organization's continued work to conserve plant biodiversity and associated heritage knowledge in Barbados and conduct research to add value to the indigenous plant stock.

Other contributions included Professor C. M. Sean Carrington who presented on 'Caribbean Plants - here today, gone tomorrow' which highlighted the key role of plants, Caribbean flora and safeguarding our plants for their direct, cultural and aesthetic value. Noting that the Caribbean is a biodiversity hotspot with approximately 13,000 flowering plants species and 9,000 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

On day two, the symposium started with the Youth Dialogue which was an engaging and thought provoking discussion facilitated by Youth Equipped to Achieve! with meaningful contributions from attendees and members of the panel. Robali Sewitt, a YEA! volunteer is currently studying Computer Science spoke to his interest in agriculture and aligning it with his area of study. Both Seanee Dorant and Jade Hunte also spoke about their respective interests and the need for young people to be exposed to agriculture and also taught the fundamentals as it was not enough to say that young persons were disinterested in agriculture when they have not yet been exposed.

Top right: Dr Sonia Peter, Executive Director, BERP during her presentation, 'The value of the local plant resource during slavery'.

Bottom left: Rev Dr Michael Clarke during his presentation, 'Spirituality and Traditional Medicine –Healing for the Soul'.

Bottom right: Robali Sewitt, Seanee Dorant and Jade Hunte, YEA! Volunteers during the Youth Dialogue and John Hunte, Secretary, Organic Growers Cooperative Society during his presentation, 'Traditional Medicine: From the Garden to the Market'.

NSC

Site Visits on World Earth Day

There was no better way to celebrate World Earth Day 2022 than by being outside to promote environmental education, inspire action, renew and expand commitments to protect the planet!

On April 22, the SGP Project Team, National Steering Committee and the local media toured three SGP project sites spanning St George and St John. The first stop was at Baird’s Village Aquaponic Association, Baird’s Village, St George. Baird’s Village is located in the south central hills of Barbados and is a small low income village where its residents there are mostly farmers In this village there is a young visionary by the name of Damian Hinkson who has been experimenting with Aquaponic prototypes for over two decades. He is the founder of the community based organization, Baird’s Village Aquaponic Association.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) implemented by UNDP has supported the BVAA in the past through the facilitation of the establishment of its first pilot project site and the transition of the current facility to renewable energy, thus reducing the cost of production. However, the scale of production and the system required improvement to ensure economies of scale, facilitate training, boost agroecology and to become fully climate smart. The current SGP supported project facilitates scaling up and the development of a business case for a community based, solar climate smart, agroecological farm and research station

Damian is also experimenting with non-traditional plants like strawberries, English apples, and pineapple. His recent success has been growing strawberries which he sprouted from store bought strawberries. From this experiment, he yielded four plants which have since increased well over tenfold

BVAA taking an agroecology approach to aquaponics

Karen Harper - Programme Assistant, SGP Barbados

He explained that the concept for the farm which was to further incorporate elements to provide an agroecological system where the farm could be self-sustained. During the tour, visitors saw a chicken coop with laying hens and rainwater harvesting to ensure a water source during the dry season In addition, Damian explained that the abundance of Mexican Sunflower which forms a perimeter ‘fence’ around the farm is utilized as an added nutrient to his blend of fertilizer for the plants. This system forms part of the agroecological component of the project which seeks to increase yields through the diversification of crops, use of natural manures and fertilizers, biological pest control and rainwater harvesting.

Strawberry plants bearing fruit.

Pineapple trees bearing fruit.

Mexican sunflower trees act as a perimeter fence and also a valuable input on the farm.

A tilapia appears during feeding time.

De Blue & Green Gully

The second stop was to the 'Blue & Green Gully' with Youth Equipped to Achieve in Easy Hall, St John. One may wonder why the gully is called blue and green.

According to YEA! CEO/Founder, "the blue represents the blue economy with a twist! The Sargassum seaweed which comes from the ocean is rinsed to remove the salt and is then used as a fertilizer and also for compost." She explained that it is also being explored by YEA! as an input for hand sanitizer. She also noted that "while our beaches are usually seen as a vital part of the blue economy, our community tourism planned for locals and tourists is also an extension of this." The green represents the green economy and aims to promote access to a clean and safe environment for the community while providing opportunities for the space to be utilized for community tourism.

The YEA! volunteers and some members of the board provided a guided hike of the gully highlighting the array of plants maintained by the community group as well as disseminating samples of their branded hand sanitizers.

Counterclockwise: Marsha-Ann Clarke, YEA! CEO/Founder spraying the YEA branded sanitizer into the hands of Hyacinth Douglas, National Coordinator, SGP Jamaica and NSC Member, Tonya Millar; YEA! branded hand sanitizers on display; Group photo taken on the gully floor; and the touring group hiking up the gully.

Substance Abuse Foundation

A social enterprise model for CSOs locally and regionally

The third site visit went to Verdun House in St John where the Substance Abuse Foundation Inc. has made a strategic move to be more self sustaining.

The installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system within the project has improved the profitability of the social enterprise business operations and continues to provide additional work opportunities for its clients

To achieve this model, The Foundation embarked on an aggressive fundraising campaign to raise $502,000 to finance the purchase and installation of 502 panels under our project name “Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Rooftop Project” with funding support from GEF Small Grants Programme implemented by UNDP. These funds focused primarily on training and development for clients as well as capacity building.

Since its implementation, the project has already paid dividends from the "sell all buy back" arrangement with Barbados Light & Power Company Ltd. The revenue earned is being used to improve ability to treat even more individuals and their families. The investment in renewable energy is beneficial for the environment but also a means for ensuring financing sustainable for civil society organisations

Currently the SAFI earns over BBD 100,000 in revenue per year and this facilitates possible opportunities for scaling up their project with additional acreage in renewable energy as well as the provision of additional services to its clients and the general public

Left: An Aerial view of Verdun House (Substance Abuse Foundation). Right: Group photo at Substance Abuse Foundation

World Environment WDay eek of Activities 2022

Wednesday - June 1: Air Pollution - Let's Talk About It on CBC Radio Q100.7 FM

Dr Kirk Douglas: Director, Centre for Biosecurity Studies, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus

Euroline Welch Drakes: Principal Environmental Health Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness

Lisa Senhouse: Deputy Director, Environmental Protection Department, Ministry of Environment and National Beautification

Dr Kim Newton James: Officer in Charge and the Technical Officer for Chemicals and Solid Waste Management at the Environmental Health and Sustainable Development Department, Caribbean Public Health Agency

Moderator Dr David Bynoe, National Coordinator, SGP Barbados

Thursday - June 2: SGP Virtual Clinic

The session provides participants with the opportunity to interact with SGP and receive receive guidance on grant opportunities available to civil society organisations in Barbados.

Saturday - June 4 - SGP Open Days

SGP Project Open Days were hosted at three grantee locations: Caribbean Permaculture Research Institute (CPRI) at Walkers Reserve, Walkers, St Andrew; Biocultural Education and Research Programme (BERP)at Andromeda Botanic Garden, St. Joseph and Youth Equipped to Achieve (YEA!), "De Blue & Green Gully", Easy Hall, St John. The general public were invited to participate in the designated tours, activities, and learn more about these SGP projects

At left: A volunteer moving a palette bench built from old palettes for the group photo.

At right: Volunteers saying "YEA!" on World Environment Day.

Youth Equipped to Achieve!

Coloring Book Artwork of a section of a Dog Dumpling tree

Natural Dyes derived from turmeric, beet root, green leaves

An array of activities at Walkers Reserve for the family on World Environment Day

Biocultural Education & Research Programme

Caribbean Permaculture Research Institute (Barbados) @ Walkers Reserve

Grouping painting activities with artwork from the BERP coloring book

Sunday June 5- World Environment Day

Celebrating under the theme “Only One Earth”

Tuesday - June 7 -

Community Environment Empowerment Partnership Launch

The Community Environment Empowerment Partnership was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, National Beautification, and Green and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment. at Pool Woods, Pool, St John The partnership was forged in celebration of World Environment Day 2022 to promote inclusive and sustainable development at the community level which enabled communities from every parish, to submit a proposal for an innovative, community-driven project to be funded by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme.

Wednesday - June 8 - World Oceans Day

In celebration of World's Ocean Day under the theme, Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean, SGP Barbados and CORALL hosted a Partnership Launch and Open Day, Folkestone Marine Park & Museum.

eet the Expert Sessions ommunity Sessions on Permaculture were held in Ministry of Youth, Sports, werment was held Valley y, St George

From left: Charlotte Prud'Homme, Regeneration Specialist at Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research, Education and Design; Clinton Belle, Energy Store and Ralph 'Bizzy' Williams, Chairman, Williams Industries.

From left to right: Speaking during the CEE Partnership Launch are Limya Eltayeb, UNDP Resident Representative; Dr David Bynoe, National Coordinator of SGP Barbados; Wanda Reid-Beckles, PRO, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Development; Hon. Charles Griffith, Minister of Youth, Sport and Community Development; Andrea Titus, Principal Youth Development Officer (ag) and Hon. Adrian Forde, Minister of Environment and National Beautification, and Blue and Green Economy.

Susan Mahon. CORALL President shaking the hand of National Coordinator of SGP Barbados during the launch and open day at Folkestone Marine Park & Museum.

Collaboration is Vital

Collaboration is vital That is the message conveyed jointly by -- Dr David Bynoe, National Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program implemented by the United Nations Development Program and Susan Mahon, President of the Coral Reef Restoration Alliance Their two organisations recently hosted an event on UN World Oceans Day, in collaboration with Shari Samuel, Manager of Folkestone Marine Park of the National Conservation Commission (NCC) of the Ministry of the Environment, National Beautification, and the Blue and Green Economies

“The theme of UN World Oceans Day 2022, Revitalisation: Collective Action for the Ocean, has been tremendously well demonstrated, with the dedicated support and cooperation of the GEF SGP UNDP and many other agencies, businesses, and individuals, during the six years of CORALL’s existence,” stated Ms. Mahon.

Since World Oceans Day 2016, when CORALL was officially launched, CORALL has planted fragments of coral in pilot coral nurseries at Port St. Charles, Driftwood, and Vauxhall Reef within the Folkestone Marine Reserve, and has monitored their survivorship and growth. “We have demonstrated with the permission of the regulatory agencies of Government and the collaboration of the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) that elkhorn and brain corals can grow from tiny fragments to large healthy colonies within a period of four years, and that staghorn corals can grow from fragments of about 3 inches in length to large branching colonies within weeks” said Ms Mahon

She added that this gives us all great hope that coral restoration can work on a larger scale. In 2018, the GEF SGP UNDP provided a grant to CORALL to undertake a project called, “Engaging the Community and Building

2nd: Monica Harewood (l) tells about why it is important to restore and conserve the coral reef ecosystems of Barbados and Dee-Ann Wood tells about the importance of CORALL and maintaining the well-being of our reefs.

3rd: Ashleigh Marshall speaks about why she is a member of CORALL and why it is important to restore and protect the coral reef ecosystems.

4th: Susan Mahon, CORALL President during her update on the coral nurseries.

Susan Mahon

President, Coral Reef Restoration Alliance

1st: Attendees, the media and CORALL volunteers at Open Day at Folkestone Marine Park & Reserve.

Capacity for Coral Restoration” BAR/SGP/OP6/Y2/CORE/BD/17/01 link Project Detail (undp.org). “Our investments of funds, energy, and time, in the activities of CORALL have been well worth it!” said Dr. Bynoe. He added that, “The work of CORALL has been exemplary. In fact, CORALL has recently been nominated for the prestigious Equator Prize that recognises innovative initiatives from local communities and indigenous peoples that demonstrate exceptional achievements in nature-based solutions for local sustainable development”. May CORALL continue to be a conduit for collective action to restore the ocean.

Top left: Shari Samuel, Manager at Folkestone Marine Park & Museum offering remarks.

Top and Bottom Right: Susan Mahon during her presentation on the progress of the coral nursery from 2019-2022.

Dr David Bynoe, National Coordinator of SGP Barbados offering opening remarks.

Let'sTalkAboutIt Season S3 eason S3 eason 3

There was a lot to talk about during Season 3! SGP Barbados embarked on yet another season of Let's Talk About It in partnership with CBC Radio Q100.7 FM for bi monthly discussions on various sustainable development issues. The radio programme discussions were moderated by the National Coordinator, Dr David Bynoe and featured panel members from a variety of organisations and backgrounds representing government, private sector and civil society.

New Models of Sustainable Development in SIDS

Garden Pharmacy

Development

for Development in SIDS The Role of Community in Development

Pollution: The Air We Breathe #OnlyOneEarth

Security

Barbados Youth Climate Action

Summit & Expo

Beyond Talk, More Action

July 7-9

SGP Barbados supported the Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit & Expo through with a planning grant to The Ashley Lashley Foundation. The #BYCASE was simply spectacular as it brought together and engaged young people under the slogan, Beyond Talk, More Action!

Thematic Session on Resilient Recovery

Student Protest/March

Karen Harper - Programme Assistant, SGP Barbados

The Expo

Booth spaces showcased the creative imagination of entities who are innovating and problem solving around the climate crisis. The booth spaces also highlighted businesses in Barbados who are environmentally conscious and are creating innovative products or have environmental organizations.

THE UNDP TEAM

YOUTH EQUIPPED TO ACHIEVE!

BIOCULTURAL

CORAL REEF RESTORATION ALLIANCE

Photo Credits: The Ashley Lashley Foundation

Adieu Daniel!

A recent graduate in Economics and International Relations from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Daniel Clarke-Whitehall joined the SGP Barbados Team on March 1, 2022.

Daniel became a valued and dependable member of the SGP team for the last six months in all areas including, support to programme implementation, administration, coordination and communications He performed his duties with great initiative, consistency and with the utmost professionalism. His passion, ideas, creativity and talent especially as a photographer shone brightly in his work!

It was a pleasure working with you Daniel and although we shall miss you from the SGP Barbados Team, we know that your future will be a bright one!

Well done and congratulations on the next chapter of your life!

Adieu!

Barbados Team

National Steering Committee

Donna Wellington: Barbados Bankers Association & Financial Management Focal Point & Specialist

Kerryann Ifill: Barbados Council for the Disabled, NGO Management & Advocate for Persons with Disabilities

Emmanuel Joseph: Barbados Association of Journalists and Media Workers & Media/Communications Focal Point

Dr Marsha Hinds Women's Advocate & Gender Focal Point

Ron Goodridge: Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, and Green and Blue Economy & GEF Operational Focal Point

Tonya Millar: Caribbean Development Bank, Microfinance and Venture Capital/Youth Focal Point

Travis Sinckler: Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Senior Environmental Officer

Mohammad Nagdee Cluster Head, Sustainable Solutions, Energy and Climate Change, United Nations Development Programme

Senator Dr Chelston Brathwaite: NSC Chair & Public Administration Specialist

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Producers

Karen Harper: Programme Assistant Daniel Clarke-Whitehall: Intern

Editors

Dr David Bynoe: National Coordinator

Karen Harper: Programme Assistant Daniel Clarke-Whitehall: Intern

CONTRIBUTORS:

Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity Chevron Nesfield

Biocultural Education & Research Programme Dr Sonia Peter

Caribbean Environment Management Bureau Simera Crawford

Caribbean Permaculture Research Institute (Barbados) Jennifer Ward-Clarke

The Coral Reef Restoration Alliance Susan Mahon

The Ashley Lashley Foundation Ashley Lashley

Youth Equipped to Achieve! Marsha-Ann Clarke

Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme

United Nations Development Programme

United Nations House Marine Gardens, Hastings Christ Church, Barbados (246) 467-6000

david.bynoe@undp.org karen.harper@undp.org