A Year of Impact: Reflecting on Our Mileston
I N T H I S I S S U E
Transformation through Biocultural Education
GEF SGP UNDP-funded project places crochet at the center of environmental awareness Spotlight on Barbados
National Coordinator
The year 2024 serves as a reminder of the transformative power of partnerships, innovation, and community-driven efforts in advancing sustainable development. It has been particularly inspiring due to the impactful initiatives implemented by civil society groups, social entrepreneurs, and environmental advocates across Barbados and the region. From vibrant crochet workshops promoting environmental awareness to innovative green enterprise training programs and climate-smart models, our collective efforts are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
This edition celebrates the achievements of our partners advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Walk alongside the UNDP Administrator and Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean as they tour SGP project site visits, demonstrating the global importance of community-based initiatives. Explore stories of resilience and innovation, including the Biocultural Education and Research Programme's strides in food security and youth engagement, BIMAP’s catalytic greening of its institution, and COESL’s programs empowering women and young entrepreneurs across the Caribbean. Additionally, "Crochet for a Cause" and find out how creativity unites communities while fostering environmental stewardship.
We extend our gratitude to all contributors for sharing their inspiring stories. We encourage you to delve into these lived experiences, share them widely, and amplify the message of collaboration and sustainability.
From all of us at GEF SGP Barbados, Happy New Year and a Prosperous 2025!
The Biocultural Education and Research Programme was formally established in 2017 but engaged its work platform in 2019 COVID-19 severely impacted on our roll-out strategy which aimed to promote plant conservation through platforms of education and research with a focus on issues of food security and health. The non-profit, under the guidance of the Director, took an innovative approach to build an outreach programme that could be delivered virtually, with educational product development Emerging from the impacts of COVID-19, during which educational programming was severely hampered, the non-profit felt energized to build its platform and reach out to schools and a public that was expressing a desire to be included in the scientific happenings that were burgeoning during the period
Furthermore, being selected for the Tech2Empower networking event, a collaboration between the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance and the Womens Alliance for Knowledge Exchange, saw an elevation of the outreach strategy on being partnered with experts in the field of media management.
A refreshed slogan of ‘Transformation through Biocultural Education’ emerged at this meeting of minds, that has offered direction for the way forward. A new partner embraced our renewed vision, the Global Resolve unit at Barretts Honour College, Arizona State University, and we embarked on the roll out of our Food Security Programme for Primary Schools, development of educational tools reinforcing the importance of plant resources that provide food and medicine, investment in the Ethnobotanical Garden Living Library at Andromeda Botanic Gardens, and creation of the marketing strategy for the latest edition of the SustainaBIM Youth Advocacy Campaign 3
B.E.R.P analyzing its outreach base at Tech2Empower with media experts
Students at St. Martins Primary School receiving their food security boards from students of Global Resolve, Barretts Honour College, Arizona State University
The Food Security Programme has donated planters, soil, planting materials and fruit trees to schools including Westbury Primary, St. Martins Primary, Lawrence T Gay Memorial and A DaCosta Edwards Primary. This requires continuity, and additional funding is being secured to strengthen working relationships with the schools, and to expand the outreach. These schools, and 10 others, also received the plant heritage colouring book, Yabisi Guada, that was published with assistance from the National Cultural Foundation, with the camera-ready version supported by GEF SGP.
B.E.R.P was thrilled to launch its Plants of the Caribbean Alphabet Chart at Shirley Chisholm Primary School, the year of her centenary A special coincidence is the Director sharing her birthday of November 30th The chart is unique in offering young minds connection with the plant resource of food, fruiting, flowering and medicinal plants. Flash cards offer reinforcement by memory or storytelling games. A workbook with word searches, mazes, puzzles and colouring activities expands opportunities for biocultural education. We are excited to inform that a new booklet on climate change and the impact on food culture is being published, with our partner, on multiple platforms These educational tools are vital as we engage the youth with citizen science.
This strategy will also reap benefits with students at the secondary and tertiary levels. SustainaBIM is in its third cycle and has seen participants produce videos and posters advocating food security and environmental sustainability
The 2025 edition will see students from Global Resolve, ASU, the Chemistry Society, Cave Hill Campus, UWI, and the Science Club at the Barbados Community College, working together to promote the youth advocacy campaign, ‘Turn it Around’ Students will be invited to create digital posters that voice their opinions on how a sustainable future can be attained.
Partnership with Global Resolve and Andromeda Botanic Gardens has led to the enhancement of the educational space at the gardens and an inclusive section will be opened from December 06, 2024 for the differently abled. The Curator, Sharon Cooke, secured additional funding for infrastructure development at the new space, entitled ‘Rochelle’s Garden.
Students at Shirley Chisholm Primary engage with the flash cards
Director B.E.R.P and Senior Programme Assistant Dr. Hamila Jones display the Plants of the Caribbean Alphabet Chart at Shirley Chisholm Primary School
UniversityStudentsExplore CommunityInnovationatUNHouse
DanielClarke-Whitehall ProgrammeAssistant,GEFSGPBarbados
In a lively and thought-provoking session, GEF SGP Barbados welcomed 14 students from McGill University, 6 students from UWI Cave Hill, and Professor Virginie Millien to UNHouse.ThisgatheringwaspartoftheBarbadosFieldStudySemester,facilitatedby the Bellairs Research Institute, which immerses students in exploring sustainable developmentandcommunityinnovationacrosstheisland.
Theeventprovidedaplatformforstudentstolearnaboutthecriticalworkbeingdone byGEFSGPgrantees,showcasingfourimpactfulprojectsthataddressenvironmental sustainability,communityempowerment,andculturalpreservation:
Youth Equipped to Achieve (YEA!): This initiative focuses on empowering young people with skills and mentorship opportunities, equipping them to leadintheircommunitiesandbeyond
Forever Living Green (FLG): A project dedicated to promoting environmental awareness,sustainablepractices,andagreenerfutureforall.
Biocultural Education Research Programme (BERP): This program masterfully combinesecologicalknowledgewithculturalheritage,ensuringthatthenext generation values and preserves the richness of Barbados's natural and culturalresources.
CaribbeanPermacultureResearchInstitute(CPRI):Atrailblazerinsustainable agriculture, CPRI emphasizes the power of permaculture to create resilient, eco-friendlyfoodsystems
Adding a dynamic perspective to the conversation, Nuala Lawlor, Focal Point for UNV, graciously stepped in to share her expertise on volunteerism She inspired students with practical insights on how both Canadians and Barbadians can engage meaningfullyinvolunteeractivitiesthatdrivechangeatthecommunitylevel.
Dr. David Bynoe warmly welcomes students to the United Nations House, setting the tone for an inspiring session ahead.
Ramon Hewitt, Owner and Founder of FLP, delivers an insightful presentation on his innovative project.
Marsha-Ann Clarke, Founder of YEA, responds to questions from the audience before delivering an engaging presentation on her transformative project.
ADayofDiscoveryandInspiration
The energy in the room was palpable as students listened intently, asked insightful questions, and exchanged ideas with project leaders. For many, this was their first time engaging with grassroots development projects in such a direct and interactive setting. The event not only highlighted the incredible work of GEF SGP Barbados grantees but also encouraged students to think critically about their roles in driving sustainability within their own communities.
One McGill student remarked, “It’s incredible to see how these projects are creating real change at the local level. The passion and commitment of the people involved are truly inspiring.”
Beyond the formal presentations, the event was peppered with laughter, camaraderie, and moments of genuine connection The students' enthusiasm was matched by the grantees’ openness to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs. The collaborative atmosphere underscored the importance of breaking down barriers between academic institutions, grassroots organizations, and international development initiatives.
LookingTowardtheFuture
As the session came to a close, it was clear that the experience had left a lasting impact. Students walked away not only with new knowledge but also with a renewed sense of purpose For McGill and UWI students alike, the event served as a reminder that sustainability is not just a global imperative but a deeply personal commitment to creating a better world.
This memorable day at UN House exemplified GEF SGP Barbados's mission to foster meaningful connections, inspire the next generation of leaders, and amplify the voices of grassroots innovators. It’s through these collaborations that we move closer to a future where communities are empowered, ecosystems are protected, and sustainable solutions flourish.
University students from McGill and UWI radiate with enthusiasm outside the UN House as the study tour wraps up.
GEF SGP UNDP-funded project places crochet at the center of environmental awareness
Nikisha Toppin Crochet Artist and Consultant, Elaine's Caribbean Crochet
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, and Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy is pleased to support Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef project is in its second year of implementation under the Community Empowerment and Environmental Partnership The programme aims to bring together members of the community over the handicraft of crochet to create land and sea replicas for environmental awareness.
GEF Small Grants Programme National Coordinator Dr David Bynoe indicated “This project presents the biodiversity of Barbados and the Caribbean It achieves the sustainable development goals of quality education, decent work and economic growth, climate action, and life below water helping men and women to become informed and empowered in a creatively relevant way.” The project’s workshops, which are facilitated by Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, in collaboration with BYBT, were held in the first quarter of the year at Norman Centre, Bridgetown, Barbados. At this location, crochet artisans used their talent and skill to highlight the impact of climate change and increase the con ersation aro nd en ironmental protection
For the Antigua and Barbuda iteration of the project in April, more than 40 participants from different sectors of society came together to craft replicas of the coral reef and sea animals. The project’s implementation featured two days of workshops at the National Public Library where participants were equipped with the knowledge required to create replicas of coral, turtles, fish, starfish, and seashells.
GEF SGP UNDP Representative for Antigua and Barbuda, Natalya Lawrence provided brief remarks at the workshops’ opening ceremony “In our simple way and through this project we are going to do our best to raise awareness about coral reef conservation and what it means to us as guardians and stewards of our own environment to take care of our coral reef.”
Nikisha Toppin presening Dr. David Bynoe, National Coordinator of GEF SGP Barbados with Crochet piece made by her team
Participants were also treated to a comprehensive presentation from Ms. Makeba Felix, who is a Fisheries Biologist from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development Ms. Felix presented on the coral reefs of Saint Lucia and provided guidance on conservation activities and initiatives. “There are many things that we can do to preserve our coral reefs,” she noted. “The introduction of environmental protection laws, policies and projects, as this Ridge to Reef event, shows the connection between the land and the sea ”
Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet Founder and Project Manager Nikisha Toppin expressed appreciation to the participants and organisations who would have helped to host the activities “We want to thank the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme United Nations Development Programme, Norman Centre, Barbados, Export Barbados, the National Public Library Antigua, Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia, the Babonneau Pentecostal Church, Saint Lucia, and Barbadian crochet artisans Allison Holford, Sybil Fiedler, Evoyne Harewood, Sandra Herbert, and Karen Roberts for their assistance in the administration of the program in the islands.”
The Crochet for a Cause project will also be implemented in Grenada in January 2025 in keeping with the south-south cooperation nature of the project
For more information about Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef
(l-r) front row: Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet Founder and Project Manager Nikisha Toppin, Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Biologist Makeba Felix, Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Calvin Lee, GEF SGP UNDP Saint Lucia National Steering Committee Member Mrs. Joan John-Norville with participants of the Saint Lucia iteration of the project.
Empowering Communities: Highlights from Achim Steiner's Visit
to Barbados
Daniel Clarke-Whitehall Programme Assistant, GEF SGP Barbados
Ahead of the XVI Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean held in Barbados, GEF SGP Barbados had the privilege of hosting Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP and Michelle Muschett, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean, to visit two impactful community projects: The Blue Green Gully (DeBaGG) and the Substance Abuse Foundation (SAF)
The Blue Green Gully project is a local initiative focused on combating soil erosion and rehabilitating gully slopes, particularly through the repurposing of sargassum seaweed This seaweed is transformed into compost for plants and used to create eco-friendly products such as personal care items. With the involvement of volunteers and university students, the project demonstrates the power of community innovation in addressing environmental challenges. Steiner and the visiting delegation were impressed with the project's potential, not only in rehabilitating land but also in creating sustainable, environmentally conscious products from local resources
Volunteers from YEA! provide the team with demonstrations and samples of locally grown spices (nutmeg). 9
At the Substance Abuse Foundation, the team witnessed how the organization combines rehabilitation services with sustainable energy solutions SAF uses photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy, helping offset operational costs while supporting individuals recovering from substance abuse. This integration of social impact and environmental sustainability highlights how innovative solutions can address local challenges in a holistic manner
Steiner’s Reflections: Symbolizing Sustainable Growth
Steiner reflected on the lasting power of sustainable practices, symbolized by a guava tree he had planted during a previous visit. Over the past decade, the tree has flourished, just as the community-driven projects continue to grow and make an enduring impact. This symbolic tree serves as a reminder that even small acts of change can lead to lasting transformations for both the environment and the people who rely on it.
GEF SGP Commitment and Call to Action
GEF SGP Barbados remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting these transformative, community-driven initiatives, ensuring that local solutions to environmental and social challenges continue to thrive. With ongoing collaboration between local stakeholders and international partners, the future of sustainable development in Barbados and the Caribbean looks brighter than ever. Stay engaged with us to learn more about how these initiatives are shaping a resilient, sustainable Caribbean!
Marrietta Carrington, CEO of SAF, guides the team on a tour while explaining their operation model
(l-r) Limya Eltayeb, Achim Steiner, Michelle Muschett, and David Bynoe share a special moment enjoying guava from a tree planted during Achim's last official visit as UNEP’s Executive Director.
Achim Steiner shakes hands with Kerryann Ifill, Chairman of the National Steering Committee, during their official introduction
COESL: Showcasing our Impact
Dr Marcia Brandon, FlnstLM Co-Founder/Director- Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development
COESL is a force for GOOD, Not-for-Profit (NPO) organization! We believe that impact entrepreneurs are leaders who can sustainably solve political, social, environmental andeconomicalchallenges.COESLisaGEFSGPgrantee.
We work in collaboration with Caribbean and global entrepreneurship ecosystem partners to strengthen the innovation ecosystem so that we can better support womenandyouthtohelpthemto:
Createtheirownsustainablelivelihoodsthroughentrepreneurship 1. Understandtheimportanceoftheirdataandhowtousethemtomakecalculated risk-embracingdecisions 2.
Connecttonational,regionalandglobalmarkets 3
Buildstrong-,short-,medium-andlong-termpartnershipstofacilitatetheirgoals 4.
Acceleratetheirgrowthwithinnovativetoolsandstrategies 5.
Strengthen, complement and collaborate within entrepreneurial ecosystems to driveinnovation 6.
COESL IMPACT IN NUMBERS
7600 coached, mentored, start-upcapitalandtrainedin how to balance Purpose, People,planetandProfits.
85%arewomen
75%areyouth(18-35)
150-trainedmentors& coaches
4500 partners and stakeholdersglobally 35countries
Between January and April of 2024 COESL offered scholarships for virtual green enterprise training to fifty (50) regional impact entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs who wanted to improve their sustainability In August and October after assessment of business plans and other assignments as well as recommendations by COESL, forty (40) of the fifty (50) entrepreneurs completed the program and were certified by the ILO through COESL as a green enterprise recognized by ILO’s My Green Enterprise ProgramandCOESL Dr MarciaBrandon–HeadofInnovation&Entrepreneurshipisa certifiedGreen(sustainability)trainerwiththeILO
"I am a practical learner so the classwork and then the teamwork and presentations really help me to understand the session contents. The brainstorming in the teamwork really opened my eyes and strengthen my knowledge"( Firm owner –TraineeintheCOESLGreeningMyEnterprisetraining)
These entrepreneurs operate within the agriculture, cultural industries, technology, services sectors across, blue, green, orange and silver economies. The start-ups and firms were selected from Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent,St Maartin,Guyana,Grenada,St Lucia,BahamasandTrinidad&Tobago
COESLsCoachandExpertwithBarbadosimpactentrepreneursdiscussing theirexperiencesintheKinesisprogramAntonShepherd–Expert entrepreneurs,SteveForte–EverDreamCaterers,AkilahPhillips,Omeyu
EntrepreneurJuniorHowellfounderofIrieKidshareshisexperienceand feedbackontheKinesisprogram
Socialimpactinvestorssharingtheirprogramswithimpactentrepreneursto facilitateaccessPatriciaShako–USAID,RESETprogram,AllysonFrancis–CDB NayaathaTaitt-CompeteCaribbeanTellyOnu–QuintessenceConsulting IncIanKnight–CentralBankofBarbadosandDrMarciaBrandon–ModeratorDirectorofEntrepreneurshipandInnovation–COESL
As we end 2024, COESL is wrapping up the Kinesis Accelerator for Impact entrepreneurs in Barbados This is a program led by Agora Partnerships and implemented by COESL in Barbados. The Accelerator is an intense 11-week program, started on October 11th, 2024, following a 3-tiered cycle wherein the fifteen selected entrepreneurs, now reduced to twelve, have been working with COESL’s approved coachesandexpertstofinetuneanddefineactivities,resultingfromtheirdiagnostics, which they need to implement to scale their businesses On November 29th, COESL in partnership with Agora, hosted a Social Investment Summit at Island Inn Hotel with over 48 attendees, visiting partners, Ana Rey – Kinesis Program Director and Manuel Rodriguez- Collective Action Lead, Agora Partnership Team as well as social investors from IDB Labs, Compete Caribbean, RESET, CDB and Central Bank of Barbados. Entrepreneurs,CoachandExpertintheAcceleratorsharedtheirexperiencesandgave somehelpfulrecommendationsforimprovingtheprogram
Spotli Glob
In Barbados, the Ba (BIMAP) completed a in alignment with th neutrality by 2030 outfitting the compou harvesting systems, th commitment to envir installation of a 36 kW the roof of the institu installation resulted in fossil fuels. The proc setup, and grid conn between BIMAP and th campaign to highlight conservation, reaching transitioned to a pa strategies to minimize environment into co payments, and offerin paper consumption by environment for both 1,075 men benefitting
INTRODUCING THE NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE
Kerryann Ifill: NSC Chair & Barbados Council for the Disabled, NGO Management & Advocate for Persons with Disabilities
Donna Wellington: Barbados Bankers Association & Financial Management Focal Point & Specialist
Emmanuel Joseph: Barbados Association of Journalists and Media Workers & Media/Communications Focal Point
Travis Sinckler: Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Senior Environmental Officer
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
A. Karima Degia: Programme Manager - Prevention, Recovery and Resilience (PRR) Cluster
Producer
Daniel clarke-whitehall Programme Assistant Editors
Dr David Bynoe, National Coordinator
Daniel Clarke-Whitehall, Programme Assistant
CONTRIBUTORS:
Sonia Peter, PHD Biocultural Education & Research Programme
Nikisha Toppin Elaine's Caribbean Crochet
Dr Marcia Brandon, FlnstLM Co-Founder/Director- Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development COESL
Daniel clarke-whitehall Programme Assistant
Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations House Marine Gardens, Hastings Christ Church, Barbados
david.bynoe@undp.org
