Chrysallis Research Magazine
Issue #4
August 2020
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) FOR A BETTER FUTURE – IS THE CARIBBEAN SDG READY?
ISSN 2415-0665
OUTGOING TEA Sanya Compton
Kemi Linton
Editor/Coordinator
Assistant Coordinator MSc (International Trade Policy)
PhD (Natural Resource Management)
Rolien Nedd
Shanice Mason
Assistant Editor MEd (Educational Leadership)
Assistant Editor MPhil (Biochemistry)
Michael Mayers Graphic Designer MPhil (Computer Science)
AM MEMBERS
MESSAGE FROM EDITOR
Sanya Compton editorchrysallis@gmail.com
This fourth and special issue falls under the theme “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a better future – is the Caribbean SDG ready?”. Achieving sustainability is now at the forefront of our current global crisis – the COVID 19, coronavirus pandemic. This health crisis has destabilized social norms, economies and livelihoods as we know it. Weaknesses and inefficiencies have been exposed and the need for creative, innovative and practical sustainable solutions has reached a critical point. Highly vulnerable regions such as the Caribbean are among the hardest hit with their high dependencies on trade (exports and imports of goods and services) and tourism coming to (in many cases) a screeching halt due to the shutdown of operations within these sectors. At the 2015 General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), 17 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by all UN Member States as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15-year plan sets out actions for all countries to achieve a better and more sustainable future by addressing global challenges especially those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. Five years into this initiative, where are we [the Caribbean] as a region? What have we done thus far to meet these goals? What does and could the future of sustainability look like within the region as we adjust and readjust under this [COVID 19] global pandemic? There may always be more questions than answers, but the solutions must begin at some point. This Chrysallis issue highlights only a few of the initiatives and activities that some of the region’s leading researchers, experts and institutions have been able to share with us. From actions on sustainable tourism, terrestrial and marine protected areas to improving capacity in areas such as climate change and agriculture, ocean governance, education, national readiness and gender. Much of this research has been done over the past two years and gives a sense of what is being accomplished throughout the region. Given the current global status, this issue is both timely and relevant and places emphasis on the imperative need for national, regional and international sustainability; we are all in this together. The issue also includes: words of encouragement and advice from fellow postgraduate student researchers and leaders; contributions from our recently launched “Research Spotlight Series”; and highlights from the recently concluded “NERD Day” hosted at the UWI – Cave Hill. We at Chrsyallis hope you enjoy the issue and would like to thank you for your continued support over the years.
Published By: Chrysallis Research Magazine Faculty of Science and Technology The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus P.O. Box 64 Bridgetown, Barbados, 8811000
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Sustainable transitions and sustainable pathways for tourism
1
Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway contributes to SDGs 14 and 15
3
Making Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ready for Climate Change
7
Implementing the Ocean Sustainable Development Goal in the Wider Caribbean: state of play and possible ways forward
11
Environmental education as a tool for sustainable development: the case of the reef guardian schools’ pilot program in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
14
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Sustainable cities and communities, are we in Barbados ready?
17
Exploring Gender in Marine Governance within the Wider Caribbean Region
20
Words of Wisdom: What advice do your fellow postgraduate researchers and leaders have to offer?
23
Faculty of Science and Technology: NERD Day 3.0
27
Special feature – “Research Spotlight Series”
29
Announcements
31
Join the team!
37
SUSTAINABLE TRANSITIONS AND SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS FOR TOURISM Aria Laidlow, MSc aria.bequia@gmail.com evident that we do have our work cut out for us and as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Caribbean is in a truly vulnerable position, yet this provides My interest in Geography and Environmental Management sparked from observations growing
opportunities for the region to rethink development pathways.
up on the island of Bequia where tourism is a vital
However, many of these transition studies
but vulnerable industry, climate change is existential
focus mainly on mitigating emissions more so than
but there is little to mitigate and adapt to the effects,
recognising situations where the effects of climate
environmental protection is almost non-existent and
change are rather extreme, and where vulnerable
there are no alternative lucrative industries. With the
populations may also depend on vulnerable industries,
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being today’s
incremental adaptation measures and one method of
most ambitious development agenda ever and just little
analysis may be insufficient. In using the case study
over a decade to go, setting the vision, framework and
of Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, my study
targets for the transition to a sustainable and resilient
sought to identify sustainable pathways through which
society is essential and requires practical solutions.
the tourism industry may transition into a more
Sustainable transitions have sparked attention
resilient tool which sustains sustainability. Several
among researchers due to the realisation that current
disciplines have studied systemic transformations and
approaches seem to be lacking depth and practicality. In
can offer policy-relevant insights on how to promote
addition, transitions arise where current adaptation or
such transitions using different analytical approaches.
mitigation measures are seen as inefficient. Furthermore,
I proposed linking between three analytical techniques
with the recent release of the Intergovernmental Panel
(adaptation, socio-technical analysis and initiative-
on Climate Change (IPCC) special 1.5 report, it is
based-learning). This pathways approach strengthens
Page 1
Box 1: Mechanisms of Pathway 2-Community-based tourism; sustainable destination
each analytical technique and provides a more multi-
and tourism businesses. When travel and tourism
dimensional evaluation of transitions as they unfold,
activities are planned and executed with the impact on
informing decision-makers and practitioners. The
communities in consideration, tourism as an industry
insights from the approach yielded two possible
can operationalise its potential as a great catalyst for
sustainable transition pathways for the island of Bequia:
economic, social, cultural and environmental prosperity
Pathway 1- community-based-tourism, Pathway
directly supporting SDGs 11, 13 and 17 with linkages
2 - community-based sustainable destination, with
to others.
pathway 2 being more desirable.
Getting relevant actors to engage with the idea of
From the results of semi-structured interviews with
sustainable transitions and transformations requires
experts and relevant personnel in the tourism industry
more integrated tools for understanding and guiding
and focus group discussions, with the potential to open
these complex societal processes, but also the emergence
new opportunities, expand emerging economies, involve
of governance styles that are more suited to deal with
all actors of various levels and the potential to overcome
the challenges at hand is important.
challenges of transitions, the community-based sustainable destination has the potential to have great scope and depth in attaining sustainability. I believe my research aids in helping to find solutions to the SDGs as illustrated in Box 1 the efforts proposed in Pathway 2 will support science-based decision-making and help to mitigate tourism’s adverse effects. Furthermore, they can reduce the commoditisation of tourist destinations, while providing more opportunities for locals, travelers
Page 2
CARIBBEAN PROTECTED AREAS GATEWAY CONTRIBUTES TO SDGs 14 AND 15 Julian Walcott, PhD walcott.julian@gmail.com
Protected Areas (PAs) are one of the most
management of PAs.
utilised tools for the conservation of biodiversity and
The Caribbean Gateway, the Caribbean component
ecosystems (both terrestrial and marine). PAs are thus
of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management
key elements of sustainable development, preventing
(BIOPAMA) programme, is hosted by the University
the depletion of natural resources while allowing for
of the West Indies (UWI) and housed at the Centre
economic development. Sustainable Development
for Resource Management and Environmental Studies
Goals (SDGs) 14 and 15 speak towards the sustainable
(CERMES), a Department in the Faculty of Science
use of marine and terrestrial resources respectively,
and Technology at the Cave Hill Campus. The
with goals 14.2 and 15.2 zeroing in on sustainable
Caribbean Gateway, a hub for PA data and information,
management. Unfortunately, effective management is
aims to support biodiversity conservation, sustainable
oftentimes a missing component in the PAs arena, with
livelihoods and effective protected area management
more emphasis being placed on percentage coverage
and governance throughout 15 Caribbean countries
than on management. The Caribbean Protected Areas
that are members of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific
Gateway (Caribbean Gateway) is seeking to address
Group of states1. The Caribbean Gateway provides data
this disparity via the building of capacities for better
and information management and analysis, planning
1 *Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago
Page 3
and decision making support, assessment tools and
• discuss opportunities to promote the
support for their application, and capacity development
implementation of management effectiveness in
for institutions, managers and local communities.
protected areas throughout the Caribbean Region.
In 2018, the Caribbean Gateway embarked on
Stemming from the regional PAME workshop, five
an effort to improve protected area management
national workshops (4 countries; Table 1; Figure 2)
effectiveness (PAME) throughout the region. A desk
were organised (upon request of countries) to facilitate
review was conducted to identify any PAME assessments
capacity building at the national level regarding the
conducted in the Caribbean region (specifically
management effectiveness framework and tools. For
BIOPAMA Caribbean countries), methodologies
three of the countries, PAME assessments were also
utilised and existing gaps. Subsequent to the review,
conducted for eight PA sites (Table 1; Figure 3) using
a regional PAME workshop was organised and held
the advanced Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool
June 25-27 in Castries, St. Lucia. The workshop was
(METT).
attended by 36 participants from 29 organisations
Through these efforts, the overall goal is for better
throughout 14 countries (Figure 1). The workshop’s
managed PAs, leading to an increase in sustainably
objectives included the following:
managed terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems and
• to introduce the protected area management
ultimately a step closer to achieving SDGs 14 and 15.
effectiveness framework, the various PAME tools used for analysis and their implementation; and
Figure 1: Regional PAME workshop participants, June 25-27, 2018, St. Lucia (photo taken by the author)
Page 4
Figure 2: National PAME workshops, 2018–2019 (figure created by the author)
Table 1: National PAME workshops conducted by the Caribbean Gateway
Page 5
Figure 3: Protected areas sites assessed (figure created by the author)
Page 6
MAKING SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES READY FOR CLIMATE CHANGE Camille Bru, MSc brucamille@gmail.com
Located on the island nation of St. Vincent and
including cleaning! It is an everyday challenge that
the Grenadines (SVG), Richmond Vale Academy
develops personal qualities such as leadership and
(RVA) is not your usual school. Shifting the classical
empathy.
school hierarchy, it promotes active learning. Everyone
This seems like an ambitious program, and it is!
is a student, and everyone is a teacher. As a military
But step by step, year after year, different actions have
academy that would train future soldiers, RVA, trains
been taken to achieve our goal. In order to make SVG
future Ecologists/Climate Activists, armed to, if not
climate change compliant, RVA serves as a model. We
fight, at least better apprehend climate change, and
first work on the school compounds to show that the
raise awareness against poverty and inequality.
actions we are promoting in the community are possible
In the different RVA programs, we share the time
to work with and are sustainable in the local climate! As
between studies and action. Through research and
a first step to becoming climate change compliant, RVA
reading, we study ecology, the causes of poverty, the
and the students work with communities on Education.
economic and political systems in the world, and
Students visit community groups, churches and schools
the ways that can be used to fight poverty globally.
to inform people about the dangers of climate change
We take action to develop sustainable projects with
and to share solutions with them for a more sustainable
the inhabitants of the island, such as cleanups, tree
future. That’s how RVA also organizes and engages in
planting and the creation of permaculture gardens for
many beach/river/villages cleanups, picking up trash
families so that they can eat a healthier diet and be
and raising awareness on the effect of plastic in our
more self-sufficient. Teachers and students live together.
environment; this is a very important step.
Everything is shared: meals, work, social activities,
Page 7
Seeds greenhouse at RVA
Page 8
Selecting seedlings for the home gardens built by the students working in the local communities.
Page 9
Planting trees and demonstrating the beneficial effect of avoiding soil erosion while producing food is usually a big success for the students as they get to spend time with locals and to understand better their way of life! We have been involved with the government of SVG to plant Moringa and Soursop trees, distributing them to schools, and to the general public! In 2016, RVA began to establish “Pass-it-On” home gardens in the community of Chateaubelair. The goals of the “Pass-it-On” home garden project are to: teach members of the community how to grow their own food using the principles of permanent agriculture or “permaculture”; give families an understanding of permaculture’s effectiveness in the fight against climate change; and create a structure by which families may both feed themselves as well as support their children through the sales of their surplus crop. Thanks to all these actions, and many more, RVA is helping the small country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to become more resilient and to serve as a model! What an achievement if such a small country can lead the way towards a more sustainable world!
Page 10
IMPLEMENTING THE OCEAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL IN THE WIDER CARIBBEAN: STATE OF PLAY AND POSSIBLE WAYS FORWARD Article Summary (full article can be found here)
Lucia Fanning, PhD Robin Mahon, PhD lucia.fanning@gmail.com
prof.mahon@gmail.com
The ecosystem goods and services provided by
Regional organizations will play a crucial role
marine ecosystems are of critical importance to countries
in achieving SDG 14 targets, and there are over 26
of the Wider Caribbean Region. Consequently,
regional organizations in the WCR whose activities
they have welcomed Sustainable Development Goal
are relevant to these targets. Twelve are indigenous
(SDG)14 and are seeking to achieve the SDG 14
intergovernmental organizations, five are regional bodies
Targets. Countries in the Wider Caribbean Region
of United Nations agencies, one is an independent
(WCR) increasingly understand the interconnectedness
Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO)
of Caribbean Sea ecosystems, the transboundary nature
and eight are regional non-governmental organisations
of most issues affecting the marine resources in the
(NGOs).
region, and the need for collaborative management
The geopolitical diversity of the Wider Caribbean
of their shared resources. This is evidenced by their
Region presents a wide range of opportunities to
significant commitment to participate in key global
support SDG 14 implementation at the regional level
and regional multi-lateral environmental agreements
or through programs led by regional organizations that
relating to marine ecosystem-based management
support implementation at the national level. The key
(EBM). However, there is considerable variation in
needs relate to in-country financial and human capacity,
capacity to effectively implement and monitor.
governance and political will, technical requirements for monitoring data collection and analysis, institutional
Page 11
issues, and socio-economic and cultural realities.
emerging regional ocean governance framework must
Recognizing that most of these challenges cannot be
be emphasized. Such a mechanism can play a key
addressed at the national level, the need to adopt a
role in putting oceans on the agendas of the regional
regional approach has been endorsed by most countries
multipurpose organizations, and also in promoting
in the form of the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf
uptake at the national level, in the way that is being
Large Marine Ecosystem Strategic Action Programme
accomplished in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean
(CLME+ SAP).
States (OECS) Sub region. The mechanism could also
While regional organizations recognize the
coordinate SDG 14 implementation and collaborate
importance of having ocean issues brought together
with the Economic Commission for Latin America
under the SDG 14 targets, these organizations and their
and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in ensuring that progress
member countries have been addressing these issues
towards targets is monitored and reported upon.
on an ongoing basis for decades, and are continuing
At the regional level, support is needed for a range of
to do so. Consequently, when asked what is needed
regional ocean governance framework building activities
to support SDG14 implementation, their response
such as developing the lateral interactions among
is: “more support for what we have been doing and
organizations that share responsibility for critical issues.
must continue doing�. Organizations and countries are
Collaboration among fisheries organizations is a prime
only just beginning to translate their previous activities
example. Despite the progress with information sharing
into an SDG 14 frame of reference. Assistance with
made through the Interim Fisheries Coordination
this translation is an area of opportunity that would
Mechanism established under the CLME+ SAP,
facilitate the development of an SDG 14 perspective
alignment of programs and collaborative activities
and monitoring progress towards targets.
have been slow in getting started. Furthermore, there
There is also growing awareness that ocean and
is the need to determine how this initiative will be
coastal issues need a holistic, integrated, ecosystem
sustained after the CLME+ Project. However, the
approach at both national and regional levels. At
need for interaction goes far beyond fisheries to include
the national level, despite the requirement of a
environment, tourism and shipping.
National Intersectoral Committee by CLME+ SAP,
Even taking a regional approach, there is
and an oceans committee by the Intergovernmental
considerable variation among the countries comprising
Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Sub-Commission
the various sub regions in the WCR. Consequently,
for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (IOCARIBE),
opportunities vary among sub regions. Strengthening
countries have been slow to establish and strengthen
sub regional initiatives is an opportunity for supporting
these bodies, which could also serve to coordinate SDG
SDG 14 implementation.
14 implementation. Programmatic support for national
Overall, it is recommended that efforts to support
level integration mechanisms for SDG 14 is therefore
implementation and monitoring of SDG 14 targets
an area of opportunity.
be aligned with CLME+ SAP activities and foster
At the regional level the need for a coordination
sustainability of this initiative. There are numerous areas
mechanism for oceans, as a critical component of the
identified in the SAP that could not be funded with the
Page 12
Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding available. These provide an opportunity for support of SDG 14 implementation in the WCR that build sustainable capacity. While there are substantial challenges to be overcome in the implementation of SDG 14 within the WCR, the opportunities for overcoming them by taking a harmonized regional approach are substantial. For almost two decades, the countries of the WCR have been making a concerted effort to understand and ultimately address the consequences arising from the legacy of fragmented regional governance arrangements for living marine resources. Engagement of these organizations in CLME+ SAP implementation in the WCR offers considerable potential for integration of ocean affairs into regional sustainable development policy.
Page 13
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF THE REEF GUARDIAN SCHOOLS’ PILOT PROGRAM IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Allanson Cruickshank, MPhil allansoncruickshank@gmail.com marine environment, especially coral reef ecosystems, and to take action to reduce marine pollution from land-based sources. This is consistent with Sustainable Overview of the Program Hines, Hungerford & Tomera (1987) posited that the knowledge of issues and action strategies, locus of control, attitudes, verbal commitment, and an individual’s sense of responsibility are associated with responsible environmental behavior. The Reef Guardian Schools’ Pilot Program targeted positive change in relation to all of the above. A total of 54 students, ages 8 to 10, from two schools participated in the program, namely, the Calliaqua Anglican Primary School and the Sugar Mill Academy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The aim of the program was to sensitize students and the community about the importance of protecting the
Development Goals (SDG) number 14, which is to “sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification” (UNDP 2018). The program was a joint venture of the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority and the Fisheries Division, funded by the Australian Government. School Mini-Projects At each school a mini-project was conceptualized and executed. The town of Calliaqua and the village of Ratho Mill form part of the South Coast Marine Conservation Area. The inhabitants of the town and its environs depend on the coastal area as a source of food
Page 14
and livelihoods.
States of America. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is
The Calliaqua Anglican Primary School’s mini-
no exception and the lionfish is now abundant in its
project was captioned “Be the Solution the Water
waters. Researchers have discovered that a single lionfish
Pollution.” Several small rivers drain into the Caribbean
residing on a coral reef can reduce populations of native
Sea in the area – one of which runs along the school’s
reef fishes by 79 percent. Due to the fact that lionfish
property, then passes along the community’s Fisheries
feed on prey normally consumed by snappers, groupers,
Complex. The project involved cleaning up the gully
and other commercially important native species; their
in question and building awareness among stakeholders
presence could negatively affect the well-being of
and residents of the numerous deleterious impacts
valuable commercial and recreational fisheries (NOAA
of a polluted river, especially in this locale. This was
2018).
achieved through a community march and distribution
The Sugar Mill Academy aimed to reduce the
of pamphlets geared towards minimizing marine
impact of this invasion on local reef ecosystems. The
pollution from land-based sources in the town. The
project involved educating the public as to the dangers
ridge-to-reef nature of the coastal zone was emphasized
that the lionfish poses and teaching them ways to
in this project through the promotion of integrated
prepare meals from the fish in a safe way, with a view
coastal zone management. This mini-project took place
towards controlling the population of the species in the
on Friday, March 2nd, 2018.
area. This was mainly done through a public lionfish
At the Sugar Mill Academy the project was titled,
symposium on Friday, March 9th, 2018.
“Eat It to Beat It.” The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is native to the coral reefs of the South Pacific. Unfortunate
Field Trips
accidents and disasters in the early 1990s, particularly
The participating students from both schools
Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992, have led to its
embarked on ridge-to-reef field trips in March 2018.
invasion and spread across much of the Caribbean and
The trips took the form of several stops along the
as far north as the state of Rhode Island in the United
course of the river that drains into the Caribbean Sea at Calliaqua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Along the way, sustainable farming practices and soil management techniques were demonstrated to the students. Student Reactions The students at both schools thoroughly enjoyed the program and gained invaluable knowledge. According to one 9-year-
Figure 1: Students of the Calliaqua Anglican Primary School during their community march, while the gully is being cleaned to the left of the photograph
Page 15
Figure 2: Students of the Sugar Mill Academy pose for a media photograph during their lionfish public education drive
old student, “I learned about why coral reefs are so
In conclusion, the schools’ pilot program served as
important to us and about preserving all marine life.”
a spark which, it is anticipated, will kindle the flame
Another student added, “I learned about the watershed,
of behavioral change towards the environment, in
which starts up in the mountain and ends in the ocean.
particular the marine ecosystems, in St. Vincent and
I also learned about sargassum – it is good, but it is
the Grenadines.
also bad. It is home to some species, but it blocks the sunlight, so certain underwater plants cannot live.”
References
It is hoped that, with continued education in their
Jody M. Hines, Harold R. Hungerford, & Audrey N.
formative years, these students will inspire sound
Tomera. (1987). Analysis and Synthesis of Research on
environmental stewardship among their peers, families
Responsible Environmental Behavior: A Meta-Analysis,
and communities.
The Journal of Environmental Education, Volume 18 (2), pp. 1-8.
Summary of Lessons Learned At the end of the pilot program a reef guardian
NOAA. (2018). Impacts of Invasive Lionfish. [online].
curriculum was developed with a view towards
(Last update 9 February 2018). Available at: https://
mainstreaming it into the formal curriculum. It was
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/impacts-invasive-
concluded that the reef guardian program can be
lionfish [Accessed 26 November 2018]
merged with the Grades 5 and 6 science and health curricula, as the students cover similar topics in those
UNDP. (2018). Goal 14: Life below water. [online].
classes. Moreover, the program can be run separately
Available at: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/
from the curriculum, by covering it with students in
home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-14-life-
Grades 4 and 5 outside of the scheduled curriculum
below-water.html [Accessed 25 November 2018].
hours. The latter was the method used during the pilot.
Page 16
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES, ARE WE IN BARBADOS READY? Andrea Lewis, MSCE l.andrea.williams.lewis@gmail.com
50% of energy use and 72% of electricity consumption. Throughout the world the barriers to sustainability Sustainable cities and communities have been
of the built environment have been well documented.
included as one of the seventeen United Nations
Pitt et al, 2009 found that affordability was the biggest
Development Goals, SDG 11 recognises the world’s
barrier to sustainability, while in Kuwait, legislation
growing urban population and the contribution of
surrounding green design guidelines and construction
the built environment to sustainability. The SDGs are
standards created barriers (Al Sanad, 2015). In Ghana
the latest in the United Nations attempts to achieve
the five strongest barriers to the implementation of
the Brundlant definition of sustainable development
sustainable construction are ranked as cultural change
- development that satisfies the needs of today without
resistance, lack of government commitment, fear of
compromising the needs of the future, (Brundlant,
higher investment costs, lack of professional knowledge
1987).
and lack of legislation (Ametepey et al, 2015).
Many studies worldwide have shown that the built
In Barbados, a recent survey conducted among some
environment has a significant effect on the natural
of the major stakeholders (the professionals responsible
environment. The U.S. Green Building Council
for making the built environment: architects, engineers,
(USGBC, 2014) estimates that in The United States
contractors) to which there were thirty-six respondents,
buildings and communities, including the resources
has shown that the barriers to sustainability of the
used to create them and the energy, water and materials
built environment (in Barbados) are similar to those
needed to operate them account for: 14% of potable
documented worldwide. The survey was undertaken in
water consumption, 30% of waste output, 40% of raw
order to obtain responses to the three main questions
materials used, 38% of carbon dioxide emissions, 24 to
listed below. Preliminary analysis of the data shows the following:
Page 17
1. What are the levels of knowledge and usage of
slightly increased construction cost and just
sustainable building guides and standards among
over 31% found that it significantly increased
built environment professionals?
construction cost.
• The most widely known sustainability standard
• About 57% felt that building operating costs
from among those referenced was the USGBC
were significantly reduced when sustainable
LEED Certification; 61% of respondents had
construction standards and ratings were used.
heard of it however only 2% were certified. • Approximately 76% found that modern
What do built environment professionals regard as
sustainability rating systems and standards were
the barriers to and enablers of sustainable building
not applicable to our Caribbean context.
practices in Barbados?
• Most persons have worked on only one to
• Professionals believed that the barriers to
three projects in the past year (2018) where
sustainability of the built environment in
sustainability standards were considered.
Barbados are cost, awareness, local capacity and
• LED Lighting and renewable energy systems were very heavily used on the projects worked on.
regulation in that order of magnitude. • 40% strongly agree that sustainable building practices should be mandated in local business codes.
2. What perceptions do built environment professionals have about the effect of sustainable
Like the rest of the world, Barbados faces challenges
construction practices on construction cost and
regarding sustainability of the built environment.
schedule?
With increased knowledge and understanding of these
• The majority of persons, ~ 62%, thought that
challenges, steps to reduce them can be undertaken by
sustainable building practices slightly increased
the relevant stakeholders.
design period, while ~ 65% thought that it
Page 18
References Al Sanad, Shaikha. 2015. “Awareness, Drivers, Actions, And Barriers Of Sustainable Construction In Kuwait”. Procedia Engineering 118: 969-983. doi:10.1016/j. proeng.2015.08.538. Ametepey, Ofori, Clinton Aigbavboa, and Kwame Ansah. 2015. “Barriers To Successful Implementation Of Sustainable Construction In The Ghanaian Construction Industry”. Procedia Manufacturing 3: 1682-1689. doi:10.1016/j.promfg.2015.07.988. Brundlant, G (1987). Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development Our common Future (online) Available at http://www.un-documents. net/our-common-future.pdf [Accessed June 25, 2018] Pitt, Michael, Matthew Tucker, Mike Riley, and Jennifer Longden. 2009. “Towards Sustainable Construction: Promotion And Best Practices”. Construction Innovation 9 ( 2 ) : 2 0 1 - 2 2 4 . doi:10.1108/14714170910950830. United States Green Building Council 2014. “LEED Core Concepts Guide, An Introduction to LEED and Green Building.” Third Edition, U.S. Green Building Council.
Page 19
EXPLORING GENDER IN MARINE GOVERNANCE WITHIN THE WIDER CARIBBEAN REGION Sanya Compton, PhD Candidate sanyacompton@gmail.com varies within and between cultures. Exploring gender within the context of marine governance can improve the understanding of existing perceptions, roles, levels Goods and services provided by marine resources
of engagement and participation of men and women
are critical to sustaining human well-being and
in decision-making processes. For governance to be
livelihoods. Sectors such as fisheries, tourism and
effective, it must first be good and good governance calls
maritime affairs are essential to economic and social
for equal and equitable involvement of all stakeholders.
development. Fisheries in particular, plays a key role in food security and poverty eradication. In considering
Gender in Fisheries
the region’s vulnerability to economic, social and
In the context of marine affairs, gender has not been
environmental pressures (e.g. high import dependency,
given high priority in the Caribbean. When compared
social inequities, climate change and variability),
to other parts of the world gender characteristics within
actions towards sustainability and strengthening marine
Caribbean small-scale fisheries are poorly documented.
governance should explore the role and importance of
As such, gender- disaggregated data continues to be
aspects such as gender.
generally poor and difficult to access throughout the
The concept of gender encompasses the
Wider Caribbean Region (WCR).
characteristics, behaviours and aptitudes of men and
The University of the West Indies – Centre for
women and how these attributes contribute to the
Resource Management and Environmental Studies
expectations of their roles and responsibilities within
(UWI-CERMES) gender in fisheries team (GIFT)
societies and cultures. The roles and expectations
formed in 2016, works closely alongside regional
which exist among gender can change over time and
partners (e.g. CARICOM, CFRM, CNFO, OECS,
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CANARI, CLME+ Project, GCFI)2 and international agencies (e.g. FAO, UNDP,
Fisheries in the Northern Brazil Shelf ” • The
“Developing
Organizational
IOC, GEF, TBTI)3 to improve the
Capacity for Ecosystem Stewardship
understanding of gender at national and
and Livelihoods in Caribbean Small-
regional levels, in order to: 1) better facilitate
Scale Fisheries” (StewardFish)
gender mainstreaming in the WCR; and 2)
• The “Implementing Gender Aspects
work towards achieving global targets such
within Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF)
as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
Guidelines and the protocol to the
particularly SDG 5, which commits all
Caribbean
countries to achieve gender equality and
Fisheries Policy (CCCFP) for securing
women’s economic empowerment.
SSF”
Community
Common
The GIFT focuses its efforts on gender in
• Regional as well as a PhD study on
livelihoods and governance institutions as it
National Intersectoral Coordination
relates to an ecosystem approach to fisheries
Mechanisms (NICs), specifically: 1)
(EAF), climate and disasters, poverty, food
understanding how to successfully
security and other aspects of the of small scale
support
fisheries throughout the Caribbean region.
arrangements (i.e. NICs) in the WCR;
Currently, GIFT members as well as friends
and 2) the dynamics of gender equality
of GIFT (i.e. regional and international
and equity of men and women in
partners) are engaged in different projects
leadership and decision-making.
and activities which explore gender. Some of these projects and activities include: • CERMES Sub-Project on “Ecosystem Approach to Shrimp and Groundfish
participatory
governance
• Monitoring impacts of COVID 19 on fisheries throughout the Caribbean region • Attending relevant conferences that
2 Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM); Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organizations (CNFO); Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI); Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME+); Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI). 3 United Nations – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Unite Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC); Global Environment Fund (GEF); Too Big To Ignore (TBTI).
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emphasize gender
Most recently, GIFT members working in collaboration with the women fisherfolk
In furthering its efforts, GIFT organized
of Barbados have been published in the latest
the Women in Fisheries (WIF) Forum, one
issue of the peer-reviewed journal - Gender,
was held in Belize in 2017 and the other
Technology and Development. The article
[and most recent one] was held in Barbados
is entitled “How has organization benefited
on 8 March, 2019. The forum was the first
women in the Barbados flyingfish fishery? A
of its kind in Barbados and was also held
look from within”.
in association with the implementation of
GIFT’s work towards achieving gender
the Small-scale Fisheries (SSF) Guidelines.
equality and equity, is expected to continue
The objective of the event was to address
into the coming years. For more information
the lack of fisheries information on gender
on GIFT please click here.
disaggregated data useful for assessing and comparing the various roles and socioeconomic contributions of women and men.
Participants completing a small scale fisheries value chain exercise at GIFT’s first Women in Fisheries (WIF) Forum held in Barbados, March 2019
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WORDS OF WISDOM: WHAT AD POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHER TO OFFER? Arianne Richardson, MPhil Candidate arianne.richardson@gmail.com
Words of advice to current and potential research students: “My advice is don’t be afraid to speak up about your vision for your [research] project. You came in with an idea, have confidence in your capabilities and vision.” Why is sustainability important and where does your research fit in? “While we are here temporarily, there are generations that are coming after us. We must think about the future, if we fail to do so, mistakes will be repeated and resources will become limited. It is not just about us. In The Bahamas we have been arbitrary in dealing with cultural development so my research will create an avenue for building on and securing our culture’s future.”
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DVICE DO YOUR FELLOW RS AND LEADERS HAVE Andrea Veira, PhD Candidate akveira@gmail.com
Words of advice to current and potential research students: “Try to publish as much as you can from the very beginning of your research program. Consider doing literature review or research design and methodology papers; that way you can get the peer reviews which can enhance your work.” Why is sustainability important and where does your research fit in? “To have safe and secure livelihoods as a people and a region is critically important. My research on growing sweet potatoes using agro-ecological methods fits into the SDGs. I can make recommendations to food producers and farmers, regionally, about ways they can: 1) reduce their need for inorganic chemicals; and 2) use good farming practices and technologies to combat issues related to climate change and variability. The work I do at CARDI is directly related to achieving sustainability through food security and poverty reduction; very crucial now, in light of COVID 19.”
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Aria Laidlow, MSc aria.bequia@gmail.com
1. It is important to have passion, helpful to have purpose with what you have chosen to study and always be productive, positive, principled and pro-active. 2. Consider your graduate study a journey to discover and even reinvent yourself. You must also grow as a human being, so discover things you like, you don’t like, you can do, and do well. This helps you to discover your why (purpose), which allows you to pursue your studies with passion. 3. Don’t be discouraged when something you wanted doesn’t pan out the way you planned and do not be afraid to try new things. Such circumstances only open new opportunities. 4. Do not be afraid to recognise and admit your mistakes, weaknesses and faults. 5. Accept feedback, never take it personal. Instead consider it, take the useful bits and keep it moving. 6. Every moment is an opportunity to learn from everyone around you no matter the social class or title. 7. One of your biggest assets would be your networks, make connections and keep them! 8. Be respectful, humble, determined and focused on the why.
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Jacinth Browne-Howard, PhD Candidate jacinth_isp05@hotmail.com
COPING WITH BURNOUT We are all too familiar with having way too much on our plates as postgraduate students. Fellow postgraduate Mrs. Jacinth Browne-Howard has some key pieces of advice for you: • “Learn to say no. This was something I was absolutely terrible at. I like helping others and I’m the worst at inventing excuses to weasel out of things. If you know that you cannot handle another responsibility, do not deceive yourself that you’re a martyr. • Write a list. I generally like to be organised. It helps to know what your tasks are today in order of difficulty and/or priority. • Pace yourself. Some days you may have really tall mountains to conquer. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that Rome was built in more than twenty-four hours and be proud of your progress, no matter how little. • Do things you enjoy. Please make time for yourself.”
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NERD DAY 3.0 “INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHI Written by Sanya Compton If you missed this year’s event, you missed quite an extravaganza! “NERD Day” is an annual event hosted by UWI
(FST Administrative Assistant, Projects and Planning) under the supervision of Dr. Colin Depradine (FST Dean).
– Cave Hill’s Faculty of Science and Technology (FST)
The event had an attendance of over 65 persons
during the month of February. The event has been
who were engaged in one or more of the many activities
officially rebranded as the “Faculty of Science and
planned for the day. Some of these activities included
Technology (FST) Innovation and Entrepreneurship
presentations, training sessions, interactive games and
Day”. The day is set aside to celebrate the Faculty’s
demonstrations as well as prize-winning competitions!
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Here are a few highlights in pictures!
(STEM)-based innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. Students as well as Faculty are afforded an opportunity to display their applied as well as entrepreneurial research or businesses. Students are exposed to innovative STEM-based activities locally, regionally and internationally and are encouraged to become entrepreneurs within or across disciplines. It is also an opportunity to recognize the Faculty’s student clubs and associations. NERD Day 3.0 was held on Friday, February 28, 2020 in the 3W’s Pavilion at The UWI - Cave Hill Campus from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year’s theme was “Striving for Innovation and Entrepreneurship through STEM”. The event was hosted by the FST Faculty Office and coordinated by Ms. Lisa-Ann Rollins
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Marissa Norgrove 1st Place Winner NERD 2020 Best Dressed Competition
IP DAY” Jevon Yearwood (L) & Kristen Lynch (R) 2nd Place Winners NERD 2020 Best Dressed Competition
Ms. Lucinda Robinson Presentation – “Tech Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean” Project Coordinator of Caribbean Tech Entrepreneurship Programme (CTEP)
Faculty Dean – Dr. Colin Depradine (L) with CTEP Students and CTEP Representative
Don’t miss the next NERD Day! Page 28
SPECIAL FEATURE “RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT SERIES” On April 25, 2019 Chrysallis officially launched a new initiative called the “Research Spotlight Series”. This initiative highlights research being conducted across the UWI campuses. It is an opportunity to learn more about who your fellow colleagues in research are, what advice they have to offer and what cool research they are pursuing or have completed! I now invite you to take a look/read about the two young ladies who were the first features in this series. Kristie and Charleen have since successfully completed their MSc degrees at UWI-CERMES, Cave Hill. Both have secured placement in PhD programs. You go ladies! If you or anyone you know, who is currently conducting research (any field/area of study), please feel free to contact us at chrysallisresearchmagazine@ gmail.com. We look forward to featuring you!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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AUTHOR INFORMATION Name: Aria Laidlow, MSc Email: aria.bequia@gmail.com Affiliation: Director of Programme Development Responsible for Climate Change and National Youth Council, for the Caribbean Commonwealth Youth Council (Caribbean & The Americas) Interests: Women and youth development, environmental sustainability Country: St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Bequia) Name: Julian Walcott, PhD Email: walcott.julian@gmail.com Affiliation: The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill – Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway (BIOPAMA programme),Technical Officer Interests: Conservation of natural resources, marine and environmental protection Country: Barbados Name: Camille Bru, MSc Email: brucamille@gmail.com Affiliation: Richmond Vale Academy – St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Former Teacher Interests: Education, environmental activist, project management Country: Mayanmar Name: Lucia Fanning, PhD Email: lucia.fanning@gmail.com Affiliation: Dalhousie University – Marine Affairs Programme, Professor Emeritus Interests: Marine policy, ocean governance, integrated coastal and oceans management Country: Canada Name: Robin Mahon, PhD Email: prof.mahon@gmail.com Affiliation: The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill – Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (UWI-CERMES), Professor Emeritus Interests: Ocean governance, governance arrangements, marine policy Country: Barbados Name: Allanson Cruickshank, MPhil Email: allansoncruickshank@gmail.com Affiliation: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Lecturer; Geospatial Education Specialist Interests: Education, sustainable development, spatial planning Country: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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Name: Andrea Lewis, MSCE Email: l.andrea.williams.lewis@gmail.com Affiliation: The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Interests: Sustainable development Country: Barbados Name: Sanya Compton, PhD Candidate Email: sanyacompton@gmail.com Affiliation: The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill – Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (UWI-CERMES), Research Assistant Interests: Marine and ocean governance, governance arrangements, fisheries management Country: Barbados Name: Arianne Richardson, MPhil Candidate Email: arianne.richardson@gmail.com Affiliation: The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill – Cultural Studies. Cave Hill Association for Postgraduate Students (CHAPS), President 2020-2021 Interests: Cultural development, leadership Country: The Bahamas Name: Andrea Veira, PhD Candidate Email: akveira@gmail.com Affiliation: The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill – Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). Representative and Crop Scientist, CARDI – St. Lucia Interests: Agriculture, crop science, sustainable development Country: Saint Lucia Name: Jacinth Browne-Howard, PhD Candidate Email: jacinth_isp05@hotmail.com Affiliation: The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Interests: Science fiction research, blogging, teaching Country: Barbados
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JOIN THE TEAM!
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In light of the current global COVID 19 pandemic the Chrysallis team would like to take this opportunity to urge everyone to remain calm, informed and intentional about their safety and personal hygiene. Wishing everyone good health and best wishes as we all adjust and continue to strive towards becoming more sustainable.
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