Chrysallis Research Magazine - Issue 4 - Aug 2020

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

Follow us on:

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,

Page 20

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).

Page 21

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

Page 22

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.”

Page 23

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.”

Page 24

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.

Page 25

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.”

Page 26

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

Page 27

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!

Page 29

Page 30

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Page 31

Page 32

Page 33

Page 34

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

Page 35

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

Page 36

JOIN THE TEAM!

Page 37

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.

Follow us on:

Page 38