The Birch Grove Community Centre recently featured a colourful display of handicraft creativity through the “Grenada Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef” project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme Grenada (SGP) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Hosted by Beauregard United Club, more than 60 participants came together to create coral reef and sea animal replicas for the promotion of environmental awareness and marine conservation.
During the opening ceremony, GEF SGP UNDP National Coordinator Akarda Ventour noted “From the year 2015, the GEF SGP Grenada has funded over 65 projects throughout Grenada Carriacou and Petite Martinique in excess of over US$2 million from a total of 7 funding cycles. We are indeed happy to note that Beauregard United Club is one of the recipients awarded a grant in the amount of US$50,000. The objective of the project was set out to utilise crochet as a medium to highlight the prospects associated with renewable energy and enhance environmental literacy among participants regarding issues like marine pollution and coral reef degradation.”
Director of Beauregard United Andrea Noel shared: “Through this partnership, we aim to deepen understanding of environmental conservation, build climate change resilience, and create economic opportunities for local communities. As we move forward, we hope to establish a model of community-driven, environmentally conscious development that will inspire Grenada and beyond.”
Present also was Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives Fisheries Division Fisheries Officer I Nigel Gibbs who provided an overview about the coral reefs of Grenada. “Whatever you do on land, impacts a significant portion of Grenada’s coral reef. Your activities will contravene any regulation, any law, that is set forth to manage and have a positive outcome for our coral reef. And that is why I am thankful for this initiative because it brings outreach, public awareness and now you are more informed of what you can do to protect the coral reefs.”
Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet Founder and Project Manager Nikisha Toppin provided context to the overarching focus and goal of the project. “This is the fifth country we are implementing the Crochet for a Cause concept having executed the programme in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. We are thankful to be able to utilise this forum funded by the Small Grants Programme Grenada to bring about community empowerment and environmental partnerships.”
During the 3-day engagement, participants created replicas of the different types of coral, fish, starfish turtles, and shells. The session held on Saturday brought together youth from around Grenada to learn about crochet and coral reef protection.
Beauregard United will continue the “Grenada Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef” project through to the month of November 2025, hosting various community activities to showcase crocheted creations and bring awareness to protecting the environment. The first post-launch event will be held on Sunday, 9 February at the Birch Grove Community Centre from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet
