In Antigua and Barbuda, over 40 individuals from various sectors of society recently joined forces to create replicas of coral reefs and sea creatures through a project called “Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef.”

The initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection and reducing human-induced stresses on marine ecosystems like poor water quality and physical damage.

Spread over two days of workshops at the National Public Library, participants learned how to create replicas of coral, turtles, fish, starfish, and seashells.

The project also strives to equip workshop attendees with the resources, skills, and tools to create crochet products for economic empowerment.

During the workshops, students from Antigua Girls High School were given the opportunity to contribute to the project’s creations and expressed joy and excitement during the process.

At the workshop’s opening ceremony, GEF SGP UNDP Representative for Antigua and Barbuda, Natalya Lawrence, provided brief remarks, stating that the project seeks to raise awareness about coral reef conservation and the importance of taking care of our environment.

The workshop began with a presentation by National Parks Authority Marine Ecologist Ruleo Camacho, challenging participants to make a positive impact towards environmental conservation.

The project is being conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment and the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy Barbados.

The initiative is facilitated by Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, in collaboration with BYBT and is in its second year of implementation. Crochet artisan, Valerie John, from the sister isle of Barbuda, commented that she was pleased with the project’s results and that she would definitely be participating in future workshops.