BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis – A groundbreaking initiative successfully merged environmental conservation with cultural heritage through the creative art of crochet. The ‘Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef’ project, hosted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened on November 27 and 29, 2025, across dual venues in Basseterre and Charlestown.
The program brought together forty participants who crafted over one hundred intricate crochet replicas of marine ecosystems, including coral formations, fish species, sea turtles, and shells. This innovative approach served as both an artistic expression and an educational tool for raising environmental awareness.
Central to the project’s philosophy was the fusion of the Orange Economy – focusing on cultural industries and creative work – with the Blue Economy, which emphasizes sustainable ocean resource management. This unique intersection provided participants with practical understanding of ecological concepts through hands-on creative engagement.
Honourable Eric Evelyn, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, Community Development and Telecommunications in the Nevis Island Administration, endorsed the initiative, noting: “Our corals face significant threats, making awareness-raising efforts like this particularly valuable. We extend our full support to this creative approach to conservation.”
Ilis Watts, GEF SGP UNDP National Coordinator, emphasized the project’s community-building dimension during the opening ceremony. “This initiative beautifully combines creativity, learning, and environmental action,” Watts observed. “Artistic expression can powerfully communicate stories about coral reef protection, demonstrating that environmental awareness can be both practical and expressive.”
Kesha Isaac-Adams, Assistant Secretary in the Department of Cultural Heritage, highlighted the cultural significance of crochet as an element of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) – traditions passed through generations. Meanwhile, Department of Marine Resources Officer Keedencia Harris provided practical conservation guidance, advocating for reduced plastic use, participation in cleanups, and support for reef-safe practices.
Participants reported transformative experiences. Myah Rawlins from Saint Kitts shared: “As a fisherman’s daughter, I connected deeply with this project. Creating three fish replicas in under an hour inspired me to incorporate these techniques into my teaching.” Nevis participant Joalyn Myers added: “The project united crocheters of varying skill levels while reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect marine ecosystems.”
The GEF Small Grants Programme, operational in Saint Kitts and Nevis since 2013, has supported numerous community-based environmental initiatives worldwide. The ‘Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef’ project represents a regional effort facilitated by Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet Founder Nikisha Toppin, with previous implementations across multiple Caribbean nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago.