BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Cropper Foundation - ECPv6.16.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Cropper Foundation X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Cropper Foundation REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Port_of_Spain BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20210101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251127T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251127T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20251108T131042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251108T131138Z UID:5148-1764248400-1764252000@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:A Guide to Natural Capital: Partnerships for Nature DESCRIPTION:The Cropper Foundation\, in collaboration with the Caribbean Natural Capital Hub\, invites you to the third edition of our “A Guide to Natural Capital” webinar series. \nWhy attend?\nEffective biodiversity data reporting can’t happen in isolation. This session dives into why partnerships are vital for bridging data gaps\, harmonizing standards\, and building transparent\, credible systems for reporting on biodiversity. \nWhat you’ll experience: \n\nLearn how multi-stakeholder partnerships within different Natural Capital Hubs are mobilizing innovative finance and investment to achieve nature-positive outcomes.\nDiscover how collaborative work—like that of the Caribbean Natural Capital Hub’s Working Group 2 and Research Agenda—is shaping knowledge priorities\, filling data gaps\, and driving private sector adoption of natural capital approaches.\nJoin us and play your part in advancing nature-based solutions and sustainable development across the region!\n\nRegister for the upcoming webinar via the link opposite. URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/a-guide-to-natural-capital-partnerships-for-nature/ LOCATION:Virtual / Online CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/A-GUIDE-TO-NATURAL-CAPITAL-Partnerships-for-Nature.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251125T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251125T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20251120T110113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T110113Z UID:5152-1764075600-1764079200@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:Conservation Technology for Caribbean CSOs: Part 3 DESCRIPTION:Join us for the final installment in our CEPF-funded webinar series\, exploring the use of conservation technologies by Caribbean-based civil society groups. In this session\, Dr. Amy Deacon from The University of the West Indies will discuss the iNaturalist App and share highlights from the 2025 TT Bioblitz\, hosted by the TT Field Naturalists’ Club. Learn about findings from this year’s BioBlitz in Maracas\, Trinidad\, find out how you can participate next time\, and discover how technology is supporting citizen science in the Caribbean. \nRegistration:\nRegister via the link opposite. \nSpeakers:\nDr. Amy Deacon (The University of the West Indies) \nPartners & Sponsors: \n\nTT Field Naturalists’ Club (TTFNC)\nCANARI Caribbean\nTT BioBlitz\nCritical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)\nCaribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot Small Grants Mechanism\nThe Cropper Foundation\n\nAudience:\nAll are welcome. The webinar is free to attend and aims to support Caribbean CSOs working in conservation. URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/conservation-technology-for-caribbean-csos-part-3/ LOCATION:Virtual / Online CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Conservation-Technology-for-Caribbean-CSOs-Part-3-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251106T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251106T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20251105T160549Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251105T161514Z UID:5139-1762434000-1762437600@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:Conservation Technology for Caribbean CSOs: Part 2 DESCRIPTION:Join us for Part 2 of our Conservation Technology for Caribbean CSOs mini-series! \nWe’re back with another exciting installment supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (@cepf_official)\, and this time\, we’re featuring the innovative work of the Cocoa Research Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (@cocoacentre). \nDiscover how cocoa\, carbon\, and community are joining forces to power conservation efforts and take on climate change across the Caribbean! \nWhether you’re a chocolate lover or not\, everyone is welcome at this FREE online webinar. Learn more about the latest conservation technologies making a difference in our region and see how you can be part of advancing this vital work. \nEvent Details:\n📆 November 6\, 2025\n⏰ 1PM (AST)\n💻 Zoom \nGet your registration link via our Linktree in bio. \nThis series empowers Caribbean CSOs working in conservation—promoting awareness and tech adoption for greater impact. The programme is funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund through the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot Small Grants Mechanism\, and administered by @canari_caribbean. \n#ttcsn #cepf #canari #thecropperfoundation #caribbeanconservation #conservationtechnology URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/conservation-technology-for-caribbean-csos-part-2/ LOCATION:Virtual / Online CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/event-part-2.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251030T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251030T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20251008T200217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T200547Z UID:5120-1761829200-1761832800@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:A Guide to Natural Capital: Understanding Nature's Value DESCRIPTION:Join us for the second edition of A Guide to Natural Capital\, an insightful webinar series by Cari-Bois in collaboration with the Caribbean Natural Capital Hub. This session explores nature’s ecological\, cultural\, social\, and economic values\, and how understanding these dimensions can drive better decision-making in conservation finance. \nDiscover the cultural\, ecological\, and economic importance of nature for sustainable finance and conservation. \nLearn about The Cropper Foundation’s groundbreaking work on biodiversity finance through “Biotokens\,” enabling businesses and investors to directly fund biodiversity outcomes. \nSee how ANSA Merchant Bank’s EcoMicro initiative integrates natural capital into financial practices\, identifying biodiversity risk drivers and embedding covenants into lending. \nRegister for the upcoming webinar via the link opposite! URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/a-guide-to-natural-capital-understanding-natures-value/ LOCATION:Virtual / Online CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251028T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20251028T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20251021T132309Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251105T160243Z UID:5132-1761656400-1761660000@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:Conservation Technology for Caribbean CSOs: Part 1 DESCRIPTION:The Cropper Foundation is excited to present the first installment of our webinar mini-series\, “Conservation Technology for Caribbean CSOs”. This educational series highlights Caribbean entities leading in conservation through the application of critical technologies. \nFeatured Organization\nJoin us for an in-depth exploration with the Trinidad and Tobago Cetacean Sighting Network (TTCSN)\, where we’ll dive deep into cutting-edge techniques being used in cetacean monitoring and conservation throughout the Caribbean. \nWhat You’ll Learn\n\nAdvanced visual monitoring techniques for marine mammals\nAcoustic monitoring technologies and their applications\nConservation strategies specific to Caribbean cetacean populations\nHow technology is transforming wildlife conservation efforts\n\nWho Should Attend\nThis webinar is specifically designed for: \n\nConservation Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)\nMarine conservation professionals\nEnvironmental researchers and students\nWildlife monitoring specialists\nAnyone interested in conservation technology applications\n\nRegistration\nVisit our website to register for this FREE webinar and secure your spot for this informative session. \nAbout Our Partners:\nThis webinar series is part of The Cropper Foundation’s ongoing work to support Caribbean CSOs in conservation by promoting awareness and adoption of conservation technologies. \nFunding: Supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) through the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot Small Grants Mechanism\, and administered by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI). \nTags: #ConservationTechnology #CaribbeanConservation #MarineConservation #Cetaceans #TTCSN #CEPF #CANARI \nThe Cropper Foundation is committed to advancing conservation efforts throughout the Caribbean through education\, technology\, and collaborative partnerships. URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/conservation-technology-for-caribbean-csos/ LOCATION:Virtual / Online CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/CEPF-Conservation-Technology-for-Caribbean-CSOs-Part-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20250503T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20250503T163000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20250410T035322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T070003Z UID:4619-1746286200-1746289800@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:BOOK LAUNCH: The Cropper Foundation presents Writing For Our Lives DESCRIPTION:Just shy of a year since announcing the Call for Submissions\, we’ll be launching Writing For Our Lives: A Caribbean climate justice anthology\, dedicated to the Foundation’s beloved friend\, the late Professor Emeritus Funso Aiyejina\, on Saturday 3 May\, 2025. \nThe hybrid event takes place on the third day of the Bocas Lit Fest at the iconic Old Fire Station in Port of Spain at 3:30PM\, and will be livestreamed via the Bocas Lit Fest Youtube and Facebook pages. \nThrough their powerful stories\, poems and essays\, 18 established and emerging writers from eight Caribbean territories are bringing the climate crisis into sharp focus through the voices of those most affected yet least heard — the people and communities of the Caribbean. \nPublished by the TT-based imprint Peekash Press\, and co-edited by Diana McCaulay and Shivanee Ramlochan\, the Writing For Our Lives anthology is part of the ongoing Today Today\, Congotay! arts for climate justice project implemented by The Cropper Foundation with funding support from Open Society Foundations. \nRead the press release \nLearn about the project URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/book-launch-the-cropper-foundation-presents-writing-for-our-lives/ LOCATION:NALIS\, NALIS\, Hart and Abercromby St.\, Port of Spain\, Port of Spain\, Trinidad and Tobago\, Port of Spain\, Trinidad and Tobago CATEGORIES:Bocas Lit Fest ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/WFOL-WEB-BANNER-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Bocas Lit Fest":MAILTO:info@bocaslitfest.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20250310T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20250311T120000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20250219T100526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T153433Z UID:4554-1741597200-1741694400@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:World NGO Day 2025 DESCRIPTION:Dates: March 10 & 11\, 2025\, Time: 9AM-12PM \nIn 2022\, we hosted our first commemoration of World NGO Day\, which has been internationally recognised and celebrated on February 27 since its establishment in 2014 in Europe. According to World NGO Day founders\, the purpose of the day is “to inspire people to become more actively involved within the NGO sector and encourage a greater symbiosis between NGOs and both the public and private sector.” You can learn more about World NGO Day here! \nThis is the fourth virtual edition of the event in as many years to be led by the Foundation through this dedicated civil society platform\, in collaboration with various non-profit actors. \nOur 2025 theme: S.O.S! Securing our space: Uniting for civic resilience\nWhile the official 2025 theme of the international commemoration focuses on “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future\,” we have chosen to underscore the importance of protecting civic space. This\, as we actively pursue the development\, promotion and adoption of tools and frameworks to enhance the sector’s operations\, governance and overall accountability. \nOur theme was intentionally selected against the backdrop of clear signals of existential challenges for civil society organisations and movements engaged in advancing and protecting civic participation in the development agenda. While this reality may be more pressing in the US context\, it presents an early warning signal\, and\, by extension\, an opportunity for us in the Caribbean to prepare to respond to these challenges. \nWhat does it mean to “secure our space” in this time\, especially in an election year in T&T? And how do we measure and monitor the sector’s resilience in the face of changing tides\, politically\, socially\, economically? Perhaps\, most importantly\, what is needed for us to cultivate more strategic and effective collaboration? \nWorld NGO Day 2025 objectives\n\nTo help build solidarity among the diverse groups and organisations operating in and supporting local (and regional) civil society.\nTo share knowledge and tools aimed at improving the delivery and impact of CSOs’ good work.\nTo facilitate local civil society actors strategising and mobilising efforts across thematic areas of research\, action and advocacy in the context of the forthcoming TT general election.\n\nProgramme highlights\nWorkshops\nWith the rapidly changing nature of work and engagement with the various audiences targeted by CSOs\, this year’s event will focus on building capacity in areas that are not simply relevant to present times\, but vital to planning for and addressing challenges of the foreseeable future. Participants will have the opportunity to dive into one of three exciting areas led by our expert facilitators. \n\nAI for non-profits: maximising tools for management\nForesighting: an approach to brainstorming and planning actions and workstreams\nNarratives: why we need them and how we create them\n\nPanel discussions\nPanel 1: Election time again: does the opportunity to engage outweigh the risk? \nThe natural increase in political engagement in a general election year does not guarantee an elevation in the quality of the national public discourse on important issues of governance and more. What is the role of civil society in advancing questions of social\, environmental or economic interest to the wider society? Is the sector prepared to help shape the national conversation and hold current and would-be parliamentary representatives accountable on key issues? What are the risks involved and how do we mitigate them? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with TT-based civil society actors\, moderated by journalist Soyini Grey. \nPanel 2: Trust: the cornerstone of movement building? A dialogue with regional NGO leaders. \nMany of our Caribbean territories are confronting similar challenges intersecting across the economy\, security\, health\, politics and climate change impacts. Civil society is not exempt. Some might argue the pressure is on our sector to help mitigate the fall-out from expanding inequality. What are the barriers preventing the region’s civil society actors and organisations from coordinating efforts more effectively? To what extent is a lack of trust among Caribbean people a factor? And just how important is trust to civil society’s development and impact in the region? Join us for a probing dialogue among regional civil society actors\, moderated by TCF CEO Cherisse Braithwaite-Joseph. \nNGO Strategising Sessions\nThe international fall-out from the dramatic shifts in the US political landscape in just over one month\, is already resonating in various quarters locally. Recognising the practical challenges CSOs are facing\, with a General Election looming\, we are dedicating this space to more direct engagement around the issues of the day. We are inviting all concerned CSO representatives to join us in this guided brainstorm/exploration of how our sector can organise to champion these issues among the priorities of the upcoming election season. \n \nRegister here to take part in our virtual World NGO Day 2025: https://csogo.tt/ngoday2025/ URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/world-ngo-day-2025/ LOCATION:Virtual / Online CATEGORIES:CSO Go,World NGO Day ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/NGO-Day.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241118 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241119 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20221011T172632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T122912Z UID:1915-1731888000-1731974399@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:Today Today Congotay! A Preview Of Writing For Our Lives DESCRIPTION:Today Today\, Congotay!\nA preview of Writing For Our Lives\nCo-edited by Diana McCaulay and Shivanee Ramlochan \nThe Cropper Foundation\, with funding support from Open Society Foundations\, launched the preview of the Caribbean Climate Justice anthology\, Writing For Our Lives on November 18 at the CARICOM Pavillion at the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference held in Baku\, Azerbaijan. \n \n \n Download PDF\n \nPublished by Peekash Press\, the preview presents the thoughtfully curated sample e-book comprising six pieces from as many Caribbean writers across fiction\, poetry and creative non-fiction\, along with a stirring introduction by UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell. \nThis electronic sample features pieces from the following writers: \n\nAnika Christopher\, British Virgin Islands\nBrendon Alekseii\, Trinidad & Tobago\nDreylan Johnson\, Guyana\nKevin Jared Hosein\, Trinidad & Tobago\nSharma Taylor\, Jamaica\nSonia Farmer\, The Bahamas\n\n\n \n Sharma Taylor \n\n \n Dreylan Johnson \n\n \n Kevin Jared Hosein \n\n \n Sonia Farmer \n\n \n Anika M. Christopher \n\n \n Brendon Alekseii \nHere’s a taste of each of the six pieces (across fiction\, creative non-fiction and poetry) presented in the Writing For Our Lives preview!\nVideo\nA visual interpretation of an excerpt from Sonia Farmer’s poem\, I HEAR IT SING IN THE WIND. Read by the author.\nA visual interpretation of an excerpt from Anika Christopher’s poem\, TANTE TELLS A STORY. Read by the author. \nAudio\nAn excerpt from a reading of Brendon Alekseii’s essay\, US POLLUTED IN TURN. Read by Wendell Manwarren.\nhttps://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Wendell-Sound-Design-MSTR.mp3\nAn excerpt from a reading of Dreylan Johnson’s essay\, THE GHOSTS ARE TRAPPED INDOORS WITH US. Read by Ruth Osman.\nhttps://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Ruth-Sound-Design-MSTR.mp3\nAn excerpt from a reading of Kevin Jared Hosein’s story\, THE SCRIPT. Read by the author.\nhttps://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Kevin-Sound-Design-Part-1-MSTR.mp3\nAn excerpt from a reading of Sharma Taylor’s story\, ORE. Read by Marlon James. \n https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Marlon-Sound-Design-MSTR.mp3\n \n What is the project about?\n \n \n Why The Cropper Foundation?\n \n \n What is climate justice?\n \n \n Publication credits\n \nWriting for Our Lives was conceived as an anthology of stories illuminating the urgency of the climate crisis for people and communities of Caribbean states marked by their varied yet substantial vulnerabilities. These stories will consider the implications for the health\, livelihoods\, culture\, heritage\, and well-being of the many who go unseen\, unheard and\, ultimately\, unaccounted for in the decision-making of those with power\, purveyors of our collective resources.   \nThe anthology will be published through the Trinidad and Tobago-based imprint Peekash Press\, producing an initial e-book for international release at the annual landmark climate conference\, COP29 in November 2024. A regional launch of print and audio publications will follow in the first quarter of 2025.   \nToday Today\, Congotay! \n“Who cyah hear go feel” is a loose translation of the colloquial Caribbean exhortation  “One day\, One day\, Congotay!”To register the real\, present\, existential threat of the climate fallout\, The Cropper Foundation has adapted it to title the series of climate justice\, multi-media arts-based interventions being rolled out over the period 2023-2026\, with funding from Open Society Foundations. \nWriting For Our Lives is the second strand in the Today Today\, Congotay! project. It follows the pilot of a climate justice community micro-theatre undertaking in 2023\, executed in collaboration with the Brazil and Williamsville Secondary Schools. \nThe project builds on the legacy of founders John and Angela Cropper’s vision for a seminal environment for the strengthening and exploration of Caribbean identity through literature. Beginning in 2000\, the same year the Foundation was registered\, the Cropper Writing Residency was one of the first ventures of the newly formed non-profit.   \nThrough its fifteen (ten adult and five teenaged) residential three-week workshops to date\, led by award-winning writers Funso Aiyejina and Merle Hodge\, the programme has helped mold over 180 Caribbean writers from almost every country in the anglophone Caribbean.   \nMany of these writers have gone on to publish with some earning major regional and global literary distinctions and accolades – among them\, Jamaican Kei Miller and TT authors Ayanna Lloyd-Banwo\, Danielle Boodoo-Fortune and Barbara Jenkins.   \nClimate justice intertwines human rights and development\, prioritising a people-centered approach. It aims to protect the most vulnerable and ensure fairness in sharing both the burdens and benefits of climate change. Grounded in science\, it recognises the necessity of equitable management of global resources. Climate justice underscores the unequal distribution and impacts of climate change\, stemming from historical and systemic factors. It advocates for inclusive and nuanced strategies in global climate action\, addressing underlying inequities. By acknowledging disparities and promoting fairness\, climate justice strives for a world where all individuals can thrive amidst environmental challenges. \nAnthology editors and publication illustrator / cover artist\nCo-Editors: Diana McCaulay and Shivanee Ramlochan. \nOriginal Editor: Funso Aiyejina. \nThe cover image is a detail of original artwork by artist Jaidn Bain commissioned for the Writing For Our Lives project. \nPublished for The Cropper Foundation by Peekash Press \nISBN 978-976-96854-5-1 \n \n \nJaidn Bain\nTrinidad & Tobago\n \nDiana McCaulay\nTrinidad & Tobago\n \nShivanee Ramlochan\nTrinidad & Tobago\n \nFunso Aiyejina\nTrinidad & Tobago\nWriting for Our Lives was conceived as an anthology of stories illuminating the urgency of the climate crisis for people and communities of Caribbean states marked by their varied yet substantial vulnerabilities. These stories will consider the implications for the health\, livelihoods\, culture\, heritage\, and well-being of the many who go unseen\, unheard and\, ultimately\, unaccounted for in the decision-making of those with power\, purveyors of our collective resources.   \nThe anthology will be published through the Trinidad and Tobago-based imprint Peekash Press\, producing an initial e-book for international release at the annual landmark climate conference\, COP29 in November 2024. A regional launch of print and audio publications will follow in the first quarter of 2025.   \nToday Today\, Congotay! \n“Who cyah hear go feel” is a loose translation of the colloquial Caribbean exhortation  “One day\, One day\, Congotay!”To register the real\, present\, existential threat of the climate fallout\, The Cropper Foundation has adapted it to title the series of climate justice\, multi-media arts-based interventions being rolled out over the period 2023-2026\, with funding from Open Society Foundations. \nWriting For Our Lives is the second strand in the Today Today\, Congotay! project. It follows the pilot of a climate justice community micro-theatre undertaking in 2023\, executed in collaboration with the Brazil and Williamsville Secondary Schools. \nThe project builds on the legacy of founders John and Angela Cropper’s vision for a seminal environment for the strengthening and exploration of Caribbean identity through literature. Beginning in 2000\, the same year the Foundation was registered\, the Cropper Writing Residency was one of the first ventures of the newly formed non-profit.   \nThrough its fifteen (ten adult and five teenaged) residential three-week workshops to date\, led by award-winning writers Funso Aiyejina and Merle Hodge\, the programme has helped mold over 180 Caribbean writers from almost every country in the anglophone Caribbean.   \nMany of these writers have gone on to publish with some earning major regional and global literary distinctions and accolades – among them\, Jamaican Kei Miller and TT authors Ayanna Lloyd-Banwo\, Danielle Boodoo-Fortune and Barbara Jenkins.   \nClimate justice intertwines human rights and development\, prioritising a people-centered approach. It aims to protect the most vulnerable and ensure fairness in sharing both the burdens and benefits of climate change. Grounded in science\, it recognises the necessity of equitable management of global resources. Climate justice underscores the unequal distribution and impacts of climate change\, stemming from historical and systemic factors. It advocates for inclusive and nuanced strategies in global climate action\, addressing underlying inequities. By acknowledging disparities and promoting fairness\, climate justice strives for a world where all individuals can thrive amidst environmental challenges. \nAnthology editors and publication illustrator / cover artist\nCo-Editors: Diana McCaulay and Shivanee Ramlochan. \nOriginal Editor: Funso Aiyejina. \nThe cover image is a detail of original artwork by artist Jaidn Bain commissioned for the Writing For Our Lives project. \nPublished for The Cropper Foundation by Peekash Press \nISBN 978-976-96854-5-1 \n \n \nJaidn Bain\nTrinidad & Tobago\n \nDiana McCaulay\nTrinidad & Tobago\n \nShivanee Ramlochan\nTrinidad & Tobago\n \nFunso Aiyejina\nTrinidad & Tobago\n \nThe ‘Today\, Today Congotay!’ programme is supported through funding from Open Society Foundations. URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/today-today-congotay/ CATEGORIES:NGO ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/wfol-06.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240711 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240714 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20250605T104226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T104830Z UID:4987-1720656000-1720915199@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:Daz Good Ting Circular City Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Showcasing innovative solutions to tackle waste\nOver 20 local organisations to demonstrate circular economy in action at the Circular City at the 2024 edition of the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC)\, July 11-13.   \nOur presentation of the Circular City at this year’s TIC aims to centre circular economy principles and activities in a space created to explore possibilities and opportunities for Caribbean businesses. Organisers of the Circular City are hoping to drive this conversation with the business community and the wider public by showcasing local entrepreneurs and community organisations integrating sustainability and circularity in their delivery of products and services.   \nAcross the world\, states have been wrestling with waste management challenges\, attributed in the main to the dominant linear economic model of ‘take-make-use-waste’.  The situation is no less pressing in Trinidad and Tobago\, as evidenced in SWMCOL’s 2023 Waste Characterisation Study\, which shows that over the period 2020-2022 the amount of (unsorted) waste piling into Trinidad’s landfills peaked to around 770\,000 tons annually.   \nIdentified as the sustainable counterpart to the linear economy\, the circular economy is premised on the principles of reduction\, reuse\, and recovery. It emphasises the maintenance of value of materials and products for as long as possible\, and the options for regenerating value once they have reached the end of their useful life.   \n“Circular City” – the culmination of the Daz Good Ting digital campaign\nDaz Good Ting (DGT) is a consumer behaviour change campaign that aims to encourage people to minimise waste by engaging these 5 Rs: Reduce\, Reuse\, Repair\, Repurpose\, Recycle. With its emphasis on “good ting”\, it reinforces the value of many materials and products being discarded. Instead of contributing to waste in our landfills\, we can extend the life of items through maintenance and find ways to regenerate value once they have reached the end of their useful life. Daz Good Ting was hatched in 2023 in a collaborative brainstorming process involving a small multi-stakeholder group (Siel Environmental Services Ltd\, Hello Green\, EMA\, Cashew Gardens Community Council\, Every Bottle Back and The Cropper Foundation)\, facilitated by Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi.    \nCatalysing and Connecting the Circular Economy in T&T\nThe campaign is part of the wider IDB-Lab funded project “Catalyzing and Connecting the Circular Economy in Trinidad and Tobago.” This project has supported the realisation of various initiatives including the creation of the Container Recycling Services Ltd\, responsible for Every Bottle Back\, the Green Screen Environmental Film Festival’s Circular Economy category prize in the 2023 Very Short Shorts Mobile Film Competition; and the Full Circle Challenge hosted by COSTAATT.   \nCheck out the full list of exhibitors taking part in the Circular City and get links to their websites and social media to learn more about their work. \nVisitors can look forward to an engaging\, stimulating display at the Circular City\, conceptualised and designed by the team at Everything Slight Pepper under the leadership of creative director Jeunanne Alkins. \nFor updates on the Circular City and more information on the Daz Good Ting campaign\, follow @thecropperfndn and @dazgoodting across Instagram and Facebook.   \nCircular City Exhibitors Schedule\n Thursday\, July 11 \n Friday\, July 12 \n Saturday\, July 13\n Thursday\, July 11  \n\nEMA – I Care Recycling Programme \nClose the Loop Caribbean \nFlying Tree Environmental  \nIAMovement \nSiel Environmental Services Ltd \nSnikla Enterprises\nSWMCOL – Recycling Programme \nEcovolt – Full Circle Challenge Winner\n\n Friday\, July 12  \n\nEMA – I Care Recycling Programme \nBCRC-Caribbean: Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training & Technology Transfer for the Caribbean \nHello Green Products Ltd \nIdeas I Foundation \nProtofabTT \nVetiverTT Econological Engineering Solutions Ltd \nAlliance of Rural Communities – Full Circle Challenge Winner  \n3BA Allamanda Enterprise Ltd – Full Circle Challenge Winner\n\n Saturday\, July 13 \n\nEMA – I Care Recycling Programme \nCashew Gardens Community Council\nCentral Pathfinders Environmental Foundation \nCarnicycle Ltd \nContainer Recycling Services Ltd (Every Bottle Back) \nFed Up Caribbean \nGlastic Designs \nPal Let’s Build It \n\nBougainvillea Hall\,\nCentre Of Excellence\n17A Macoya Rd\, Tunapuna\, Trinidad & Tobago\n “We think TIC is an ideal space to share the efforts of SMEs\, NGOs and state actors who’ve been in the trenches\, taking the risks\, and doing the hard work and the research in the waste sector. It’s the common ground we need to meet and engage our different audiences and we’re looking forward to it.”\n \n Omar Mohammed\n The Cropper Foundation CEO\n “We are excited to host the first Circular City at the Trade and Investment Convention as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. We wish to affirm our dedication to sustainable innovation and envisioning a future where resources are cherished\, reused\, and rejuvenated. This event represents a significant milestone where collaboration catalyses transformation\, forging a resilient future for T&T.”\n \n Dr Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen\n CEO of the TTMA\, host of the annual Trade & Investment Convention\n “Our participation highlights our pivotal role and continued commitment to sustainability and the promotion of the circular economy as part of the solution to the global climate emergency by adopting a Re-think\, Re-create\, Re-cycle\, Re-generate mindset towards a more sustainable future.”\n \n Environmental Management Authority (EMA)\n Key collaborator in the Circular City URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/daz-good-ting-circular-city-exhibition/ LOCATION:Centre of Excellence\, 17A Macoya Road\, Tunapuna\, Trinidad and Tobago CATEGORIES:Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/extractimages_1232025_23247.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231118T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231118T190000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20250123T223711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T093335Z UID:4139-1700265600-1700334000@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:Today Today Congotay! A Climate Justice Micro-Theatre Festival DESCRIPTION:Recap of Climate Justice micro-theatre festival\nEnjoy this recap of the pioneering climate justice micro-theatre festival in 2023\, the first strand of Today Today\, Congotay! It involved researching\, interpreting and dramatising real-life stories of climate impacts from surrounding communities. \n\n\n\n\n\n  \nThe Climate Justice-themed Micro-Theatre Festival\, TODAY TODAY\, CONOGOTAY! will present up to ten micro-theatre plays that centre climate justice issues by highlighting climate change-related stories and concerns of often overlooked communities and the most vulnerable within them. \nThe Cropper Foundation (TCF)\, an award-winning 23-year-old TT-based Non-Profit Organisation working in sustainable development\, and the Micro-Theatre Festival of Trinidad and Tobago (MTFTT)\, the premier short-form theatrical experience\, have partnered to amplify the voices of rural communities impacted by climate change. This project is the first in a series of climate justice-themed\, arts-based initiatives to be led by TCF over the period 2023-2026\, with support from the Open Society Foundations. \nMicro-Theatre is a powerful storytelling format that consists of repeat performances of short\, punchy\, thought-provoking productions staged simultaneously to intimate audiences at 15-minute intervals over several hours. \nAt its core\, the concept of climate justice aims to connect the climate crisis to the social and environmental issues in which it is deeply entangled\, and to build awareness of the need for just division and equitable distribution of the burdens of climate change. \nThe CONGOTAY Festival is the culmination of three months of working closely with the Williamsville and Brazil Secondary Schools and communities to bring together theatre and climate advocacy\, sourcing (story) material as well as actors and other resources from neighbouring communities. We are proud to present these schools as the Festival host-venues in their respective communities. \n \nPerformance Synopsis\n\nPlay 1: Justice? – Eric Barry \n\n\nA woman living in Greenvale whose home and life was devastated by the great flood of 2018 recounts to terror she experienced during the flood and the horrors she faced in the aftermath. \n\n\n\n\nPlay 2: Heat in the Market – Eric Barry \n\n\n\n\nThe extremely high temperature not only affects crop yield\, it causes a customer’s temper to rise as she quarrels with vendors in the market about the price of tomatoes. \n\n\n\n\nPlay 3: Midday Robber – Rhesa Samuel \n\n\n\n\nIn the streets of Brazil\, what was once a playground for children and a marketplace for bountiful crops is now governed by a scorching villain. This serial stinger leaves the streets empty\, as he robs children of hopscotch\, scootch and marble pitch. He steals money from the villagers’ pockets\, drying up the goods they depend on for money. Even though people are petrified to step foot outside\, how far are they willing to go for Brazil to be free of the MIDDAY ROBBER. \n\n\n\n\nWith heat as the antagonist\, this musical piece aims to highlight some of the effects\, causes and possible solutions regarding climate change. \n\n\n\n\nPlay 4: The Assignment – Albert Smith \n\n\n\n\nTwo high school students have a deadline to submit their “last chance-at-a-grade” school assignment about climate change\, with the aid of the most powerful AI\, you think they’ll ace it? \n\n\n\n\nPlay 5: Vessigny 2049 – Albert Smith \n\n\n\n\nIt’s 25 years in the future\, and the population of Vessigny has had enough of the pollution created by a chemical plant called VesChemCo\, so a popular leader decides to do something towards bringing the culprit to justice. \n\n\n\n\nPlay 6: An Untold Story – Arnetia Thomas \n\n\n\n\nThis is the story of the psychological damage that has been done to those affected by the 2019 flood in Greenvale\, due to the ignorance of others and the forces of nature. We see Man\, who has personally experienced the flood\, sitting in his living room reading. All of sudden\, rain begins pouring the same way it did on that day and it brings back memories. As the rain continues to fall he tells us his story of what happened and how it affected him and his family \n\n\n\n\nPlay 7: Me and Mr Capybara – Shania Mark \n\n\n\n\nA farmer Lady struggling to reap a harvest in the midst of a drought meets a personified Capybara who informs her of the ways of man and the impact on the environment. \n\n\n\n\nPlay 8: A Wave of Emotion – Shania Mark \n\n\n\n\nChristy\, a survivor of the Great Greenvale flood of 2018 still suffers the effects and trauma from the experience of losing it all including her unborn child. She relives the events of the flood while discussing her fears of heavy rainfall with her husband who is trying to move past the tragic events. Simultaneously on the other side of the wall\, we meet a politician who addresses the situation with promises and pledge but we can see that all those promises are empty. \n\n\n\n\nPlay 9: THE PROTECTOR – Written and Directed by Ambika Ramdass \n\n\n\n\nA young man\, fascinated by the legend of Papa Bois\, experiences a clash between childhood optimism and adulthood responsibilities as the oil and gas industry encroaches into his rural\, childhood village. He must grapple with his changing perspectives and the world he leaves behind.  This piece examines issues of intergenerational equity and personal responsibility by offering a look into the past\, present and future. In this climate crisis\, who is “The Protector”? \n\n\n\n\nPlay 10: CLIMATE CHANGE\, NO CAP – Written and Directed by Ambika Ramdass \n\n\n\n\nInspired by a capy-omen\, the capybara society fed up with over-exploitation and climatic changes strike back against humankind. Chewbara\, a cap-onstable in the capy-police force faces a crisis of conscience when he is reminded of the truth of his past. “Climate Change\, No Cap” asks “What is Climate Justice?” in a world where changing climate drives resource scarcity and puts different communities at odds. \n\n\n\n\nPlay 11: A CAUSE OF ACTION OR A TRINIBAD ELEGY ON CLIMATE CHANGE – written by Brendon Alekseii and edited and directed by Marcus Waldron \n\n\n\n\nCounsellor Peters and Doctor Singh are the lone representatives for communities affected by climate change. Their call for climate justice is an uphill legal battle for these ravaged communities against a government minister and a vacationing corporate entity that is attempting to hold a country’s future to ransom. \n\n\n\n\nFor more information\, please email outreach@thecropperfoundation.org or call (868)221-5751.You can also visit The Cropper Foundation and the Micro-Theatre Festival of Trinidad and Tobago on all social media platforms. URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/today-today-congotay-2023/ LOCATION:Brazil Secondary School CATEGORIES:NGO ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thecropperfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/TODAY-TODAY-Facebook-Cover-3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20220419T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Port_of_Spain:20220419T160000 DTSTAMP:20260619T165850 CREATED:20250125T095542Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250125T095542Z UID:4296-1650373200-1650384000@thecropperfoundation.org SUMMARY:NGO Fair Pt. 2 DESCRIPTION:UNDP and the Cropper Foundation invite you to participate in the 2nd NGO FAIR to be held on April 19\, 2022 from 1.00 – 4.00 pm\, which will comprise two (2) sessions: \n\n\nSession 1: Knowledge Webinar – Incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into project design and implementation; \n\n\nSession 2: Public consultation – Stockholm+50 key themes \n\n\n\n\nClick here to register \n\n\nSession 1: Immediately preceding the virtual consultation\, UNDP along with the Cropper Foundation and CSO GO\, will deliver a virtual knowledge session on best practices in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into civil society projects. This knowledge session will be led by Dr. Sharda Mahabir\, National Coordinator\, UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme\, and will feature testimonials from successful UNDP/GEF Small Grants recipient NGOs. \nSession 2:  You are invited to participate in a virtual consultation  at which UNDP will be seeking your feedback on the key themes that will be discussed at the Stockholm+50 international meeting in June. \nThis international meeting will commemorate 50 years since the convening of the UN Conference on the Human Environment. It is also designed to help accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) during the Decade of Action including through a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Sweden will host the meeting with the support of the Government of Kenya. \nThe objective of the national consultations is to stimulate an inclusive whole-of-society and whole-of-government dialogue on the main themes of Stockhom+50 as they relate to each national context. These themes are: \n\nLeadership dialogue 1: Reflecting on the urgent need for actions to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity of all;\nLeadership dialogue 2: Achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; and\nLeadership dialogue 3: Accelerating the implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development.\n\nYour ideas\, actions and innovations related to these themes are important to the pathway to a sustainable future that will be the focus of Stockholm+50. You are encouraged to download the Summary Information Sheet\, as well as the Guiding Questions that will be used in the breakout sessions for the dialogues above. \n\n\nConsultation Guiding Questions\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStockholm + 50 Summary Brief \n\n\nWe look forward to you being a part of this important discussion that will be included in our country’s contribution to Stockholm+50. Please note that for ensuring accuracy of documentation only\, the sessions will be recorded. \nPlease register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrc-2vrjwiGNJR3x2hIsrqDNyer7FU_n4T and indicate whether sign language interpretation is required. URL:https://thecropperfoundation.org/event/ngo-fair-pt-2/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR