Barbados’ biggest environmental event was held on Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29 2019 at Pelican Village.

To culminate the activities of Barbados’ Environment Month, the two-day Small Island Future Fest (SIFF) was executed by the BlueGreen Initiative and the Future Centre Trust, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification and UN Development Programme (UNDP) GEF Small Grants Programme.

This jam packed weekend attracted locals and visitors alike to experience a dynamic collaboration, where green meets blue focused on promoting sustainable development challenges, issues and solutions. Exhibitors represented current and past grantees of the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programmes, blue and green businesses and other civil society groups of Barbados. The UN Village featured an interactive display of the work various UN agencies are spearheading surrounding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In partnership with UWI TV, the SIFF also featured a BlueGreen Summit - youth and expert editions - where audiences were treated to inspiring innovative talks about the future of the environment of Barbados.

SIFF showcased a wide range of activities, from eco-attractions to exhibitions in film, fashion and fitness; competitions, delicious food, and a kid’s zone. Notably the Lionfish Derby was a big hit which was followed by a delectable Lionfish Cook Off! There was fun for all ages founded on sustainable living practices. Saturday evening the SIFF closed with a phenomenal concert featuring performances by Ch’An, Mikey, Damian Marvay, Biggie Irie, and Altered Fifth; and an environmentally friendly fireworks display.

The Blue Economy Accelerator Lab, based in Barbados and functioning in Barbados and the OECS, supported the BlueGreen Summit held at the Small Island Future Fest (SIFF) 2019 in Barbados. The BlueGreen Summit was a thrilling series of talks where young people and experts in the blue and green economy fields discussed propelling environment change.

The Small Island Future Fest is the first of its kind and hopes to continue to grow for years to come.