The Biocultural Education and Research Programme

The Biocultural Education and Research Programme (BERP) is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 in Barbados to promote the conservation of plant biodiversity through education and research. Led by Dr. Sonia Peter, a chemist and ethnobotanist, BERP works to foster community awareness and respect for traditional knowledge and plant biodiversity by using education and research to influence attitudes and engage stakeholders.

The Biocultural Education and Research Programme (BERP) is a nonprofit organization based in Barbados, dedicated to conserving plant biodiversity through education and research. Founded in 2017 by Dr. Sonia Peter—a natural products chemist and practicing ethnobotanist—BERP aims to reconnect communities with their botanical heritage and promote sustainable practices rooted in traditional knowledge. Dr. Peter's vision emerged from her desire to bridge academic science with community engagement, emphasizing the cultural significance of local plant species .

BERP operates with a multidisciplinary team, including experts in herbal medicine, ecology, and agricultural science. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders to foster respect for plant biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems, utilizing education and research as tools for community empowerment .

Initiatives

Plants and Planting for the Future (PPFTF)

BERP hosts the biennial "Plants and Planting for the Future" symposium, a platform for discussing developments in agriculture, food security, health, and biodiversity. The symposium brings together local and international experts to share insights on sustainable practices and the importance of plant conservation.

Field Studies in Key Biodiversity Areas

In 2021, BERP conducted field studies in Barbados' Scotland District, a recognized Key Biodiversity Area. The research focused on identifying endemic plant species and assessing their conservation status, highlighting the critical need for preserving these unique ecosystems.

SustainaBIM Youth Competition

Launched in collaboration with the National Cultural Foundation, the SustainaBIM competition engages Barbadian youth in sustainability topics aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Participants create projects emphasizing good health, climate action, and biodiversity, fostering environmental awareness among younger generations.

Art & Biodiversity Project

This initiative merges art and science to promote plant conservation. Collaborating with local artists, BERP produces educational materials like botanical illustrations and coloring books, making biodiversity topics accessible and engaging to the public.

Collaboration with Andromeda Botanic Gardens

BERP partners with Andromeda Botanic Gardens to manage an ethnobotanical garden and conduct research activities. This collaboration enhances public education on the uses of local plants and supports the conservation of Barbados' botanical heritage.

Key Activities

• Ethnobotanical Research: Documenting traditional plant uses to preserve cultural heritage and inform sustainable practices.

• Community Education: Hosting workshops and seminars to raise awareness about plant biodiversity and conservation.

• Youth Engagement: Implementing programs like SustainaBIM to involve young people in environmental stewardship.

• Artistic Outreach: Utilizing creative mediums to communicate the importance of biodiversity.

• Collaborative Conservation: Partnering with botanical gardens and other organizations to enhance research and preservation efforts.