- Grenada gets First UNESCO Inscription for Traditional Boat Building in Carriacou and Petite Martinique
The Grenada Tourism Authority is pleased to announce that traditional boat construction in Carriacou and Petite Martinique has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This major accomplishment recognises a centuries-old practice that is strongly established in the sister islands’ rich history and culture.
Traditional wooden boat making is a significant cultural tradition that is intertwined into the fabric of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Master shipwrights lead the communities, which methodically pass down skills and knowledge via oral teaching and hands-on learning. Hand-selected trees are felled at precise moon phases, followed by a ceremonial rite combining rum and water and a customary blessing.
The activity of boat construction fosters camaraderie, social relationships, and strong communal bonding. It acts as a uniting factor, bringing men, women, and children together to celebrate at different phases of building and boat launching. These boats are more than simply vessels; they are vital modes of transportation and communication, as well as an important aspect of the marine cultural character.
“The ICH representative list is about ensuring better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and raising awareness of their significance,” said the Secretary General of the Grenada National Commission for UNESCO. As a result, the inclusion of boat construction on this elite list demonstrates its importance not just in Grenada but around the globe in developing traditions and safeguarding precious information.”
“Safeguarding Grenada’s local traditions and intangible heritage is just as important as erecting monuments or preserving tangible historic assets, especially in an era of globalisation,” says Ms Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. Boat construction is engrained in the DNA of Carriacou, a key communal activity, in a world where cultural integration threatens identity. Our dedication to ensuring that this valued heritage flourishes and is smoothly passed down from generation to generation is unshakable.” Ms Roach also praised the Grenada Tourism Authority’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek, “who’s dedication and vision resulted in our first inscription.”
The Honourable Tevin Andrews, Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, agrees, saying, “This UNESCO inscription recognises the significance of traditional boat building in our islands, as well as the unique cultural richness of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.” It promotes sustainable tourism by raising awareness of our customs and encourages people around Grenada to share and preserve their history. It not only protects our cultural identity, but it also encourages sustainable growth and ecologically responsible behaviours.”
Over the years, communities have actively participated in protective measures such as encouraging youth boat construction, community fundraisers, and educational programmes. Through educational programmes, the inscription supports continued efforts to increase awareness, record the element, and assure intergenerational transmission.
Internationally, the inscription promotes debate with authorities about the preservation of living heritage and establishes links with different boat building groups. Wind-powered sails provide a carbon-neutral transportation alternative, promoting sustainable growth. Furthermore, the attention generated by this designation adds to UNESCO’s overall aim of conserving intangible cultural assets across the globe.
The Grenada Tourism Authority thanks Dr. Angus Martin for his diligent research, the communities and practitioners who contributed greatly to the research, the GTA team in Carriacou who collated the data and research throughout the application process, and the stakeholders who actively participated in the nomination process, ensuring the continued celebration of this unique cultural practice for future generations.
