Dominica / Special Interests / Conservation

Dominica is so immersed in the philosophy and tenets of conservation it’s a surprise not to see the word entwined in its coat of arms. Several non-governmental organisations, a clutch of highly informed individuals and the Government’s Forestry Division form various action groups to supplement an already strong framework of National Parks and marine and forest reserves. Dominica’s commitment to change and integrative processes led to the inaugural International Green Investment Conference in early October 2010 at Jungle Bay Resort which focussed on the shift from talking to actual implementation with regard to conservation, geotourism, boosting local economies and environmental education.

National Parks

Overseas investment has already created a number of sustainable enterprises in coastal and mountain locations but the bedrock of protection of the country’s landscape and core values, are the designated National Parks.

National Parks in Dominca include:

Morne Trois Pitons National Park -  The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean which includes Morne Macaque, Boeri Lake, the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake.

Morne Diablotin Park -  Established to preserve the two endemic Amazonian parrots in 2000.

Cabrits National Park - This has become the showpiece historic attraction with its 18th century Fort Shirley after a restoration effort funded by the European Eco Tourism Development and lovingly overseen by revered historian and sage Lennox Honychurch since 2006. Tours available with Island Heritage Services.

Forest Reserves

Forest Reserves were initiated in 1952 with the Central Forest Reserve followed by the Northern in 1977 administered by Government’s Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division for sustainable use of resources.

Marine Reserves

Marine Reserves have been instigated at Cabrits, Salisbury and Soufriere-Scotts Head to balance the needs of magnificent reef life, diving tourism and the local fishing communities.

The Institute for Tropical Marine Ecology - It has a Field Station at Mahaut on the west coast,  t 449 3725.

The Whale Watch Centre - Based at the Anchorage Hotel and Dive Centre, also organise whale watching trips on Dive Dominica’s 54 foot span catamaran; deep inshore waters are gathering grounds for 20 species and a resident sperm whale population which usually guarantees good sightings.

Organisations and research centres in Dominica include:

The Archbold Tropical Research & Education Centre - It operates under the auspices of Clemson University as a scientific and environmental research centre at the Springfield Plantation Guesthouse in the foothills north of Roseau, t 449 3026

Three Rivers Eco Lodge - Situated in a remote valley at Newfoundland on the east coast above Rosalie Bay, is a sustainable living centre with alternative forms of energy, self sufficiency, organics and environmental management to the fore. Host Jem Winston runs the Dominica International EcoFest in May where private and public sectors are encouraged to participate in various workshops and ongoing educational programmes on renewable energy and conservation.

The Dominica EcoTourism Association - Established in 1994 by Parry Bellot to promote co-operation, understanding and closer working relationships between institutions and parties interested in developing its principles.

Dominica Conservation Association - Former Programme Director and long time erudite polemicist Henry Shillingford, is a guardian of all things worth preserving in Dominica, is an important voice in any environmental debate.

Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation - A dedicated non-profit organisation seeking to promote energising the economy through environmental awareness and sustainable practices; membership encouraged from overseas.

Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organization (DomSeTCO) - The east coast is a major breeding ground for three species of turtle and this ongoing programme sponsors anti-poaching campaigns, beach patrols and education. Call DomSeTCO for information/to report sightings, t 448 4091/275 0724.

RoSTI, the Rosalie Sea Turtle Initiative - On the east coast funded by Beverly Deikel does similar sterling work and expanded operations into Londonberry Bay on the north coast with great success based on dialogue and local community involvement. RoSTI Turtle Hotline t 225 7742

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division, Botanical Gardens, Roseau, t 266 3817 | forestry@cwdom.dm | www.avirtualdominica.com/forestry/index.cfm

Dominica Marine Reserves, Fisheries Building, Roseau
manager@dominicamarinereserves.com | www.dominicamarinereserves.com

The Institute for Tropical Marine Ecology, Mahaut, t 449 3725 | www.itme.org   

Archbold Tropical Research and Education Center (ATREC), Springfield Plantation Guesthouse, Imperial Road, t 449 3026 | www.clemson.edu/public/rec/archbold/

Dominica EcoTourism Association, contact Parry Bellot - t 448 1639 | parbel@cwdom.dm

Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation, 54, King George V Street, t 235 6565 | pascali@cwdom.dm

Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organization (DomSeTCO), Morne Daniel, t 448 4091/275 0724, contact WIDECAST Country Coordinator, Errol Harris, errolmar@cwdom.cm

Rosalie Sea Turtle Initiative (RoSTI), Rosalie Bay Resort, Rosalie, Turtle Hotline t 225 7742