PROGREEN in Dominica

PROGREEN, a global partnership led by the World Bank and supported by countries like Germany and Sweden, has played a vital role in helping Dominica manage its forest resources sustainably. Dominica’s rainforests cover over 60% of the island and are crucial for biodiversity, local livelihoods, and climate resilience. Recognizing this, PROGREEN and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) provide financial and technical assistance to Dominica, supporting the government’s initiatives to build resilience through forest management, eco-tourism, and community involvement.

Objectives and Key Challenges

PROGREEN’s support addresses critical gaps identified in Dominica’s forestry sector, including regulatory fragmentation, limited data systems for decision-making, and insufficient coordination across government agencies. Dominica’s forests are integral to multiple sectors—such as tourism, agriculture, and water management—though their economic contributions often go unrecognized. PROGREEN’s work emphasizes creating a coordinated framework for sustainable forest management, which includes modernizing regulations and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, particularly involving local and Indigenous communities like the Kalinago, who rely on these forest resources for cultural and economic purposes.

Integrated Forest Sector Reform and Conservation

One of the core PROGREEN initiatives in Dominica is the Integrated Forest Sector Reform. This project supports Dominica’s National Forest Policy by promoting sustainable practices, restoring degraded landscapes, and increasing biodiversity protection. PROGREEN’s efforts align with the country’s National Forest Policy by helping implement long-term forest conservation strategies. This includes protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate risks, and promoting eco-tourism as an economic driver, thereby enhancing the sustainable development of forest-dependent communities.

Impact on Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods

Through funding and technical support, PROGREEN aids Dominica in harnessing its forest resources to mitigate climate impacts. Forests play a key role in carbon sequestration and water regulation, essential for an island prone to hurricanes, landslides and flooding. PROGREEN projects also provide alternative livelihoods through eco-tourism, training local communities in sustainable tourism and forest management. This diversification not only strengthens the economy but also ensures that communities near forests can participate in protecting their natural environment.

Eco-Tourism and Community Engagement

With PROGREEN’s support, Dominica is expanding eco-tourism initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades, skills training, and implementing a digital platform to manage forested protected areas. This effort promotes responsible tourism, bringing economic benefits to the island while preserving its natural resources. By involving local communities, especially those within and around forest areas, PROGREEN’s support fosters a sense of stewardship, ensuring that conservation benefits are shared.

PROGREEN’s collaboration with Dominica exemplifies an integrated approach to forest and landscape management, supporting both conservation and economic development. This partnership contributes to Dominica’s long-term vision of climate resilience, balancing environmental needs with sustainable economic growth.