Dominica recently played a pivotal role in a regional seminar on ecosystem restoration in Trinidad and Tobago, a key initiative under the United States Forest Service’s Natural Infrastructure for Caribbean Resilience (NICaR) program. This event, which spans five days, is a significant gathering for environmental protection institutions, community-based organizations, and tertiary institutions from five NICaR grantee countries, focusing on practical solutions to bolster resilience against climate change in the Caribbean.
The seminar emphasized sharing knowledge and innovative strategies for upland forest restoration, conservation, disaster risk reduction, and enhancing urban resilience. It highlighted the collaborative efforts of countries including Dominica, aiming to fortify the region’s response to climate extremes and preserve its rich biodiversity.
Dominica’s representation included notable contributions from the Dominica Red Cross and the Anse Kouanari Tourism Association (AKTA), a community-based NGO. Their involvement underscores Dominica’s active engagement in upland forest restoration and disaster recovery initiatives, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Maria. The NICaR program has supported these efforts, facilitating significant progress in reforestation and disaster preparedness in communities such as Tarreau and Good Hope.
The seminar also served as a platform for regional exchange, with participants from Dominica and other countries taking part in community reforestation efforts and cultural exchanges. This experience not only enriched their understanding of disaster risk reduction strategies but also fostered a sense of regional solidarity and shared purpose in tackling environmental challenges.
Dominica’s participants reflected positively on their experiences, emphasizing the valuable insights gained from the seminar and the potential for applying best practices learned to local conservation efforts. The NICaR program’s support has been instrumental in enhancing the island’s resilience to climate change, demonstrating the power of regional cooperation in addressing global environmental issues.
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