Bio-diversity

The farmers of Belles have experienced some hardship mainly due to the decline in the banana industry and the high cost of production of other agricultural produce, low market price and unstable markets. The farmers recognize that the area is rich in natural resources with a range of opportunities but which have been under-utilised and need to be organised for income generation. Through the proposed project, the farmers anticipate higher income levels from sustainable use of the abundance of resources in the area, in agricultural based and other eco-tourism activities. Located between the Morne Trois Pitons National Park World Heritage Site and the Central Forest Reserve, the Belles area has valuable forests, watersheds, rivers and streams, rich soil, historical sites and flaura and fauna. The people are hard-working experienced men and women. The community has not benefitted from any investment in tourism at a national level, but some of the residents have recognised the benefits and invested as much as they could into small start-ups for tourism related projects. The farmers group has explored the possibilities for alternative livelihoods and recognise the potential in moving to agro-based eco-tourism. This project has linkages to the national eco-tourism programme and the Organic Dominica thrust, also the need for increased attention on food security and addressing prevailing CNCD Chronic Non- Communicable Diseases. The project will have direct linkages to the Waitukubuli National Trail and will develop through this project, the sections of the old French trails which traverse the village with intention to eventually join to the Waitukubuli National Trail. Some tours will be developed in conjunction with other service providers. Also included in the plan are farm owners and other owners of property where there are trails, forests and hot springs, rivers and streams and other special attractions and resources to encourage and support conservation and sustainable use. 10 The project will also be linked to developments in Concord and Marigot areas including the two SGP projects namely Sand Bay Development and the DomSetCo s turtle watching project facility at Cabana taking advantage of the Melville Hall - Pond Case Road Rehabilitation Project which will provide improved access to the village and is expected to see an increase in users once completed. The Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement (DOAM) will be engaged to train and support more farmers of the area to economically engaged in organic farming. Sustainable Living Initiative Centre (SLIC) will be invited to support demonstration projects of alternative energy such as mini hydro-power plants on farmers holdings. Planned Activities Overall Objectives: To engage local people in developing the community of Belles to become a leading eco/agro tourism community in the country through which the residents will increase income while conserving and enhancing the natural resources. Act-ivity Description Time frame Expected results Indicators Estimated amount EC$ 1 Capacity building Project developing, report writing, monitoring and evaluation, organisational development, business plan development, marketing, 10 months The BFG and other members of the community will be able to start up and manage small business and Increase revenue to families and communities Number of people completing training (in different areas) Number of small businesses set up and operating successfully Percentage change in income levels Number of people employed 9,000.00 2. Skills training plant propagation, food processing for cottage industries such as [jams, jellies, pepper sauce, coffee and cocoa], food preservation wet and dry techniques 8 months Ability of members and other residents to utilise skills in opportunities for income generation Improved livelihoods # of persons trained Income generated from activities 9,000.00 3 Environmental education programme including discussion forums, special events World Rivers Day commemorative activities, tree planting and river clean ups 6 months Increased awareness and appreciation for resources and environment and increased adopting of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices Number of species/trees planted # of endangered species planted # of endangered species protected Residents display increasing advocacy for conservation and sustainable measures 6,000.00 4. Community processing centre and information centre (refurbished container(s)with associated vending stalls 9 months information centre operating- processing centre operating Revenue generated 70,000.00 11 5 Knowledge management and research Documentation of project activiites and processes Publications 12 months Number of publications produced Revenue generated through publications Number of copies distributed 7,000.00 6 Marketing of products and services 8 months Increased awareness of Belles and its offerings and increase in number of visitors and buyers of products #of marketing initiatives $ business generated 8,000.00 7 Monitoring and evaluation 15 months Achievement of expected results within time and budget Successful implementation of project # of reports Time and cost of implementation within budget 5,000.00 8 Repairs to community water supply systems 6 months Reliabille and safe supply of water subscribing residents # reduction in breakage of distribution lines # of households with regular water 21,000.00 Members of the Belles Farmers group have been invo

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