Bio-diversity

Traditionally, agriculture has been the main income earner of villagers of Marigot. The Banana Industry in particular, provided steady incomes for farmers and also employed persons in packaging, shipping and marketing of the crop. Since the downturn of the industry in the 1990s, due to unfavourable World Trade Organization rulings, the village has experienced steady economic decline and significant erosion of income levels. Consequently, there has been a steady migration of villagers to the urban centres of the island and to neighbouring island, for employment. The situation has exacerbated the economic decline and villagers struggle with low economic returns for their labour and low paying jobs. Marigot is not recognized in the National Tourism Policy (2020) as a community with tourism potential. Consequently, the village has not benefited from European Union funds which are geared towards assisting agricultural dependent communities, with diversification. The villagers are however undaunted by this exclusion and cognizant of the abundant natural, cultural and historic attractions in the village, have organized the MCTC Inc. to develop and manage the tourism resources. Among the many attractions in the community are: the Sand Bay Beach, which is one of the few white sand beaches on the island; four (4) of the largest rives on the island, which provides opportunities for water sports; Cabana Beach (a turtle nesting site) which provides opportunities for turtle watching; two segments of the Waitikubuli National Trail; waterfalls; scenic views; rich culture and heritage including a unique Kokoy dialect which is spoken in only two other villages on the island; preserved traditions such as a variety of small cottage industries such as traditional bakeries, confectionaries, fruit preserves, wines, art and crafts; and very friendly people. The village also has locational advantages such as its close proximity to the main airport on the island and its location along the main transportation route on the island. The objectives of this project are: - To train 30 persons in the management of business initiatives based on the sustainable use of community resources. - To construct a quarter mile of all eco-friendly weather footpath with handrails to the Sand Bay Beach. - To strengthen environmental practices by construction of washroom facilities at Sand Bay Beach. - To develop a vending facility and information centre by the completion of the project which will facilitate year round sale of souvenirs, cottage industry products and art and crafts produced mainly by women. - To move towards the declaration of Sand Bay Beach as a marine protected area and a recognized marine research laboratory by December 2013. The proposed Sand Bay Development Project therefore is part of a comprehensive plan to develop the tourism potential of the community and thereby create sustainable livelihoods. The committee has adopted a sustainable development approach to community tourism, which entails: the protection and enhancement of the natural resources of the community for the enjoyment of present and future generations, the generation of economic opportunities for villagers; the development of linkages between tourism and other productive sectors such as agriculture; and the targeting of environmentally and socially sensitive tourists. Sand Bay Beach offers the greatest immediate opportunity for achieving some of the development goals of the community. It is a small picturesque cove which is fringed on the landward side by steep highland and protected from wave action by a vibrant fringing reef. This topography has however hindered access to the beach, which is via a steep and dangerous footpath, usable only by the strong and able-bodied. However this seeming disadvantage has also served to protect the beach from degradation and the villagers have also displayed great pride in this gem by cleaning and maintaining the trail.

Dominica