Environmental policy and administrative management

The twin communities of Giraudel and Egglestonare located on the western borders of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park WHS at an altitude of 1000 to 2000 ft. Giraudel has traditionally been known for the cultivation of flowers and remains the main flower producing community in Dominica. Due to loss of employment of the large estates moer and more persons got involved in commercial activities like cutting of wood for charcoal making and shingles, round wood for use in the construction industry and huntinhg of wild animals for home and commercial purposes. The Giraudel Eggleston Flower Growers Group has been organizing an Flower Show which was first held in 1974. Through its fund raising efforts (personal and group donations) have puchased a 2.6 acres of prime land , part of the St. Elmo`s estate in Giraudel. A landscape plan of the area has been developed with the assistance of FAVACA. In keeping with national focus on environmental issues and supported by other national interest group, government agencies and international organizations for the protection of the Mrne Trois Pitons national Park WHS, the Giraudel Eggleston Flower Growers successfully implememnted a COMPACT funded project focusing on environmental conservaion and economic development. Environmental concerns were addressed through education, training and provision of resources for economic development of villagers. The use of community resources for sustainable livelihoods while maintaining and preserving the character of the Monre Anglais area were highlights of the project. Part of the grant was used to construct a facility to host the 2004 Flower Show. However heavy rans and huricane in subsequesntyears destroyed the structure. This and other reasons has caused the group to not organized the Flower Show in the past three years. The projects aims to develop a plan with estimates for the construction of a safe, suitable and permanent structure with storage space and toilet facilities at the Giraudel Botanica gardens for staging the group`s Annual Flower Show, as well as other events. The plan and estimates wil be used by the group and the community in their fund raising efforts for the construction of the structure. When completed the funds raised will be used for generating income for the development and maintainance of the Botanic Center, for hosting of the Flower Show, repayment of outstanding loan, sponsoring of commmunity, projecs, employment opportunities, and a facility for training and workshops more particularly sustanable agriculture, floriculture, the environment, community tourism and other related fields as well as hosting special events.

Dominica