Environmental research

The communities of Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau are served by the Solid Waste Corporation. There is no separation of garbage at the household level and no bins for collection purposes. Some households have their garbage bins that are put out on collection days whereas; the majority of the poorer households place the garbage on the street corners in plastic bags. This often results in garbage spread all over as the bags become loose and stray animals scatter garbage. Bearing in mind that some persons place the garbage out on days that are not designated as collection days, and also sometimes collection is not done on schedule, this situation becomes a major problem for the community. The environment becomes unclean and unsightly, creates a haven for rodents, can contribute to health problems and turns away visitors. The non separation of garbage means that the landfill receives all types of garbage including that which is organic and hazardous. Agriculture has long been the main contributor to Dominica s economy with bananas and citrus serving as the main export crops. However several natural disasters coupled with the loss of preferential markets and a new international trade regime has reduced the contributions of the banana and citrus industries. This has had an adverse effect on the Dominican economy and more over on National Food Security. Hence the need for a revamping of the Agricultural sector with diversification as a fundamental key to keeping the industry afloat whilst preventing any further rise in unemployment. Recent studies and reports indicate that the local population is not consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. To this end, the council would like to encourage villagers to become increasingly involved in the production of vegetable crops and livestock rearing especially for home consumption. By encouraging composting and backyard gardening, the organic waste going to the landfill will be reduced while the soil will be rebuilt, household diets will be improved with opportunities for earning revenue at the household level. Many homes in some sections of the communities have no private washroom facilities in their homes and resort to using the bushes or waterways for waste disposal. There is need to address this problem and provide sanitary facilities to serve those sections that are most affected. This will contribute to improved health and sanitation and reduce the negative impact on biodiversity. Several areas remain bare as trees are cut down and many replace their grass covered holdings with concrete pavements. There is need to increase the greening of the communities especially in areas along the river and coast and where there are open spaces which can be utilised for rest and recreation, while beautifying the community. The creation of mini parks and green spaces will not only enhance the environment but will encourage socialisation and appreciation of a clean and green environment. In addition signs are needed to direct people to specific areas and also to provide notice of what is allowed/not allowed in identified places. As a direct result of these interventions small tours could be developed within the communities for example up the rivers and hikes through tracks interconnecting the various neighbouring villages could add to the rich experience of enjoying nature. The objectives of this project are: 1. Increase education and awareness of environmental problems and positive actions through a public awareness programme within first 4 months of the projects commencement. 2. Contribute to the proper management of garbage disposal throughout the community to ensure a safe and healthy environment 3. Establishment of a community recreational park in Mahaut and other green spaces and recreational spots throughout the community. 10 4. Increase the number of households involved in composting and backyard gardens in the communities in at least 90% of households by the end of the project 5. Increase the practice of composting throughout the community in at least 90% of households by the end of the project. 6. Raise awareness of and increase knowledge and understanding of climate change issues 7. To conduct at least three (3) community workshops on climate change and the importance of Biodiversity within the project period Environmental problems such as global climate change and the unsustainable use of natural resources have exacerbated the loss of Biodiversity across the globe. The environmental problems coupled with ongoing developmental activities have placed immense pressure on Dominica s Biodiversity and require urgent mitigation and adaptation efforts if Dominica is not to fall victim to the levels of losses in biodiversity currently being experienced in certain parts of the world. This initiative of the Mahaut/Jimmit/Tarreau Village Council also seeks to enhance the horticultural sector since ornamental plant and vegetable production form part of the planned intervention.

Dominica