Water resources policy and administrative management

The Salisbury Fisheries, Agriculture and Tourism Cooperative Group is a group made up of fishers and farmers from the Salisbury Community and environs. The group focuses on the needs of its members who practice both farming and fishing because of the unpredictable nature of both sectors and influence of exogenous factors; when conditions for fishing are fair, individuals fish and engage in farming when not at sea. This is a balancing act to remain productive. The group is made up of 23 persons at present; 10 women and 13 men. The women are into farming and in ancillary activities linked to fishing. In addition the group sees it necessary to engage in hospitality related activities having at its disposal one of the few year round sandy beaches on the west coast. Activities there can cause a linkage between agriculture, fishing and tourism. The beach there was once a prime recreational centre for the whole island. The group operates under the principles of a Cooperative Society, has undergone training with the cooperative division in preparation for full instatement as a registered society. The group has a management/administrative hierarchy of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer as approved by the Division of Cooperative. Project Objectives: To undertake rehabilitation/refurbishment of existing structures at the Salisbury Fisheries landing site and make them amenable to the needs of stakeholders To develop new structures at the landing site that would complement those existing and facilitate linkages among activities implemented by the group To make the landing site more environmentally and user friendly, enhance aesthetics To introduce new activities that will enhance the viability of the site. To facilitate training of members in administration/management, environmental conservation and other related skills conducive to the aims of the project. To improve on the socio-economic status of members of the group and the entire community by extension Activities This project seeks to undertake the upgrading of deteriorating facilities at a fisheries landing site, render them appropriate for the execution of activities that will enhance the socio-economic status of members while enhancing biodiversity and the environment. The facilities at the landing site were established as part of a World Food Program (FAO-WFP) in 1992. These today are in a dilapidated state and almost a hazard than an asset to stakeholders and the environment. These include 12 locker rooms, a net loft, a fish vending depot, a jetty and bath room facilities. They will be enhanced/refurbished and complemented with new structures i.e. replanting of beach vegetation, ramp to newly constructed toilets, re-planking of jetty, development of a vending area, lifeguard lookout station, thatch-roof beach huts, concrete beach benches, purchase of beach chairs, etc. All the above will give a refreshed look to the area, increase its appeal to visitors (local and foreign) and provide a platform for increase sales of agricultural and marine products and their derivatives as a regular feature. These developments will cause the community to regain its status as a leading food producer and recreational location and develop synergy between agriculture and the tourism sector. Funds totaling US$40,000 for this project will be secured grant of US$30000 from GEF and the balance from the organization in kind through labour and some material donation. 1.2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS The problem statement or challenge the project is intended to address o The facilities at the landing site require immediate repairs to make them viable, to assist stakeholders to increase earnings and employment and improve the aesthetics The primary objective and specific objectives of the proposed project o To undertake rehabilitation/refurbishment of existing structures at the Salisbury Fisheries landing site and make them amenable to the needs of stakeholders and community o To develop new structures at the landing site that would complement those existing and facilitate linkages among activities implemented by the group o To make the landing site more environmentally and user friendly, enhance aesthetics o To introduce new activities that will enhance the viability of the site and create employment targeting women and the youth. o To facilitate training of members in administration/management, environmental conservation and other related skills conducive to the aims of the project. o To improve on the socio-economic status of members of the group and the entire community by extension The rationale (justification) for the project. o The project will facilitate the perpetuation of the culture of farming and fishing while augmenting the hospitality elements of the area and creating a role for the youth in up-lifting environment and natural processes at the site at issue The specific results that the project will produce. o The functioning of all landing site facilities to facilitate stakeholders operations, i.e. locker rooms, jetty, bath room, toilet-ramp, net loft, vending centers, life guards & tower, beach benches & chairs, beach huts, regenerated beach vegetative cover, river bank reclamation, o An increase in visitors to this beach for commerce and recreation o The branding of specific activities that will be highlighted at this location at established periods. 1.3 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Dominica