All the Biodiversity focal area projects are linked to the larger GEF funded National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan which promotes among other issues the conservation sustainable use of the biodiversity resources.
Group is made up of women, however men have also benefited from the project?s training and equipment/inputs programme
Project sustainability
Project is sustained through the income raised by individuals who received shade houses and green houses from the project.
Income is also being raised through the Home and Hospitality Tours being conducted with the Princess Cruise Line. However this tour is seasonal. Attempts are being made to market the tour though to long stay visitors through th ehotel s and tour operators.
Policy Influence
The Home and Hospitality tours being conducted with the Princess Cruise Line is the only community based tour conducted for cruise ship pasengers. The tour has been highly rated and its success will pave the way and serve as a blue print for replication in other communities.
Inovative Financial Mechanisms
The group through its fund raising activities has recently purchased 2.6 acres of land. This will be the permanent site for its Botanical Gardens and Visitor Reception Centre. User fees will be charged for visits.
The group is also implementing its Community Tourism project conducting home garden tours with the H.H.V. Whitchurch the largest tour operator in Dominica
Planning non gef grant
The group was recipient of a community tourism development grant provided under the European Union funded Eco Tourism development Programme. The grans was used to construct the a Reception Centre/Flower House on the 2.6 acre property purchased by the group.
The group is actively fundraising for the construction of its permanent multi-purpose facility to house its flower shows and other activities.
Policy Impact
The group?s Community Tourism initiative is serving as a practical example to the tourism officials of how the much spoken but little implemented community tourism can be applied in small communities. Traditionally the Cruise ship tours have focused on visiting of natural attractions. In a deviation from the norm the 2005 Cruise Ship Season the group?s project is promoted as an integral part of the tour operator?s offering of things to do on island. Although it is too early to tell, this initiative can certainly serve to influence the tourism policy as it relates to implementability of community tourism
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
The many public consultations and training activities have resulted in a greater awarenes and appreciation of the MTNP and the need for its conservation.
The planned guided tours to the top of Morne Anglais which hovers over the community will provide visitors (locals and tourist alike) with a first hand view of the WHS a true gift to mankind. The emphasis of these tours will be the need for preservation of the resource.
Notable Community Participation
There is very high level of particpation in the discussions leading up to the development of the proposal. This has continued into the ongoing project implementation.
The whole community is mobilized during the staging of the Giraudel Flower Show and community beautification campaign
Community persons volunteer labour on the groups plot
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
Through the provision of green house and shading materials there has been a notable increase in cut flower and vegetable production which has resulted in increase income generation. In addition the staging of the nationally renowned Giraudel Flower Show at the group?s botanical venue allowed the group to increase its earnings since it was able to charge an entrance fee. The group has recently begun to host cruise ship visitors as part of its Community Tourism project. Although the number of visitors are small as the project is still in its infancy, the income and experience gained is proving very useful.
Capacity - Building Component
as a result of tour guide training conducted the four certified guides are presently employed in variuos areas of the tourism sector.
Women who received training in hospitality are presently participating in the ongoing Community Tourism programme of home gardens tours
Training in plant propagation/composting ,and pest management has equipped group and other community persons with agronomic knowlege which is beng applied in the vegatable and flower production.
There is a notable improvement in the management of the group?s affairs. Group members who have been assigned responsibility for the various components of the projects report at the groups monthly meetings.
Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples
not applicable
Project Results
Group has now purchased 2.6 acres of land for it permanent site. Originally the group planned to lease 1 acre but was presented with the opportunity to purchase the land at a reduced market rate.
Tour Guide Training completed ?4 out of 6 trained tour guides certified and employed in the tourist sector.
-Assessment of morne Anglais Trail completed by Site improvement manager of the PMU of the Eco tourism Development Programme-report is expected.
6 shade houses and 2 green houses distributed to families and individuals respectively resulting in an notable increase in quantity and vareity of vegetables, plants and cut flowers production.
One Giraudel Flower Show held in 2004.
Village beautification ongoing- Giraudel is one of the most beautiful communities in Dominica. The project has helped to reaffirm the importance of keeping the community clean and beautiful
-Community Tourism Initiative ?Home and Garden Tours began as a trial in 2004 and has been expanded during the current 2005 Cruise Ship Season.
-Group is now officially registered as a legal NGO.
As a result of the COMPACT project the group has been able access funding from other sources which has allowed it to conduct the following activities concurrently with the COMPACT Project:
12 additional persons (7women,5 men)trained in tour guiding (ongoing)
10 persons (7 women,1 man, 2 secondary school students) trained in craft production.
12 persons (12 women) trained in culinary arts.
The entire area has been fensed to prevent entry of stary animals unto the property.
Documentation of the flora and fauna in the area resulting in the publication of the book"Flowering Plants of Giraudel Eggleston" financed with funding from the Canada Caribbean Gender Equality Fund as part of the Giraudel/Eggleston Community Tourism Initiative..
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