The
ARCHITECTURE
of Community Tourism in
DOMINICA
Project details provided by Maurice Agar, DSA BArch registered architect T: (767) 448 2282 E: agarm@cwdom.dm
DOMINICA
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) has defined Eco-tourism as “Responsible travel to natural areas that
conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. Prescribed as the antidote to mass tourism, it is “about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel”. Community tourism comes under the eco-tourism umbrella. The aim is to highlight local resources and talent and empower communities to run facilities which provide visitors with an authentic experience of local culture and environment. The focus is on the sustainable development of communities and, because they directly benefit, individuals are made more aware of the commercial and social value placed on their natural and cultural heritage through tourism, and are thereby encouraged to conserve these resources. Although a welcome initiative, community tourism projects are not always successful and can face challenges such as lower than projected numbers of visitors patronising the projects, locals not consulted on their needs and unwanted or inappropriate projects imposed and visitors themselves may indicate a desire to experience community tourism, but may have an unrealistic perception of the standards to expect. In August 2002, Dominica embarked on an Eco-Tourism Development Project (ETDP), an EU-funded project worth EUR 6 million aimed at developing sustainable tourism as a key strategy for diversification of Dominica’s economy. Community Tourism development was one of the project components and active communities and village associations were encouraged Above Left: Giraudel Flower House
to submit proposals to the ETDP Programme Management
Below: Calibishie Community Kaz
Unit for funding of their local tourism initiative. Sensitive architectural design was an important component and Maurice Agar, an architect involved in some of the projects, explains a few key factors were; the importance of highlighting traditional building styles, ensuring compatible
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architecture to local environment and generally minimising
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the impact on environment, surroundings and neighbours. The use of local building materials was also encouraged. He describes 3 successful community projects and highlights some of the architectural considerations.
Giraudel Flower House As Dominica boasts more inland nature sites than beaches, it follows that many community projects are at entry points to rivers, waterfalls, or trails into the The Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. The hillside village info@CaribbeanHotProperty.com