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Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Dominica is the largest and least populated of the Caribbean’s Windward Islands. 65% of Dominica’s land area is covered by natural vegetation ranging from dry scrub woodland on the west coast to lush, tropical rain forest in the interior and a wide variety of flora. The interior is interspersed with rivers, waterfalls and lakes, and the climate is classified as humid tropical marine. A volcanic island, Dominica is characterized by very rugged and steep terrain. This mountainous topography has made it difficult to clear the lush vegetation and has contributed greatly to the island's dramatic beauty and the conservation of its natural resources. However, this same characteristic has led to a loss of biodiversity in coastal areas due to the concentration of human activities along the narrow coastal belt. There are two endemic species of parrots on the island, both of which are threatened due to deforestation for agriculture and hurricanes. One of these, the imperial parrot, is considered to be the most critically endangered Amazon parrot with its population now up to 200 individuals after a low of 60 following Hurricane David in 1979. The most significant mammal group is bats, which include 12 of the 18 wild mammal species on the island. The other 6 species include feral pigs and possums, and were all introduced.

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

17% of the land area is conserved through a system of protected areas, which includes 3 national parks, 2 forestry reserves and 2 marine reserves.

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The goals of the strategy are the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits from biotechnology. The five objectives established to achieve those goals are to secure biological richness, reduce or eliminate risks from the use of biotechnology while still exploiting opportunities, minimize loss of biodiversity, ensure development is done in a sustainable manner, and ensure equitable and sustainable distribution of benefits from the use of biological resources. Strategic directions are then given for the conservation of biodiversity in different systems such as terrestrial, marine and coastal, agricultural, and human settlements. The strategy also addresses traditional knowledge and culture, climate change, and biotechnology. All actions of the plan are time bound and include the creation of a biodiversity inventory, capacity building, and several projects for the conservation of agro-biodiversity. Finally, the strategy includes a section on the monitoring and review of implementation of the strategy and action plan.
 

• National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (English)

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

Several measures have been taken to achieve the 2010 biodiversity target including the protection of 30% of the forest, increased education of the general public and in schools, and the development of emergency action plans for two invasive species, the Black Sigatoka and the Giant African Snail. Specific conservation targets have been established for conch, turtles and lobsters. Within forest reserves, biological resources are managed through legislation in a way that supports sustainable livelihoods and local food security.

Initiatives in Protected Areas

There is specific legislation in place for the establishment of 5-year marine management plans and relevant penalties.

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

The Carib community initiative is in place to protect traditional knowledge and promote local communities.