The ARCHITECTURE of Community Tourism in DOMINICA

Spring - Dominica

Project details provided by Mau rice Agar, DSA BArch registered architect T: (767) 448 2282 E: agarm@cwdom.dm

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 to submit proposals to the ETDP Programme Management 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 architecture to local environment and generally minimising 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 of Giraudel has long been known for its annual flower show and small organic farms. A group of flower growers, in conjunction with a chef from nearby eco-cottages, had previously been successful in packaging and selling an ‘Organic farm tour’ to cruise ships. There was even a communal plot of land that was cultivated for this purpose but there was no shelter large enough to accommodate large groups. ETDP was able to provide the funds to implement plans that had already been designed for an interpretation center, washroom and refreshment stop. Careful consideration was given to keep the building in wood as much as possible, save for a ‘wet’ side, for bathroom and kitchen and which also faces the prevailing weather. Set next to the garden, most of the space remains open as a large verandah where visitors can enjoy sea and mountain views.

Calibishie Community Kaz

Set along the spectacular North-Eastern coast with access to numerous white-sand beaches, Calibishie has enjoyed tourists more than many other villages. That said, many of the local providers didn’t have much access to or visibility of the visiting market. A community group was able to fulfill the criteria for a grant, and plans were developed for a small building that would act as a tourist information center, a central point for crafts sales and for computer access. Meanwhile, a partnership was established with a branch of the Fair Trade Association leading to the second storey office which was added at their expense. The more typical Dominican house architecture was transformed as it stretched upwards on a small plot of land. Colour and traditional elements, such as wooden verandahs, railings and hurricane shutters, highlight this active community information center.

Mero Beach Cabanas

Relatively close to the main town of Roseau, the beach at Mero village was already popular with both locals at weekends and tourists, especially on cruise ship days. Despite a few good local snackette/bars the site lacked public conveniences and a recognizable focal point to attract visitors, so a Mero village improvement committee requested a centralized shelter where people could enjoy a shower and a lounge chair for a minimal fee and where vendors could sell souvenirs and refreshments. Considering the narrow strip of land available and the range of requirements, a number of small ‘cabanas’ were created and divided into even smaller usable parts. The mix of traditional and contemporary materials, together with vibrant colours, created an attractive, functional and flexible structure able to provide various services and revenue generation for the villagers.

For a list of other Eco-Tourism Development Program Projects in Dominica, see www.tourismdominica.dm/projects.cfm
Further information on TIES see www.ecotourism.org