Dominica’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2001-2005.

The Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of this policy is 5 years between 2001 and 2005. The goals of this policy are: (I) the conservation and sustainable management of Dominica’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity to ensure intra- and inter-generational equity, (II) the promotion of sound and sustainable agricultural practices and technology within existing agricultural human capital so as to minimize the loss of agro-biodiversity, and reduce vulnerability to desertification, soil loss, and the contamination of water resources, and (III) wide distribution of biotechnology knowledge.
This policy identifies the major threats to biodiversity as follows: deforestation; over-exploitation of wildlife; encroachment; unregulated development; introduction of foreign species; loss of agro-biodiversity; impacts from climate change; uncontrolled use of biotechnology; pollution; natural disasters; loss of traditional knowledge; and inappropriate legal/institutional frameworks. A biologically rich and diverse Dominica will be secured to maintain optimum systems resilience, enhance resistance to invasive alien species, maintain ecosystem structure and function, maximize ecological integrity by reducing negative environmental impact of human influences, and increase diverse stakeholders who promote and undertake the wise and sustainable use of natural resources. The legal framework on environmental protection and conservation of coastal, marine and terrestrial natural resources/biodiversity will be strengthened. This policy provides for the equitable and sustainable distribution of social and economic benefits from the use of terrestrial and marine biological resources. Research will be conducted to develop wildlife farming technology to reduce stress on wild populations. Community participation in coastal and marine management will be promoted to prevent unsustainable exploitation of coastal and marine resources. Research, inventory, mapping and monitoring will be strengthened to develop a comprehensive database.
The potential risks from the use of biotechnology and its by-products will be reduced or eliminated in accordance with Dominica’s sustainable development agenda. The inventory of biomaterials and their traditional uses will be developed. This policy provides for the establishment of a technical committee to coordinate national policies and programs on biotechnology and biosafety, foster greater alliance and cooperation with regional and international institutions, and to develop and implement public education, awareness and training programmes at all levels on issues of biotechnology and biosafety. A Regional Biosafety Strategy will be developed to regulate biotechnology in the CARICOM region, through amongst other things, the establishment of a regional centre to establish the basis for the introduction of standards for inspection, monitoring and use of biotechnology, and to facilitate and coordinate the establishment of a "clearing-house" mechanisms to track the importation of biotechnology and GMOs.
Agricultural productivity will be increased through the maximization of the use of appropriate technology. Agriculture Land Base will be conserved and improved through sound agricultural/conservation practices. Cultural traditions and traditional knowledge will be protected, developed and encouraged. Incentives in support of improved environmental protection and integrated resource management will be provided in order to make sustainable use of biodiversity. Measures will be taken to reduce and/or minimize the loss of terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
Climate change adaptation will be strengthened through monitoring and research on the potential effects of climate change on biological diversity; the implementation of both in situ and ex situ measures to conserve species likely to be affected by climate change; the implementation of measures to maintain the maximum possible biological diversity; the implementation of measures to conserve sufficient natural habitats to enable natural adaptive mechanisms to function; and the establishment of measures, such as pollution control, to enhance the resilience of natural systems.