National Land Use Policy.

The National Land Use Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The objective of this policy is to ensure effective land use planning and land development in order to improve quality of life for Dominicans, through economic and social development, protecting human health and safety, and conserving the natural environment in accordance with legislation and other policies.
This Policy underlines that good land use planning contributes to increasing the quality of life for Dominicans over the long term. To this end, this policy supports social and economic development and poverty reduction as cross-cutting issues. The rehabilitation of contaminated lands, including lands contaminated by industry, disposal of hazardous materials or poor wastewater management practice, will be encouraged to reduce environmental conditions that pose public health threats. Infrastructure will be developed taking into account that physical infrastructure is critical for sustained economic development and social well-being. A safe, sustainable, adequate and reliable water supply and water distribution system will be provided for all settlements in Dominica. Land-based water intakes will be managed to prevent sources of contamination from entering the water supply and distribution system. Development or resource extraction that causes major erosion, degradation, or pollution harmful to the health of fisheries, coral reefs, seagrass beds, coastal zones, or beaches will be avoided. Furthermore, new water and wastewater infrastructure will not negatively impact the quantity and quality of the water system. Wastewater management will be strengthened to protect public health and minimize environmental contamination, in order to provide present and future generations an access to a proper standard of sanitation. Investments in storm water management infrastructure will be made to prevent flood and minimize the damage and safety risks associated with heavy rainfall events. Solid waste sites will be located taking into account the compatibility with surrounding land uses and environmental impacts.
Economic development will be supported through agriculture. To this end, agricultural lands will be protected for its longstanding economic and cultural importance. Valuable agricultural lands will be carefully managed to ensure the long-term viability of the agriculture sector, and continued contribution of the agricultural sector to Dominica’s economic growth and food security. Primary agricultural land will be (I) used for agricultural production, uses related to agriculture, or small-scale agro-tourism or agro-processing; (II) prevented from being subdivided into parcels that cannot support viable agricultural land use; and (III) not be converted to non-agricultural uses. Expansion of the valued-added agro-processing sector will be supported by allowing agro-processing facilities in proximity to agricultural regions. Effluent from agricultural land uses will be properly managed to minimize any potential negative impacts to the water system. Ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable fisheries will be ensured by protecting marine and coastal habitats in accordance with the principles of integrated coastal zone management; preventing aquaculture activities that may give negative impacts on terrestrial, coastal or marine ecosystems; and considering equity with respect to the livelihood of fisherfolk. Expansion of the value-added fish processing sector will be supported, and fisheries infrastructure will be planned with consideration for resiliency to natural hazards and climate change impacts to protect the investment for the long-term. Forest biodiversity and natural environment system will be supported by conserving the habitat and related wildlife corridors of threatened or endangered species and protecting the habitat and corridors with buffer areas; conserving the critical habitats of wildlife and inland fisheries within the forest system; and reforestation activities. The dependency on imported energy will be reduced by promoting energy conservation and encouraging the development of alternative energy sources in suitable locations that minimise their negative impacts. The resilience to climate change and natural hazards will be increased by strengthening the institutional framework so that up-to-date inventories, information and standards can inform land use decisions that effectively address climate change risk assessment and management. The risk of landslides will be reduced by managing erosion in agriculture, development, and construction practices. Land-based climate change mitigation measures that assist Dominica with transforming to a low-carbon climate resilient country will be encouraged.