Background

'Strengthening Community Resilience within the Kalinago Territory' (SCR-K) is an initiative led by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. It is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the Government of India through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. This transformative project aims to bolster the resilience of the Kalinago Territory through integrated development strategies. Focus areas include enhancing sustainable agriculture, advancing forest and watershed management, and fostering indigenous eco-tourism. By addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities and environmental challenges, the initiative seeks to promote resilience, enhance sustainable livelihoods, and preserve the unique Kalinago heritage. 

SCR-K aims to address the multifaceted development challenge faced by the Kalinago Territory in Dominica, involving enhancing agricultural productivity, improving forest and watershed management, and boosting indigenous tourism while ensuring gender perspectives and awareness are addressed across all activities. Some of the key issues are the need to revitalize agriculture to support national food security and economic growth, mitigate the impact of climate-related hazards and deforestation on forest ecosystems, and develop sustainable tourism practices that leverage the unique cultural heritage of the Kalinago community. These challenges are compounded by the need for effective community engagement and capacity building to ensure long-term resilience and economic benefits. This project builds upon and complements the Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience in the Kalinago Territory (SSLR) project to strengthen livelihoods and resilience.

Expected Results

1. Improved Resilience in Agriculture: The project aims to establish a community greenhouse park and support local agricultural initiatives to boost food security and economic output. This includes creating employment opportunities for women, men and youth and fostering innovation through digital technologies and community engagement.

2. Enhanced Forests and Watersheds: It will strengthen forest and watershed management through policy development, community-based programs, and knowledge sharing, addressing environmental degradation and its impacts on local livelihoods and natural resources.

3. Strengthened Indigenous Tourism: The project will support the growth of eco-indigenous tourism by developing marketing strategies, enhancing capacity for tourism-related businesses, and promoting cultural heritage. This will contribute to economic diversification and the preservation of the Kalinago culture.

At the national level, the SCR-K project supports Dominica's goal of achieving climate resilience through its National Resilient Development Strategy and Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan. Regionally, it contributes to SIDS resilience strategies and broader climate adaptation frameworks. Globally, it advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).