Work Order 13 Integrating Climate Change aspects in …...Work Order 13 Integrating Climate Change...
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Work Order 13
Integrating Climate Change aspects in Dominica’s La nd Use Policy and
Physical Development Planning
Vulnerability, Impact and Adaptation Assessments Re port
(Activity 1 + 2)
prepared by
Hans-Peter Winkelmann
Key Expert on Climate Change
GCCA CSF
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Vulnerability, Impact and Adaptation Assessment Met hodologies applied to the
Mission
In order to prepare the mission, the expert conducted a comprehensive desk research
exercise. In a first step the provided literature related to Climate Change in Dominica was
thoroughly examined. Since a number of the literature which was included in the list attached
to the WO was not available, it was necessary to obtain it from other sources, for instance in
Dominica itself. The Junior Consultant was very helpful in this part of the preparation which
started already in November 2012. In addition to that, a couple of other critical studies and
reports related to Climate Change in Dominica was identified by the expert and carefully
scrutinized. A great number of documents were obtained from the UNFCCC Secretariat, e.g.
the Second National Communication on Climate Change which was submitted to the
UNFCCC Secretariat only in November 2012.
Relevant V&A Assessments for Dominica
Task 2 of the Work Order describes the mission to conduct a vulnerability assessment,
including the mapping of areas that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change,
classifying the mapped areas in different categories of vulnerability and describing for each
of these areas how the natural resources and the local population are affected (or likely to be
affected) by climate change and what measures should be taken to mitigate the negative
effects of climate change and thus to reduce vulnerability. Since a full vulnerability
assessment takes up to 2 years and requires lots of resources, it was agreed with the
beneficiary that a more feasible approach must be taken to reach the same desired results.
As the island of Dominica is one of the best studied areas in the world in terms of assessing
climate change vulnerability there are numerous studies and reports available that have
conducted vulnerability assessments in Dominica for different sectors. These assessment
reports were mainly carried out by prominent organizations such as the World Bank, the
OECS, CDERA, CARIBSAVE and others. The certainly most important vulnerability
assessment for literally all sectors in Dominica was recently carried out by the Government of
Dominica for the Second National Communication on Climate Change to the UNFCCC in
2012. Due to this overwhelming existing information and data it was agreed to use the
existing vulnerability assessments rather than to duplicate them and to apply the
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findings on a local case study approach. As a result, the following V&A assessments have
been carefully studied and should be considered further in the project for the development of
a NLUP and NPDP:
• Second National Communication on Climate Change to the UNFCCC, 2012
• CARIBSAVE Climate Change Risk Profile for Dominica
• The Implementation of Adaptation Measures in Coastal Zones Project Dominica, St.
Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines through the Caribbean Community Climate
Change Centre (CCCCC), 2012 (GEF/World Bank)
• PPCR Study (World Bank)
• STATUS OF HAZARD MAPS VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS AND DIGITAL MAPS
DOMINICA COUNTRY REPORT, THE CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY
RESPONSE AGENCY (CDERA), October 2003
• DRAFT TOURISM MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN MERO, Organization of
Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), March 2013
Finally, the expert studied the various methodologies and approaches on V&A assessment
frameworks to identify the best suited methodology for the mission in Dominica. As a result
the expert proposed to the beneficiary a “bottom-up approach” on adaptation rather than an
impact oriented “top-down approach” including reviewing existing projects and analyses,
planning the approach to be taken, and planning and using stakeholder input. Since
adaptation frameworks are driven by need to supply useful information to stakeholders the
expert proposed a participatory approach to engage as many stakeholder groups as possible
during the mission and to focus on qualitative assessments.
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Case study approach
In order remain realistic in view of the limited time available the beneficiary agreed to focus
on the three major vulnerability areas in Dominica:
1) sea-level rise (SLR),
2) river flooding and
3) landslides.
For each of those vulnerability areas the beneficiary suggested at least one hot spot to look
at in detail: Portsmouth, Soufriere and Mero on SLR, the Layou river valley on flooding
and Campbell and the Northeast coast on landslides. The entire three weeks mission was
consequently conducted in accordance to this agreed approach.
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Engagement of stakeholders in the Adaptation Proces s
The chosen adaptation assessment framework is an explicitly stakeholder-driven approach
to climate change adaptation projects. Engaging stakeholders is a fundamental activity that
cuts across all components. Stakeholders can contribute significantly to understanding
current vulnerability and adaptation and to identifying necessary adaptation measures. At the
same time, their involvement in the project can educate them about the risks associated with
climate change, and can equip them to sustain the adaptation process. Done well, this
process of engagement can assist the implementation of adaptation policies and the
formation of an “adaptation community”, and can provide the momentum to carry the
adaptation process forward.
The role of stakeholders in national development pl anning,
Engaging stakeholders is a crosscutting component that involves an active and sustained
dialogue among affected individuals and groups, and is crucial to the successful
implementation of the NLUP and NPDP as a national adaptation strategy in Dominica.
In particular, we would emphasize local stakeholder engagement and the need to mobilize
local action to increase adaptive capacity.
Ideally, an “adaptation community” will be created – one that is capable of supporting the
adaptation process put in place by a particular application of the adaptation assessment
framework. At the end of the effort, both the team and the range of stakeholders should have
a better understanding of national strengths and vulnerabilities with respect to climate
change.
Stakeholder input is needed in order to determine project priorities and strategies. It is
preferable for stakeholder participation to be limited to a small core early in the process and
on an expanded scale later in the project. The process of setting objectives can be
accomplished using facilitated stakeholder fora (workshop), expert opinions and inputs from
policy makers.
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Dominica’s exposure to climate change
• Dominica is one of the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and as such
considered as highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its mountainous
topography and heavy rainfall.
• Although amounts vary with the location, rain is possible throughout the year, with the
greatest monthly totals recorded from June through October.
• Average yearly rainfall along the windward east coast frequently exceeds 5,000 mm, and
exposed mountainsides receive up to 9,000 mm, among the highest accumulations in the
Caribbean and the world.
• Approximately 70% of the country’s 70,000 inhabitants reside in the coastal areas. Many
of these coastal settlements are extremely vulnerable to the disastrous impacts of climate
change, due to the high risk of inundation by sea surge associated with a rising sea level.
• Some inland settlements are similarly vulnerable due to their location in river valleys or
on steep slopes that are prone to landslides during heavy and prolonged rainfall.
Impacts of Climate Change in Dominica
“Something is changing”
Several meetings with relevant stakeholders from all different sectors in Dominica as part of
a participatory V&A assessment framework imply that there are evident changes which have
been observed in recent years:
1. The winter swell is now extended (Nov-Jun) and impacts the coast more than in the past
2. The loss of beaches which have been much wider is obvious
3. 90% of the traditional coverage of sea grass is gone, and a new species has taken over
4. Land slippage from an increase in rainfall causing even casualties recently
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5. The distribution of rainfall has changed
6. This change in rainfall patterns results e.g. in heavy rainfall during drought seasons
7. It is becoming more and more difficult to differentiate between the wet and dry seasons
8. In particular the rising temperatures have impacted farmers and the agriculture industry
and have caused negative effects
9. A change in the ecosystems (which has been brought the Giant Ditch Frog to the brink of
extinction)
10. Occurrence in pests and diseases as well as invasive species
11. Longer periods of droughts were observed recently, particularly at the West Coast
12. Farmers have noted crop depravation by wildlife. For example, the parrots are leaving
their natural food sources (seeds) which are in abundance and now eating agricultural
crops (citrus) and endanger food security
Stakeholder meetings
Stakeholders should be involved throughout the process. As early as possible in the process,
it will be essential to gather information on relevant stakeholders (key people that need to be
consulted during the vulnerability assessment, vulnerable population groups, participants in
the workshop, key people involved in the development of the NLUP and NPDP,...). In
particular they should be involved in determining what will e examined, what adaptations
should be considered, and in evaluating results. Engaging stakeholders requires an active
and sustained dialogue among affected individuals and groups. The stakeholder involvement
carried out in the V&A process during the mission combined a sensitivity analysis and an
evaluation of adaptive capacity.
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Governmental meetings
Meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Natu ral Resources, Physical Planning &
Fisheries
The expert met Governmental representatives of the Commonwealth of Dominica on two
occasions: One meeting was held on Friday, 26 April 2013 with the the Minister for the
Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning & Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Darroux
and with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Eisenhower Douglas, to discuss the overall objectives
of the mission and its linkages to the national policy of Dominica concerning climate change.
The role of Dominica in international climate policy negotiations in particular related to the
UNFCCC was addressed as well. Both the Minister and the PS expressed their gratitude
about the GCCA CSF mission as an important milestone for Dominica to become more
climate resilient in the National Land Use Policy. Furthermore, they underlined the wish to
continue the cooperation with the CSF under the umbrella of the GCCA and pointed out
future possible areas for follow-up activities.
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Meeting with the Permanent Secretary Ministry of To urism and Legal Affairs
The second meeting was held on Tuesday, 7 May 2013 at the Ministry of Tourism and Legal
Affairs with Claudia Bellot, Permanent Secretary and Edward Henderson, Chief Tourism
Officer. It was made quite clear that Dominica depends on nature for tourism as it is
promoted as the ‘nature isle of the Caribbean’. There have been impacts from climate
change some of which has affected the fauna of the island. The wildlife is promoted for
tourism. For example, The ‘crapaud’ or ‘mountain chicken’ was once a national dish but has
since diminished greatly. The increase in temperatures has caused the chytrid virus to
flourish. This is what has affected this crapaud. Most of the coastal properties such as hotels
have suffered serious impacts from climate change related events such as hurricane Lenny
1999 (Evergreen Hotel). Mero which is a small village on the west coast of the island is
constantly visited by tourists from cruise ships and also by locals for recreational purposes.
The OECS is assisting Dominica to conduct a study of the area. There is now an emergency
plan for that area. The Tourism Master Plan is also currently being updated but not yet
complete. It is clear as with many other stakeholders that there is now no clear differentiation
between the dry and wet season. For example May is supposed to be the driest month in the
year and has always been but a lot of heavy rain has already been experienced so far for
May.
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• Forestry Wildlife and Parks Division
This meeting was held on April 24, 2013 at 3pm.
Present were:
Minchinton Burton – Chief Forestry Officer
Ronald Charles – Forestry Officer
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Physical Planning Division project coordinator
The representatives from the Forestry Wildlife and Parks Division explained in detail
that forests are of utmost importance to Dominica. This applies for the past but for the
future as well. It was discussed that the topography of Dominica was quite difficult
and as a result there was no commercial forestry. There is no practice of clear-felled
logging, only selective logging. For example there was a Canadian company in the
60s and 70s who tried to log commercially but this was closed because it was not
profitable.
Currently, the forestry division is looking at the forest as a service industry, for
example, biodiversity, tourism, soil stabilization, and water production etc.
The forestry officers did not feel that there was any noticeable physical impact from
climate change on the forest from climate change. Since there are no mangroves in
Dominica, there is no impact on forests by sea level rise (SLR) to be expected.
However, they have noted crop depravation by wildlife. For example, the
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parrots are leaving their natural food sources (seeds) which are in abundance and
now eating agricultural crops (citrus).
Another observation is land slippage from an increase in rainfall. The distribution of
rainfall has changed. As a result there has been an increase in invasive species. At
the same time longer periods of droughts were observed recently, particularly at the
West Coast. This might cause negative effects on the forests.
It is felt that there will be indirect effects from climate change on the forest. In the
event of sea level rise, populations may need to be resettled and the forests will be
affected through the cutting of trees and water catchments may also be affected.
Such development might be similar to the situation when the banana boom took place
(1985-1995) and many forests were cut down for banana plantations.
The officers felt that if the government changed the land use of its state-owned lands
it would be good for the forests. Non-allocated lands could be used as forest reserves
thereby allowing for greater protection of the forests. Land capacity studies could also
identify the most productive lands. Therefore the target for the National Land Use
Policy (NLUP) as well as a National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) from the
Forestry Wildlife and Parks Division’s perspective is clearly not to lose more forests.
The integration of agro-forestry would also serve as climate resilience (plant
commercially viable crops)
The Forestry Wildlife and Parks Division cooperates on an international level with the
regional FAO office in Barbados, with Fairtrade organizations and with forest research
institutes of the Commonwealth.
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• Dominica Red Cross Society
This meeting was held on April 25, 2013 at 3pm.
Present were:
Kathleen Pinard-Byrne – Director General
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Physical Planning Division project coordinator
The Red Cross Society in Dominica conducts vulnerability and capacity assessments
which utilized hazard mapping. Today, 17 communities have been mapped. As an
example the Mero Hazard Map was presented, showing the level of hazard exposure
of the entire community even on a household level (see picture).
Google earth has been used to conduct surveys and the information put onto hazard
maps. Information such as demographics and resources are mapped. As a result a
list of the most vulnerable communities in Dominica was published:
• Penville
• Vielle Case
• Anse de Mai
• Wesley
• Castlebruce
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• Rosalie
• Grand Fond
• Morne Jaune
• Wotten Waven
• Dubuc
• Belles
• Mahaut
• Massacre
As a next step the use of GIS (in particular Q-GIS as open source software) shall be
applied.
There was a project (in the three Caribbean countries Guyana, Dominica, and
Jamaica), funded by CIDA (Canada) to map 5 communities in Dominica and train 15
persons within them in disaster management. This was done in one year.
The Director General of the Dominica Red Cross Sociey felt that particularly in view of
hazard mapping (as an important tool for the for the National Land Use Policy (NLUP)
as well as for the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) a better sharing of
information among national, regional and local stakeholders is needed.
• Office of Disaster Management
This meeting was held on Friday April 26, 2013 at 11:30 am.
Present were:
Don Corriette – National Disaster Coordinator (Acting)
Steve Joseph - Program Officer (Acting)
Susan Crocetti – AusAid volunteer
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project coordinator- Physical Planning Division
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At this time the ODM is trying to come up with one common template which can be
used for disasters in all communities around the island. The objective is to keep it
user-friendly for local people (poster plans for display). The work started at the most
vulnerable communities.
The office is responsible for disaster relief, disaster preparedness, mitigation,
readiness, etc.
The office does more than just respond to a disaster. They are working with the
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to create a
comprehensive disaster management strategy. This includes preparation, early
warning systems, response, readiness, rehabilitation. A new disaster legislation is
also currently under preparation.
The focus is on preparing from the community level upward. This includes hurricanes,
earthquakes, tsunami, floods, volcanoes, communicable and non-communicable
diseases.
The ODM feels that community response is important in an emergency as there is a
lack of services available on the island (police, fire, etc). Many operations also
operate as a single unit in Dominica.
The ODM stressed also the need to show the synergies between disaster
management and climate change policies. This work should be done in partnership
since different single organization is working for the same goal from a different
perspective.
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• Environmental Health
This meeting was held on Monday April 29, 2013 at 2: 15 pm
Present were:
Sylvester St. Ville – Senior Environmental Health Officer
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project coordinator- Physical Planning Division
This department deals with impacts of humans on the environment and how these
two sectors impact each other. For example water quality, liquid waste, solid waste,
housing, air quality and climate change.
The sewage system for the main town of Roseau is currently 150 meters out to sea.
The rest of the island uses a soak-away system which is found on site. Some areas
like the west coast of the island use a public convenience system and this comes with
issues. The solid waste aspect is managed by the Dominica Solid Waste
Management Corporation.
Urbanization is an issue in Dominica. There are many vulnerable areas such as
surrounding suburbs (Fond Cole and Kingshill) where the communities are built on
slopes. Waste is disposed on site and climate change could be an issue in terms of
heavy rains and the type of soil found in these areas. Other areas such as Good
Hope in the north east of the island are also vulnerable because of the soil type there
and saturation issues.
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Presently, the department is looking at the impact of climate change on health. In
particular vectors and vector-borne diseases like mosquitoes. The department is
conducting a sensitization program for health care workers. The aim is to get these
workers to be able to identify these diseases. Assistance is being received for this
from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).
In the near future it is hoped that vulnerability mapping can be conducted to develop
health profiles in communities. The department will look at environmental health
issues in these communities and work with policies and community programs to
reduce vulnerability.
Environmental Health works closely with other departments such as the Physical
Planning Division. They have a representative on the technical committee as well as
the Board which meets very regularly. They are mandated by the law to look at proper
disposal of waste.
The environmental health is also in the process of developing environmental health
national indicators which will identify trends in environmental health issues, for
example, water quality, air quality, food supply etc. These will then be circulated for
consultation and input.
There is no way to prove climate change impacts but the department is aware of it
and is preparing for it, for example malaria and dengue fever. The information
collected on vectors will be analyzed to determine if there is a link to climate change.
Note: Dominica is rated #35 in the world health system and the highest in the
Caribbean – World Health Organization (WHO).
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• Agriculture Information Communication technology Un it
This meeting was held on Monday April 29, 2013 at 11: 15am
Present were:
Adisa Trotter – Head of Unit
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project coordinator- Physical Planning Division
The Agriculture Division has observed an occurrence in pests and diseases such as
invasive species (Giant African snail, black sigatoka)
Documents suggested by Mr. Trotter for review include:
• Pilot Project for Climate Resilience – by George de Romily
• Caribbean Agro Meteorology Initiative - looking at the weather to improve
farming techniques. This was done by Adrian Trottman of CIMH Barbados. It
has been noted that there is a difference of 1 degree in temperature.
• OECS Land Management documentation review
Other studies have also included agro-ecological zoning to position crops based on
temperature and the environment.
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In 2010 there was a terrible drought which caused a reduction in export and an
increase in high food prices. Also in March 2013 there have been bushfires which has
been an issue for the west coast of Dominica.
Due to more expected droughts in the future particularly at the western part of the
island irrigation will become an important issue. So far there is no irrigation system in
place. However, putting irrigation systems in place would mean tremendous efforts
such as creating terraces for crop fields etc.
• Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme
This meeting was held on Tuesday April 30, 2013 at 9: 35 am
Present were:
Agnes Esprit – National Coordinator GEF SGP
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project Coordinator- Physical Planning Division
There are five focal areas under the GEF Program. Climate change is one area and
the focus is on mitigation and adaptation.
The Small Island Developing States Community Based Adaptation (SIDS CBA) is a
program funded by the AUSAid and looks at adaptation to identify risks and
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vulnerabilities. For example, there is a project approved for one area in Dominica
which is prone to landslides (Campbell). This funding can approve of projects up to
US$50,000. There is a need for capacity building before finalizing projects.
The GEF SGP has worked for example with a school to install solar panels. The
school is now 90% solar energy.
The GEF SGP program does have challenges. There is only one person for this
program and quite a lot of times the program is dependent on volunteers. The office is
currently looking for external assistance. Some assistance was received from the
Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in Belize.
Other projects include a youth organization land rehabilitation project but this project
has been slow to move forward.
There is also a project in the Carib Territory to train officers to manage the forests
(Kalinago Forest Rehabilitation project). This project will also help the people who are
destroying the forests to be engaged in alternative jobs. There is one particular tree in
the forests which is now taking a lot more time to grow as it is constantly being cut
down.
The GEF SGP works mostly on a grass roots level building capacity.
• Fisheries Division
This meeting was held on Tuesday April 30, 2013 at 12: 30 pm
Present were:
Andrew Magloire – Chief Fisheries Officer
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project Coordinator- Physical Planning Division
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In the 1990s a decision was made to move the fisheries away from the coast.
There are 2 aspects to fisheries:
Marine fisheries
Recreation – dive tourism. This is mainly dependent on a healthy marine environment
Offshore fisheries are very unpredictable as the current patterns are erratic. There is
no weather monitoring system so there is no evaluation taking place.
Currently, they are trying to document activities using a Fish Aggregating Device
(FAD). This submerged into the water.
They are also trying to include weather monitoring on FADS using GPS. The data
from the GPS can be used to determine the erratic nature of the currents.
One observation is that the winter swell is now extended (Nov-Jun) and impacts the
coast more. Impacts can affect infrastructure, coastal biodiversity (affects the
ecology), and the livelihood of communities. The increase in solid particles being
suspended also affects the physical structure of the reefs which will then make the
coastal defense weaker.
Invasive species are now thriving in the waters. For example, sea grass, 90% of the
traditional coverage is gone and a new species has taken over. This affects the
natural biodiversity to areas. This then negatively impacts the livelihoods of
communities.
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Currently, the division is now conducting more awareness programs.
It can also be noted that there is some political interference (socio-economic impact).
People do not take as much precaution as they used to in the past as they feel that in
the event of a disaster, the government will compensate them.
• Kalinago Chief
This meeting was held on Tuesday April 30, 2013 at 12: 50 pm
Present were:
Garnett Joseph – Kalinago Chief
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project Coordinator- Physical Planning Division
It is currently difficult to differentiate between the wet and dry seasons. This has
impacted farmers and the agriculture industry.
Most of the damage in the chief’s opinion was caused in the 1990s with the banana
industry. There were a lot of lands being cleared and steep slopes were used to farm.
In the Kalinago Territory at that time consisted of the highest number of banana
farmers. Unlike other communities, banana cultivation actually took place within the
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community itself. Trees and windbreaks were removed. This caused erosion, siltation
of rivers, and affected the food source in rivers and the ocean.
There are 3 specific areas within the community where lands have been cleared and
the soil is unstable. This has caused huge cracks in the land.
• Portsmouth Mayor
This meeting was held on Tuesday April 30, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Present were:
Cleave St.Jean – Mayor of Portsmouth
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project Coordinator- Physical Planning Division
The mayor noted that the beach used to be noticeably wider when he was a young
boy.
Currently the town is working in collaboration with the ODM assessing for the
possibilities of a tsunami.
There are many issues in the town. One solution near a famous river called the Indian
River is to create a groin. This is important as it is a tourist attraction.
There are many plans for future development of Portsmouth and this is one reason it
is a case study for this project. There is so much economic activity going on currently
and a lot more planned for the future.
*The mayor is in the process of arranging interviews with fishers in the area
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• Purple Turtle Beach Club
This meeting was held on Thursday May 2, at 1:30 pm
Present were:
Patricia Etienne – Owner
Joseph Fontaine – Senior Development Officer - Physical Planning Division
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project Coordinator- Physical Planning Division
Whilst we were unable to speak with the fishers that day we were able to have a brief
but interesting meeting with the owner of this restaurant in Portsmouth (north of
Dominica).
She noted that the landscape immediately surrounded her place has changed quite a
lot in the time she has been situated there. She has been in that area since 1983 and
the beach has continually encroached on her property. The boundary of her property
is now way out into the ocean. At one time the ocean was very far away and the
sandy area of the beach was so wide that sporting activities were quite common. This
is no longer the case.
She also noted that during Hurricane Lenny (1999) the business suffered major
damage from the ocean coming into the restaurant.
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• Mero Project
This meeting was held on Thursday May 7, at 3:15 pm
Present were:
Marie Jose Edwards – Consultant (Eclipse Inc.)
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project Coordinator- Physical Planning Division
Ms. Edwards noted that environmental issues are not necessarily mainstreamed into
policies.
She is in the process of doing some vulnerability assessment at Mero beach on the
west coast. This project is funded by the OECS and USAID. So far she has
completed a small vegetation study, a socio-economic study, and a baseline study of
the marine environment. There is also a disaster management plan and a mitigation
management plan being developed for the area. Some of the information used has
been provided by the Red Cross Society.
There is a disaster committee which has been reactivated but there has not been any
training done yet. Marie Jose noted that getting the population trained is a major issue
for the area.
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• Martin Esprit
This meeting was held on Friday May 3, at 2:30 pm
Present were:
Martin Esprit
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project Coordinator- Physical Planning Division
We visited the Campbell area with Mr. Martin Esprit who is quite knowledgeable in
many areas. He is a hunter and very tuned in to nature and his surroundings.
We were shown the areas of water catchment areas and the path of the water from
the mountain to the land. We were able to view areas where landslides had occurred
in the past and possible destruction in the future with the right weather conditions.
Mr. Esprit has noted that areas around Dominica are now uncertain. For example
Belles, in the interior of Dominica, now bears avocadoes and mangoes and this was
not so in the past as the area was too cold.
Martin noted that some disasters are manmade and just cause the natural disasters
to be even worse.
• Soufriere Village Council
This meeting was held on Tuesday May 7, at 10:00 am
Present were:
Maria Nicholas – Office Clerk
Hans-Peter Winkelmann – Climate Change Expert
Shari-Anne Gregoire – Project Coordinator- Physical Planning Division
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The Soufriere village is the most Southern point of the island of Dominica. It is very
vulnerable to SLR because of its location on the rim of an extinct volcano. For that
reason the Government has recently built a very long sea defence wall to protect the
village.
It was noted that the rain has affected what is known as the ‘cold soufriere’. There are
no longer any pools; these have been replaced with streams. This was an area of the
village used for medicinal purposes. The locals believe that the water has healing
properties. The hot sulphur springs are now too hot as well.
The farmers in the area have also noticed a change in their crop yield. They are no
longer harvesting as in the past.
• Mr. Boyd – farmer at the soufriere village council office
It was observed that the farmers are struggling with the weather and diseases presnt
in plants – bora bora, black sigatoka, tarnia crab, slugs. All of these events are tied in
to changes in the climate.
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Support to the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) under the 10th EDF Intra-ACP Financial Framework
Resources delivered
The following comprehensive Dominica Resource File containing materials on principles of
CC mainstreaming and CC vulnerability assessment as well as documents describing the
detailed methodology to be used for the vulnerability assessment was provided to the
Physical Planning Division:
1. Caribsave Climate Change Risk Atlas (CCCRA) – Snapshot Results/Summary
Document/CCCRA Risk Atlas (Full document)
2. Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Caribbean(Full document)
3. Klima-und-Raum.org – Glossar
4. UNFCCC Handbook (Cover page/1. Introduction/Attachment/2. Vulnerability and
Adaption Frameworks)
5. UNDP ADP User’s Guidebook (Full document) / UNDP APF (Internet Homepage) /
Executive Summary / Section I User’s Guidebook /User’s Guidebook (Erika Springer
et.al.) / Section II Technical Papers / 3 – Assessing Vulnerability for Climate Adaption
+ Annexes
6. 26 Technical Guidelines for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations
(Timothy Carter et.al.)
7. IPCC Technical Guidelines for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations
(WMO/UNEP) Full document
8. ICLEI Guidebook
9. Methodological Frameworks for Assessing Vulnerability to Climate Change (Rekha S
Nair et. al.)
10. Coastal Vulnerability Assessment for Sea-Level Rise: Evaluation and Selection
Methodologies for Implementation (CPACC Project, March 1999)
11. CGE Hands-on training workshops on Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments for
the Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Ascuncion, 14 – 18 August 2006
12. MACC Climate Change Impacts on Land Use Planning and Costal Infrastructure
(NOS)
13. Vulnerability Assessment of Climate Risks (Lao Case Study)
14. Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Small Islands Developing States
(Background Paper, Dr. Graham Sem)
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Support to the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) under the 10th EDF Intra-ACP Financial Framework
Climate Change Vulnerability in Dominica
From the vulnerability assessments carried out the following sectors are being considered
vulnerable in Dominica:
• Forestry and terrestrial resources: Possible impacts of climate change on the country’s
forest ecosystems include: an alteration in the range of species; reduced water flow; an
increase in forest pests and disease; and reduced food availability for wildlife.
• Coastal ecosystems: A rise in mean sea level could cause a loss of beach area; rising
temperatures may damage coral reefs along with the island’s tourism sector and fishery;
and increased mortality of mangrove forests.
• Water resources: Depending on future changes in precipitation on the island, climate
change could result in flooding, landslides, reduced water for domestic use, and saline
invasion of drinking water.
• Human settlements and infrastructure: Dominica’s population is approximately 72,000
people, 90 per cent of whom live in coastal villages. Given that most of Dominica’s
infrastructure is located in coastal areas, more frequent extreme weather events and sea
level rise could adversely impact these human settlements.
• Agriculture: The country’s main economic sectors are rain-fed agriculture (with major
crops including bananas, citrus and coconuts.). Impacts could include: declines in the
country’s main crop, bananas, which are very sensitive to changes in precipitation; losses
due to extreme weather events such as cyclones; and changes in yield due to rising
temperatures and variable precipitation.
• Fisheries: The fisheries sector is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as a result
of the expected consequences of rising sea temperatures on coral reefs.
• Tourism: The impact of climate change on coastal zones, fisheries, and coral reefs could
adversely affect this burgeoning industry.
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Support to the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) under the 10th EDF Intra-ACP Financial Framework
Photos taken from damages at the Layou river on 26 April 2013 a few days after a severe
flooding caused by heavy rainfalls during the dry season
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Support to the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) under the 10th EDF Intra-ACP Financial Framework
The area around the Campbell village is very prone to landslide because major parts of the
housing areas are located on the slopes of a huge catchment area. A large landslide has
caused recently casualties.
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Support to the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) under the 10th EDF Intra-ACP Financial Framework
Flood protection walls are being built recently on a large scale in villages at the West coast to
protect people from flooding of little streams stemming from heavy rainfall in the mountains.
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Support to the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) under the 10th EDF Intra-ACP Financial Framework
Landslides blocking roads and traffic are a serious problem in Dominica due to the unstable
geological situation and the increase in heavy rain falls. These two incidents happened
during the mission. Another landslide at the East coast caused the collapse of a road which
killed two people during this period.
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Support to the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) under the 10th EDF Intra-ACP Financial Framework
Sea level rise and the loss of beaches is obvious in Dominica. As a result sea protection
walls are being built to protect 90 per cent of the island’s population which lives on the coast
lines.