Green Destination Certification for Dominica

Green Destination Certification is a critical milestone in Dominica’s national vision for sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development. The country has integrated this global standard into its efforts to position itself as a leader in climate resilience and community-centred tourism.

Background and Purpose of Dominica’s Green Destination Certification

Administered by the international non-profit Green Destinations, the certification uses indicators based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to evaluate how destinations manage sustainability. Dominica’s participation is rooted in its post-Hurricane Maria development trajectory and its declared aim to become the world’s first Climate Resilient Nation. The certification process evaluates several key areas where Dominica is actively demonstrating progress:

• Nature and Scenery
  Dominica’s natural wealth, including Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the Boiling Lake, and countless waterfalls and forested gorges, provides a foundation for its eco-tourism identity. These landscapes are legally protected and actively maintained, forming a core part of the island’s appeal to nature-oriented travelers.
• Environment and Climate
  Dominica’s policy frameworks directly address emissions reduction, plastic pollution, and climate adaptation. Legislative bans on single-use plastics, ongoing geothermal energy projects, and the creation of the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD) signal national prioritization of environmental sustainability in both public and private sectors.
• Culture and Tradition
  Cultural preservation is deeply embedded in Dominica’s identity. The island promotes Creole language and music, traditional herbal knowledge, and festivals such as the World Creole Music Festival and Emancipation Day celebrations. The Kalinago Territory also plays a significant role in preserving indigenous heritage, crafts, and customs.
• Community and Business Involvement
  Dominica’s approach to tourism planning emphasizes broad-based participation. Local guides, agrotourism farms, and community-owned initiatives like the Kalinago Barana Autê ensure that benefits from tourism remain within communities. These models are supported by training programs and partnerships with the Ministry of Tourism and civil society.
• Tourism Policy and Management
  Dominica’s Tourism Master Plan 2020–2030 emphasizes low-density, high-value tourism, striking a careful balance between development and environmental constraints. Policy enforcement and multi-agency coordination mechanisms are used to guide growth responsibly, reflecting the country’s long-term vision.
• Destination Management
  Post-disaster risk governance has been a cornerstone of tourism management in Dominica. The country has implemented emergency protocols, hazard mapping, and community readiness plans. These actions are coordinated through agencies like the Office of Disaster Management and ensure visitor safety and destination continuity.
• Hospitality and Services
  Dominica’s accommodations are increasingly eco-certified, with leading properties like Jungle Bay and Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa setting benchmarks in sustainability. Workforce training through institutions like the Dominica State College and the Discover Dominica Authority supports high service standards with a focus on green practices.

Dominica’s engagement with the Green Destination Certification process reflects not just a desire for international recognition, but a clear alignment with its national development goals. It positions the island as a living model of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean, rooted in natural richness, cultural integrity, and community empowerment.

Dominica’s Certification Journey

Dominica began its formal journey toward Green Destination Certification in the early 2020s. Through the work of the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Ministry of Tourism, the island submitted detailed documentation on sustainable tourism policies, community-based tourism initiatives, biodiversity protection, and resilience-building measures.

In 2023, Dominica achieved Bronze Level recognition, becoming the first OECS member state to receive such designation under the Green Destinations Standard. This level reflects the country’s progress in structured destination management, stakeholder collaboration, and nature-based tourism models.

What the Certification Covers

The Green Destinations program reviewed numerous aspects of Dominican tourism, such as:

• Eco-Tourism Development: Including projects like the Waitukubuli National Trail and Kalinago Territory tourism enterprises.
• Waste and Energy Management: Highlighting island-wide efforts in solid waste separation and renewable energy infrastructure.
• Cultural Preservation: Acknowledging the safeguarding of Kalinago heritage, Creole language use, and traditional events such as World Creole Music Festival and Hike Fest.
• Community Impact: Promoting village tourism models, homestays, and local guide employment.
• Disaster Resilience and Climate Action: Featuring Dominica’s housing projects, green building codes, and the development of hurricane-resistant tourism properties.

Key Benefits for Dominica

• International Credibility: The Green Destinations stamp boosts Dominica’s visibility as an environmentally conscious and culturally authentic destination.
• Market Differentiation: Aligns with the preferences of eco-conscious travellers, especially from Europe and Canada.
• Sustainable Investment: Attracts donors and agencies aligned with the island’s sustainable development model.
• Community Empowerment: Reinforces partnerships with local stakeholders who drive authentic experiences for visitors.

Ongoing Commitments and Next Steps

Dominica aims to reach Silver and Gold levels within the next two years by addressing current gaps, which include:

• More comprehensive visitor data collection
• Expanding green infrastructure
• Strengthening community-level training
• Improving destination-wide sustainability indicators

Efforts are underway through the Tourism Master Plan, the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD), and multiple community-based organisations that support responsible tourism.

Future Outlook

Dominica’s approach to Green Destination Certification is symbolic and rooted in a broader national philosophy of sustainability, resilience, and pride in nature. As the only island in the Caribbean with such a formal and advanced status, Dominica is positioning itself as a model for small island developing states (SIDS) pursuing environmentally balanced growth.

With continued government support and grassroots action, Dominica’s journey in the Green Destinations program will evolve into deeper recognition and more substantial alignment with international best practices.