A national push is underway to involve communities more directly in protecting Dominica’s rivers, with organisers calling on village councils, schools, and civic groups to take responsibility for sections of waterways within their areas.
Chairman of the World Rivers Day Committee, Father Franklyn Cuffy, is encouraging groups to identify rivers or specific stretches of rivers and develop structured projects focused on conservation, maintenance, and public awareness.
The initiative forms part of activities leading up to World Rivers Day, but organizers have made it clear that participation is expected to extend well beyond a single event. Communities are being asked to treat these projects as ongoing efforts, with regular upkeep and long-term engagement forming a key requirement.
“We are hoping that that project will be maintained,” Father Cuffy noted, highlighting the importance of sustained involvement rather than short-term participation.
To encourage meaningful engagement, a competitive element has been introduced. Committees and groups will be assessed based on the quality and impact of their projects, with recognition planned for those demonstrating strong environmental stewardship and continuity over time.
Public activities are also expected to play a role in raising awareness. Among the planned initiatives is a community hike along the Roseau River involving the Mayor, councillors, and youth groups such as the 4-H Club, aimed at promoting visibility and participation in river conservation efforts.
The call aligns with broader national messaging on environmental responsibility, with officials emphasising that the protection of rivers and forests requires active involvement at every level of society. “We must protect our rivers and forests, because once we lose them, we cannot get them back,” he stressed.
Organisers say the programme is designed not only to improve the condition of rivers, but also to build a stronger sense of ownership among communities, ensuring that Dominica’s natural resources are preserved through consistent, locally driven action.
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