Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Country
Dominica
Inscribed in
1997
Criteria
(viii)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Luxuriant natural tropical forest blends with scenic volcanic features of great scientific interest in this national park centred on the 1,342-m-high volcano known as Morne Trois Pitons. With its precipitous slopes and deeply incised valleys, 50 fumaroles, hot springs, three freshwater lakes, a 'boiling lake' and five volcanoes, located on the park's nearly 7,000 ha, together with the richest biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles, Morne Trois Pitons National Park presents a rare combination of natural features of World Heritage value. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Scenic volcanic features of great scientific interest
Criterion
(viii)
The distinctive geology and landforms of Morne Trois Pitons National Park are comprised of three major types of geological formations: volcanic piles, glacis slopes and soufrieres. The site displays a magnificent spectrum of volcanic activity in the form of streams of various colours. Key features include 50 fumaroles, hot springs, sulphur vents, mudpots, three freshwater lakes, a massive 'Boiling Lake' (the second largest of its kind in the world) and five volcanoes. Ongoing geo-morphological processes of reduction are taking place in a largely undisturbed setting of stunning scenic value and are of major scientific interest (World Heritage Committee, 2017).
Rich biodiversity with endemic plant and animal species
Criterion
(x)
Morne Trois Pitons National Park is home to one of the very rare largely intact forest areas remaining in the Insular Caribbean, a region recognized through various priority-setting exercises as a highly threatened biodiversity region and center of endemism of global importance. Along extreme altitudinal and micro-climatic gradients an impressive variety of forest types has evolved featuring a highly diverse flora with many endemic vascular plant species. There are also endemic reptiles and amphibians and a noteworthy number of bird species, including the Imperial Parrot (Amazona imperialis) and the vulnerable Red-Necked Parrot (Amazona arausiaca), which are endemic to Dominica (World Heritage Committee, 2017).
Assessment information
Current threats, such as shifting agriculture and commercial activities, impact relatively small areas of the site. However, severe weather events, particularly hurricanes, have major impacts on the property's flora and fauna, and are expected to increase in frequency and severity with climate change. The expansion of tourism infrastructure, particularly the ongoing construction of a cable car within the Park, presents a very high risk to the OUV and integrity of the property if the impacts of the project were not properly assessed and mitigated. Report of quarrying activities in the site are concerning.
Mining & Quarrying
(Quarrying)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Quarrying in the north-eastern part of the Park, additionally to its visual impact, creates turbidity during heavy rainfall (State Party of Dominica, 2023). According to the most recent periodic report (State Party of Dominica, 2023), quarrying occurs within the site boundaries, however this requires further investigation to confirm extent and impact on the site values. If quarrying activities are indeed occurring within the boundaries, negative impacts on the rich biodiversity, which are an important part of the site's OUV, are expected and would need urgent investigation.
Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Clearing of vegetation for plantations)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Trees are felled in small areas for agriculture and to plant bay trees, used in the production of bay rum, a scent used in perfume manufacture. (Edwards, 2011a, b; TNC, n.d.)
Recreation & Tourism Areas
(Tourism)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
With Dominica still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic on its tourism industry, the country is seeking to boost and diversify its tourism sector centred around its natural attractions. The country received 425,155 visitors in the 2023-2024 tourism season, comprised mainly of cruise passengers and a smaller proportion of stay-over visitors (Government of Dominica, 2024a). Cruise ship arrivals continue to grow and there is emphasis on encouraging overnight stays to bring benefits to the local economy (Government of Dominica, 2024b). High visitation numbers in specific areas, such as the Emerald Pool, could have effect on species with low tolerance to human disturbance (UNESCO and IUCN, 2017) as well as increase the production of solid and liquid waste (State Party of Dominica, 2023).
Hotels and a cable car project is currently under construction within the site boundaries, and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 (Government of Dominica, 2024a; IUCN consultation, 2024). The design includes two stations with visitor amenities, 20 support towers, and a helipad; the route will traverse 6,600 meters and facilitate access to the Boiling Lake and nearby hiking trails (Dominica News Online, 2024b). There is the potential that, because of the geophysical sensitivity of the area, the cable car project may trigger occurrence of landslides and other hazards (State Party of Dominica, 2023). It remains unclear whether an Environmental Impact Assessment that considered potential impacts to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property was undertaken during the planning phase. Given the scale and location of the project, potential impacts to natural structures, key vistas, and threatened flora and fauna species are likely and should be given immediate consideration by the implicated government authorities and project developers.
Hotels and a cable car project is currently under construction within the site boundaries, and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 (Government of Dominica, 2024a; IUCN consultation, 2024). The design includes two stations with visitor amenities, 20 support towers, and a helipad; the route will traverse 6,600 meters and facilitate access to the Boiling Lake and nearby hiking trails (Dominica News Online, 2024b). There is the potential that, because of the geophysical sensitivity of the area, the cable car project may trigger occurrence of landslides and other hazards (State Party of Dominica, 2023). It remains unclear whether an Environmental Impact Assessment that considered potential impacts to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property was undertaken during the planning phase. Given the scale and location of the project, potential impacts to natural structures, key vistas, and threatened flora and fauna species are likely and should be given immediate consideration by the implicated government authorities and project developers.
Dams & Water Management/Use
(Hydropower generation)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
At the time of its inscription, the MTPNP had been affected by hydropower infrastructures and transmission lines near Freshwater lake (through the central area), that feed the hydroelectric power station at Laudat and Trafalgar sites (DOMLEC powerplant). Construction of a hydropower dam and diversion of water courses have impacted the flow of streams coming out of the Park and contributed to habitat loss and fragmentation, landslides, and soil erosion through road and power line construction. Erosion along roads increases siltation of water courses (Edwards, 2011a, b; TNC, n.d.; UNESCO and IUCN, 2017). The overall aesthetics of the landscape is also compromised (State Party of Dominica, 2023).
Severe Weather Events
(Extreme weather events, especially hurricanes and tropical storms, flooding)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Dominica lies in the path of the Eastern Caribbean hurricane belt and as a result is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. Since 1979, eleven tropical storms have impacted the island, and three of them (Maria in 2017, Erika in 2015, David in 1979) have caused significant damages to the forest resources, by impacting feeding grounds, nesting sites and roosting areas. In addition, climate change is beginning to impact the Park with higher temperatures, greater intensity of droughts in the dry season and increased severity of tropical storms and hurricanes in the wet season (State Party of Dominica, 2023; BirdLife, 2012; Edwards, 2011a, b). It is estimated that Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused damage to 80-90% of trees in the World Heritage property (Government of Dominica, 2017). The frequency and intensity of category 4 and 5 hurricanes is expected to increase in the coming years, emphasizing the need for resilience and recovery efforts (Fiertz et al., 2024).
Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The Park is one of the 16 World Heritage sites considered most at risk from climate change (Perry, 2011), but there are no scientific studies on the impact of climate change on the national parks and no scientific data to establish its effects on this National Park. However, some observation on the impacts of Hurricane David on the biodiversity of the Park was undertaken by visiting scientists as well as the staff of the Forestry Division (Edwards, 2018a;b). It is projected that temperatures will increase 2.5 Cº, and that the dry season will be 10-20% drier. Droughts are associated with increased fire threat, and increases in disease and invasive species, and threaten watershed resources, while flooding increase soil erosion, silting of rivers and streams. The increase in the number of days of dry spells also threatens epiphytes (State Party of Dominica, 2023).Hurricane intensity is likely to increase, causing stronger peak winds and more rainfall, but not necessarily hurricane frequency. High winds negatively impact wildlife through destruction of feeding grounds, nesting sites and roosting areas. When feeding grounds are destroyed by hurricanes or storms, parrots in particular tend to feed on fruits from agricultural lands adjacent to the site and are then considered as pests, because they threaten the livelihoods of some farmers. The Park’s vegetation exhibits a pronounced altitudinal zonation, and any changes in climate are likely to affect these zones. For example, assuming a lapse rate of 1ᴼ C per 500 ft, the low scenario of 1.7ᴼC would elevate vegetative zones by 850 ft and the high scenario (3.5ᴼC) by 1750 ft. Under high temperature scenarios, cloud forests could disappear completely, and some endemics could be lost. An indirect effect of tropical weather systems is the conversion of wildlife habitat to agriculture. In accessible areas, toppled trees provide an opportunity to more easily clear land for farming, thus resulting in a further reduction and fragmentation of wildlife habitat. (Edwards, 2011a;b).
It is anticipated that the Caribbean region will be among the most severely impacted by changes in climate conditions, including the increased frequency and severity of hurricanes (World Bank, 2023b). Dominica has invested extensively into building its climate resilience across multiple sectors to protect its natural resources and ecological integrity, as well as impacts to the tourism sector as a critical industry for the country (World Bank, 2023a). The rich forested areas of Morne Trois Pitons are one of 10 World Heritage Forests that are emitting more carbon than they absorb, due to pressure from wildfires, extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes and flooding, deforestation, and rising global temperatures (UNESCO, WRI, IUCN, 2021).
It is anticipated that the Caribbean region will be among the most severely impacted by changes in climate conditions, including the increased frequency and severity of hurricanes (World Bank, 2023b). Dominica has invested extensively into building its climate resilience across multiple sectors to protect its natural resources and ecological integrity, as well as impacts to the tourism sector as a critical industry for the country (World Bank, 2023a). The rich forested areas of Morne Trois Pitons are one of 10 World Heritage Forests that are emitting more carbon than they absorb, due to pressure from wildfires, extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes and flooding, deforestation, and rising global temperatures (UNESCO, WRI, IUCN, 2021).
Terrestrial Animal Farming, Ranching & Herding
(Agricultural encroachment)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Shifting agriculture is practised in isolated areas of the Park. This involves the clearing of trees and other vegetation that can lead to erosion, silting of waterways and disturbance of wildlife. Some of these areas were cultivated prior to Park establishment (Edwards, 2011a, b). In the buffer zone, forestry lands are converted to agro-forestry (State Party of Dominica, 2023). According to the technical report on the updated design of buffer zones for the World Heritage site (Edwards, 2018a, b), the most important socio economic activities in the buffer zone and, in some cases within the boundary of the Park, are for subsistence. A smaller percentage is considered illegal, such as planting of Cannabis sativa. These activities could affect the integrity of the Park acting as a vehicle for increasing erosion and inadvertently introducing invasive and/ or exotic species into forest environment.
Potential threats include the impacts of climate change on the ecological integrity of the property, the introduction of invasive species, and geothermal and development exploration outside the Park, as well as the more remote threat of a volcanic eruption, which is however considered long overdue. While a volcanic eruption would be a natural part of the Park’s geological processes, it would be devastating for the Park’s biota.
Renewable Energy
(Geothermal exploration and development)
Outside site
Studies have been undertaken in Wotten Waven near the Park boundary to explore the geothermal potential for power production in Dominica. The study area included a part of the Park, especially the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake. Exploratory phases have been concluded in 2014 on two platforms located downstream, outside the boundaries of the Park and its proposed buffer zone, but in close proximity (400 m at its nearest point). Potential impacts of construction and dismantling phases in production and reinjection sites will be mainly due to power plant and pipeline installation (in Laudat site) and road widening to access to the platforms. Removal of vegetation to enable power plant construction and pipeline installation could negatively impact critical habitat for the Red-necked Parrot (Amazona arausiaca), known to frequent the Laudat area (UNESCO and IUCN, 2017).
In 2019 the State Party report on this issue notes that 'on October 8th, 2019 the geothermal wells were successfully re opened. The geothermal unit has indicated that after 5 years of being closed, the naturally occurring geothermal gas, hydrogen sulphide had accumulated inside the well and this gas in high enough concentrations can be dangerous hence the need for reopening' (State Party of Dominica, 2019). However, regarding the operational phase of the project, ESIA was completed in July of 2018 which is reported to include specific consideration towards the World heritage values of Morne Trois Pitons National Park (State Party of Dominica, 2019).
In 2019 the State Party report on this issue notes that 'on October 8th, 2019 the geothermal wells were successfully re opened. The geothermal unit has indicated that after 5 years of being closed, the naturally occurring geothermal gas, hydrogen sulphide had accumulated inside the well and this gas in high enough concentrations can be dangerous hence the need for reopening' (State Party of Dominica, 2019). However, regarding the operational phase of the project, ESIA was completed in July of 2018 which is reported to include specific consideration towards the World heritage values of Morne Trois Pitons National Park (State Party of Dominica, 2019).
Geological Events
(Volcanic eruption)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The Park encompasses one of the more active volcanic centers on Dominica, which in turn is the most active of all the Caribbean volcanic areas. It gives rise to high future volcanic eruption that will impact on the plants and animal species. However, several scientists have suggested that the island is long overdue for an eruption (BirdLife, 2012; De Roche, 2010).
Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Climate change, especially hurricanes, extreme heat events, flooding)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The Park is one of the 16 World Heritage sites considered most at risk from climate change (Perry, 2011), but there are no scientific studies on the impact of climate change on the national parks and no scientific data to establish its effects on this National Park. However, some observation on the impacts of Hurricane David on the biodiversity of the Park was undertaken by visiting scientists as well as the staff of the Forestry Division (Edwards, 2018a, b). It is projected that temperatures will increase 2.5 Cº, and that the dry season will be 10-20% drier. Droughts are associated with increased fire threat, and increases in disease and invasive species, and threaten watershed resources, while flooding increase soil erosion, silting of rivers and streams. Hurricane intensity is likely to increase, causing stronger peak winds and more rainfall, but not necessarily hurricane frequency. High winds negatively impact wildlife through destruction of feeding grounds, nesting sites and roosting areas. When feeding grounds are destroyed by hurricanes or storms, parrots in particular tend to feed on fruits from agricultural lands adjacent to the site and are then considered as pests, because they threaten the livelihoods of some farmers. The Park’s vegetation exhibits a pronounced altitudinal zonation, and any changes in climate are likely to affect these zones. For example, assuming a lapse rate of 1ᴼ C per 500 ft, the low scenario of 1.7ᴼC would elevate vegetative zones by 850 ft and the high scenario (3.5ᴼC) by 1750 ft. Under high temperature scenarios, cloud forests could disappear completely, and some endemics could be lost. An indirect effect of tropical weather systems is the conversion of wildlife habitat to agriculture. In accessible areas, toppled trees provide an opportunity to more easily clear land for farming, thus resulting in a further reduction and fragmentation of wildlife habitat. (Edwards, 2011a, b).
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Introduction of invasive species)
Invasive/problematic species
Anolis cristatellus
Osteopilus septentrionalis
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Invasive species, such as Anolis christatellus, the cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) and other plant species, have been found outside the Park (State Party of Dominica, 2023). Their expansion into the property and the introduction of other invasive species represent a threat to the OUV of the site.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
In the past, there have been conflicts regarding the Park use in areas zoned for Special Use, where incompatible activities have been legally sanctioned. These include a shooting range, a quarry close to the Emerald Pool, and hydropower infrastructure and transmission lines. Potential land-use conflicts were foreseen in the 2018 draft management plan, including between government and private land owners with respect to independent use of their land, which constitutes 16% of the site, as well as with farmers who are utilizing government-owned land for subsistence agriculture; however, provisions are made to manage these limitations (State Party of Dominica, 2019).
Legal framework
The National Park was legally established in 1975 by a legislative act and is currently managed by the Division of Forestry, Wildlife and National Parks.
Governance arrangements
The responsibility for the protection and management rests with the Division of Forestry, Wildlife and National Parks of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Day to day responsibilities for the Park resides in the National Parks Unit of the Division, headquartered in the nearby capital of Roseau (State Party of Dominica, 2024). There is a project underway to develop an autonomous National Park Service, provided by the National Parks legislation. However, to date no one has been appointed as Director of National Parks, and the Director of Forestry continues to cover the responsibilities of Director of National Parks (Edwards, 2011a, b). Technical reports for the design of buffer zones (Edwards, 2018a, b) and the improved management plan (Edwards, 2018a, b) recommend the establishment of Management Committees as a governance mechanism to a better inter-institutional coordination and the major participation of civil society groups.
A project is underway in 2024-2025 to update the management plan, which should provide a formal framework for governance. The project is expected to strengthen governance arrangements, including enhancing inter-institutional coordination.
A project is underway in 2024-2025 to update the management plan, which should provide a formal framework for governance. The project is expected to strengthen governance arrangements, including enhancing inter-institutional coordination.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The Park is well integrated into government planning systems at the national level. However, there is a need to enhance institutional coordination with other administrations, such as the Ministry of Tourism and Legal Affairs in charge of the visitor centres (UNESCO and IUCN, 2017).
Boundaries
The boundaries do not limit the ability to maintain the property's Outstanding Universal Value but they could be improved (State Party of Dominica, 2024). A boundaries marking system is in place but need to be fully completed on the ground. Given the close proximity of villages to the boundaries, land tenure issues in some areas and importance of agricultural activity around the Park, a buffer zone is necessary to mitigate existing and potential impacts of anthropogenic activities. A project funded by GEF aims to develop an updated management plan for the Park and to ensure the legal establishment of a buffer zone. The assessment will also help with zonation within the core zone (special zone, intensive use, extensive use, environmental study, research, wildland management) as proposed in the 2011 management plan (UNESCO and IUCN, 2017). The completion of this project was suspended due to complications in accessing the site after the damage sustained by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and Covid-19 pandemics (State Party of Dominica, 2019, 2024), but is scheduled for implementation in 2024-2025.
Overlapping international designations
The Park lies within a Conservation International-designated Conservation Hotspot, a WWF/IUCN Centre of Plant Diversity and a BirdLife-designated Endemic Bird Area.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
World Heritage Committee decisions on the state of conservation of the property were made in 2015 and 2016, requesting Dominica to assess potential impacts of a geothermal project on the Outstanding Universal Value. A joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring mission was carried out in 2017 to assess the status of the project (UNESCO and IUCN, 2017), with a subsequent decision by the Committee with number of requests made of the State Party. The State Party's state of conservation report submitted in 2019 noted that "while some of the recommendations have been implemented i.e. recommendations 1, 2, 3 & 5, due to the passage of Maria in 2017 and lack of capacity at the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division there has been delays in the implementation of the recommendations contained in paragraphs 4, 6 & 7 of decision 40COM7B-73" (State Party of Dominica, 2019). The World Heritage Committee has not issued any decisions on the state of conservation of the property, or other matters, since 2017 (Decision 41 COM 7B.14).
Climate action
Given Dominica's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, particularly hurricanes and other extreme weather events, illustrated by the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the country has invested in building its climate resilience (World Bank Group, 2023a). It also continues to explore renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal. Specific provisions on climate change were into the draft of the 2018 management plan (State Party of Dominica, 2019), and will likely be incorporated into the updated management plan to be developed in 2024-2025.
Management plan and overall management system
The site is managed under the Protected Areas Act Chpt 42:02 (National Parks and Protected Areas Act.) (State Party of Dominica, 2024). The management system is being only partially implemented, an annual work/action plan exists but few of its activities are being implemented (State Party of Dominica, 2024). Previous revisions of the property's management plan in 2002 and 2019 were not formally adopted and were only partially implemented due to limited human resource capacity and budgetary limitations (State Party of Dominica, 2024). An updated management plan will be prepared in 2024-2025 as part of new project “Leveraging Eco-Tourism for Biodiversity Protection in Dominica Project” funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the World Bank. The plan will be part of broader strategy to leverage Dominica's natural environment for eco-tourism, economic development and resilience (Government of Dominica, 2024d). The updated management plan will also aim to strengthen institutional coordination and the government's capacity to manage its protected areas according to international best practices.
Law enforcement
Given the rough topography, relative lack of threats, and government ownership of Park lands, law enforcement has never been a significant concern (Edwards, 2011a, b).
Sustainable finance
Public financial resources attributed to management of Morne Trois Pitons are inadequate to completely support the basic required structures for effective management (State Party of Dominica, 2024). A proposal was put forward for development of a National Parks trust fund; however, it is unclear whether this has been implemented (Edwards, 2011a, b). Key steps towards the effective management of the site, such as the development of an updated management plan and the acquisition of land to secure the tenure of the site are largely reliant on external sources of funding (State Party of Dominica, 2019). As part of its recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the government of Dominica has implemented some new programs to attract foreign direct investment that in turn is used for key sectors such as conservation, tourism, and infrastructure development (Government of Dominica, 2024a).
Staff capacity, training and development
The main difficulties in establishing a National Park Service have been the shortage of trained personnel as well as limited financial resources for management. Advanced degree and certificate training is required in areas of park management, site planning, freshwater fisheries management, wildlife management, general ecology and environmental education (interpretation, awareness). Expertise among the property's management team has grown over time: currently, the head of the management unit has advanced education in Forestry and Wildlife Conservation and the rest of the staff have completed training in the areas mentioned above. Nevertheless, challenges persist with understaffing, and regular training is needed (IUCN consultation, 2024). Recent success stories with regards to training and capacity-building in the tourism sector include the 'Friend of Conservation’ certification initiative launched in 2022 and run in partnership between WildDominique, the Forestry Wildlife & Parks Division, Discover Dominica Authority, and the Dominica State College (Government of Dominica, 2023), and a skills development initiative funded by the Organization of American States (OAS) (Government of Dominica, 2024c).
Education and interpretation programmes
Though there have been many isolated attempts at developing environmental education through the National Park, no long-term program has been achieved (Edwards, 2011a, b).
Tourism and visitation management
The site has three visitor centres located at the Freshwater Lake, the Emerald Pool and the Middleham Falls, and administered by a concessionaire. But there are few other interpretive facilities or much signage. It is particularly noticeable that there is no interpretation of the geologic features that represent the site’s Outstanding Universal Value (Edwards, 2011a, b). These centers are effectively managed and interpretation circuits well maintained. Facilities are globally in good conditions, with controlled access and built-up paths to contain visitors. However, an interpretation programme for the World Heritage site needs to be developed (UNESCO and IUCN, 2017). Recent expansion of tourist infrastructure, such as the construction of a cable car within the property, raises some concern about the effectiveness of existing environmental impact assessment regulations and the appropriateness of development planning for tourism-related projects that have the potential for serious negative impacts on the OUV of the property.
Sustainable use
Some concerns exist around planning and approval for development projects and tourism-related initiatives that aim to increase tourist arrivals, particularly through cruise ships, and the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly the cable car within the property, without adequate impact assessment procedures.
Monitoring
There is no established overall monitoring program for the National Park resources, though there has been some monitoring of frog (Edwards, 2011a, b) and parrots populations (UNESCO and IUCN, 2017).
Research
Though there is no overall integrated research program, there are several on-going research activities. There has been some research on forest dynamics by the Forestry Division on hummingbirds by the Smithsonian, and on frog populations (Edwards, 2011a;b). Other on-going research focuses on Dominica’s two parrot species (in collaboration with the Rare Species Foundation), and on tink frogs within the area of Freshwater Lake and along the Boeri Lake Trail and the Morne Trois Pitons Trail by Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division in collaboration with MoAFE and Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Various forms of short-term research on wild flora, fauna and geology are conducted in the park by foreign institutions. The Seismic Research Unit of the University of the West Indies/Trinidad is also conducting ongoing research on volcanic and seismic activity in the park (BirdLife, 2012). There is a biodiversity study on the MTNP to be undertaken under the “Supporting Sustainable Ecosystem by Strengthening the Effectiveness of Dominica’s Protected Area System” Project (State Party of Dominica, 2019).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
Insufficient information is available to assess the effectiveness of the management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
The effectiveness of the management system is constrained by limited human and financial resources. At the time of its inscription on the World Heritage List, the MTPNP had a management plan but it was not officially adopted. Updated versions of the management plan from 2002 and in 2018 were not formally adopted and implementation was limited, partially due to the impacts of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Another update of the management plan is scheduled for 2024-2025, with funding secured.
Despite some constraints in human and financial resources to ensure the adequate protection and management of the site, international cooperation support continues in areas related to climate change resiliency, recovery from extreme weather events, and tourism development. Due to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria of 2017, set backs have been experienced in implementing the previous management plan completed in 2018, including delineating the buffer zone. With funding secured for the development of a new management plan in 2024-2025, the strengthening of overall governance and planning processes, as well as inter-institutional coordination, can be expected. Nevertheless, some serious concerns remain regarding the development of major tourist infrastructure in the property, namely the cable car project currently under construction, which has the potential to cause significant negative impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property if not properly assessed and mitigated.
Scenic volcanic features of great scientific interest
Good
Trend
Stable
The geological features of the site are not threatened though it should be noted that there is limited research on, or interpretation of, these values (Edwards, 2011a, b).
Rich biodiversity with endemic plant and animal species
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
There is concern regarding habitat loss and fragmentation caused by shifting cultivation in small areas in and around the site, as well as for threatened and vulnerable parrot and forest thrush populations that are in decline, and for several species of endemic bats, butterflies, reptiles, orchids and trees. There is growing awareness of the potential future negative effects from climate change and extreme weather events (Fiertz et.al., 2024; BirdLife, 2012; Edwards, 2011a, b; TNC, n.d.). The impacts of Hurricane Maria, which passed through the site in 2017, remain largely unknown due to the difficulty in accessing the site after the event took place. However, some estimates state that up to 90% of the forested areas of the property were impacted (State Party of Dominica, 2019, 2017).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Deteriorating
While the site’s geological values are not threatened, there is concern regarding the effects of increasingly frequent and severe weather events, shifting agriculture, tourism activities and infrastructure projects in and around the Park that can cause habitat loss and fragmentation, disturb threatened and vulnerable wildlife, and lead to negative visual impact on the integrity of the property. Though not currently foreseen, there is always the future possibility of renewed volcanic activity which would have devastating effects on the site’s biota.
Additional information
Access to drinking water,
Commercial wells
The site protects the upper watersheds for all the rivers of southern Dominica, the waters of which drive the turbines that generate much of the island's electricity and provides drinking water for the capital city of Rousseau and the cruise ships that dock there (TNC, n.d.)
Importance for research
The site is used for scientific research by national and international entities, and is an important resource for the generation of knowledge on biodiversity, geology, and climate change (BirdLife, 2012; Edwards, 2011a, b; Edwards, 2018a, b).
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Major tourism activities inside the MTPNP are hiking, bird watching and mountain climbing, and most of the popular trails developed within the park start from or near the village of Laudat (UNESCO and IUCN, 2017). The site provides tourism to approximately 400,000 visitors per year, with approximately 75,000 stay-over arrivals (Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, 2024) and recreation services that are economically important and also important for local livelihoods. In the last years between 12,000 and 55,000 visitors visited the Park, on average staying one day (State Party of Dominica, 2023).
Main benefits of the property include the provision of drinking water to southern Dominica, generation of hydropower, knowledge generation through scientific research and analysis, and income generation and employment from tourism and recreation industries.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global Environment Facility, World Bank | The Special Program for Adaptation to Climate Change (SPACC) project is currently undertaking a project to establish buffer zones for the Park. Project development in communities adjacent to the Park aims at reducing negative impacts on Park. |
https://research.fit.edu/media/site-specific/researchfitedu/coast-climate-adaptation-library/latin-america-and-caribbean/eastern-carib-amp-dutch-antilles/SPACC.--2009.--Dominica-CC-Adaptation.pdf
|
| 2 | Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (COD) with support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) | Project aimed at establishing and operationalizing a National Parks Service (NPS). The project comprises two phases with Phase I focusing on a review of the legal framework for the management of national parks and protected areas as well as the conduct of amendments to existing legislation to address identified deficiencies. Phase II focuses on the institutional framework including the establishment and operationalization of a NPS. |
.
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| 3 | Yale University | DOMEX Project. The objective is to: ➢ To understand the physics of mountain triggered convection and precipitation in the tropics, using Dominica as a natural laboratory ➢ To develop data sets that can be used to test and improve numerical models of convection and precipitation in the tropics ➢ To better understand and predict the weather and climate of the Lesser Antilles including Guadeloupe, Dominica and Martinique. |
The principal investigator of DOMEX is Professor Ronald B. Smith from Yale University, with support from the USA National Science Foundation. Participating institutions
include: Dominica Division of Forestry, MeteoFrance DIRAG, University of Reading, University of Wyoming, and the Max Planck Institute
|
| 4 | Global Environment Facility, World Bank | This project is in the implementation phase. The objective is to improve management of Dominica’s three national parks (including Morne Trois Pitons National Park) and the tourist trails (in the framework of sustainable tourism perspective). |
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/160291584641523382/pdf/Concept-Project-Information-Document-PID-GEF-Leveraging-Eco-Tourism-for-Biodiversity-Protection-in-Dominica-P170846.pdf
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| 5 | Global Environment Facility, United Nations Environment Programme | The GEF-6 UNEP project (9978) works on land degradation around Morne Trois Piton National Park (MTPNP). |
https://www.thegef.org/project/strengthening-resilience-agricultural-lands-and-forests-dominica-aftermath-hurricane-maria
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| 6 | Global Environment Facility, World Bank | The project aims to strengthen the effectiveness of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is a designated World Heritage Site, and to establish a buffer zone for the Park, in order to reduce threats to biodiversity and ecological functioning. Two of the eight activities area related to the updated of the Management Plan Of Morno Trois Pitons National Park and the demarcating and legally establishing its buffer zone. This reported also in the Sixth National Report to the CBD (State Party of Dominica-CBD, 2019). |
https://www.thegef.org/project/supporting-sustainable-ecosystems-strengthening-effectiveness-dominica-s-protected-areas
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| 7 | Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund (DNCTF), the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) | The project aims to enhance the resilience of vulnerable groups to climate change across eight Caribbean territories, including Dominica. The project, valued at CAD $13.4M, is being implemented from 2024-2027. The focus in Dominica is in encouraging a gender-responsive approach to climate change resilience. |
https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/projects/cbf-core-project/
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| 8 | Global Environment Facility (GEF), World Bank | The project aims to coordinate and optimize the Government’s approach to Protected Areas (PAs) management and forest systems and support the Government in its efforts to conserve biodiversity as part of its pursuit to establish Dominica as an eco-tourism destination. This will be achieved by improving regulation and enforcement of its natural capital, and by improving the Government’s capacity to manage PAs in line with international best practice to simultaneously promote biodiversity conservation and economic development. This project is providing funding for the development of an updated management plan for Morne Trois Pitons National Park. |
https://gefbiodiversity.agriculture.gov.dm/notices/development-of-the-final-management-plan-for-the-morne-trois-piton-and-morne-diablotin-national-parks
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| 9 | Organization of American States (OAS) | This project involves a training series delivered by the Discover Dominica Authority to empower 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises in the accommodation and wellness sectors. This project focuses on enhancing their digital presence and operational capacities for the competitive tourism market. These sessions are expected to boost the operational efficiency of participating businesses, enhance visitor satisfaction, and contribute to the resilience and recovery of Dominica's tourism sector. |
https://www.oas.org/ext/Portals/23/meetings/OnePagers/16_OnePagerTourism-Sector-Skills-Enhancement-Project-DMA-DCF.pdf
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References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
BirdLife International. (2012). Important Bird Areas factsheet: Morne Trois Pitons National Park. [online] Available at: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.php?id=20863 [Accessed 3 December 2020].
|
| 2 |
Dominica News Online. (2024a). "Dominica boosts gender-responsive climate resilience with Canada’s support". News article published 31 January 2024. Available at: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/connectin…. [Accessed 24 October 2024]
|
| 3 |
Dominica News Online. (2024b). "Over 200 people employed on Cable Car project". News article published 8 June 2024. Available at: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/over-200-…. [Accessed 25 October 2024].
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| 4 |
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. (2024). Selected Tourism Statistics: Total Visitor Arrivals, Dominica, 2023. Available at: https://www.eccb-centralbank.org/statistics-category/extern…. [Accessed 27 December 2024].
|
| 5 |
Edwards, Marie-Jose. (2011a). Morne Trois Pitons National Park World Heritage Site – Improved Management Plan. Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre/SPACC Project.
|
| 6 |
Edwards, Marie-Jose. (2018a). Morne Trois Pitons National Park World Heritage Site – Improved Management Plan. Supporting Sustainable Ecosystem by Strengthening the Effectiveness of Dominica’s Protected Area System Project.
|
| 7 |
Edwards, Marie-Jose. (2018b). Techical report updated design of buffer zones for the Morne Trois Pitons National Park World Heritage Sites. Supporting Sustainable Ecosystem by Strengthening the Effectiveness of Dominica’s Protected Area System Project.
|
| 8 |
Edwards, Marie-José. (2011). Design of buffer zones for the Morne Diablotin National and Morne Trois Pitons National Park World Heritage. Technical report. Caribbean community climate change centre/ SPACC. 123 pp.
|
| 9 |
Fiertz, Natalie, Tracy Rouleau, Arnelle Isaac, Shania Scotland, Jonathan McCue, Regan Kwan, Wendy Wang, Noah Meyer. (2024). "CORVI: Assessing Priority Climate Risks in Dominica". Stimson: Resilience & Sustainability. Available at: https://www.stimson.org/2024/corvi-assessing-priority-clima…. [Accessed 4 November 2024].
|
| 10 |
GEF, UNDP. (2012). Supporting Sustainable Ecosystem by strengthening the Effectiveness of Dominica’s Protected Area System. Project document.104 pp.
|
| 11 |
Government of Dominica. (2017). “Post-Disaster Needs Assessment Hurricane Maria September 18, 2017”. Available at: https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/publication/Domin… [Accessed 4 November 2024].
|
| 12 |
Government of Dominica. (2023). “Dominica Shines in the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Sustainability Awards.” News article published 13 March 2023. Available at https://dominicaupdate.com/2023/03/13/dominica-shines-in-th…. [Accessed 23 October 2024].
|
| 13 |
Government of Dominica. (2024a). “Dominica Cable Car Project: Transforming Tourism and Igniting Economic Growth”. Citizenship by Investment website. Press release published 16 August 2024. Available at: https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/news/dominica/dominica-cable-car-pr…. [Accessed 25 October 2024].
|
| 14 |
Government of Dominica. (2024b). “Dominica set to welcome over eight thousand cruise passengers in a single day”. News release published 26 January 2024. Available at: https://cdn.discoverdominica.com/production/20240129135152-…. [Accessed 24 October 2024].
|
| 15 |
Government of Dominica. (2024c). “Dominica to Fortify Tourism Sector with OAS-Funded Skills Initiative”. News release published 3 September 2024. Available at: https://cdn.discoverdominica.com/production/20240912095039-…. [Accessed 24 October 2024].
|
| 16 |
Government of Dominica. (2024d). “Notice: Development of the Final Management Plan for the Morne Trois Piton and Morne Diablotin National Parks”. Published 22 August 2024. Available at: https://gefbiodiversity.agriculture.gov.dm/notices/developm…. [Accessed 23 October 2024].
|
| 17 |
IUCN consultation (2024). IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation on 2020 site assessment: Morne Trois National Park.
|
| 18 |
Perry, J. (2011). World Heritage hot spots: A global model identifies the 16 natural heritage properties on the World Heritage List most at risk from climate change. International Journal of Heritage Studies 17 (5), 426-441.
|
| 19 |
Roche, D. and Thesser, E. (2010). Environmental Factors to be Considered in Geothermal Exploration/Production in Dominica. United National University Geothermal Training Program, Iceland.
|
| 20 |
State Party of Dominica (2023). Periodic Report Third Cycle Section II: Morne Trois Pitons National Park. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/217311 . [Accessed 8 January 2025].
|
| 21 |
State Party of Dominica- CBD. (2019). The Commonwealth of Dominica's Sixth National Report to the Convention of Biological Diversity.
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| 22 |
State Party of Dominica. (2019). Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park (Dominica). [online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/814/documents/ [Accessed 3 December 2020].
|
| 23 |
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) (n.d). Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica. Parks in Peril Project.
|
| 24 |
UNESCO, IUCN. (2017). Report of the joint WHC/IUCN Reactive Monitoring mission to Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica, 24 - 31 March 2017. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/814/documents/ [Accessed 1 December 2020].
|
| 25 |
UNESCO, WRI, IUCN. (2021). World Heritage forests: Carbon sinks under pressure, Paris, UNESCO; Washington, DC, WRI; Gland, IUCN. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000379527.locale=en. [Accessed 24 October 2024].
|
| 26 |
World Bank Group. (2023a). “Dominica’s Journey to become the World’s First Climate Resilient Country.” News article published 26 September 2023. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/09/26/domini…. [Accessed 24 October 2024].
|
| 27 |
World Bank Group. (2023b). Sectoral Recovery Capacity Assessment Report for Dominica’s Tourism Sector. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank Group. Available at: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099020124172530…. [Accessed 24 October 2024]
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