Dominica

Background

Dominica is the largest of the Windward Islands - a group of islands situated at the foot of the Caribbean Sea, which form a section of a line of fragmented land masses known as the Lesser Antilles.¹   Its total land area is 750 square km (290 sq miles). It is 48 km (30 miles) long, and 24 km (15 miles) wide at its widest point, and has a total shoreline of 153 km (95 miles). The country is the least populated  of the Windward Islands, with a total population of 72,660 in 2009. ²   The population growth rate is very low (0.2%), due primarily to emigration to more prosperous Caribbean Islands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.³

Dominica achieved independence in 1978 from British rule.  The current government is a parliamentary democracy, based in Roseau, the country's capital.⁴  

Almost all Dominicans are descendants of enslaved Africans brought in by colonial planters in the 18th century. Dominica is the only island in the eastern Caribbean to retain some of its pre-Columbian population--the Carib Indians--about 3,000 of whom live on the island's east coast.⁵ English is the official language; however, the most widely spoken dialect is a French patois. Nearly 80% of the population is Catholic. In recent years, a number of Protestant churches have been established.⁶

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Dominica was US$0.37 billion in 2008, or US$9,900 per person. The GDP grew by 2.6% in 2008, after growing by 1.5% in 2007 and 4% in 2006. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, especially bananas, though recently the country has been developing its tourism industry.  Its current debt burden hovers around 100% of GDP.⁷  

Dominica is highly dependent on global oil prices and also has the highest electricity tariffs in the Eastern Caribbean, and electricity prices have risen significantly in recent years. Today residential customers pay approximately EC$0.70/kWh (US$0.26) for the first 50kWh and EC$0.81/kWh (US$0.30) for additional kWh.⁸ Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC) is the only licensed provider of electricity in Dominica. Most of Dominica's electricity derives from diesel generators fueled by imported oil, followed by hydropower plants. DOMLEC runs two diesel plants at Fond Cole and Portsmouth that generate 16.03 MW, and three hydropower facilities at Laudat, Trafalgar and Padu that generate 6.42 MW, producing a total of 22.45 MW.⁹ Slow economic growth over recent years has resulted in slow growth in electricity demand, and thus little investment in new energy sources.

Dominica is characterized as a maritime tropical climate.  Temperatures on the coast average a daily high of 33°C (91°F) and low of 18°C (64°F). The mountains are several degrees cooler.  Rainfall is highly affected by the mountainous topography, with the eastern half (the ocean side) receiving much more rain.  The eastern portion receives 2.5 - 3.8 meters of rain annually, while the western portion usually receives less than 2 meters.  This makes Dominica one of the wettest islands in the Caribbean and puts it at significant risk of landslides.  Most of the rain falls during the rainy season of June through November, which corresponds with hurricane season.  Dominica lies within the Atlantic hurricane belt and was hit by 11 hurricanes between 1979-2001.  The country is highly susceptible to the impacts of hurricanes, especially given its high reliance on the vulnerable agricultural sector.¹⁰   Damages resulting from Hurricane Dean in August 2007 equaled 20% of GDP.¹¹

The volcanic nature of Dominica creates steep and rugged terrain, both above and below sea level.  This creates a small amount of coastal shelf area, which limits the viability of a coral reef ecosystem around the island.  The eastern side of the island has a larger and healthier expanse of coral.  Deeper waters close to the island provide a haven for whale and dolphin species, allowing for a growing whale watching industry.  Sperm whales are the most commonly spotted year-round, with Dominican waters serving as a breeding ground for the species.  Two-thirds of the island is covered by vegetation, much of which is tropical forest, and is home to 1,226 species of plants.  The forests provide habitat for many species of wildlife, making Dominica the most wildlife-diverse island in the Eastern Caribbean.¹²  

Impacts and threats

Roseau, Dominica

Source: en:Image:RoseauWide..jpg. Author: Ted Rufus Ross. Permission: GNU Free Documentation License.

Sea level rise has significant implications on the population of Dominica.  Ninety percent of residents are located near the shore, as is most of the island's infrastructure.  Opportunities for inland expansion are limited due to steep terrain, which hampers the ability to adapt to displacement due to rising sea levels.  Developing up the hillsides is potentially a viable option, but this would be difficult, costly, and increase the susceptibility of inhabitants to landslides and hurricanes.¹³  

Climate change will likely lead to stronger Atlantic storms and hurricanes, which Dominica is already severely impacted by.  More intense storms will increase the risk of damage to infrastructure and agriculture production, as well as the severity of floods and landslides.  Sea level rise and subsequent coastal erosion will expose areas further inland to storm surge.¹⁴  

Rising sea surface temperatures will stress most marine species off the coast of Dominica.  Rates of coral bleaching will increase, harming the island's already limited reefs.  Increases in mean air temperatures, along with likely changes in rainfall, will stress the island's diverse array of plant and animal species.  The country's emerging tourism industry is largely based on ecotourism, with a focus on the island's impressive terrestial ecosystem.  Changes in temperature and precipitation will also negatively affect the country's agriculture industry, on which much of the economy depends.  Bananas, the chief crop, are highly sensitive to changes in rainfall.  During the 1980s, banana production decreased by up to 60% in dry years as opposed to wet years.¹⁵  

Mitigation and adaptation strategies

Dominica generates very few greenhouse gas emissions, but in recognition of fossil fuel dependence, high energy prices and the reality of climate change, several mitigation and adaptation efforts have been undertaken or are under consideration.

The island of Dominica

Source: Flickr. Author:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/galfred/ / CC BY 2.0

. Permission: Fair Use.

Footnotes

1. Paradise Islands: Tropical Islands Travel Guide. Winward Islands.  2007.

2.  U.S. Department of State. Background note: Dominica.  Retrieved on: 6 June 2009.

3. Discover Dominica Authority. About Dominica. Retrieved on: 6 June 2009.

4. CIA. The World Factbook. Dominica. Retrieved on: 6 June 2009.

5. Discover Dominica Authority. About Dominica. Retrieved on: 5 June 2009.

6. CIA. The World Factbook. Dominica. Retrieved on: 6 June 2009.  

7. CIA. The World Factbook. Dominica. Retrieved on: 6 June 2009.

8. Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy, Participating Countries: Dominica. Retrieved on: 21 July 2009.

9. Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy, Participating Countries: Dominica. Retrieved on: 21 July 2009. 

10. Commonwealth of Dominica. Initial National Communication: Under the UNFCCC. November 2001. p. 9-10

11. CIA. The World Factbook. Dominica. Retrieved on: 6 June 2009.

12. Commonwealth of Dominica. Initial National Communication: Under the UNFCCC. November 2001. p. 5-8

13. Commonwealth of Dominica. Initial National Communication: Under the UNFCCC. November 2001. p.xxiv

14. Commonwealth of Dominica. Initial National Communication: Under the UNFCCC. November 2001. p.31, 54

15. Commonwealth of Dominica. Initial National Communication: Under the UNFCCC. November 2001. p. 30, 35, 47

16. Energy Information Administration. Dominica Energy Profile.  U.S. Department of Energy. 15 May 2009.

17. Commonwealth of Dominica. Initial National Communication: Under the UNFCCC. November 2001. p. 21

18. Global Sustainable Energy Islands Inititative.  Dominica. Retrieved on: 7 June 2009.

19. Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy, Participating Countries: Dominica. Retrieved on: 21 July 2009. 

20. Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy, Participating Countries: Dominica. Retrieved on: 21 July 2009. 

21. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. World Bank and GEF sign US$2.1 million grant to protect coastal areas in the Caribbean. Press release. 4 Oct 2006.