Roseau, Dominica – December 15, 2008 ……… The Project Management Unit of the Waitukubuli National Trail Project is moving to the South of the island to conduct its third community sensitization workshop observing the theme: “Community Involvement- Integral to the Success of the Waitukubuli National Trail”.
The workshop scheduled to take place on Tuesday December 16, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. at the Soufriere Resource Centre, targets community leaders of Soufriere, Scotts Head and Gallion. These communities are located within close proximity of trail segment one (Scotts Head to Soufriere) where it is anticipated that construction work will commence soon.
The workshop will give community persons a chance to learn more about the Waitukubuli National Trail and the Waitukubuli National Trail project, make suggestions, clarify issues and identify their roles in this important development initiative, all of which are expected to propel affirmative action and strengthen partnership.
The overall objective of the workshop is to initiate a greater buy-in and partnership with the community for the success of the Waitukubuli National Trail.
Other objectives of the half day workshop are:
· Disseminate information on the development of the Waitukubuli National Trail;
· Create a platform for community input into the project, generating ideas and stimulating community action towards sustainable practices;
· Soliciting stakeholder support and ownership for the Waitukubuli National Trail;
· Foster greater appreciation for the benefits and opportunities offered by the WNT and for our natural and cultural heritage.
The Project Management Unit of the Waitukubuli National Trail Project places great significance on the public awareness and education component of the project because it sees this component as critical to the success of the project now and beyond the project’s three year life.
The Waitukubuli National Trail Project is being implemented by the Government of Dominica through the Ministry of Agriculture (Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division) and its partner the Regional Council of Martinique with funding from the European Union under the Special Framework of Assistance (SFA2003) at a cost of approximately $14 million ECD.
