In a rare Caribbean conservation opportunity, Seacology is partnering with the indigenous Kalinago people to protect and enhance L’Escalier Tête Chien, a sacred coastal rock formation in their 3,700-acre territory. This culturally and ecologically significant site in Sineku has been preserved for generations through traditional stewardship and oral history. It supports diverse bird, reptile, and marine life in the surrounding native coastal forests.

Under Chief Anette Sanford’s leadership, the Kalinago Council plans groundbreaking legislation to protect approximately 400 acres from L’Escalier to Barana Aute. The initial protection will be for 30-years, but they hope to preserve it permanently. They plan to develop a coastal trail and replant native trees in areas damaged by category-5 Hurricane Maria in 2017.

This initiative addresses critical economic needs in Sineku, which has Dominica’s highest unemployment rates. Residents survive through small-scale farming, fishing, craft-making, and extremely limited tourism. Hurricane Maria destroyed the community’s visitor facility, leaving them without basic tourism infrastructure despite their rich cultural heritage and pristine natural resources.

A Seacology grant will establish locally controlled, nature-based tourism through two key developments. First, a small reception area and café will provide space for cultural education, and community members will earn income serving traditional Kalinago food. Second, a new coastal trail from L’Escalier Tête Chien to the existing Centipede Trail in St. Cyr will support guided tours. Local guides, trained and equipped with communications and safety equipment, will lead visitors.

These modest improvements promise transformative results for this resilient community. The Kalinago people will get much needed employment opportunities, and they will keep control over how they share their remarkable heritage at this sacred site.