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 Dominica’s 3,700-acre Kalinago 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 formally protect approximately 400 acres from L’Escalier to Barana Aute for an initial 30-year period, with aspirations for permanent preservation. The protection plan includes developing a coastal trail and replanting native trees to restore 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 while letting community members 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, led by trained local guides equipped with communications and safety equipment.

These modest improvements promise transformative results for this resilient community. Beyond providing much needed employment opportunities, the project ensures that the Kalinago people maintain control over tourism regulation at their sacred site. They will preserve both cultural sovereignty and environmental integrity while sharing their remarkable heritage with visitors.