LocationsSouth-South cooperation highlights the resilience of Dominica's Kalinago people
“Tell them our story with confidence.”
September 11, 2026
The partnership between India, Dominica and UNDP reflects a shared commitment to preserving Kalinago heritage and demonstrates the power of collective action and international solidarity.
Photo: UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean/Zaimis Olmos
The Kalinago Indigenous people of Dominica are guardians of ancient cultural traditions, yet their way of life is increasingly under threat from climate change.
UNDP, with the support of the Government of India, in partnership with the Government of Dominica through the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment and the Kalinago Council, is working with families to ensure climate resilience with everything from tools and capacity in climate smart agriculture to support backyard gardening among vulnerable female headed households, capacity building in Eco/Indigenous-Tourism, Medium and Small Business Enterprise Development and Grants and forest and watershed management.
By addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities and environmental challenges, the 'Strengthening Community Resilience within the Kalinago Territory' initiative promotes resilience and sustainable livelihoods and helps to preserve the unique Kalinago heritage.
At a small ceremony at the Salybia Primary School in Dominica recently, Kalinago families gathered to collect vegetable seedlings, farming tools, tarpaulins and water storage equipment to help establish and expand their backyard gardens.
The distribution included fruit and perennial plants including avocado, soursop (a type of custard apple), cinnamon, nutmeg, cherry, citrus and apricot.
For Kalinago farmer, Joan Gabriel, the initiative provides both encouragement and practical support to continue growing food and generating income at home.
In a high‑level mission to Dominica, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, (centre) visited India-supported projects in the Kalinago Territory.
Photo: UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean/Zaimis Olmos
A boost for backyard gardeners
“I want to thank UNDP, the Government of India and the Government of Dominica for this support. As Kalinago people, we have land, and we should make good use of what we are receiving today. We should not let these resources go to waste. I enjoy backyard gardening and already grow cucumbers, cabbages and seasoning peppers, and I keep poultry as well. I even have eggs for sale. I am proud of the help we are receiving today, and I encourage everyone to make the most of it,” she said.
The handover followed a series of climate-smart agriculture training sessions in soil management, composting, sustainable farming techniques and harvesting practices designed to help the Kalinago adapt to climate change.
“Backyard gardening may seem like a simple intervention, but at the household level it can be transformative. For women-led and vulnerable households it means greater access to nutritious food, an opportunity to reduce household expenses and generate supplementary income and a practical way of strengthening the well-being of their families. They are building the knowledge and skills to produce food more sustainably and to better withstand and recover from climate shocks,” said UNDP Project Analyst, Sawana Fabien.
Reclaiming the Kalinago narrative
The Kalinago Territory as it exists today was created in 1903. It comprises nearly 1,500 hectares on Dominica’s east coast and is made up of eight villages. UNDP supports community-led efforts to strengthen eco-Indigenous tourism and livelihood opportunities, including a tour guide training programme, delivered in collaboration with the Dominica State College, the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association and Seacology. The partnership built on an existing priority of the Kalinago Council while strengthening eco-Indigenous tourism, including the ability to share the Territory’s history, culture, biodiversity and heritage with visitors. At the graduation ceremony Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford commended the guides for their commitment and highlighted the importance of investing in local people to preserve and promote Kalinago culture through authentic tourism.
“As tour guides, you now hold a very special responsibility. You have the privilege of telling the Kalinago story the way it deserves to be told. For many years, textbooks and outside narratives have misrepresented who we are. We have often said that these stories need correcting. Well, we are part of that correction. Every visitor we guide gives you an opportunity to tell the truth. Tell them our story with confidence. Tell it with pride. Tell it with authenticity," she said.
South-South cooperation is supporting community-led solutions for climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and Indigenous development in Small Island Developing States such as Dominica in line with national and community priorities.
Training in eco-Indigenous tourism has enabled the Kalinago to more effective share their history, culture, biodiversity and heritage with visitors.
Photo: UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean/Zaimis Olmos
“I want to thank UNDP, the Government of India and the Government of Dominica for this support. As Kalinago people, we have land, and we should make good use of what we are receiving today.”—Joan Gabriel, Kalinago farmer
International solidarity
In a recent high‑level mission to Dominica, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, visited the Kalinago Territory.
The Indian delegation toured UNDP supported projects focused on climate resilience, food security, environmental restoration and Indigenous livelihoods, showcasing how international partnerships are supporting locally-driven development in Dominica’s Indigenous community.
“India is pleased to see how partnerships through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund are supporting community‑driven development in the Kalinago Territory. This collaboration reflects the spirit of South‑South cooperation, grounded in solidarity, mutual respect and locally identified priorities,” said Mr Margherita.
The partnership between India, Dominica and UNDP reflects a shared commitment to both preserving Kalinago heritage and demonstrates the power of collective action and international solidarity in addressing local challenges.
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