New Initiative Launched to Safeguard Dominica’s National Bird
ROSEAU, Dominica – A new initiative to enhance the safeguarding of Dominica’s national bird, the Imperial Amazon (Amazona imperialis), has been launched to bolster conservation efforts across the island.
Photo courtesy Dominica’s Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks DivisionThe project titled “Sisserou Conservation with Civil Society (SCCS),” is a collaborative effort between the local environmental group EcoBalance Inc. and the regional NGO Caribaea Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in the Caribbean through research, education, and training, specifically focusing on endemic species, invasive species, and habitat restoration.
The initiative is supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and is coordinated with Dominica’s Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks Division.
According to a press release, endemic to Dominica, the Imperial Amazon, popularly known as the Sisserou, is listed as Critically Endangered and despite ongoing conservation initiatives over many years, the species continues to face significant threats, including climate change, habitat loss, and potential conflicts with agricultural practices.
The release notes that the primary goal of the SCCS project is to bolster conservation actions through a range of integrated approaches. These include expanding scientific understanding of the species, actively involving civil society in monitoring and protection activities, and launching awareness campaigns designed to increase public knowledge and participation in safeguarding this emblematic bird of Dominica.
A key aspect of the programme will focus on fostering partnerships with farmers, schools, community groups, and other local stakeholders to promote collaborative conservation.
Additionally, the project reportedly aims to contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive, long-term conservation strategy for the Imperial Amazon, ensuring that efforts are sustained and effective in the years ahead.
Activities planned under this initiative include training sessions, community outreach programs, and partnerships with various institutions, including educational establishments, agricultural communities, and civic organizations.
“By strengthening cooperation between local communities, civil society organizations, and conservation experts, the project aims to contribute to the long-term protection of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic bird species,” Caribaea Initiative said in the statement.
