Site Profiles
Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica
A most unusual and unique Caribbean ecosystem
Dominica is the most rugged and mountainous of the Caribbean islands. In the center of a 1,342 meter volcano is Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica’s first National Park and one of only three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Eastern Caribbean.
In 1997, Morne Trois Pitons National Park was designated a natural World Heritage Site for its diverse flora, endemic plants species, volcanoes, rivers and waterfalls. Morne Trois Pitons – or the “mountains of three peaks” – is named after the spike-like remains of a former volcano. The Park also contains the Valley of Desolation with hot springs; Boiling Lake, the second largest of its kind; Emerald Pool; and Stinking Hole – a lava tube in the middle of the forest.
Untouched by commercial development
Dominica is poised to be a popular sustainable tourism destination because of its unique terrain and its virtually undeveloped land. Most visitors come to Dominica to enjoy hiking and mountain climbing, a rarity amidst the white sand beaches of neighboring Caribbean islands. The island is still building its tourism industry and has avoided the mega resorts and chain hotels of other islands. In fact, Dominica’s unspoiled splendor has attracted major motion picture companies to film its pristine beaches and mountains.
Dominica also holds a longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism, including the local residents who make their livelihoods by sharing the island’s unique beauty to visitors using environmentally-sustainable practices. The mission of Dominica’s Ministry of Tourism is to “pursue sustainable tourism that enriches the lives of all citizens by creating economic, social and cultural opportunities, protecting the natural resources and scenic, heritage and cultural features of the country, nurturing community involvement in tourism at sustainable levels, and by creating career paths for the young people of Dominica.”
For a list of sustainable tourism projects supported by the Ministry of Tourism, click here.
"Luxuriant natural tropical forest blends with volcanic features of high scenic appeal and scientific interest... With its precipitous slopes and deeply-incised valleys, fifty fumaroles and hot springs, freshwater lakes, a "boiling lake" and five volcanoes...together with the richest biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles, Morne Trois Pitons National Park presents a rare combination of natural features of World Heritage value. "—UNESCO World Heritage Centre
For more information, visit:
