(Commonwealth_ The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has made a significant contribution to the sea moss farming community in Dominica through the BioSPACE project. The OECS donated a new 26-foot fibreglass boat valued at $72,000 EC Dollars to the sea moss farmers of Woodford Hill Bay. Locally manufactured in Dominica, this boat is set to enhance the livelihoods of the sea moss farmers and promote sustainable farming practices in the region.
Sea moss farming has become a vital source of income for many individuals within the OECS, particularly benefiting women in rural communities. During the handover ceremony, Lucien Blackmore, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment of Dominica, underscored the longstanding importance of the blue economy in the region. He emphasized that fostering strong communities is essential for the country’s progress.
Chamberlain Emmanuel, Head of the OECS Environmental Sustainability Division, articulated the broader goals of the OECS, stating, “One of the Organisation’s strategic priorities speaks about reinventing the economy towards a vision of a model green-blue economy region that is economically viable, climate-resilient, with long-term prosperity for the entire population, particularly its most vulnerable. This includes socioeconomic inclusiveness, responsible management of coastal, marine, and other ecological resources, and transparent, participatory governance.”
Emmanuel further elaborated on the OECS regional integration movement, noting that it supports local aspirations and growth by leveraging collective experiences and joint capacities as Small Island States. This collaboration includes partnerships with agencies such as the European Union, which play a critical role in promoting sustainable development.
Highlighting the potential of sea moss production, Emmanuel stated, “Seamoss production has the potential to generate sustainable income, mitigate poverty, improve the livelihoods and nutrition of people and communities involved, and reduce the unsustainable harvesting of natural stocks.”
Local sea moss farmer Wilson Honore expressed his gratitude for the new boat, acknowledging its significant impact on their operations. “Woodford Hill Seamoss farmers are working on 17 products, including skin care, beauty care, and hair care products. This boat will make a big difference in moving things forward. We thank the European Union (EU) and the OECS for their support.” Previously, the farmers had to rent boats to carry out their operations, especially during planting and harvesting seasons.
The donation exemplifies the BioSPACE Programme’s approach and the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic activities at the community level, with a keen understanding of the environmental context. The new boat will greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the sea moss farming operations. It will facilitate the transportation of sea moss plants and farming equipment, such as nets, ropes, and anchors, to and from the coastal farming sites. Additionally, it will enable the farmers to monitor and maintain their crops more regularly, ensuring better yields and quality.
As the sea moss farming business expands, the boat will allow farmers to explore and utilize new planting sites with optimal growing conditions, supporting the growth of their operations. This will enhance the overall productivity and sustainability of the sea moss farming industry in Dominica.
Derrick Theophille, Chief Fisheries Officer in Dominica, reaffirmed the commitment of the fisheries division to the project, stating, “The fisheries division stands committed to working with our partners at all levels to ensure that this project remains a success and sustainable for livelihoods for the people here in this community and the wider development of Dominica. This initiative also addresses import substitution and ensures the availability of raw products for local processors.”
