Upper region in the Parish of Saint Thomas, Barbados

Environmental Special Projects Unit, within the Ministry of the
Environment, Energy and Natural Resources of Barbados

The idea of having an “Integrated Nature Based Tourism Area” (INTA) has been around for a long time. INTA as a concept involves civil society and locally based businesses in the protection and preservation of natural features, traditions and cultures through the development of environmental awareness and stewardship among local communities.

The upper region of the Parish of Saint Thomas, bordering the proposed National Park, is one of the most beautiful areas in Barbados. It also consists of five tourist attractions within walking distances from each other in addition to other smaller-based tourist attractions operated by the community.

Because of these features, the upper region of Saint Thomas became an excellent choice for an INTA pilot project. In 1998, a feasibility study to examine future avenues for developing Barbados’ tourist attractions was undertaken. The ESPU within the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources was given the overall responsibility for the study. Its offices are conveniently located in the community, which facilitates better relationships with the local community, both during and after the completion of the study.

The following activities were planned:
• Development of nature trails and guide training;
• Development of a farm and craft market;
• Development and marketing of an area-wide passport system among the attractions;
• Development of an area-wide signage and shuttle route system, hiring and training volunteers, and small business training.

The concept of INTA directly addresses Chapter VIII on Tourism Resources of the Barbados Programme of Action.

To date, there have been two successful celebrations, with a third planned for 2001. Each year the event becomes larger because of the Farm and Craft Market becoming an attraction with more locally based stalls, entertainment and displays. Residents are given the opportunity to enter the attractions free of charge during the event in order to encourage community involvement. During these events, residents in the area are also given opportunities in sales and services for the tourist market, which have resulted in the development of alternative businesses. For example, a hiking company now leads tours through select gully systems and caves. As a result of the process, attractions in the area are working together and starting to see each individual contribution as part of a larger tourism product.
The other community-based projects are still functioning with growing involvement from the community. The summer camp has grown from 70 students to over a 100 and the decoration of the litter bins campaign now includes schools and community groups from outside the area.

Community participation is absolutely necessary, in order to conceptualize and implement the project successfully. The fact that the organizing office (where the study took place) was located in the community over a year in advance also contributed to the overall success. In essence, community involvement built the foundation for the concept of an INTA.

One of the main goals of INTA is to create an environment in which communities are able to operate and see the benefits of integrating the area as a group. However, handing over projects to the communities is not a simple task. Often skills, knowledge, and confidence to carry out the project are the weak links. Having a maintenance plan in place is part of thelong-term strategy for any project to succeed.

Mr. Steve Devonish
Project Manager
Environmental Special Projects Unit
Sturges, Saint Thomas
Barbados, West Indies
Tel.: (246) 438-7761
Fax: (246) 438-7767
E-mail: espu@caribsurf.com
Web site: www.espu.gov.bb