Morne Trois Pitons National Park, established
in July 1975 by an act of Parliament, was the first of Dominica's
National Parks to be legally established.
In 1998, it was recognised by UNESCO as a World
Heritage Site - the first enlisted Natural Site in the Eastern
Caribbean, and its inauguration was also marked with a Regional
conference on The World Heritage Convention.
The Morne Trois Pitons National Park includes
numerous attractions:
Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Objectives
The Morne Trois Pitons National Park includes and protects some
of our clear streams, mountains and some of the tropical virgin
forest for their educational, scientific and scenic values.
A park development concept has been formulated
that will concentrate on two main elements: the provision of
pedestrian access trails and the implementation of an environmental
interpretation programme. Facilities to be provided will include
brochures, nature trails, and rain and picnic shelters.
Historical Background
The present park lands were first proposed as a forest reserve
in 1952. In 1969 the American Conservation Foundation recognized
the importance of setting aside an area for a potential national
park; and a meeting of the Caribbean Conservation Association
in Dominica in 1973 spurred greater momentum. That year, the
Canadian Nature Federation, in co-operation with Parks Canada
and with funding from CIDA, provided technical assistance to
the Government of Dominica in the establishment of the park.
The National Park and Protected Areas Act was passed in July
1975.
Other projects funded by the USAID, the European
Development Fund, the European Union, the Organization of American
States (OAS) and The Nature Conservancy have also assisted in
the development of the Park.
Geographical Factors
Dominica is of relatively recent (Miocene) volcanic origin,
and the topography is characterized by precipitous slopes and
deeply incised valleys. In fact the island is the most rugged
and mountainous in the Caribbean. Morne Trois Pitons refers
to the "mountain of three peaks". This is a relatively
young volcanic pile, the three peaks being the basaltic spike-like
remains of a former volcano. Rising to an elevation of 4,672
ft. within 5 miles of the sea, it is the dominant landform and
the namesake of the park.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park is located in
the south-central interior of the island above the 500 metre
contour. It is 16,980 acres in area, and though not large by
international standards, the park is in keeping with the scale
of the island.
Dramatic examples of active volcanism occur within the park.
In the Valley of Desolation there
are more than fifty fumaroles and hot springs, indicating that
rocks of high temperature exist near the surface. A major explosion
occurred here which, combined with constant emission of steam
and sulphurous gases, has produced a barren landscape that contrasts
sharply with the lush vegetation of the rest of the island.
Information courtesy of the Forestry
Division.
