Civil society calls for action on Escazú Agreement implementation in Dominica

Civil society organisations in Dominica, together with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), are urging the government to move swiftly toward implementing the Escazú Agreement following a sensitisation workshop held in Roseau on May 26, 2026.

The workshop, organised by CANARI with funding support from the Open Society Foundations, brought together representatives from various civil society groups to strengthen understanding of the landmark regional treaty and its potential to improve environmental governance and protect human rights in Dominica.

According to a CANARI press release, Dominica officially became a Party to the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, commonly known as the Escazú Agreement, on July 21, 2024. As a signatory, the country is required to fulfil legally binding commitments aimed at improving access to environmental information, encouraging public participation in environmental decision-making, enhancing access to justice in environmental matters, and safeguarding environmental defenders.

It also stated that participants at the workshop emphasized that the agreement’s value will ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in governance and environmental protection. They stressed the need for meaningful changes in the way information is shared, decisions are made, and justice is delivered, with benefits that directly impact citizens and the country’s natural resources.

The session was led by CANARI Executive Director Nicole Leotaud, who also serves in her personal capacity as one of the six Elected Representatives of the Public to the Escazú Agreement.

Reflecting on the event, she stated, “The workshop was successful in building awareness and understanding of civil society about the Escazú Agreement and how development of a national roadmap is a key next step for Dominica to identify priority actions for implementation of this regional treaty.”

CANARI also reported that a key recommendation emerging from the discussions was the creation of a national implementation roadmap. Such a framework would be informed by a review of Dominica’s existing laws, policies and regulations, while engaging government agencies, communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in identifying priority areas for action. The roadmap would focus on strengthening access to environmental information, public participation and environmental justice.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has reportedly already indicated its willingness to assist the Government of Dominica in developing the roadmap. CANARI and workshop participants are encouraging authorities to begin the process as soon as possible and have pledged their support throughout its development and execution.

Among those attending the workshop was Yvonne Armour of the Ayahora Communities of Excellence (ACE) Foundation Inc.

She noted, “The Escazú Agreement secures environmental human rights for every Dominican, and understanding the three pillars was an important first step. Inspired by the workshop, participants committed to sharing this knowledge with their communities and leaders in an effort to strengthen Dominica’s environmental governance, and to request that support be sought from ECLAC for developing Dominica’s roadmap to implement the Escazú Agreement.”

CANARI reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Government of Dominica, community organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that the principles of the Escazú Agreement are translated into practical results.

The organisation maintained that the country’s success will ultimately depend not simply on ratifying the treaty, but on the measurable benefits it delivers for both citizens and the environment.