India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Visits UNDP Supported Initiatives in Kalinago Territory during High Level Mission to Dominica

Visit highlights India-UN partnership and SouthSouth cooperation supporting

Indigenous resilience, livelihoods and climate action

– As part of a high‑level mission to the Commonwealth of Dominica, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, the Hon. Pabitra Margherita, on Saturday visited United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-supported project activities in the Kalinago

Territory, underscoring the strong partnership between the Government of India,

UNDP, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and the Kalinago people

in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development.

The visit highlighted progress under the Strengthening Community Resilience

within the Kalinago Territory (SCRK) Project, funded by the Government of India

through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund administered by the UN Office

for SouthSouth Cooperation, and implemented by UNDP with the Government of

Dominica and the Kalinago Council. The project supports the Kalinago Territory

through an integrated approach that strengthens climateresilient agriculture and food

security, forest and watershed restoration, and sustainable Indigenous tourism and

livelihoods, while prioritizing inclusive participation, gender equality and national

ownership.

During the visit, the Indian delegation toured project sites focused on climate

resilience, food security, environmental restoration and Indigenous livelihoods,

showcasing how international partnerships are supporting locally driven development

in Dominica’s Indigenous community.

Showcasing Climate and Community Action

The visit began at the Forestry Propagation Centre in Pond Casse, where seedlings

are being prepared for reforestation activities in the Kalinago Territory. The initiative

forms part of a wider effort to restore key watersheds and promote environmental

stewardship, including engagement with children and youth.

At the Kalinago Barana Autê, the visiting delegation was welcomed with traditional

cultural performances before taking part in project activities. These included the

symbolic handover of backyard gardening kits to vulnerable households, aimed at

improving food security, promoting climate‑smart agriculture and strengthening

resilience to climate‑related shocks.

The visit also featured a tree‑planting ceremony, a tour of the Kalinago Barana Autê

grounds, and a traditional cassava‑making demonstration, highlighting the

importance of preserving Kalinago culture, knowledge and heritage alongside

sustainable development.

The engagement brought together representatives of UNDP, the Government of

India, and the Government of Dominica including the Ministry of Foreign,

International Business, Trade and Energy, and the Ministry of Environment, Rural

Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment, as well as the Kalinago Council and

community members. It reinforced the role of SouthSouth cooperation in supporting

communityled solutions for climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and Indigenous

development in Small Island Developing States like Dominica.

“India is pleased to see how partnerships through the India-UN Development

Partnership Fund are supporting community‑driven development in the Kalinago

Territory. This collaboration reflects the spirit of South‑South cooperation, grounded

in solidarity, mutual respect and locally identified priorities,” Minister Margherita said.

Minister of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment, Hon. Cozier

Frederick said: “We welcome this visit as a recognition of the partnerships supporting

resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the Kalinago Territory. The collaboration with

UNDP and the Government of India continues to support nationally led priorities and

community development.”

Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford said, “Today’s initiative, led by UNDP with the

generous support of the Governments of India and Dominica, reflects a shared

commitment, to empower communities, to invest in sustainable livelihoods, and to

build systems that allow our people to thrive. To our partners, I extend sincere

appreciation. Your collaboration demonstrates the power of collective action and

international solidarity in addressing local challenges. To our government

representatives, your presence underscores the importance of national support in

strengthening indigenous communities. And to our beneficiaries, you are at the heart

of this initiative, your participation and stewardship will determine its lasting impact.’’

Head of UNDP’s Project Office in Dominica, Justin Shone, said:

“Thank you to the Government of India for the continued trust and partnership with

funding through the UN Office of South-South Cooperation, as well the partnership

with the Government of Dominica. This second project from India at now a total

investment of USD 2 million is making a real sustainable change to the enhanced

resilience of the Kalinago people.”

Through its longstanding partnership with Dominica, UNDP remains committed to

supporting Indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities to withstand and recover

from climate and economic shocks, while strengthening institutions and initiatives

that enable sustainable development.