BOARD/MEMBERS

Using the Integral Development framework, ODID approach uniquely combines four mutually reinforcing perspectives: nature and community; culture and spirituality; science, systems and technology; and enterprise and economics. It promotes the integration of small enterprises such as craft arts with the promotion of ecotourism through tours and an annual festival while advancing the social, the cultural and infrastructure improvement of the town of Dondon, Haiti.

With its rich heritage, ecotourism emerged as the most appropriate vector for revitalizing the economy and for offering a chance for the development for the town. Dondon counts more than 10 caves, notably the historic “Voute a Minguet” with Indian handprints.    The town of Dondon is situated in the North of Haiti and occupies 60% of Haiti National Historic Park. It provides the opportunity to visit the Citadelle fortress, Ramiers Forts and Sans-souci palace, a world heritage designated by UNESCO since 1982.  We believe that the potential for tourism can contribute significantly to poverty alleviation of the community. Work since 1998 by the Pro-Poor Tourism Partnership (Ashley, Goodwin & Roe) has demonstrated that tourism can contribute to poverty reduction and that for many of the least developed countries, and in many rural areas, tourism is one of the few current viable strategies for economic development.