Dominica is known for its lush, mountainous rainforests, rich in biodiversity, and small yet unique in comparison to its overcrowded neighboring islands. The island lacks the traditional white sandy beaches that the Caribbean has to offer but is composed of mountain ranges with volcanic features, the world's largest boiling lake, the most diverse array of flora and fauna species and the last native tribes in the Caribbean, unique waterfalls and over 360 rivers in the 289.5 square miles of the island. Dominica is highly valuable in aesthetics, ecology and culture.

Located in the southernmost of the Caribbean amongst the Windward Islands, Dominica is classified having

a Marine Tropical Climate with; very little seasonal variation, heavy annual precipitation and warm temperatures. They are susceptible to the annual migration of the North Atlantic Subtropical High, the spreading of the Tropical Atlantic warm pool, the Easterly Trade Winds, tropical waves, depressions, storms and hurricanes (Gov. of Com. 2010).

The combination of Dominca's climate and geography make it susceptible to natural disturbance. The island

experiences landslides, floods, and hurricanes causing significant changes to the landscape affecting surface stability, forest regeneration, and community infrastructures (Pond et.al., 2002).

Forests are protected by a mosaic of national parks that serve as critical habitat to threatened species

(Wright, 1985). Recently in the past decade, changes in markets that influence Dominica's economy have motivated the government to take advantage of the island's aesthetic values and increase the influence for ecotourism across the island (Slinger-Friedman, 2009).