Navigating Community Complexity

Our work in community-level inclusion and implementation is characterized by deep engagement, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to empowering local voices. We recognize that communities are not homogeneous entities but diverse ecosystems with varying interests, capabilities, and needs. Our methodologies are designed to navigate this complexity and foster inclusive participation.

Distinctive Community Tourism Strategies

In Saint Lucia’s South East Coast, our Responsible Tourism Development Strategy exemplifies our commitment to community-level inclusion. We conducted stakeholder consultations across six communities, ensuring inclusive participation of local enterprises, fisherfolk, farmers, and tourism operators. Rather than imposing external models, we worked with each community to identify their unique tourism assets and develop distinctive positioning strategies that reflected their character and aspirations. We provided training workshops focused on business readiness, branding, and storytelling, equipping local entrepreneurs with the skills to participate effectively in the tourism value chain.

The T.A.B.L.E. Approach

In Grenada, our community-based tourism assessment involved in-depth engagement with local tourism entrepreneurs, community leaders, and government agencies across multiple sites, including Carriacou, Petit Martinique, and St. George’s. We recommended the implementation of the ‘T.A.B.L.E.’ approach for training and capacity building and the development of a Community Tourism Experience Model to roll out for all market-ready communities.

Cultural Celebrations as Tourism Assets

In Dominica, we developed the Cockrane Rabbit Festival as a community-based tourism opportunity to boost sales for rabbit farmers in the community of Cockrane. This initiative not only created a new tourism product but also strengthened local agricultural livelihoods and cultural traditions.

Comprehensive Community Engagement Framework

Our approach to community-level inclusion and implementation includes:

• Participatory needs assessments that identify community priorities and assets
• Capacity building programs tailored to local contexts and capabilities
• Co-creation of implementation plans with clear roles for community stakeholders
• Development of community-based monitoring systems to track progress and impact
• Facilitation of linkages between communities and external markets, resources, and support systems

Community Ownership for Sustainability

Through these approaches, Leve Global ensures that development initiatives are not only implemented at the community level but are truly owned and sustained by the communities themselves.