I am writing a separate entry for 3 Rivers Eco Lodge because one of the take away’s that Jem (Jim) the owner tries to impress on to visitors is that you don’t have to go to extremes to positively impact the environment, rather he feels that by educating visitors while on vacation and when they return home, they do one action that they would not have done prior to visiting him, that would be enough. Its all about small, sustainable steps. For me, this is my step.

Coming from a business background, I looked at Jem’s business and tried to break down what the business stood for. One thing I have learned is that if you do not know what the goals you are trying to accomplish, there is no reason to put anything into action. Jem, in his three years of operation has done that, at least from my perspective. This is coming from a few informal conversations, a few eavesdroppings into his conversations, the manner in which he has his operation organized, and from the literature he provides throughout the property. Here is my break down:

25% is the coveting of the ecology/eco system. Without it, who would want to come to his lodge. It is definitely the jungle, and natural terrain that attracts visitors to his business.

25% is the providing of tourists an interesting and educational environment that in turn provides funding for his business. An example is that his Lodge could be placed anywhere and would do well because his customer would receive good customer service, a clean and organized facility, and a well educated, pleasant staff.

25% is the cohesion between the environment and his tourist accomodations. It would do no good for him if he destroyed the local habitat by tearing it down and over building, or using harmful/damaging chemicals from the day to day business that in turn would destroy the local habitat. He has done this by creating and implementing alternative energy supplies like, solar power, natural based pesticides/deterrants, a truck that runs on used cooking oil, etc.

25% is the education of not only the people who visit his establishment, the employees who work there, but also the locals that live on the island. He spends an exhorbinant amount of effort working with the local people on developing better energy sources that will improve their lives and that of the environment. An example of this is the non-interest financing that he is working on for the locals to install hydro rams in the local river to produce their own pollution free power. He has also started to expand his teaching base Internationally as well.

All four of those factors in and amongst themselves are a challenge. What Jem and his crew at 3 Rivers have done is to implement them in a way that they are all being met at the same time. He has not settled on achieving three out of the four elements when he initiates something. If all four are not met, then a different solution needs to be identified. I personally was very impressed with the entire operation and how far he and his crew have accomplished.

One of the reasons why I am comfortable in saying that the operation is good is because of the owner Jem. In business, you find that most often the business is run as well as the top person lives it. If the leader does not care, the business will show it. With Jem, from the moment you meet him you will see the passion he has for what he does. Ask him anything about what is going on at the Lodge and he will answer you in a demeanor of someone who is excited about it. I guess passion is the best way to describe Jem when it has relations to 3 Rivers or the Ecology.
My interesting points after staying at 3 Rivers:

-If you want to get back to the wilderness, this is the place to go. You are miles from the nearest paved road. The grounds are surrounded by the jungle. There are hiking trails that you can take right from the camp. Many others are a hitch hike, bus, or taxi away. There are four rivers with tons of little or big swimming pools to take a cool refreshing jump in.

-The water is fresh and clean. Drinkable right from the streams. They are cool but not cold like you would get if the water was runoff from the snow packed mountains. Nothing like a morning rain to freshen things up. No wonder the whole place is so green it rains every day. Short and sweet then its over.

-Although you are away from the city, it is still rather easy to get around by renting a car there or at the airport, buses, and even hitch hiking (this was the most pleasant way since you got to meet some of the locals.) I was adopted by Bam so I went with him a lot on his adventures.

-The south side has the best hiking destinations. Although there are beaches, the hikes are where you will see things that are no where else.

-The dogs at camp are a great addition. They are fun to watch, they like to go on the hikes with you, and they will be silent companions while you just lay around reading a book. They will be friends forever if you just give them a pet. They are naturally laid back and won’t even beg for food. If you are nice to them, they will sleep on your patio waiting for you to get up in the morning. There are cats as well, but they just sleep all day. The chickens and roosters provide some excitement occasionally especially when the one dog chases after them.

-Surprisingly there aren’t very many bugs and animals. There are no poisonous animals or insects on island. I was very wary about mosquitos, but sleeping out every night and never got bit. I actually only got two bites from no-seeums down by the beach at sunset. Every night the fireflies came out and lit up the gardens. Even hiking, the only thing that were out was the occasional lizard and the common land crabs. It’s a outdoorsy place that even a very skittish person would like.

- Food was excellent and the 7:00 community dinners were everybody’s favorite. Fresh fruit means someone walks out into the garden and cuts it up for dessert. There are tons of local fruits to be bought from all the little towns. Fresh fruits line the streets just hanging on the vines.
No tv’s, radios, stereo’s, just peace and quiet. Bring a book or borrow one of theirs and relax. You definitely need down time after the long hikes.

Accommodations for ever budget and expectations. For the most basic you can rent a camping spot or rent one of their tents. Bring or rent a hammock. Share a dorm room style cottage like I did, rent out one of the stand alone cottages, or go deep in the jungle and rent out the tree house.

Overall, it was a breath of fresh air for me. If you’re a five star deva, I would probably not suggest it, but if you are at all attracted to the environment or enjoy camping in the outdoors, this is the place. Dominica in itself is still off the beaten path, but just like anything, you better take advantage of it now before its gone.

3 Rivers Eco Lodge,
Newfoundland Estate,
Rosalie,
P.O. Box 1292,
Commonwealth of Dominica
West Indies.