Dominican Republic: A Focus on Coastal Communities

Preserving coral reefs in the Dominican Republic

In the popular tourist resort of Punta Cana – on the east coast of the Dominican Republic – local residents and business owners have come to realize the value in protecting the natural resources around them.

In the past decade, there has been a noticeable decline in the health of the area’s coral reef. This is due to a combination of factors including population growth, over-fishing and climate change. All of these developments have damaged the reef and the marine species it supports - along with the local economy.

“You've got to understand that coral reefs are very important ecosystems for the region especially in developing countries where they depend on tourism,” highlights Victor Galvan, a coordinator with the Reef Restoration Project.

One in every 20 jobs in the Dominican Republic relies on tourism, and the country’s coastal areas are the biggest tourist attraction.  

Counterpart International has formed a network of NGOs and institutions that support coastal management in the Dominican Republic. Through this network, knowledge is shared and a sense of collaboration is fostered, creating more awareness, support and enthusiasm for the conservation of marine protected areas, like the reef in Punta Cana.

One such institution is the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation, which promotes and supports coral restoration in the area. The foundation also works closely with the local community on a number of other environmental initiatives including waste management and sustainable agricultural practices.

“We have to increase the amount of reef to be restored. We have to do it and we have to replicate this all over the island, and then go to other Caribbean islands and do the same” explains Frank Rainieri, President of the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation.

Local fishermen are also being encouraged to fish more sustainably and embrace the tourism industry. Catch-and-release fishing excursions are just one activity through which fishermen can continue to make a living without having a negative impact on marine life.