• A joint initiative by TUI Care Foundation, Global Nature Fund and the Center for the Conservation and Eco-Development of the Bay of Samaná and its Surroundings will restore 80 ha of mangrove forests and develop a management plan for the Manglares del Bajo Yuna National Park, that comprises a part of the city of Sanchez

• 3,000 local school children will learn about mangroves and their ecosystem services, and 1,500 people from the local community of Sanchez will take part in restoration activities

• A pro-biodiversity business analysis will identify the most suitable economic activities for the development of community-based tourism in the area to strengthen the Dominican tourism sector for the post-corona future

Frank Oostdam, Member of the Board of Trustees of TUI care Foundation, said: “Even though the world is at the moment focussed on fighting the pandemic, we must now lay the base for a more sustainable future. Protecting nature and the environment and strengthening local livelihoods remains at the core of TUI Care Foundation´s work – now more than ever. Our new multifaceted initiative will help to protect the pristine mangrove forests in the Dominican Republic, but it will also create opportunities for the local communities and it will empower local youth to become ambassadors for a sustainable future.”

The Mayor of the city of Sanchez, Mr. Inocencio de Jesus Calcaño said: “The city council of Sanchez is willing to support this project because it aims to improve the quality of life of our municipalities and improve our environment, which greatly needs this support”

Mangroves have the ability to accumulate organic carbon in the water-saturated soil that surrounds them, making them one of the habitats storing the largest amounts of CO2. While crucial for the marine ecosystem and people, mangroves are amongst the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. In the last decades alone, we have lost more than 50% of the world’s mangrove surface cover. In the Dominican Republic, unsustainable activities in national parks are threatening their ecosystem services, which are crucial for the people living in the area and their surroundings. This puts a huge burden on the future of young Dominicans.

Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis, the initiative has already started an extensive stakeholder dialogue. Through this dialogue, the project will establish a new management plan and empower the authorities of the Manglares del Bajo Yuna National Park to better protect the park’s pristine nature and ecosystem services. In addition, the facilities for the rangers to better protect the most valuable areas of the park will be improved and also used to showcase the park to tourists. The activities led by the project team and national park rangers to restore 80 hectares of mangrove forests will involve the participation of over 1,500 people from the city of Sanchez, which would in turn inspire stewardship among other communities living adjacent to the park. Satellite imaging will be used to visualize the restoration process and measure the impact throughout the project.

Based on an analysis of pro-biodiversity business opportunities, the initiative will work together with fishers and women associations to develop products from local fisheries and fields that have the potential of being merchandized in the touristic facilities in Samaná Bay, effectively creating added value for locals. In addition, a programme developed with several schools will teach 3,000 children about the natural treasures of the Dominican Republic, including the ecosystem services provided by the park, thus creating a sense of pride amongst the larger part of young people in Sanchez.

Dr. Thomas Schaefer, Head of Conservation in GNF, adds: “It’s a pleasure for us to put our experience in international wetland conservation and community development from the Living Lakes Network and the most recent approaches in valuing natural capital on the table with the extensive knowledge exiting on site. Mangroves are among the most important coastal wetlands and crucial for the preservation of our biodiversity above and under water.”

The emphasis on economic activities and capacity building is crucial for the project’s long-term success. As tourism is one of the most important sources of income for Dominicans, highlighting the value of the island’s natural capital through its protected areas is an important approach to both protecting these areas and supporting the development of rural communities. Some of the economic opportunities for diversification, which can be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, include offering kayaking, bird watching and guided tours and merchandising locally sourced products such as honey, marmalade and fish-based products. A strong link with the vibrant tourism sector on the island will be important to ensure the solid development of these businesses and for local communities to benefit. Further emphasis is given to capacity building of the organisations involved to equip them with knowledge and tools to increase their resilience within the local context.

Patricia Lamelas, executive director of CEBSE said: “This project brings unique opportunities to the region. With the innovative approach, we can merge the most important issues we face in the area, built on previous activities and upscale established approaches. The TUI Care Foundation plays an important role to bridge the conservation activities with the necessities in touristic businesses. Many families in Sanchez will benefit from the project activities and will be able to improve their livelihood”.