Iberostar advances coral reef conservation with research lab in Bávaro

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its coral reef conservation efforts in the Dominican Republic through research, restoration and initiatives focused on helping marine ecosystems adapt to climate change.

At Playa Bávaro, the company operates a coral laboratory with a genetic bank containing nine reef-building coral species. Its scientific team conducts research and thermotolerance experiments to study how different species respond to rising ocean temperatures and support future reef restoration efforts.

The initiatives are part of Iberostar’s “Wave of Change” program, which promotes responsible tourism and the protection of coastal ecosystems. The company says its global Nature program has involved more than 30 scientists and specialists and contributed to 13 peer-reviewed scientific publications and two protocols now used by coral restoration professionals.

In the Dominican Republic, Iberostar has also rehabilitated approximately one hectare within its Playa Bávaro complex in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and with initial support from GIZ. The restored area provides refuge for endemic species and serves as a natural source of seeds for vegetation regeneration.

The company also operates seven underwater coral nurseries across the Caribbean and three land-based coral laboratories in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica.

In February 2026, the Iberostar Foundation and the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo established the Iberostar Sea Initiative to promote marine research, training and knowledge transfer. In April, Iberostar also signed an agreement with the Environment Ministry to support the conservation and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems in tourist areas of La Altagracia and Puerto Plata.