Arrecifes de Bávaro Ecological Foundation’s 2024 achievements

Punta Cana.- The Arrecifes de Bávaro Ecological Foundation has made significant strides in marine conservation efforts in the Dominican Republic, including maintaining a coral nursery, implementing surveillance plans against illegal fishing, and safeguarding the green turtle population. Since 2016, the foundation has been engaged in a reef restoration project, boasting a bilingual coral museum and a gardening initiative in Cabeza de Toro. Moreover, it conducts environmental training programs for locals and tourists to promote marine conservation awareness.

However, challenges persist in the tourist area, with issues such as boat traffic, overfishing, and reef degradation threatening marine ecosystems’ health. Addressing these concerns, the foundation announced the approval of a special protection regime for the Bávaro Reef Lagoon during the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange 2024 (DATE), aimed at mitigating collisions between tourist boats and sea turtles, sanctioned by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of the Environment.

Furthermore, the foundation highlighted its collaboration with the European tour operator TUI through its TUI Care Foundation, which has initiated a comprehensive restoration project running until 2026, known as TUI Sea the Change Dominican Republic. This program focuses on environmental protection and restoration, environmental education, and promoting sustainable tourism practices for marine conservation.

In addition to these efforts, the Arrecifes de Bávaro Ecological Foundation recently inaugurated the Scientific Interpretation Center and Coral Laboratory, marking another milestone in its commitment to marine conservation and education.