35 Million pesos investment to rehabilitate 500 hectares in Samaná

Samaná.- With an investment exceeding 35 million pesos, the REDDOM Foundation has initiated efforts to rehabilitate approximately 500 hectares of mangroves, coral reefs, forests, agroforestry areas, and the preservation of the “El Limón Waterfall,” while simultaneously addressing threats such as landslides, floods, erosion, and habitat destruction in El Limón, Samaná province.

This endeavor, titled the “Expansion of Alternative and Sustainable Livelihoods Initiatives,” is being funded by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and the International Climate Fund Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Agency for Environment, Nature, Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection through KfW.

The project aims to implement community-based Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) interventions to sustainably manage marine and coastal habitats, thus enhancing the local community’s resilience to hurricanes and storms.

As the implementing entity, the REDDOM Foundation adopts a Community Adaptation approach to ensure the active participation and ownership of local stakeholders, promoting alternative and sustainable livelihood initiatives among them. To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the project, REDDOM has partnered with the Center for the Ecodevelopment of the Bay of Samaná and its Environment (CEBSE) for project implementation in Samaná.

Scheduled from 2024 to 2026, the project will see an investment of approximately 6.6 million pesos from REDDOM and CEBSE. By its conclusion, the initiative aims to rehabilitate 500 hectares (79 in mangroves, one in coral reefs, and 420 in forests and agroforestry), leading to enhanced conservation or sustainable utilization of the areas. Additionally, 100 hectares of the “El Limón Waterfall, Environmental Monument” will be protected, contributing to improved ecosystem management through EbA Fund-financed interventions.

Furthermore, the project will provide support to 900 individuals to aid in their adaptation to climate change and conservation efforts in surrounding ecosystems. Approximately 450 individuals will receive training in alternative-sustainable livelihood opportunities, and around 300 people will gain access to sustainable livelihood opportunities within their communities.

The REDDOM Foundation, a non-governmental, non-profit organization, focuses on agricultural development, climate change adaptation, environmental protection, food security, and nutrition.