The sargassum problem is an existential threat to the tourism industry in the Dominican Republic
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Santo Domingo.- The sargassum issue is not simply a problem but a looming threat to the tourism industry, which must be treated as an urgent emergency, according to Jake Kheel, Vice President of the Grupo PuntaCana Foundation.
While acknowledging the efforts made to address the sargassum problem, Kheel emphasized the need for investments and strategic planning to position the Dominican Republic as a hub for tackling the issue. He proposed attracting global entrepreneurs and companies with expertise in sargassum and biomass transformation to turn the problem into a business opportunity.
Kheel also highlighted the fragmented and isolated nature of the current responses to the problem, advocating for collaborative efforts. He emphasized the importance of acquiring barriers used by tourism companies, as local manufacturing of such barriers is not feasible. The Grupo PuntaCana Foundation has conducted numerous experiments and has sent nearly 100 tons of sargassum to Finland over the past two years to support entrepreneurs in learning how to transform seaweed into useful materials.
Kheel stressed that the sargassum problem demands the same level of urgency as other challenges the country has faced, and concerted action is required to effectively address it.
it took you long enough to realize it …I’ve been witnessing myself disappointment of people visiting us …very angry and almost vindictive ,how they will tell others when they go back home not to come here ,and some even file lawsuits …it’s waste of money …i heard people are mislead and not told that we have persisting problems with sargassum and also rising crime …
It is about time the Ministry of Tourism use its billions to provide sargassum barriers along beaches, beach plows, and rakes.
With all the money that this group earn ,why do they not simply put in place floating barriers some two hundred yards out to sea on the 10 mile stretch .Then all the fish and water creatures that breed and eat in the sargassum will be happy and the tourists also .. To say that the barriers can not be manufactured in the DR is a cop out .