Bayahibe’s La Laguna beach in Dominicus has once more received Blue Flag certification. The Institute of Environmental Law in the DR (IDARD) issued the certificate to the beach for 2009-2010. This brings the total Blue Flag beaches in the DR to seven.
La Laguna was the first Blue Flag beach in the Caribbean. But getting the certification is one thing, and keeping it is even harder. Dominicus had lapsed but is back again. The Blue Flag accreditation for La Laguna now runs from the Oasis Canoa, crossing in front of Catalonia Gran Dominicus, Iberostar Hacienda and the Dominicus public beach, on to the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace and Beach resorts.
La Romana-Bayahibe destination is now applying to certify the Bayahibe town beach and the Soco beach for 2010-2011.
Requirements for this prestigious accreditation are expensive and rigorous. Beach water quality is constantly monitored and maintained at high European standards, information and environmental education programs need to be in place, as well as environmental management, security and services at the beach, such as a lifeguard every 100 meters and public bathrooms.
Water quality monitoring has begun, combined with programs to educate beach users. If these two beaches succeed in obtaining this additional certification, the region will have the most accredited in the Caribbean.
Kelly Robinson de Schaun, executive director of the Romana-Bayahibe Hotels Association says that the beaches are important ecosystems for all. She says that the Blue Flag scheme encourages users to collaborate with the preservation, quality and cleanliness of these important resources. “We are pleased to open the way so that other beaches in the country can become interested in receiving this important environmental quality seal,” she said.
Other Blue Flag beaches in the DR are:
Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana – Dreams Palm Beach, Grand Oasis, Natura Park.
Puerto Plata: Costa Dorada Grand Oasis and Costa Dorada Iberostar. Playa Dorada I and Playa Dorada II.
See www.blueflag.org