The Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Environment signed an agreement with the United Nations to develop a project for the protection of biodiversity in tourism destination coastal areas. The United Nations is funding US$2.8 million for the project that will implement environmentally-friendly policies, train people in these areas and support local environmentally-friendly business efforts.
Two pilot areas have been chosen: Montecristi and Samana. The UN says the experiences will then be replicated in other areas of the country.
The agreement was signed by Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia and Environment Minister Bautista Rojas Gomez and by the UN Development Plan director in the country, Lorenzo Jimenez de Luis.
Environment Minister Bautista Rojas Gomez explained: “The plan is to organize the coastal and marine ecosystems so these can be adequately used in a way they contribute to economic wellbeing. ” He said the agreement is an important part of the National Development Strategy.
Tourism Minister Garcia highlighted: “The country cannot develop if there is not an effective environmental protection policy.” Garica highlighted that the tourist who visits the Dominican Republic has a high regard for caring for the environment.
For the United Nations, Jimenez de Luis said that the agreement unites two fundamental objectives that are promotion of tourism and environmental protection.
http://www.diariolibre.com/ecos/2015/07/03/i1222801_medio-ambiente-turismo-pnud-acuerdan-us2-millones-para-proteger-playas-tursticas.html