The Ministry of Environment announced the signing of an agreement with the Puntacana Group Foundation and the La Altagracia Tourism Cluster to expand the Southeast Marine Reefs Sanctuary with the inclusion of the Bavaro-Macao coastline. As per the agreement, a management plan will be drafted for the tourism area in order to regulate fishing and sports activities in the area, including the operation of boats. The goal is to protect and restore the coral reefs. The health of the coral reefs is essential for the maintenance of the white sand beaches in the area.
Environment Minister Francisco Dominguez Brito highlighted the importance of healthy coral reefs as one of the most valuable ecosystems. They provide billions of dollars in economic and environmental services to the Punta Cana beach resort area. “The coral reefs provide key environmental services to tourism in the Dominican Republic. They protect the hotel and tourism investment in the eastern zone and job opportunities for the country,” he stated.
Frank Rainieri, signed for the Grupo Puntacana Foundation and highlighted that the measure guarantees that the extended Punta Cana coastline and tourism zone is now located in a protected area.
Ernesto Veloz of the Tourism Clsuter said that a new entity would be created to manage the marine reef sanctuary.
13 November 2017
