The Espíritu Santo Fishermen Cooperative and the Ministry of Environment have begun eco-tourism operations in Cayo La Farola, in the Bay of Samaná. The cay is within the Marine Mammal Sanctuary and next to the larger and better known Cayo Levantado out island.
Visitors taking the commuter boat to Cayo La Farola can enjoy a lookout point to watch whales without having to take a whale-watcher excursion into the bay. There is also a fun hiking trail. In addition there is the option to snorkel above the coral at the edge of the cay.
The cooperative sought to diversify income sources for area residents in a sustainable way and came up with this initiative. The main goal is to reduce the pressure on the fishing resources in the Bay of Samaná.
The cooperative has received backing from the Embassy of Germany in the country and the German Cooperation for Development, GIZ, via its Development of the Mesoamerican Alliance for Biodiversity Program (DABio) for the construction of the observation tower and hiking trail at the cay.
Support was also received from the United States Government via the International Development Agency (USAID) for training in offering of eco-tourism services in the area including how to interpret nature, first aid and administration services.
13 February 2018
