San Lorenzo and Rincon bays in northeastern Samana province have won the bid and Samana has now been named one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World. The designation is awarded by the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, formed in 1997, sponsored by UNESCO. The bays are only the second in the Caribbean to receive the distinction, in addition to the Gulf of Saints (Guadeloupe).
The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club seeks to encourage sustainable exploitation of pristine natural resources. The distinction is a challenge for Samana and the country to preserve the bay?s natural attractions. The announcement was made in the Spanish city of Santander on 9 November.
Consultant Luc Litzler, who coordinated the bid for the distinction, says this is time for celebration but also time to act with prudence. Litzler developed the proposal for the Center for Conservation and Eco-Development of Samana and its Environs (CEBSE), the Tourism Cluster of Samana (CTS) and the Foundation for the Development of Samana (FDS).
In an interview with Listin Diario he says he fears that Samana could lose its attraction and natural resources in a short time because of inappropriate and uncontrolled development.
The awards are granted not just to a city on a bay, but to a protected area with interesting flora and fauna and notable natural attractions. Criteria also stipulate that the area should be recognized and appreciated nationally and internationally, and that it should be considered emblematic by the local population.
According to the organization, the goal is to reconcile the attraction and the value of these fragile sites with the awareness that too much traffic or badly managed tourist development can ultimately lead to destruction of the site and consequently reduce its attraction for the public.
See www.world-bays.com