Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Program Samaná, Dominican Republic

Overview: Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Program Samaná, Dominican Republic

Fast growing tourism is a serious threat to the Dominican Republic´s flora and fauna. Samaná Bay is not only a significant breeding ground and nursery area for humpback whales from all over the North Atlantic; it is also the most important multi-species fishing ground in the Dominican Republic, a growing international tourist destination, and a commercial port. While tourism is an important source of economic activity and financial income, its impact on sensitive coastal-marine ecosystems is of particular concern. A major portion of environmental degradation in coastal areas is attributed to the establishment of large-scale hotel developments in areas of high biodiversity, unregulated tour activities that put at risk reproduction sites for whales and turtles, as well as mangrove deforestation and coral reef damage from diving and boat tours anchors, which in turn decreases the resilience of these coastal marine ecosystems and increases their vulnerability to tropical storms.

Description: Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Program Samaná, Dominican Republic

You can contribute in developing programs aimed at biodiversity-friendly tourism and sustainable tourism development strategies as well as tools for the application of the legal framework and incentives to adopt sustainable practices.

The aim is to increase the awareness and the training of the public (individuals and community) and to address the lack of knowledge among the tourism sector, the private sector, the land-owners, and the staff of local public institutions. (Advanced Spanish skills are required) Activities that a volunteer can participate in are entirely dependent on motivation and Spanish skills. Our staff will support the participant.

Activities for advanced Spanish speakers:

• Developing and executing environmental awareness raising activities at schools and in the community and promote sustainable and biodiversity-friendly tourism.
• Support the certification of biodiversity-friendly destination and tourist services
• Help staffing a tourist information post on the beach side road in Las Terrenas (advanced Spanish skills and additional languages are required) 

Requirements:

No previous experience is required to participate in the program. A typical volunteer or intern should be interested in protecting flora and fauna, biology, wildlife and sustainable tourism. He or she needs to be enthusiastic, proactive, willing to learn, ready for a challenge, and should not be scared of being in contact with soil or mud. Responsibility, commitment, patience and perseverance are among significant qualities.