In recent years, Bávaro has faced a number of challenges in effectively protecting the local marine environment. Increasing boat traffic creates a risk of collision with bigger sea animals and noise pollution that disrupts the behaviour patterns of marine wildlife. In addition to this, boat moorings and improper anchoring practices can damage coral reefs and seagrass beds, contributing to the destruction of important habitats. Coral reef degradation is also a result of overfishing and pollution, which causes disruptions in the delicate balance of the underwater ecosystem.

To help maintain the marine biodiversity of Bávaro, TUI Sea the Change Dominican Republic is working in partnership with the Bávaro Reef Ecological Foundation (Fundación Ecológica Los Arrecifes de Bávaro). The programme contributes to the protection of a total of over 560 hectares of seascapes, which will be zoned and demarcated through five TUI Care Foundation buoys.

Awareness workshops and coral gardening helps to train 200 local beach workers and fishermen to protect the area. Almost 30 organisations will be engaged in Bávaro as well as Cabeza de Toro to build understanding and capacity to respond to local conservation needs.

The programme relies on the creation of a sustainable tourism product, the Bávaro Snorkel Lover experience, which will engage 27.500 tourists through a combination of coral gardening, awareness and snorkelling. A local ranger team patrols the beaches to protect against turtle poaching, and a coral nursery programme helps to restore the local sea urchin population.