Making the mangroves matter

Mangrove forests are a vital part of the ocean. Their thick roots help to stabilise the coastline and prevent erosion and they’re home to many species of fish, making them an essential source of food to local communities. Crucially, they also absorb carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, stopping these harmful pollutants being released into the earth’s atmosphere.

Yet they’re amongst the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. Over recent decades alone, 50% of the world’s mangrove surface cover has been lost.

In the Dominican Republic, 20% of the population are living in extreme poverty and 80% live on the coast. However, mangrove conservation provides many benefits which help these coastal communities.

The project will restore 80 hectares of mangrove forests and develop a management plan for the Manglares del Bajo Yuna National Park, which is part of the city of Sanchez. It will also create economic opportunities by providing a strong link to the vibrant tourism sector on the island.

The TUI Care Foundation, the German NGO Global Nature Fund (GNF) and the Dominican NGO Center for the Conservation and Eco-Development of the Bay of Samaná and its Surroundings (CEBSE) are collaborating on a project that aims to protect precious mangrove forests in the Manglares del Bajo Yuna National Park. The project area, the National Park and the city of Sanchez, is located in the province of Samaná, in the north-east of the Dominican Republic.

Working together with the park authorities, the project will reduce the negative impacts of illegal logging and other unsustainable economic activities in the park, while working towards restoring 80 hectares of degraded mangrove forests. This restoration would imply an average reduction of approximately 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Economic opportunities for people in adjacent communities will be created using the park’s ecosystem services, such as the development of walking tours and kayaking trails that pass through the mangroves.

Environmental sensitivity and stewardship for the natural treasures of the Dominican Republic will be stimulated.

The project is supported by the German Ministry of Cooperation and Development and the TUI Care Foundation.

PROJECT PARTNERS

About Global Nature Fund

Global Nature Fund was founded in 1998 with the mission to safe the worlds lakes and wetlands. With Living Lakes, a network of over 125 grass root organizations in more than 50 countries worldwide, GNF fosters technology and knowledge transfer and implements projects within various programs with partners worldwide. The GNF launched the mangrove restoration program in 2005 as a post tsunami activity, which includes six countries in Southeast Asia. Recently, the activities expand to West Africa and the Caribbean. GNF mangrove restoration projects encompass community development aspects, as this proved to be the most effective approach. Biodiversity & Tourism is another focus in order to manage impact on lakes and wetlands. GNF implements approaches and tools developed four continents. GNF finances the activities by long term cooperation with other foundations, corporates, private and public donors and Europe and beyond. GNF is based in Southern Germany, next to Lake Constance.

About CEBSE

Centro para la Conservación y Eco-Desarrollo de la Bahía de Samaná y su Entorno, CEBSE, is a Dominican, legally recognised, non-profit organisation with headquarters in Santa Barbara de Samaná. Since 1991, CEBSE works closely with Dominican authorities and is closely connected with national, regional and international conservation associations. The main area of work is located in the north of the Dominican Republic and includes the Samaná Peninsula, the Bay of Samaná, the Los Haitises National Park and parts of the Sabana de la Mar-Miches coastal plain. CEBSE's mission statement is to promote sustainable development with the active participation of social and economic actors, as well as the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of natural and cultural resources. CEBSE has recognized expertise and many years of experience in working with international and national project partners as well as private and public donors.

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