Punta Cana.- The Dominican Republic is home to 181 reef zones, yet climate change and human activity have significantly diminished the average live coral cover. In popular tourist areas like Punta Cana, this coverage dropped below 10% by 2020.
This worrying trend is documented in a report by the Propagas Foundation, which highlights the urgent need for coral restoration. In response, the Los Arrecifes de Bávaro Ecological Foundation is actively cultivating various coral species in nurseries, with the goal of rejuvenating these critical biostructures that are essential for the marine ecosystem.
The foundation was established by Fernando Sánchez, a Spaniard who witnessed the decline of Bávaro’s marine habitat while running his nautical business. Concerned about the high mortality rates of corals, along with the erosion of seagrass and coastlines, he felt compelled to take action.
In 2016, with verbal permission from the Dominican Republic’s Environment Department, Sánchez began his work with corals. By 2018, he formalized his efforts by founding the organization, which now features facilities located just a few meters from the beach. These facilities include an interpretation center that combines educational initiatives with practical conservation activities in the Caribbean Sea.