Our Current Projects
FUNDEMAR collaborates with various organizations at both a local and international level to carry out our current marine conservation projects, such as our coral reef restoration program, the protection of marine wildlife, and the development of ecotourism, among others.
Coral Reef Restoration
Coral reefs form the foundation of coastal marine ecosystems due to the massive amount of biodiversity that they contain as well as the services they provide to tourism, fishing, and littoral protection. Unfortunately, they are gravely threatened by climate change and other pressures such as marine pollution and overuse. For this reason, in 2012 FUNDEMAR started a program of coral reef restoration, which inludes coral nurseries, rescue centers, and transplant zones, as a mechanism to promote resilience by corals to climate change.
FUNDEMAR has developed and expanded this program with the support of USAID, the Punta Cana Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and local hotels and dive centers. Currently, the program boasts 8 coral gardens and 3 transplant zones.
Ecotourism
With the support of The Hotel Catalonia, The Hotel Dreams La Romana, Hotel Viva Wyndham, Casa de Campo, Hotel Iberostar, Hotel Be Live Canoa, and The Punta Cana Ecological Foundation, and local dive shops, FUNDEMAR is growing ecotourism in Bayahibe by offering divers the chance to take part in coral reef restoration.
Reef restoration themed courses and dives are offered by dive centers that recognize the importance of conserving coral reefs together with hotels that sponsor the creation of new coral gardens. A portion of the revenue generated by the course goes to support the above mentioned reef restoration program. The providers of this ecotourism offering are:
-
Tortuga Divers - Hotel Be Live Canoa (contact hotel)
Wildlife Conservation Campaign
FUNDEMAR and The Humane Society International are developing a campaign to promote public participation to protect wildlife in the southeast of the country, above all the Hispaniolan Parrot, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and the West Indian Manatee. These three species are highly threatened by illegal hunting and trafficking. The campaign aims to raise awareness to the threat facing these species and convince recruit locals and tourists to help this effort by neither buying nor consuming these animals, their meet, or artisanry made with parts of these species such as turtle shell artwork.
Lionfish Control and Commercialization
Lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean and a grav threat to local marine ecosystems. There is a reduction in biodiversity of 80% in the habitats where this fish is found and it lacks natural predators in the Caribbean to keep its population in check. In response, FUNDEMAR promotes its capture and consumption in order to slow the spread of this plague and mitigate its impact. To do so, FUNDEMAR organizes an annual tournament to massively fish the lionfish and support its consumption as both a food and as materials for artisanal products. If you are intersted in sponsoring or participating in this tournament, or would like information about business that sell it, conact us and join us in our efforts against this invasive species and thus protect the area's rich biodiversity.
Contact Us
FUNDEMAR
Tel: 809-833-0481
Email: fundemar.cecomar@gmail.com
Address:
Centro de Estudios Costeros Marinos
Calle Federico Rijo #6
Bayahibe, Republica Dominicana
Socialise With Us
Adopt a Coral
FUNDEMAR offers sponsorshipt packages through our 'Adopt a Coral' program for individuals and companies that want to support marine conservation. Click below to learn more or donate.
