We signed a partnership agreement to protect endangered species

Our Ecobahia Foundation Dominican Republic and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources recently signed a collaboration agreement for the protection and conservation of sea turtles that inhabit the tropical seas and are in danger of extinction.     

Through this agreement, Ecobahia Foundation joins the Sea Turtle Conservation Program implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the province of Samaná, as well as in Playa Nueva Romana, Boca del Soco beach, the beach in front of Caño Patricio, located in the province of San Pedro de Macorís, and in Arena Gorda beach, the latter belonging to Macao in the province of La Altagracia.    

Species such as the green turtle, the leatherback turtle and the hawksbill turtle use Dominican beaches for nesting, as well as the loggerhead turtle that stops over in the Dominican Republic during its migratory journey, are all part of the biological treasures and natural heritage of the nation.    

 In this regard, Alex Matas, director of the Foundation on the island, commented: “Ensuring the survival of sea turtles and protecting biodiversity in general is a shared responsibility; we must consolidate a sustainable future for these emblematic creatures that frequent our seas and beaches. The Ecobahia Foundation is pleased to join forces with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in this important cause.”     

Getting down to business 

Some of the most noteworthy actions that will be carried out as a result of this collaboration agreement include: maintaining an updated record of turtle nesting sites on the aforementioned beaches; monitoring coastal protection work and supporting reforestation with endemic or native coastal species; generating training sessions for technicians and leaders of the turtle program in the country; and involving the community in turtle conservation actions in the provinces of Samaná, San Pedro de Macorís and La Altagracia.    

The agreement was signed in the presence of Miguel Ceara Hatton, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Pablo del Toro, head of environment management at Grupo Piñero, José Ramón Reyes, Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and Alex Matás, director of the Ecobahia Foundation DR.   

The Ecobahia Foundation and the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources call on the communities surrounding the locations of Samaná, San Pedro de Macorís and La Altagracia, as well as the fishing industries and other stakeholders in these areas, to join in this effort to guarantee the continuity of sea turtles on our beaches.    

A big thank you to our Ecobahia colleagues for creating such important partnerships aimed at taking care of our environment!