Joint mangrove project: GNF and TUI Care Foundation promote climate and coastal protection
- Restoration of 100 hectares of mangrove forest for coastal protection
- Sustainable income: Establishment and promotion of ecotourism
- Strengthening communities through training and environmental education measures
Radolfzell, February 04, 2026 – The Global Nature Fund (GNF) and the TUI Care Foundation are successfully continuing their joint project “TUI Forest Dominican Republic” to restore the mangrove forests on the Samaná peninsula in the Dominican Republic.
Just recently, GNF project manager Katharina Gehrig was able to see the progress of the measures on site in Samaná, which are being implemented in close cooperation with the local partner organization Centro para la Conservación y Ecodesarrollo de la Bahía de Samaná y su Entorno (CEBSE).
The partners have reached an important milestone: 100 hectares of vital mangrove forest have already been restored since the project began in September 2023. Through this work, GNF and the TUI Care Foundation are making a decisive contribution to securing important ecosystem and climate protection services in the region.
The mangrove forests of Samaná Bay are a valuable treasure: they store enormous amounts of CO2, protect the coast from erosion and serve as an essential ecosystem and food source for the local coastal communities. Nevertheless, the Lower Yuna National Park is threatened by deforestation and the cultivation of monocultures (e.g. coconut palms), which worsens the ecological and economic situation of local residents. The joint project aims to strengthen the resilience of local communities to the effects of climate change while protecting the ecosystem.
The core successes in detail
The restoration of 100 hectares of mangrove forest to date through the targeted planting of mangrove seedlings creates an important natural buffer against coastal erosion and secures essential nursery areas for marine animals. In the previous phase, 80 hectares on the coasts of Samaná have already been renaturalized. Responsible ecotourism can only be implemented together with the local people: 20 local guides are being trained as qualified tourism guides. As part of the project, the tourist infrastructure was improved with the construction of a suspension bridge and a nature trail, enabling environmentally friendly tours.
Focus on environmental education
Environmental education is a key component: pupils are specifically involved in reforestation, clean-up and monitoring measures in coastal wetlands. In this way, they are made aware of the need to protect endangered ecosystems at an early stage. Practical knowledge about the sustainable use of ecosystems and the importance and restoration of wetlands is also taught in school events.
“The mangroves are the Dominican Republic’s life insurance – for biodiversity and for people. A big thank you goes to the TUI Care Foundation for its valuable support in the TUI Forest Program. The close cooperation with CEBSE and the local communities enables us to realize nature conservation and sustainable economic development hand in hand”says Katharina Gehrig from the Global Nature Fund.
What travelers can do
The protection of mangroves does not end with project work. Travellers can also make a contribution: the GNF recommends choosing certified eco-tours on your next visit to the region and supporting projects that prioritize the preservation of nature.
You can find more information about the project here: Restoration of the mangrove forests of the Lower Yuna National Park – Global Nature Fund
Contact:
Global Nature Fund
Tina Feil
Communications & Marketing Manager
Global Nature Fund
Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4
78315 Radolfzell
Phone: +49 7732 9995 – 874
E-mail: feil@globalnature.org
