Global Nature Fund | Restoring the mangrove forests of the Lower Yuna National Park

The treasure of the Dominican Republic – The country’s mangrove forests absorb enormous amounts of CO2, provide a habitat for animal and plant species and are a source of food and income for the inhabitants of the coastal communities in Samaná Bay. Every day, large areas of the mangrove forest of the Lower Yuna National Park are disappearing and the economic situation of the people in the area is worsening.

This project addresses the challenges of tourism, fisheries and agriculture resulting from the impacts of climate change. We are increasing the resilience of economic activities by planning and implementing sustainable practices, developing economic activities such as ecotourism and other biodiversity-enhancing business ideas with the communities, and involving the population in the reforestation of mangrove forests. Scientific and local knowledge about climate change is linked to create the conditions for ecosystem-based adaptation practices in conjunction with sustainable livelihoods.

Project area

Goals

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Restoration of mangrove forests

Restoration of 100 ha of mangrove forests as a buffer against coastal erosion and as nursery areas for marine animals

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New management plan

Creating a new management plan for the Lower Yuna National Park

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Development of activities

Promote the development of 3 economically complementary and sustainable activities with the municipality of Sanchez.

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Sustainable fishing

Develop sustainable fisheries that allow commercially exploited species to recover through the protection of nursery areas.

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Community-based tourism offer

Creation of a diverse and attractive community-based tourism offer that generates income for local communities.

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Raising awareness and education

Improve knowledge of the mangrove forest and the environmental services it provides among 1530 people in the Sanchez community to ensure their ownership, participation and understanding of the conservation measures implemented.

Impacts

N

80 hectares

80 hectares of mangrove forest in Lower Yuna National Park restored

N

760 children

760 children trained, involved in sustainable activities and/or in activities that lead to better opportunities in life.

N

400 Fischer

Training 400 fishermen in sustainable and traditional fishing practices and switching 50 fishermen to sustainable fishing methods to conserve fishing resources in the Bay of Samana.

Foundation of the San Lorenzo Fishers Coop. which offers ecotourism kayaking and birdwatching excursions in the Lower Yuna National Park.

Foundation of the La Sanchera fish ball factory and training of 15 women in sustainable business management.