On the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, where turquoise waters meet golden beaches, a small paradise is fighting for survival: the coral reefs of Sosúa Bay are under threat from overfishing, pollution, and rising sea temperatures. Sosúa is a vibrant community whose daily life and economic survival are closely tied to tourism. That’s why an ambitious project has been launched to counter the immediate threats to the coral reefs.
At the heart of the project is the revitalization of the reef using a remarkable mix of technology, biology, and manual labor. Coral larvae are grown in laboratories, while “corals of opportunity”—rescued corals—are transplanted onto prepared underwater surfaces. Sea urchins, important algae grazers, are deliberately introduced to stabilize the ecological balance.
Innovatively, some corals are “vaccinated” with heat-resistant symbionts to increase their chances of survival in a warming ocean. The idea is simple yet effective: build resilience before the next heatwave strikes.
Against this stunning backdrop, the DERTOUR Foundation, in partnership with Fundación Ecológica Maguá, is implementing a holistic restoration plan: on a 2,000-square-meter area, one of the region’s last relatively intact reef systems is being revived – with scientific expertise, hands-on work, and heartfelt support from the local community.
What makes it special: the protected area is just minutes from popular hotels. This proximity allows tourists and locals to experience the project firsthand, turning it into a tangible example of sustainable tourism.
The initiative combines environmental conservation with education. Visitors not only observe coral propagation and transplantation but also gain insights into the fragile underwater ecosystem.
The project doesn’t stay underwater. Education is central to the initiative. In collaboration with local schools, a marine education center is being established, featuring aquariums that bring reef, mangrove, and seagrass ecosystems to life. Interactive media and teaching materials explain the importance of coral reefs.
Children can actively participate by helping care for corals in the lab and monitoring their growth – a hands-on experience that not only teaches knowledge but also fosters a sense of responsibility.
To ensure the success of these efforts, a dedicated protection team monitors the “No-Take Zone.” Rangers work day and night to prevent fishing and illegal activities, safeguarding the natural regeneration of marine biodiversity and ensuring a safe habitat for new corals, fish, and other marine life.
To ensure the success of these efforts, a dedicated protection team monitors the “No-Take Zone.” Rangers work day and night to prevent fishing and illegal activities, safeguarding the natural regeneration of marine biodiversity and ensuring a safe habitat for new corals, fish, and other marine life.
What is emerging in Sosúa is more than an environmental project. It is a social and ecological model for sustainable development. The reefs protect nature and also offer long-term opportunities for the local community through tourism, fishing, and education. The project encourages active participation in conservation and fosters appreciation for marine ecosystems. Coral reefs are more than colorful underwater landscapes – they protect coastlines, support marine life, and sustain livelihoods. Their protection and the restoration of healthy, resilient ecosystems is an investment in the future of an entire coastal region – and a beacon of hope for other threatened ecosystems worldwide.
You can find out more about our cooperation partner,
Fundación Ecológica Maguá, on project partners.
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