Saving the Coral Reefs
in the Dominican Republic
Hope Beneath the Waves in Sosúa Bay
On the north 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. Yet Sosúa is a vibrant community, whose daily life and economic wellbeing are closely tied to tourism. That’s why an ambitious project has been launched to counter the urgent threats facing the reefs.
In this stunning setting, the DERTOUR Foundation, in collaboration with the Magua Ecological Foundation, is implementing a holistic restoration plan. Spanning an area of 2,000 square metres, one of the region’s last semi-intact reef systems is being revived – with scientific expertise, hands-on support, and heartfelt commitment from the local community.
A Project with Vision and Immediate Access
What makes it special: the protected area lies just minutes from popular hotels, making the project easily accessible for both holidaymakers and locals – a tangible sign of more sustainable tourism.
The initiative links environmental protection with education. Visitors don’t just observe coral cultivation and transplantation, they also gain insights into the fragile underwater ecosystem.
At its core is the revitalisation of the reef using an impressive combination of technology, biology, and manual work: coral larvae are bred in labs, while so-called “corals of opportunity” – rescued specimens – are transplanted onto prepared underwater surfaces. Sea urchins, vital grazers in reef ecosystems, are also deliberately introduced to help restore ecological balance.
A particularly innovative approach: some corals are “inoculated” with heat-resistant symbionts to increase their resilience in warming seas. The concept is as simple as it is effective – strengthening their defences before the next heatwave arrives.
Education as a Central Pillar
But the project doesn’t stop beneath the surface. Education plays a central role in the initiative. In partnership with local schools, a marine education centre is being developed, complete with aquariums that bring reef, mangrove, and seagrass habitats to life. Interactive media and educational materials help explain why coral reefs are essential.
Children are encouraged to get involved themselves – tending to corals in the lab and observing their growth. This hands-on experience not only teaches scientific knowledge but also nurtures a deep sense of responsibility.
Round-the-Clock Protection
To ensure all these efforts bear fruit, a dedicated protection team enforces the rules within the designated “No-Take Zone.” Rangers patrol day and night to prevent fishing and illegal activities and monitor the area. This allows marine biodiversity to regenerate naturally, ensuring a safe, undisturbed habitat for new corals, fish, and other marine life.
More than Conservation – An Investment in the Future
What’s being created in Sosúa goes beyond environmental protection – it’s a social and ecological model for sustainable development. The reefs are intended not only to preserve nature but also to provide long-term opportunities for the local population – through tourism, fishing, and education. The project calls for active participation in conservation efforts and encourages appreciation of marine ecosystems. Because coral reefs are far more than colourful underwater landscapes – they protect coastlines, support marine life, and secure livelihoods. Their preservation and the restoration of healthy, resilient ecosystems represent an investment in the future of an entire coastal region – and a beacon of hope for many other endangered environments around the world.
Magua Ecological Foundation
The Magua Ecological Foundation is a Dominican organisation focused on restoring mangroves and coral reefs with resilient species, as well as enforcing environmental regulations to prevent further damage.