First National Training on Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection Held in the Dominican Republic
MICHES. For the first time, staff from social and environmental organizations, as well as government entities from across the Dominican Republic’s coastal region, gathered in one place to establish a unified methodology and a standardized national database. This initiative, led by the Ministry of the Environment, improved the management and conservation of these endangered species by fostering collaboration among the various stakeholders.
With the aim of strengthening conservation efforts and standardizing the management of data on the nesting of sea turtles in the country, the National Training for Monitoring and Protection of Sea Turtles was carried out in Playa Nueva Romana, San Pedro de Macorís province.
The event featured the participation of experts from Mexico and Costa Rica with extensive experience in the study and conservation of sea turtles. During the sessions, the specialists shared knowledge and best practices in nest management, population monitoring, and the protection of critical habitats.
The training was organized by the Vice Ministry of Coastal and Marine Affairs of the Ministry of the Environment, the El Seibo-Miches Hotel and Tourism Association (Promiches), and the Eco-Bahia Foundation of Grupo Piñero. It also had the support of marine conservation organizations, such as the Dominican Foundation for Marine Studies (FUNDEMAR), the Bávaro Reefs Ecological Foundation, and the Puntacana Foundation.
During the workshop, 36 technicians, biologists, and volunteers were trained, promoting the implementation of standardized protocols to improve data collection and informed decision-making. The unification of criteria will facilitate greater coordination among organizations working on the conservation of these species in the country.
“The success of this training reaffirms our commitment to protecting sea turtles and conserving coastal ecosystems. At Eco Bahia, we believe that integrating the tourism sector into environmental initiatives is key to promoting sustainable development and ensuring the survival of these species. Implementing standardized protocols will strengthen information management and facilitate science-based decision-making, allowing us to improve our long-term conservation strategies,” said Alex Matás, director of the Eco-Bahia Foundation in the Dominican Republic.
A key step for the protection of endangered species
Protecting sea turtles is a task of high ecological value, as these species play an essential role in the health of coastal and marine ecosystems. However, they face multiple threats, such as habitat degradation, climate change, pollution, and nest poaching.
The illegal harvesting of eggs for consumption and trade remains a challenge on many beaches in the country, making the implementation of effective protection strategies and inter-institutional cooperation even more necessary.
About Grupo Piñero
Grupo Piñero is a Spanish family-owned tourism group founded in 1975 by Pablo Piñero. Currently chaired by Isabel García Lorca and led since 2017 by Encarna Piñero as Global CEO, along with her sisters Isabel and Lydia, the Group, with 50 years of history, practices responsible management with a strategic plan centered on sustainability. This vision prioritizes the well-being of people and the environment, and promotes tourism that generates wealth while respecting the destinations where it operates.
Its activity includes four divisions: the Hotel division, which has resorts in the Dominican Republic (the leading hotel group in terms of the number of owned establishments), Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain; Residences & Golf, which has residential complexes in the Dominican Republic and Mexico; the Tour Operation division, made up of Soltour, a leading independent tour operator in Spain and Portugal in the holiday segment; and the Mobility Incoming & Leisure division, which includes the destination management company Coming2, the perfect host at the destination that complements the offer through land and sea transport services, highlighting its commitment to sustainable mobility.
About the Eco-Bahia Foundation
The Eco-Bahia Foundation was created in 1999 out of the responsibility, awareness and concern of Grupo Piñero and its founder Pablo Piñero, to protect and conserve natural resources, planning and developing environmental projects.
For over 20 years, it has been promoting the implementation of actions for the conservation, maintenance, and improvement of natural resources through its various programs: Conservation of Turtles and Marine Resources; Rescue and Control of Fauna; Conservation of Native Flora; Conservation and Maintenance of Natural Areas; and Environmental Education.
For more information about the Eco-Bay Foundation https://eco-bahia.com
