Coral Reefs in the DR are in fact a critical economic asset
Punta Cana - According to a study published in June this year entitled "Economic Value of Coastal Ecosystems in the Dominican Republic," by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Reef Check, the report provides a detailed view of the economic value recreational beaches and coral reefs and mangroves, fisheries and the tourism industry in the Dominican Republic. "Coral reefs and mangroves provide many valuable benefits, or 'ecosystem services' to the people and economy of the Dominican Republic," said Lauretta Burke, WRI expert. "They help build beaches and reduce erosion, attract millions of local and international tourists to the coast, and provide valuable habitat for fishing. However, these ecosystems are being degraded by pollution and overfishing - a threat to the economy of the towns and country."
The analysis shows that every inch of lost beach outside a hotel would have a daily rate reduction per person of about US$1.50. If the beaches continue to erode at this rate, this translates to US$52-100 million dollars of lost revenue for the Dominican tourism industry over the next decade.
Obviously, conservation and restoration of coral reefs is not just an environmental issue, but is purely economic consequence that can affect the entire country. Creating solutions to protect one of the most important assets of the country should be a priority not just environmental groups but also the tourism sector.
Published in
Dominican Republic News Archive
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