The degradation of environmental quality in the beaches of the Dominican Republic has occurred more frequently than expected across various tourist hubs in the country. Tour operators and hoteliers constantly monitor with concern the changes in the beaches, particularly in the coastal-marine structure, the results of which could jeopardize the sustainability of the tourism business.
At the end of the day, the most prized offering for tourists is the pristine beaches of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean sun, and the hotels and resorts built upon them. It is precisely for this important reason that we must watch over and protect them.
The State of the Beaches in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic features certain highly developed coastal areas dedicated especially to tourism, offering accommodations primarily under the “all-inclusive” lodging model, which has proven to be a worldwide success. Land use in these areas has shifted over the last century; transitioning from livestock farming and coconut plantations for production, to land acquisition, and subsequently to the construction and operation of hotels to accommodate a significant volume of tourists. The impact of this new land use in the coastal zone has generated—and continues to generate—significant environmental impacts, some of which are negative, such as beach erosion. These must be addressed by tour operators, who are the primary stakeholders interested in achieving the sustainability of their investments.
This new land use has, at times, been carried out to the detriment of certain natural resources whose functions were essential for the maintenance of the coastal-marine ecosystem. In fact, as repeatedly stated by the renowned marine biologist Francisco Geraldes—who has collaborated with us as a specialist on the Santroni Parsons environmental team for the past six years—one of the most concerning aspects is the so-called hydrological transfer (trasvase hidrológico). By virtue of this process, large volumes of water are introduced into the hotels occupying the coastal strip—the sandy beach—thereby modifying the original process that occurred naturally. The primary adverse effect on the beaches of the Dominican Republic is driven by changes in reef biodiversity and its structure, reaching in some cases degradation in the surf zone, which causes greater penetration of water volumes, consequently resulting in beach erosion and sand loss.
In the same vein, other activities such as dredging, anchor usage, overfishing, removal of marine algae, and vessel operations can also generate similar outcomes on the beaches.
Sustainability Proposals for Beaches in the Dominican Republic
Given this outlook, it has never been more urgent to apply environmental variables in the creation of restrictive regulations for land use and permitted activities within the coastal-marine environment. To achieve the sustainability and preservation of the beaches in the Dominican Republic, a confluence of factors is required, namely:
- That the authorities incorporate appropriate territorial zoning and land-use regulations for each area and ensure strict compliance;
- That tourism projects be conceptualized within a framework of respect for the area’s natural resources;
- That the activities of tour operators comply with the strictest regulations aimed at protecting the environment;
- That construction parameters assigned by land-use regulations factor in the carrying capacity of the area to allow for the regeneration and recovery of natural resources, principally on the beaches of the Dominican Republic;
- That strict regulations regarding permitted tourist activities—by tour operators—on the beaches be established (and enforced);
- That continuous monitoring of environmental degradation on the beaches of the Dominican Republic and other areas be maintained.
The ultimate goal is to guarantee the sustainability of the tourism industry, the preservation and enhancement of natural resources, the revaluation of the urban environment, and the diversification of the tourism offerings and products. Once again, to achieve all these objectives, a convergence of will between the public sector, regulatory bodies, and the private sector is necessary. The cost of failing to do so will be high for both parties.
