The TUI Care Foundation, a charity associated with the European tourism company TUI Group, has announced a new marine conservation program in the Dominican Republic. This program incorporates tours and experiences from TUI Musement, the company’s tours and experiences arm, into the conservation efforts. This initiative is part of a broader trend of using tourism as a tool for conservation in areas where heavy tourism and ecosystem vulnerability overlap, similar to efforts in the Great Barrier Reef.
In the Dominican Republic, the TUI Care Foundation’s program focuses on coral health awareness and restoration activities incorporated into a snorkeling experience offered by TUI Musement. The program, which launched in January and has already hosted 27,500 people, aims to protect 560 hectares of seascapes and restore 70,000 square meters of corals. Additionally, 200 beach workers and fishermen will be trained in marine conservation as part of the initiative. The coral relocation is managed by marine biologists, and results are measured by a local non-profit organization, indicating a comprehensive approach to conservation efforts.
While coral relocation can be effective in conservation efforts, its success often depends on various factors such as how the coral is moved and whether it is moved to a suitable environment. In the Caribbean, coral reefs are already extremely vulnerable, with recent high ocean temperatures adversely affecting the health of these ecosystems. Despite the challenges, the TUI Care Foundation’s program in the Dominican Republic is a proactive effort to address coral reef conservation through a combination of awareness-building, restoration activities, and community involvement.
This initiative in the Dominican Republic is not the first conservation program launched by the TUI Care Foundation, as a similar program was introduced in Bali in 2021. The Bali program focused on planting coral in the ocean, with almost 300 square meters of coral planted in the first phase. The second phase of the Bali program will involve planting even more coral and include options for tourists to participate in coral planting activities. Additionally, a floating pontoon with workshops will be available for those who prefer not to dive, making conservation efforts accessible to a wider audience.
The incorporation of tours and experiences from TUI Musement into the TUI Care Foundation’s conservation initiatives highlights the potential for tourism to contribute positively to environmental preservation efforts. By engaging tourists in hands-on activities and raising awareness about marine conservation, these programs not only benefit the environment but also empower local communities and stakeholders. As the tourism industry continues to grapple with its impact on fragile ecosystems, partnerships like the one between TUI and the TUI Care Foundation demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism practices and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
