Protecting Coral Reefs in a Warming World
Triangular Cooperation between Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Germany to develop a financial mechanism for the conservation of coral reefs in the Dominican Republic
Challenges
Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems in the world. These barriers break natural waves, prevent erosion, stabilize the coast, help to form sand for its beaches and provide recreational spaces. Due to unsustainable coastal development, pollution, sedimentation, overfishing and the effects of global warming, much of the world’s coral reefs are at risk, and ten percent have been irreparably damaged. The countries of Central America and the Caribbean are not excluded from this trend. In both, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, coral reefs have suffered significant mortality. Particularly in the Dominican Republic this affects socio-economic development, due to its tourism-based dependence, where services related to coral reefs are one of the main sources of income. Costa Rica has sought to face this trend of environmental degradation, and has more than 25 years of experience in establishing financial mechanisms for environmental services.
Towards a Solution
1. Identification and valuation of ecosystem services and awareness rising to the private sector
The ecosystem services of coral reefs are identified, and their value is defined. Based on this information, a communication strategy is developed and implemented in order to convince beneficiaries, especially the private sector, to invest in a financial mechanism for the conservation of these services. Costa Rica contributes with its experience in the valuation of ecosystem services carried out in protected coastal areas of the country and advises the process in the Dominican Republic.
2. Organizational development of financial mechanism management
Supported by Costa Rican experts, the management structure of the financial mechanism in the Dominican Republic is developed for the conservation of coral reefs and the identification of the ecosystem services, i.e. the benefits provided by the coral reefs. Furthermore, a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system is elaborated for the follow up regarding the participation of the private sector, which will be involved with public sector organizations of both countries.
3. Pilot Projects
Projects are being developed to pilot the financial mechanism in Bayahibe, Punta Cana and Samaná in the Dominican Republic. In each locality the ecosystem services of its coral reefs (for example, carbon sequestration of the atmosphere, presence of marine organisms or touristic potential) are analyzed and a catalogue of measures for their conservation are being created, applying the mentioned M&E system.
- The Dominican Republic has a legally constituted scheme to promote the support of the private sector in the country’s conservation efforts;
- The local government supports the financial mechanism for the conservation of corals in the marine-coastal areas;
- The private sector recognises the value of the environmental services provided by the coral reefs.
- The conservation status of coral reefs in pilot areas has improved.
Contact Information
Countries involved
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Implementing Entities
Project Status
Project Period
URL of the practice
Primary SDG
Primary SDG Targets
Secondary SDGs
Secondary SDG Targets
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