In this phase, that began April 15th, a team led by American expert Austin Bowden-Kerby and integrated by Christine Hicks and Jaime Moreno - Director of FUNGLODE's Center for Sustainable Development Studies - focused its efforts in the areas of Sosúa, Samaná, Bayahíbe and Punta Cana.

However, this is not the only problem that affects the ecosystem. "The situation is worsened by land pollution and waste coming from rivers, which generate an over population of algae that end up drowning out the coral," explained Moreno .

During the inspections, the experts installed coral nurseries- that will work as pilot projects - which will allow "to evaluate the health of the areas and then choose those where corals have a better chance of survival. . These will be the areas where the nurseries will be installed.", said Austin Bowden-Kerby, the team's director.

The most critical problem is overfishing which causes ecological imbalances. Overfishing is caused by the poverty around the areas, making the coral reef ecosystems a disappearing resource..

Another problem is the high density of marine activities, which require drastic regulation. Ship anchors and large quantities of tourists stepping on the grounds cause a negative impact which we should regulate", noted the Director of the Foundation's Centre for Sustainable Development Studies.

Restoring Possibilities

Notwithstanding the situation, Austin Bowden-Kerby is very optimistic. "Corals are very strong formations with a high recovering capacity, but they need the human intervention to attain restoration in reasonable time. The coral reef ecosystem is in poor condition but it can be recovered through a coastal-maritime management system, which will rebuild ecological balance to the coral reef ecosystem. "We should quickly begin working in those areas where fishing is regulated and create marine protected areas, which will help raise awareness allowing the sustainability of these coastal ecosystems, including mangroves , marshland and marine prairies, among others."

In various places on the globe, the American scientist has proven that it is possible to restore areas in really bad condition. "Citizen and entrepreneurial conscience on sustainability are requirements for the success of the project in the Dominican Republic . We need to ensure the participation of all to cure and maintain the health of these fragile yet beautiful ecosystems," Bowden-Kerby said.

Coral reefs are the most important ecosystem for the coast, because it supports its balance, creates sand and serves as a refuge for the reproduction and development of fish. It is one of most vital resources in the nutritional chain in the sea. Without them, the death of life in the ocean is most certain.

"Additionally, since the Dominican Republic depends in great deal on tourism, coral reefs are of great importance for the sector's sustainability and development. More than 90% of our tourists come for our beaches, which are threatened by the fast deterioration and degradation of the coral ecosystem" explained Jaime Moreno.

The "Coral Gardens" project is being implemented in the country as the product of a partnership between FUNGLODE and Counterpart International, which was supported and promoted by the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) in Washington DC, FUNGLODE's sister institution in the U.S. Recently, this partnership has been reinforced by the National Geographic Society, and other institutions such as Punta Cana Foundation, the Bayahíbe Hotels Association and the Ecological Foundation of Sosúa Bay.

The " Coral Gardens " project is based on the conservation and restoration of ecosystems and fisheries in collaboration with the local communities from the coastal areas. One of the main goals is to contribute to the tourist industry in the Dominican Republic , improving the living Standards of coastal communities and thus contributing to the sustainable development of the country.