Integrating conservation and sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic : rapid assessment of biodiversity threats and a conservation strategy for the Parque Submarino La Caleta

Abstract

This assessment was conducted as part of the USAID-funded activities of the Dominican Sustainable Tourism Alliance (DSTA). The DSTA has selected the community of La Caleta and the Parque Nacional Submarino La Caleta to receive technical support for the development of a community-based ecotoursim enterprise using the park as the attraction and setting for a variety of nature and culture-based tourism programs. The objective in integrating biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism is to provide a set of actions that addresses the major threats and opportunities identified to produce benefits for the environment and the local community and to meet the needs of visitors.