Impact investing for Marine Sanctuary “Arrecifes del Sureste” by Blue Finance, Dominican Republic

Abstract

The Marine Sanctuary Arrecifes del Sureste in the Dominican Republic spans nearly 8,000 km², supporting vibrant coral reef ecosystems, fisheries, tourism, and conservation areas while benefiting approximately 15,000 households. Despite its ecological and economic significance, the Sanctuary has faced challenges in implementing effective protection, suffering from inadequate management resources. Blue Finance, a social enterprise, has partnered with the Dominican government, communities, NGOs, and investors to establish an innovative co-management framework through public-private partnerships. This 10-year renewable agreement creates financially sustainable NGOs to oversee the Sanctuary, generating revenue through user fees, tourism, and blended finance models. Supported by the UN and key impact investors like Mirova-Althelia and the Paul Allen Foundation, this initiative aims to ensure sustainable conservation and community empowerment.