SANTO DOMINGO.- The Eco-Bay Foundation reported that during the last year it managed to protect thousands of sea turtle eggs, restore areas affected by invasive species and expand its environmental education programs in different communities of the country.
According to the report presented by the organization, during that period 4,956 sea turtle eggs were protected and more than 3,420 hatchlings were released in different coastal areas of the Dominican Republic.
The agency also noted that it maintains monitoring efforts along more than 45 kilometers of coastline, with the aim of protecting marine habitats and strengthening the conservation of species in vulnerable areas.
One of the report's highlights was the reduction in the poaching of sea turtle nests in Bahía Escocesa, on the country's northeast coast. According to the foundation, the poaching rate dropped from 89% in 2024 to 29.6% in 2025, following the implementation of monitoring measures and collaboration with the company Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI.
In the area of research, the organization indicated that it has incorporated the use of drones for monitoring populations of the Antillean Manatee in the reefs of El Portillo, in order to improve the monitoring of this species in the region.
Conservation efforts also included the control of invasive species. During the year, 44,022 specimens of the giant African snail were removed, in addition to the elimination of 75,000 square meters of invasive vegetation, including native flax and noni, according to a press release.
As part of the ecological restoration work, the foundation's nurseries produced 1,751 plants and nearly 2,000 trees were planted, including native species such as the Bayahibe Rose and the Creole Mahogany.
These initiatives were developed in coordination with the National Botanical Garden and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, through cooperation agreements aimed at protecting ecosystems.
The information from the entity highlights that in the area of environmental education, its programs reached 8,971 people, including collaborators from the tourism sector, students and young people participating in educational activities.
The foundation's director, Alex Matas, noted that these actions seek to promote greater awareness about the conservation and responsible use of natural resources.
Recommended readings:
