Among the commitments made is the promotion of conservation and reproduction programs for endemic and native flora of the region, in the different tourist, residential and/or commercial projects.
SANTO DOMINGO.-The Pro-Pedernales Trust, the Sur Futuro Foundation and the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP), as trustor, signed an inter-institutional collaboration agreement for the development and execution of strategies to promote tourism growth based on the environmental and social sustainability of the Pedernales province and the Enriquillo region.
A press release highlights that the agreement was signed by the executive director of the DGAPP, Sigmund Freund, and the president of the Sur Futuro Foundation, Melba Segura de Grullón, in an event held at the headquarters of the former entity, will promote the promotion of an action plan that ensures the necessary balance between the development of the tourism offer and the care of the natural riches of the area.
The CEO of DGAPP, Sigmund Freund, highlighted the importance of this agreement and his satisfaction with the willingness of the Sur Futuro Foundation to contribute its extensive experience in managing actions in favor of sustainable development, the protection of the environment, biodiversity and natural resources.
Freund explained that since the Master Plan for this Cabo Rojo Tourism Development project was developed, the issue of socio-environmental sustainability has been a non-negotiable pillar in any decision that has been made and that it is a commitment assumed as a cross-cutting axis in the establishment of the destination.
“It is an honor for us to be signing this agreement today with the Sur Futuro Foundation, and we thank Mrs. Melba Segura de Grullón for her willingness to commit to being part of this destination, to join her efforts with the Pro-Pedernales Trust and the DGAPP, and together we will guarantee a model destination in terms of socio-environmental management,” Freund said at the signing ceremony.
Melba Segura de Grullón, president of the Sur Futuro Foundation, highlighted the importance of the agreement, indicating that it opens the doors to the environmental and social sustainability of development plans in the province, with an impact on the entire Enriquillo region.
He noted that it was imperative to get involved in the most important project to combat poverty and promote development in the Southern region, an initiative led by the President of the Republic and focused on one of the most needy provinces in the country.
Agreement details
Among the commitments assumed by the Trust, the DGAPP and the Sur Futuro Foundation are: the preservation of cultural traditions, the rational use and protection of natural resources, the promotion of conservation and reproduction programs of endemic and native flora of the region, in the different tourist, residential and/or commercial projects.
The agreement also includes the consolidation of the comprehensive management of Solid Waste, the development of resilience strategies against climate change, the management of risks from natural phenomena, the promotion of formal and informal environmental education and the encouragement of initiatives that contribute to the conservation of protected areas, the proper management of tourist influx and the promotion of a tourist safety plan that includes health aspects.
Likewise, the entities will work to foster support for the development and growth of MSMEs and will promote a financial inclusion strategy. Furthermore, they intend to work comprehensively to encourage the strengthening of local organizations (Tourism Cluster, fishermen's association, tour guides' association, community leaders, among others) that can contribute to the sustainable growth of the province.
Local growth, through strengthening the tourism sector's value chain by creating and marketing tourism products, preferably nature-based, is another pillar of this agreement, along with rescuing and strengthening existing training centers and promoting the creation of new ones, the press document states.
The organizations will also oversee the development of training and orientation programs that reinforce knowledge and, at the same time, help close the gender gap. Likewise, they agree to promote activities that foster the inclusion of young people and the prevention of the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.
