JUNE 2009

Dominican environmentalists rally to block cement plant

Dominican environmentalists rally to block cement plantLos Haitises National Park

BREAKING NEWS :  Dominican environmentalists are rallying to block cement plant project which even if is found outside the confines of the Los Haitises National Park, the facility would damage the aquifers, said the expert Luis Carvajal.

Now the beleaguered project also faces allegations regarding conflict of interests with one of its stakeholders.

The ecological consequences will be devastating not only for which they live there, but for the population in general sense, because their water-bearing reserves, said Carvajal, an environmentalist and member of the Dominican Academy of Science.

Carvajal said the cement plant of the Concorcio Minero Dominicano will be built exactly on the Los Haitises hydrographic system.

According to the National Hydro-geological Study of the Dominican Republic Phase II Los Haitises hydro-geological unit, is not only concentrated within the ecological reserve.

Part of the South limit of Samaná Bay is located to the northeast of the island, forming, to the north the Eastern end of the unit of the Cibao Valley, limited at the west by the northeast end of the unit of the Central Mountain range, to the south by the unit of the Eastern Coastal Plain and to the east by the unit of the Eastern Mountain range states the 2004 study supported by the European Union.

However the developers argue that the construction of the cement plant, in the village Gonzalo, would benefit Monte Plata, considered one of the country’s most depressed areas.

Conflict of interest

But allegations of conflict of interest arose the weekend to coincide with the protests staged in Santo Domingo and Monte Plata province. A source told DT that one of the stakeholders in the project is one of the private sector leaders the Government recruited to help manage some of the national parks.

The source added that one of the arguments the protests will use to block the project is the extensive ecological damage caused by a similar facility located at Palo Amarillo, Santiago province.

On Monday Environment minister Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal insisted that the project isn’t within the limits of Los Haitises.

Dominican Today, 01.06.09

Is the Sun and Beach Tourism moving toward the failure ?

Is the Sun and Beach Tourism moving toward the failure ?Report of the CEPAL

BREAKING NEWS: The Economic Commission of Latin America and of the Caribbean (CEPAL), having its seat in Santiago of Chile, affirms that the industry of tourism of sun and beach shows signs of exhaustion in the area. Strong competition in the prices of the « all inclusive » system produced not desired results, like the overexploitation of the environment, the pollution and few effects on the local economy; according to the annual report on the foreign investment of 2008.

The study adds that in all the area, the total financial crisis, added to the influenza (H1N1) struck the hopes of the investors and the financial exercise of the sector.

According to the document, the request is volatile and sensitive to the crisis and the low margins of benefit which generates the tourism of mass had negative effects on the companies which started an intensive improvement of their installations in order to attract niches of tourists having higher incomes and financial means.

To this, we can add mega projects which combine high level hotels with real developments (residences) which include marinas, golf courses etc… and which proliferated in Mexico, in Dominican Republic, in Panama, in the Costa Rica and in the North-East of Brazil.

These mega projects gather manufacturers, real estate, financial institutions and international hotel chains, which produces more interactions between companies of different sizes, origin and of different activities, more local capacity and a greater employment.

In the Caribbean, the principal destination is the Dominican Republic, where the direct foreign investment (IED) in tourism represented from 1993 to 2008 almost 20 percent of the total revenues.

Between 2004 and 2008, this real sector received approximately 2.000 million dollars of IED.

In Cuba, more of the third of the companies with foreign participation carry out activities with the tourism, in the sector of the hotel management.

In the two countries of the Caribbean, the most active investors were the Spanish hotel chains. During the last weeks of 2008 and the beginnings of 2009, the prices of the real goods in the principal holiday destinations of the Caribbean fell by 40 percent in some cases, according to the report.

Las Terrenas Live, 02.06.09

Virus hasn’t spooked tourists from Dominican resorts

Virus hasn’t spooked tourists from Dominican resortsMinister says

BREAKING NEWS: Tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia affirmed Wednesday that the country’s tourist resorts operate normally despite the confirmed 13 AH1N1 flu cases, adding that the Public Health authorities apply the required international protocol.

He also announced that new investments in the Dominican Republic ’s tourism industry will surpass US $9 billion, more than double last year’s approximate 4.2 billion dollars pumped into that sector.

Garcia, speaking with reporters in the National Palace, said Russia’s travel advisory to its citizens isn’t only for the Dominican Republic , but also on travel to several countries including the United States.

He said the suggestion isn’t mandatory, as Russian tourists continue arriving in the country.

Dominican Today, 04.06.09

Coral reefs in Dominican Republic

Coral reefsA critical situation in Las Terrenas

BREAKING NEWS: Today it’s the World Environment Day, the perfect moment to take a look to the bottom of our seas and enjoy the beauty of coral reefs, with their hundreds of multicolor inhabitants.

Who is not enchanted by this colored festival composed by fishes and other marine species ?

Unfortunately, the coral reefs of our waters are in danger, an alarming situation since during the last ten years, we’ve lost almost 15 per cent of the world reefs, because of human activities.

But this situation includes Dominican Republic. According to Reef Check Dominican Republic, a not profit making International Foundation that measures the health of reefs, in the country, the excessive fishing, water contamination and physical impact are seriously affecting coral.

The institution said the Las Terrenas coasts were a very critical zone, and needed an immediate intervention.
Indeed, while the average coral cover that lives of a reef on a world scale is 32%, Las Terrenas is under the 10%, as Bávaro and Puerto Plata.

In order to bring a solution for this problem, a the Foundation Reef Check Dominicana started a project in 2008 at the underwater park La Caleta. The results are impressing, and show that if we act now with the creation of protected marine areas, these one could be used as measures to restore fishing zones and protect the coral reefs and local coasts.

It’s important to understand that reefs are much more than simple pleasure places where we can contemplate the beauty of marine life : they shelter the most diverse bio system of the world and create a physical fence that protects coast from heave.

Las Terrenas Live, by Lucie Houdayer 05.06.09

The Ministry of Environment inaugurates the first Watchtower of Los Haïtises

The Ministry of Environment inaugurates the first Watchtower of Los HaïtisesA project conceived six month ago

BREAKING NEWS: Los Haïtises. - The secretariat of the Environment and the Natural Resources - SEMARENA- inaugurated the first Watchtower of the National Park Los Haïtises, located at 332 meters height above the sea level and which will be used for educational, cultural and tourist visits, in a strategy of sustainable tourism in the protected sectors.

The Watchtower of Los Haïtises is a project conceived six months ago, being the first of a total of five which the secretariat of Environment will build; with an aim of developing to the maximum the potentialities of this protected area, like making known its essence to all the inhabitants of the Dominican Republic and of the world.

The holder of Environment, Jaime David Fernández Mirabal, stressed that the construction project of Watchtowers in Los Haïtises is part of events that they will carry out; at ends of qualification, while underlining the setting-up of a Graduate in Sustainable Tourism and Protected Sectors.

He ensured that this geomorphologic system was a wonder of the world having the category of National park, especially open for education, tourism, leisure, eco tourism, and with cultural aspect and scientific value.

To reach the Watchtower, the entry is located on the Santo Domingo-Samaná road, after the second toll, to some 30 kilometres before the crossing of Monte Plata.

Las Terrenas Live, 09.06.09

Colina Al Mar in Las Terrenas

Colina Al Mar in Las TerrenasCosón Bay

BREAKING NEWS: Viva Resorts, through its name Viva Residence, will operate the tourist real estate project Colina Al Mar, located in the Cosón Bay, in Las Terrenas, Samaná.

The agreement was signed by Ettore Colussi, president of Viva Resorts and by Sirs Jaime Polanco and Raymundo Polanco, of Abdel investments, S.A, company managers and owners of the project.

Viva Residence will have under its responsibilities the administrative management, the facilities, the sports and the centers of entertainment like the bars and restaurants.

Colina Al Mar is a basic development density which will have 60 units strategically located in an natural environment which will combine in a perfect harmony the sea and the hills, by having for panorma the impressive views on the Bay of Cosón.

Some of the offered facilities will be a beach club, restaurants, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a gymnasium, a spa, a Jacuzzi, among other services…

Las Terrenas Live, 10.06.09

Dominican Tourism compensates the financial oil debts

Dominican Tourism compensates the financial oil debtsAn invaluable resource

BREAKING NEWS:The Dominican tourism is not only an important source of economic receipts, but is also an invaluable resource which makes it possible for the country to compensate financial debts contracted with close nations.

Currently, the Dominican Republic used its tourist attraction to balance economic debts with Venezuela by concept of oil provisioning.

This shows that the tourist sector shows a significant development, taken in consideration as a new method on the international markets. It is encouraging that at the time where the world-wide crisis agitated important economic sectors of the country, tourism was transformed into a satisfactory industry making it possible to solve financial liabilities of the nation.

In the absence of money, the Dominican Republic has to offer much to the level of tourism.

The Dominican state must continue to promote tourism of the area, principal sector of collecting of currencies.

If one strengthens the tourist attractions which the country has, other nations will continue to show an interest to exchange its principal commercial products for the tourist services offered by the Dominican Republic.

Las Terrenas Live, 15.06.09

The investment in tourism in full expansion

The investment in tourism in full expansion95 real tourist projects

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic, country under the sun and having large assets for the construction, has the best options for the investment in the tourist sector of all the Caribbean.

And this although if they are not specifically the Dominican company managers the most representative of the transformation of the nation. Spain is the country which brings more to the Dominican tourism, with a participation of 70% on the hotel market.

The investments were maintained in spite of the crisis and one waits for the second half-year of 2009 a substantial improvement in the sales and the transformations of this branch of tourism, since the projects represent more than 5.000 million dollars, figure higher than last year.

In the country, one currently develops some 95 projects of tourist real investment, for more than 14 billion dollars and programmed for the five next years; as well as the construction of 12 golf courses and a projection of tourism of mountain.

It is hoped that these projects will really benefit to the Dominican Republic and the responsible company managers.

Las Terrenas Live, 17.06.09

Raymond and Daniel Monción are recording for the French television

Raymond and Daniel Monción are recording for the French televisionIn coordination with the Ministry of Tourism

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas, Samaná. - The interpreters Raymond and Daniel Monción took part in a special recording which will be projected in France, during the coming months.

This realization carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, was directed by Jean Claude Fernández, of the Embassy of France in Dominican Republic.

The Atlantis Hotel, the Beaches of Playa Bonita and Punta Popi in Las Terrenas, Samaná, in the north of the country, were the places chosen for the visual production.

The Ballet of the official organization also took part in the reportage which will be projected on French television.

Raymond, who sings on the national radio his track Caminos de espina remembers to have received an excellent welcome from the public, amateur of good bachatas, with his song La ley de la vida.

For his part, Daniel Monción, who resides in the United States, is singing on the national waves with his song Decidí , of which he wrote the lyrics.

One hopes that with the presentation of this reportage in France, through a tourist fair, the young « bachateros » will be able to have success in this country.

The two artists are managed by the artistic promoter Sergio Santiago, via his company Sergio Santiago Manager.

Las Terrenas Live, 19.06.09

Tourism gives 300 thousand pesos to the Dominican selection

Tourism gives 300 thousand pesos to the Dominican selectionTo promote the sector

BREAKING NEWS: The Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier García, delivered a cheque of 300 thousand pesos to the Dominican selection which will attend the World Maxibasketball Championship Pr ague 2009, with an aim of promoting tourism during this event which will take place from June 26 to July 5.

The funds were received in the office of García by a representation of the Dominican Commission of the Veterans of the Basketball, (Codobave), composed by Frank Prats and Leo López.

Prats explained that 129 countries will take part in this event; this is why they will take this opportunity to promote the tourist wealth of the Dominican Republic in this zone of the world. For this purpose, they will carry with them publicity material of Sectur, like videos, posters, booklets, which show the natural beauties of the country.

The Dominican delegation, which is currently sub champion in this category is also composed by Johnny Duluc, Vinicio Muñoz, Cuqui Langa, Roberto Abad, Evaristo Pérez and Manolo Prince.

Las Terrenas Live, 22.06.09

Mexico’s virus panic broke Dominican Republic’s tourism slide

Mexico’s virus panic broke Dominican Republic’s tourism slideArrivals climbed 1.03% in May

BREAKING NEWS: The appearance of the AH1N1 virus in Mexico and the ensuing panic that spurred the massive transfer of its tourists to Dominican Republic, allowed the country to break the 10 month streak with negative figures in the arrival of foreigners.

Tourist arrivals climbed 1.03% in May after declining consecutively since June last year.

However that recovery was from the conjuncture of a disease which is now in Dominican territory, which indicates that it isn’t guaranteed for the following months.

Central Bank statistics show that in the past first five months 1.8 million nonresident foreign and national visitors came to the country, a fall of -3.69% compared with the same period last year, but less than the -4.80% fall in January-April.

The arrival of nonresident foreigners in the January-May 2009 period fell -4.13%, which was also less than the current -5.02% slide in the first fourth month period this year, which reveals a timid recovery.

Dominican Today, 23.06.09

Dominican Constitution reaffirms public access to beaches

Dominican Constitution reaffirms public access to beachesZones of native endemic biodiversity will be object of a special protection

BREAKING NEWS: The Assembly to Reform the Constitution approved several articles on the environment and natural resources, including the controversial Law on public access to beaches.

The lawmakers based their votes on a special commission report that studied and significantly changed the Executive Branch’s proposal.

The controversial and previous Law 305 on coast and seas is ambiguous when it stipulates the free access to a swath marked from 60 meters marked from the high tide mark inland, but regarded as unenforceable since the tourism industry spurred the construction of more than one hundred oceanfront hotels which cordon off the beaches.

As to the protected areas the articles state that they could only be reduced by law, with the approval of two thirds of the Senator and Deputies and declare a national interest the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and that the rivers, lakes, lagoons, beaches and coasts are public domain and are of free access to the public.

The law will regulate the conditions and manner in which individuals may have access to the benefit or management of these areas, among others prerogatives.

Article 56 states that the introduction, development, production, possession, marketing, transport, storage and use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons into the national territory is prohibited, as well as the introduction of toxic, nuclear, chemical and dangerous residues and waste.

Whereas article 9 states that the renewable and nonrenewable natural resources in the territory and marine spaces under national jurisdiction, are patrimony of the nation.

Article 10 states that the upper basins of river and zones of native endemic biodiversity will be object of a special protection by the public powers to guarantee their management and preservation as fundamental asset of the Nation.

Dominican Today, 24.06.09

Tourism represents 20% of the receipts of the external investment

Tourism represents 20% of the receipts of the external investmentThe receipts of tourism reached 577 million dollars in 2008

BREAKING NEWS: During the 15 last years, tourism represented for the country nearly 20% of the total revenues of the Direct Foreign Investment (IED), according to a report of the Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL).

In the document Foreign investment in Latin America and in the Caribbean, the CEPAL indicates that in 2008, the receipts of tourism reached 577 million dollars.

The report affirms that tourism was exceeded by the real estate, services and manufacture sectors, which presented external investments for more than 2 billion dollars last year. However, the CEPAL supports that in the Caribbean of Spanish language, the tourist sector underwent a rapid growth.

In Dominican Republic, starting from the success of the first « pioneers », new initiatives of promotion of sun and beach destinations proliferated along the coasts, among which the more known are situated in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.

The international agency stresses that in a 17- year term, between 1990 and 2007, the hotel capacity and the arrivals of international visitors were tripled, while the profits of tourism increased more than four times.

According to the CEPAL, a factor in relation to the tourism growth during the studied period is the diversification of the markets.

In spite of the distance, Europe transformed is one of the more important markets for the Dominican Republic, details the report.

The Dominican Republic, according to the organization, maintained an active policy of stimulation of tourism and the foreign assets were supplemented by large investments in the infrastructures.

The CEPAL underlines the international airports of some of the principal coastal tourist areas (Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, La Romana, Puerto Plata and Samaná) which allow the access of the foreign tourists.

But, the report supports that in the current context of global financial crisis and of influenza H1N1 virus, the hopes of the investors could be hardly struck.

Origin of the investments

The report of the CEPAL indicates that 29% of the direct foreign investments come from the United States and 18% from Spain. Moreover, 15 percent of the IED in Dominican Republic corresponds to Canada and the remaining 38 percent to other countries.

Las Terrenas Live, 29.06.09