Playa Hotels & Resorts Protects Coastal Biodiversity through Strategic Collaboration in the Dominican Republic
Playa Hotels & Resorts, through its sustainability platform Playa Cares, has expanded its 2025 Projects, a series of regional initiatives designed to address pressing environmental and social challenges in the communities where it operates. These projects reinforce Playa’s commitment to being a driver of positive change, extending the company’s impact beyond hotel operations and into the heart of local communities.
Coordinated by the Sustainability Department of Playa Hotels & Resorts, Playa Cares Projects are developed in close collaboration with non-profit organizations, local authorities and key stakeholders. The goal is to create shared value, strengthen resilience and position tourism as a catalyst for sustainability.
At the core of the 2025 initiatives in the Dominican Republic is a bold commitment to marine ecosystem conservation and regeneration. The Caribbean nation’s coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and coastal zones are globally recognized treasures that are essential not only for biodiversity but also for tourism, livelihoods and climate resilience.
Tourism and marine ecosystems are intrinsically linked. Beach destinations, snorkeling and diving excursions, visits to marine protected areas, and experiences with marine life are central components of the country's tourism offering. While the industry benefits from pristine waters and vibrant marine life, it also bears the responsibility of safeguarding them.
Playa Hotels & Resorts recognizes that healthy oceans are vital for the future of Caribbean tourism and has taken decisive action to protect this natural heritage. To achieve this, Playa has partnered with FUNDEMAR (Fundación Dominicana de Estudios Marinos), the Dominican Republic’s leading marine conservation organization with over two decades of experience in research, education and community integration. Together, they are advancing initiatives that not only protect but also restore marine ecosystems.
Coral Restoration and Monitoring in La Romana
Playa actively contributes to the coral conservation and restoration program in the La Romana region. This initiative includes continuous monitoring of reef health and a large-scale restoration strategy based on assisted coral reproduction. By enhancing genetic diversity among coral recruits, the program increases the resilience of reefs in the face of climate change.
Through the Coral Gardeners Project, Playa supports reef monitoring and large-scale restoration strategies based on assisted coral reproduction. Efforts are focused on the Majagual Reef, located directly in front of Secrets and Dreams La Romana resorts. Coral out planting activities are actively underway and an AI-powered underwater camera continuously monitors marine species streaming live footage to guest rooms to connect visitors with marine conservation in real time. Since 2019, Playa has established a dedicated fund to support FUNDEMAR’s ongoing restoration work.
Conservation of Marine Megafauna
Playa supports national efforts to protect endangered species, including the Antillean manatee. To ensure the survival of rehabilitated manatees, contributions include logistical assistance such as provision of food storage facilities including daily supplies of 150 pounds of lettuce to feed three manatees and lodging for caretakers and technicians.
Support for Marine Research Infrastructure
Playa is committed to increasing the operational capacity of FUNDEMAR’s new Marine Research Center of the Dominican Republic (MARE-DR). This year, Playa has contributed $4,800 in financial support to help strengthen marine science and innovation at both national and regional levels.
Environmental Education and Capacity Building
Recognizing that long-term change requires raising awareness and collaboration, Playa actively supports environmental education and training programs led by FUNDEMAR. These initiatives empower local communities and foster a culture of marine stewardship, ensuring sustainable practices are embraced for future generations.
Playa Hotels & Resorts believes that true sustainability is based on building lasting and meaningful collaborations. By uniting hotels, tour operators, communities, scientists and NGOs, the company is helping to shape a regenerative tourism model that minimizes negative impacts and actively restores natural ecosystems.
Contact
David Andrés Ortegón-Martínez
Sustainability Director
Playa Hotels & Resorts
E: david.ortegon@playaresorts.com
T: (52) 998.881.5791
M: (52) 551.759.74.86
Marina Town Center, Av. Bonampak
Puerto Cancun, Cancun, Benito Juarez
Q. Roo, C.P.77500
Mexico