Dominican Republic: Coral Reefs

You can help protect the world’s most beautiful and diverse habitats when you Adopt a Coral Reef today.

The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea contain the Western Hemisphere’s greatest concentration of marine species, many of which depend on the region’s extensive network of nearly 8,000 square miles of coral reefs. Off the coast of the Dominican Republic lies the largest breeding ground for the North Atlantic humpback whale population. Farther west, near the Haitian border, Parque Nacional Submarino Montecristi harbors the largest known population of manatees in the country.

A World under Threat

More than 80 percent of all of the Dominican Republic’s reefs are threatened by human activities such as overfishing, agriculture, tourism and coastal development. Although 66 percent of the country’s coral reefs are officially protected, a lack of financial and political support has led to lax enforcement of protection laws.

How The Nature Conservancy Works in the Dominican Republic

With a strong network of partners, The Nature Conservancy is protecting the Dominican Republic’s coral reefs. We are doing this in a variety of ways, such as:

• Conducting scientific field research to identify and protect key fish breeding sites
• Helping to enforce environmental regulations and combat illegal fishing activities
• Working with communities to promote alternative and sustainable livelihoods and income sources

You Can Help Save the Dominican Republic’s Coral Reefs

When you give today to the Adopt a Coral Reef program, you will help the Conservancy protect and restore one of the world's most extraordinary yet highly threatened regions. You can also call 1-800-84-ADOPT to donate.

With your $50 donation to the Adopt a Coral Reef program, you will receive:

• Personalized certificate with signature photo of the Dominican Republic commemorating your generosity
• Colorful fact sheet about the Dominican Republic's coral reefs
• Adopt a Coral Reef magnet set
• Four issues of Nature Conservancy magazine to keep you informed all year about the many places the Conservancy is working to protect. (Plus, we'll rush the current magazine issue along with your personalized certificate!)
• An invitation to create a personalized nature homepage on nature.org
• Great Places E-Newsletter subscription filled with local and global conservation updates, enviro-tips you can use and stunning nature photography.

Best of all, you'll get the satisfaction of knowing you're helping to protect this extraordinary wild habitat now and for future generations. Please Adopt a Coral Reef today!

Give Adopt a Coral Reef as a Gift

You can also give Adopt a Coral Reef as a gift. Your friend or loved one will adore this one-of-a-kind nature gift and enjoy it throughout the year. View all the benefits your gift recipient will receive.

Adopt a Coral Reef in the turquoise waters of the Dominican Republic, which contain the largest breeding ground for the North Atlantic humpback whale population.