For the past 15 years, the PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation has developed experimental projects that serve as living, breathing examples of solutions to some of the tourism industry’s greatest social and environmental challenges. Working collaboratively with diverse partners that include businesses, not-for-profit foundations, universities, and government agencies, the Foundation has worked to offer a vision for development in the Caribbean that balances economic growth, environmental protection, community inclusion, and a celebration of local culture. Rather than telling the tourism industry what it shouldn’t be, the Ecological Foundation has used specific projects to inspire a hopeful vision of what tourism should aspire to be.

Our primary programs are the following:

PUNTACANA Center for Sustainability is a research and education facility that works with diverse universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, Virginia Tech, University of Miami, and University of South Carolina to develop solutions to the complex social and environmental challenges related to development and tourism.

Partnership for Ecologically Sustainable Coastal Areas (PESCA) is a long‐term collaborative effort with multiple partners spearheaded by the Foundation to balance the continued growth and development of the region, the long‐ term health and sustainability of the coastal zone and coral reef, and the needs of local stakeholders. PESCA seeks to achieve integrated coastal management, including water quality monitoring, coral reef and coastal ecosystem protection and restoration, sustainable fisheries management, conservation of endangered species such as sea turtles, and development of alternative livelihoods for local fishermen, in order to insure the long‐term health of the Punta Cana coastal area.

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve is a 1,500 acre reserve that is owned and maintained by the Ecological Foundation. The Reserve has a network of trails that lead to 12 freshwater lagoons. The Park is an interpretive trail that features distinct attractions related to the natural and cultural history of the island, including an iguana habitat, petting zoo, sugarcane exhibition and a fruit tree garden. You can contact the Ecological Foundation to schedule your visit. 

 Sustainable Agriculture in Punta Cana takes advantage of organic waste from landscaping, kitchens, and golf courses to create natural composts and fertilizers that can be converted into year-round production of vegetables and fruits. Currently the Ecological Foundations sells arugula, lettuce, chives, peppers, basil, cilantro, and other produce that is sold to local restaurants, residents of the Punta Cana community and hotels.

Zero Waste is an international movement that seeks to eliminate the concept of garbage in cities, residential communities and tourism developments. Forming part of this movement, the Ecological Foundation has designed and supervised the implementation Zero Waste at the PUNTACANA Resort & Club, leading efforts throughout the resort in classification of waste, recycling, composting, and environmental education.