The Puntacana Ecological Foundation
A Model for Sustainable Tourism
The Puntacana Ecological Foundation, with the support of Grupo Puntacana which owns several businesses in the region, is combining development and environmental protection in unique programs to encourage sustainable development throughout the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.
The Ecological Foundation was formed in 1988, formally incorporated in 1994, and is now led by Director Jake Kheel. Its mission is “to protect and restore the natural resources of the Punta Cana region while contributing to the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic."
The Foundation has created a climate of cooperation by linking economic development, environmental protection and community involvement. This strategy has allowed Punta Cana to develop while also establishing safeguards for its future – developing in harmony with the regional ecology.
The Ecological Foundation owns and operates the Puntacana Center for Sustainability and Biodiversity. There, researchers and scholars from universities in the United States, Europe and Latin America, including Harvard, Columbia University, Cornell University, University of Miami, Virginia Tech, and Leiden University, conduct research and educational programs related to sustainable tourism.
Through alliances with Reef Check, the Rosenstiel School of Marine Science at the University of Miami, the Secretary of Coastal Environments of the Dominican Republic and other ecological institutions, the Foundation seeks to protect and restore the coastal resources of the Punta Cana region. Its programs include monitoring of reef health and water quality, restoration of coastal habitats such as mangroves, improvements in the management of the golf courses, and stabilization of beaches.
On land, the Center recently initiated a mapping project of Veron, the rapidly growing community where many employees of the Puntacana Resort & Club live. With the help of researchers from Virginia Tech, the Center conducted a housing census to evaluate the conditions of the residents in the community and created a plan for the continued growth of Veron. The results have been integrated into a Geographic Information System and will be used to plan development that is both economically sound and environmentally friendly.
To learn more, please visit www.puntacana.org.
Specific Initiatives Adopted by the Puntacana Resort & Club
Puntacana Center for Sustainability and Biodiversity
- Puntacana Resort & Club works with researchers and scholars from universities in the United States, Europe and Latin America, including Harvard, Columbia University, Cornell University, University of Miami, Virginia Tech and Leiden University to conduct research and education programs related to sustainable tourism.
- Its programs include monitoring of reef health and water quality, restoration of coastal habitats such as mangroves, improvements in the management of the golf courses and stabilization of beaches.
Ecological Reserve
- Puntacana Resort & Club dedicated 1,500 acres of land for recreation, conservation and investigation. Much of this can be enjoyed by guests of the Puntacana Resort & Club, such as the natural lagoons that are protected and maintained by the resort. It is a habitat for birds, insects, turtles and other wildlife and guests can swim amongst these creatures in a totally natural environment.
Coastal Marine Project
- The resort developed a coastal marine project in conjunction with the Secretary of Environment, the University of Miami and the Navy. Using their own monitoring team and boat, they implement preventative measures to protect the coastline, the reef and marine life.
- The resort created a tropical fish habitat.
- All new turtle eggs on the resort’s beaches are protected during birthing season.
- The resort uses electrical heat generators for a green laundry service.
- Puntacana Resort & Club was the first company to promote an Anti-Aids Program in the Dominican Republic.
- Puntacana Resort & Club employees helped to rebuild part of Higuey after the hurricane.
- The resort has built and maintained two schools and a health clinic in the community.
Sustainable agriculture
- Puntacana Resort & Club launched a beekeeping project that has grown to over 30 bee boxes and has a monthly production of 10-15 gallons that are sold to homeowners and used in the resort’s restaurants. The honey is 100% organic, raw, and local.
- The resort has expanded their eco-waste management system to incorporate a worm composting project that will process food waste from the kitchens and turn it into high value, organic compost for local use and sale.
- Puntacana Resort & Club’s gourmet restaurants use organic vegetables from their own garden.
Six Senses Spa
- The lemon grass, aloe vera and tropical fruits used in the spa treatments are locally grown.
- The spa uses recycled paper and eco-labeled stationery products.
- The treatment room uses biodegradable amenities and cleaning products.
Puntacana Resort & Club’s water and energy saving strategies
- There is very little fresh water in the Dominican Republic, so in order to reduce the pressure on the aqua fir (underground resource for fresh water) Puntacana Resort & Club pumps their own water via a modern pumping system to control the amount used at the resort.
-- All water used at Puntacana Resort & Club is recycled through their own water treatment facility. The water is treated and tested to be used for irrigating the golf courses (most companies treat the water and dump it in the ocean). In addition, the water treatment facility is a tertiary treatment facility that uses anaerobic digestion and settling ponds to treat the water.
- Resort villas are situated to take advantage of natural breezes and existing vegetation, with design elements that reduce direct sunlight and solar heat. A large portion of the resort features thatch roofs, a local material that maintains interior air temperature and reduces need for air conditioning and new pilots are being conducted using solar hot water heaters and energy saving technologies throughout the resort.
Housing Census and Integrated Coastal Management
- Puntacana Resort & Club helped develop a housing census to evaluate the conditions of the residents in the community and created a plan for the continued growth of Veron. The results have been integrated into a Geographic Information System and will be used to plan development that is both economically sound and environmentally friendly.
- Puntacana Resort & Club is continuing to work in conjunction with the University of Miami to determine how best to use the local “resources” with minimal impact on the environment especially as relates to socio-economic impact and the maintenance and health of the local nutrients, sediments and coral reefs.
About PuntaCana Resort & Club
The development of Puntacana Resort & Club dates back to 1971 when Dominican businessman and hotelier Frank R. Rainieri and Theodore W. Kheel, the prominent New York attorney and labor mediator, created a partnership to construct a resort and real estate community that respects the natural habitat of Punta Cana while offering a world-class vacation experience. Maintaining a dedication to sustainable tourism, Puntacana Resort & Club has since grown to encompass over 26 square miles and now includes Tortuga Bay, Six Senses Spa, the Puntacana Ecological Foundation, three residential communities (Corales, Hacienda and Arrecife), a full service marina, seven restaurants, a shopping village, a P.B. Dye-designed golf course, and Punta Cana International Airport, a modern facility that incorporates innovative and eco-friendly design. In 1997, Julio Iglesias and Oscar de la Renta joined the Group as co-investors and have made Puntacana Resort & Club their home. Currently, Punta Cana is the most highly visited Caribbean destination and is easily accessible from all over the globe.
About Puntacana Ecological Foundation
The Puntacana Ecological Foundation (PCEF) is a non-profit foundation established in 1994 by the Grupo Puntacana to protect and restore the natural resources of the Punta Cana region and contribute to the sustainable development of the country. The Foundation is endowed with a 1,500-acre ecological park and reserve, filled with an array of local flora and fauna, experimental gardens, and a petting zoo. The Puntacana Ecological Foundation works directly with the Puntacana Resort & Club and numerous partners and researchers from around the world (such as researchers from Harvard, Columbia and Cornell Universities) to protect and contribute to the rational use of natural resources and respect for nature as a model for the sustainable development of destinations. Major projects include providing education and health care to the local community as well as protecting and conserving the area’s coral reefs.
For further resort information and reservations, please call 888 442 2262 or or visit Puntacana.com