Primer acercamiento para establecer Áreas Marinas Manejadas Localmente en República Dominicana

Abstract

The establishment of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) is considered an effective strategy for biodiversity conservation and resource co-management. Despite its success in other countries, specifically in the Indo-Pacific region, this tool has not yet been implemented in Latin America. In the Dominican Republic, the Arrecifes del Sureste Marine Sanctuary was selected as a case study due to its ecological and socioeconomic importance and considering that this marine protected area would greatly benefit from a local management approach. Data collection was carried out using a qualitative methodology based on interviews with representatives from different sectors, including private tourism companies, representatives of government authorities, and experts in marine conservation and sustainable resource management.  From the information gathered, nine recommendations were generated to successfully consolidate at least one LMMA in the Sanctuary. These recommendations emphasize the implementation of the existing regulatory framework and ecosystem conservation, while highlighting the importance of local community participation and organization.