Pro-Pedernales Trust forges sustainability strategy in Cabo Rojo

The Pro-Pedernales Trust, the Sur Futuro Foundation, and the General Directorate of Public Private Alliances (DGAPP) have entered into an inter-institutional collaboration agreement aimed at fostering tourism growth based on environmental and social sustainability in the Pedernales province and the Enriquillo region.

The agreement, signed by Sigmund Freund, the executive director of DGAPP, and Melba Segura de Grullón, the president of the Sur Futuro Foundation, emphasizes the development of strategies to ensure a balance between the tourist offerings and the preservation of the natural wealth of the area.

Freund highlighted the significance of the agreement and commended the Sur Futuro Foundation for contributing its extensive experience in actions supporting sustainable development, environmental protection, biodiversity, and natural resources. He underscored the non-negotiable commitment to socio-environmental sustainability in decision-making processes related to the Cabo Rojo Tourism Development project.

Melba Segura de Grullón emphasized the importance of the framework agreement, stating that it opens doors toward environmental and social sustainability in development plans for the province, impacting the entire Enriquillo region. She stressed the need to engage in the significant project combating poverty and promoting development in the Southern region, an initiative led by the President of the Republic and focused on one of the country’s most deprived provinces.

Key Commitments under the Agreement:

1. Preservation of cultural traditions.
2. Rational use and protection of natural resources.
3. Promotion of conservation and reproduction programs for endemic and native flora.
4. Comprehensive Solid Waste Management.
5. Resilience strategies against climate change.
6. Management of risks related to natural phenomena.
7. Promotion of environmental education.
8. Initiatives contributing to the conservation of protected areas.
9. Adequate management of tourist influx.
10. Promotion of a tourist safety plan, including health aspects.
11. Support for the development and growth of MSMEs.
12. Promotion of financial inclusion strategy.
13. Strengthening local organizations (Tourist Cluster, fishermen’s association, etc.).
14. Encouragement of the growth of the tourism sector’s value chain.
15. Rescue and strengthening of existing training centers and promotion of new ones.
16. Development of training and inductions to bridge knowledge gaps and address gender disparities.
17. Promotion of activities supporting the inclusion of young people.
18. Prevention of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.