Preliminary Scoping for Development Study (Master Plan) Date: September 2007 1. Title of the Project • The Study on the National Strategic Plan for Ecotourism Development in the Dominican Republic 2. Type of the Study • Master Plan Study 3. Environmental category and reason for categorization • Category B The study, the National Strategic Plan for Ecotourism Development aims at improvements of nature conservation and communities’ living standards. However, some impacts are unclear, or would be expected and should be mitigated through the ecotourism development based on utilizing natural resources and community’s participation. 4. Agency or institution responsible for the implementation of the project 4.1 Counterpart Agencies • State Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) • State Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARN) 4.2 EIA responsible Agency • Sub-secretary of Environmental Management (SSEM) in State Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARN) 5. Outline of the project 5.1 Objectives The main objectives of the Study are to contribute to 1) promote ecotourism through the diversification of ecotourism products; 2) protect the natural environment that forms a part of ecotourism resources; as well as 3) upgrade the living standards of poor communities by means of integrating many stakeholders who are active in various parts of the country in relation to ecotourism. 5.2 Location • Whole country of the Dominican Republic 5.3 Scope of the study 1) Stage 1 June – September 2007: Ecotourism site survey on the existing situations • Subjects include resource, institutional set up, operation about tourism and environmental protection, and marketing and promotion 1
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Preliminary Scoping for Development Study (Master Plan)
Date: September 2007
1. Title of the Project
• The Study on the National Strategic Plan for Ecotourism Development in the
Dominican Republic
2. Type of the Study
• Master Plan Study
3. Environmental category and reason for categorization
• Category B
The study, the National Strategic Plan for Ecotourism Development aims at
improvements of nature conservation and communities’ living standards. However,
some impacts are unclear, or would be expected and should be mitigated through the
ecotourism development based on utilizing natural resources and community’s
participation.
4. Agency or institution responsible for the implementation of the project
4.1 Counterpart Agencies
• State Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR)
• State Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARN)
4.2 EIA responsible Agency
• Sub-secretary of Environmental Management (SSEM) in State Secretariat of
Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARN)
5. Outline of the project
5.1 Objectives
The main objectives of the Study are to contribute to 1) promote ecotourism through the
diversification of ecotourism products; 2) protect the natural environment that forms a
part of ecotourism resources; as well as 3) upgrade the living standards of poor
communities by means of integrating many stakeholders who are active in various parts
of the country in relation to ecotourism.
5.2 Location
• Whole country of the Dominican Republic
5.3 Scope of the study
1) Stage 1 June – September 2007: Ecotourism site survey on the existing situations
• Subjects include resource, institutional set up, operation about tourism and
environmental protection, and marketing and promotion
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• Establishment of a network among ecotourism stakeholders
2) Stage 2 August – November 2007: Study of needs and feasibility of ecotourism
• Marketing and promotion: product diversification
• Socio-economic situation: community involvement
• Resources
• Institutional
3) Stage 3 December - February 2008: Action Plan Proposals
• Ecotourism potential development by area
• Framework for improved legal and institutional systems
• Community participatory ecotourism model
• Marketing and promotion
4) Stage 4 March - August 2008: Selection and implementation of Pilot Projects
• Two or three pilot projects are to be selected and implemented.
• They may not be the best in overall sense among the candidates as the purpose is
to reflect lessons learnt in the master plan
5) Stage 5 September 2008 - February 2009 (1): Preparation of the Master Plan for
Ecotourism Development
• Basic policies and strategies
• Target markets and strategies for each
• Zoning and routing that satisfies both tourism and environment
• Combined plan of tourism development and environmental protection for each
zone
• Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE)
6) Stage 5 September 2008 – February 2009 (2)
• Model and guidelines for community participatory ecotourism development
• Ecotourism products linking ecotourism sites
• Proposal for legal and institutional strengthening including human resource
development to realize the master plan
• Proposal for financial resource mobilization
6. Description of the project site
There are five regions set up geographically and structurally in tourism for the study.
The aspects of regions are briefed as follows.
• Northeast Region: Developed area for beach resorts. Manatee and humpback
whale are scarce marine mammals.
• North-Central Region: Ecotourism leading region at mountainous area: The
Central Mountain range known for Mt. Pico Duarte at 3,176m elevation.
Jarabacoa and Constanza are famous ecotourism destinations.
• South-Central Region: Developing region for ecotourism with natural, agro and
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cultural resources at Santo Domingo, the most populated city, and surroundings.
• East Region: New developing area for beach resort including fine resorts. Saona
Island in Del Este National Park is the most famous excursion site.
• Southwest Region: Potential region for ecotourism developments with diversified
natural resources, several lakes and characteristic forests.
Figure 6.1 Administrative Boundaries
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East • Relatively New
beach resort development area
• Saona Island is the most famous excursion site
North-Central • Ecotourism
leading region at mountainous area
South-Central• Developing region
for ecotourism with natural, agro and cultural resources
Southwest • Developing region
for ecotourism with diversified natural resources
Northeast• Relatively old beach
resort development area
• There are two marine mammal sanctuaries
Figure 6.2 Locations of Regions
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Table 6.1 Regional Aspects
Region Northeast North-Central South-Central East Southwest 1) Population and Area (Census 2002)
1,145,560 pop, 6,863 km2
2,003,130 pop, 12,192 km2
3,676,783 pop, 6,946 km2
880,468 pop, 8,036 km2
856,600 pop, 14,630 km2
2) Major Cities - Puelto Plata - SF de Macoris
- Santiago - La Vega - Cotui - Bonao - Moca - Mao
- Santo Domingo (the capital)
- San Cristbal - Bani - Monte Plata
- San Pedro de Macoris
- La Romana - Higuey
- Azua - Barahona - San Juan
2) Geography - Narrow coastal area
- Long and thin mountains behind the coast
- Mountain area (1,000-3,000m elevation)
- Flat area along the Yaque del Norte river
- Gently sloping area
- Partly Mountain area (to 2,500m elevation)
- Gently sloping area
- Flat area (some are is below sea level)
- Gently sloping area
- Mountain area (to 2,500m elevation)
3) Major Mountains - The Septentrional mountains
- The Central Mountain range
- The highest Mt. Pico Duarte in the Caribbean Sea
- The Yamasa mountains
- Part of the Central Mountain range
- The Oriental mountains
- The Central mountain range
- The Martin Garcia mountains
- The Neiba mountains
- The Baoruco mountains
4) Major Rivers - Rio Yaque Yuna (125km in length)
- Rio Yaque del Norte (296km in length, 7,044km2 in basin area)
- Rio Artibonito (99km in length)
- Rio Osama (87km in length)
- - Rio Yaque del Sur (183km in length, 4,972km2 in basin area)
4) Climate (aridity) - Humid-Dry area - Semi-humid area
- Dry area - Semi-dry area - Humid-Dry area
- Dry area - Semi-dry area - Humid-Dry area - Semi-humid area - Humid area
- Humid-Dry area - Semi-humid area - Humid area
- Dry area - Semi-dry area - Humid-Dry area - Semi-humid area - Humid area
6) Lake (Natural) - - - - Laguna Bavaro - Laguna Limon - Laguna Redonda
- Lago Enriquillo (265km2, 40m below sea level)
- Laguna de Oviedo(27km2)
- Laguna de Cabral 7) Major Beach resort sites
- Luperon - Puelto Plata - Playa Dorada - Sosua - Cabarete - Rio San Juan - Cabrera - Las Terrenas - Samana - Las Galeras
- - Boca Chica - Punta Cana - Cavesa de Toro - Bavaro - Casa de Campo - Juan Dolio
- Barahona - Paraiso
8) Accommodations and Rooms (2005)
298 establishments 21,280 rooms
89 establishments 2,111 rooms
135 establishments 6,675 rooms
131 establishments 32,346 rooms
42 establishments 889 rooms
Source: Census 2002, SEMARN, ASONAHORES (Asociación Nacional de Hoteles y Restaurantes, Inc.)
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Table 6.2 National Aspects
Item Description
1) Population, Area 8,562,541 pop, 48,667 km2 (Census 2002) 2) Flora Total Species: 5,600 Endemic Species: 1,800 Endangered Species: 42 3) Fauna - Bird: 306 species, 38 species are endemic.
- Amphibian: 65 species, 63 species are endemic. - Mammal: 33 species, with endemic species of bat (Phyllops haitiensis), a rodent (Plagiodontia
aedium) and an insectivorus (Solenodón paradoxus). These two last ones are in danger and with populations restricted within protected areas.
- Marine Mammal: 16 species of cetaceans (4 whales of beards, 3 species of sperm whales, 2 ziphius whales and 7 species of dolphins) and 1 species of manatee (Trichechus manatus).
- Remarkable manatee population is located in the Marine Mammal Sanctuaries: Estero Hondo. - Visit of greater migratory population of Megaptera Novaengliae whales to the Marine Mammal
Sanctuaries: Bancos de la Plata y de la Navidad. 4) No. of species on the IUCN Red List
Extinct (8), Critically Endangered (20), Endangered (38), Vulnerable (53), Near Threatened (37), Least Concern (253), Data Deficient (16), Total 425 species
- USA: 1,010,012 (32.7%), Canada: 427,074 (13.8%), France: 309,529 (10.0%), Spain: 255,675 (8.3%), German: 234,800 (7.6%), England: 217,945 (7.1% of the total foreigner arrivals)
6) Accommodation (2005)
Total 695 establishments, 63,301 rooms
7) Other tourism Indicators
- International Tourism Revenue: total 3.52 million US$ (2005), 921.74 US$ per visitor (2004) - Average length of stay: 8.97 days (2004) - Season (2005): 1) High season: July (11.19%), December (10.39%), March (10.02%) 2) Low season: September (5.3%), October (5.95%), May (6.76%) of the total foreign arrivals
3) High season of foreign visitors mainly from USA, Spain, Portugal, England in June and July.
4) High season of foreign visitors mainly from Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Swiss, Russia in January, February and March
Source: Census 2002, SEMARN, Banco Central de la República Dominicana, ASONAHORES (Asociación Nacional de Hoteles y Restaurantes, Inc.), IUCN Red List
7. Legal framework of environmental and social consideration
7.1 Legal Framework of Environmental Impact Assessment
Rating Reason Study policy 2 Local economy such as
employment and livelihood, etc.
+ The study aims at improving the living standards of communities through ecotourism developments.
3 Land use and utilization of local resources B
Some construction of trails and access roads could impact on the existing land use.
The study aims at using the land and resources wisely and appropriately.
4 Social institutions such as social infrastructure and local decision-making institutions
+ The study approaches to ecotourism developments through community participation. Ecotourism could contribute to improvements of the social infrastructure.
7 Misdistribution of benefit and damage
B
Not all people would participate in ecotourism activities. Some misdistribution could occur.
- The study approaches to ecotourism developments through community participation.
- Consider contributing to public benefit of the communities.
9 Local conflict of interests
B
Not all people would participate in ecotourism activities. Some local conflict could occur.
- The study approaches to ecotourism developments through community participation.
- Consider contributing to public benefit of the communities.
18 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity B
Some construction of facilities and movement of visitors could impact on the natural environment.
The study aims at protecting the natural resources by using those wisely and appropriately.
25 Waste
B
Garbage is recognizable and potential problem. Operation and accumulation of visitors could increase garbage.
Consider coordinating with local municipality.
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Table 10.2 Matrix for Preliminary Scoping (Tourism Development) Name of Cooperation Project The Study on the National Strategic Plan for Ecotourism
Development in the Dominican Republic Before
Operation In Operation
No. Likely Impacts
Ove
rall
Rat
ing
Rec
lam
atio
n an
d Sp
atia
l O
ccup
ancy
Ope
ratio
n of
Con
stru
ctio
n E
quip
men
t and
Veh
icle
s
Spat
ial O
ccup
ancy
Ope
ratio
n of
Veh
icle
s,
Shi
ps a
nd A
irpla
nes
Ope
ratio
n an
d M
aint
enan
ce o
f Tou
rism
Fa
cilit
ies
Acc
umul
atio
n of
Peo
ple
and
Goo
ds
1 Involuntary Resettlement C C D C D D D
2 Local economy such as employment and livelihood, etc. + C + C + + +
3 Land use and utilization of local resources B B D C C B C
4 Social institutions such as social infrastructure and local decision-making institutions
+ + C + C + C
5 Existing social infrastructures and services C C C C C C C 6 The poor, indigenous and ethnic people C C C C C C C
7 Misdistribution of benefit and damage B C C B C B B
8 Cultural heritage C C C C C C C
9 Local conflict of interests B C C B C B B
10 Water Usage or Water Rights and Rights of Common C C D D D C C
11 Sanitation C D D D D C C
Soc
ial E
nviro
nmen
t *
the
impa
cts
on “G
ende
r” a
nd “C
hild
ren’
s R
ight
” m
ight
be
rela
ted
to a
ll cr
iteria
of S
ocia
l Env
ironm
ent.
12 Hazards (Risk) Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS D D D D D D D
13 Topography and Geographical features D D D D D D D
14 Soil Erosion D D D D D D D
15 Groundwater D D D D D D D
16 Hydrological Situation D D D D D D D
17 Coastal Zone D D D D D D D
18 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity B B C C B C C
19 Meteorology D D D D D D D
20 Landscape C C C C D D D
Nat
ural
Env
ironm
ent
21 Global Warming D D D D D D D
22 Air Pollution D D D D D D D
23 Water Pollution C C D D D C C
24 Soil Contamination D D D D D D D
25 Waste B D C D C B B
26 Noise and Vibration C D C D C C C
27 Ground Subsidence D D D D D D D
28 Offensive Odor D D D D D D D
29 Bottom sediment D D D D D D D
Pol
lutio
n
30 Accidents C D C D C C C
Rating: A: Serious impact is expected. B: Some impact is expected. C: Extent of impact is unknown (Examination is needed. Impacts may become clear as study progresses) D: Little impact is expected or easily prevented or mitigated. +: Positive impact is expected. Reference: 1) Japan International Cooperation Agency (1992) “XI Tourism Development: Environmental Guidelines for Infrastructure Projects”, Tokyo, Japan.
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11. Terms of reference for environmental and social consideration
As mentioned in the section 7.3 above, the SSEM will not require the DIA and/or EsIA for
the small scale ecotourism projects. However, in cases that the DIA or EsIA will be
required for some pilot projects and proposed projects in the study, the SSEM will
suggest a TOR of each project.
12. Other relevant information
12.1 Protected Area
Protected areas are the most important resources for ecotourism developments. There
are 86 national protected areas in the Dominican Republic. The SEMARN categorizes
the following 6 national protected areas on the Law 202-04. Objectives and allowed
uses in the protected areas are summarized in Table 12.1. Table 12.2 shows the names
of national protected areas by category and sub-category. Most protected areas are
located in the western inland of the country as shown in Figure 12.1.
6 Categories of the National Protected Areas
• I. Strict Protection Area
• II. National Parks
• III. Natural Monuments
• IV. Habitat/Species Management Areas
• V. Natural Reserves
• VI. Protected Landscape
12.2 Zoning System
The SEMARN has been studying management plans of the national protected areas.
Zoning is an important method for the management plans. For example, there are
three zones are proposed in Management Plan of Armando Bermúdez National Park
(Draft) as follows.
Typical Zones
• Primitive and Investigation Zone: limited public use (scientific studies, investigation,
monitoring and education)
• Recovery Zone: limited tourism use (education and environmental awareness)
oriented by guide
• Public and Administrative Use Zone: educational and recreational use with facilities
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Table 12.1 Objectives and Allowed Uses of the National Protected Areas
Category Objectives Activities I. Strict Protection Area
• To protect resources and ecologically singular natural processes of the natural environment.
• Scientific research • Environmental monitoring • Education • Conservation of genetic resources • Ecotourism (in accordance with management and zoning plans for the areas, infrastructures to protect the resources, approved by the SEMARN.)
II. National Parks • To protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems of great ecological relevance or scenic beauty, with/without forest, or with submarine life, for benefit of the present and future generations
• To avoid intensive operations and occupations that alter their ecosystems
• To provide the opportunities of spiritual relaxation, scientific and educative recreations, and tourist activities
• Scientific research • Education • Recreation • Nature tourism or Ecotourism • Infrastructures for protection and
investigation • Infrastructures for public use and
ecotourism (in the zones and with specific characteristics defined by management plan and authorized by the SEMARN
III. Natural Monuments* IV. Habitat/Species Management Areas*
• To preserve and protect specific natural elements of importance for biological, aesthetic and cultural components, in their function like habitats for the reproduction of species, and potential of the economic benefits that can be derived from the tourist activities in these areas
• Scientific research • Education • Recreation • Nature tourism or Ecotourism • Infrastructures of recreation, protection
and investigation • Infrastructures for public use and
ecotourism (with the specific characteristics defined by management plan and authorized by the SEMARN) • Traditional uses and activities according
to the management plan and zoning. V. Natural Reserves
• To guarantee natural conditions to protect species, groups of species, biological communities or physical characteristic that require artificial manipulation for their perpetuation.
• With the economic benefits derived from sustainable ecotourism activities and advantage from resources like the water generation, the wood production and the ecotourism
• Controlled uses of resources • Traditional uses and activities • Education • Recreation • Nature tourism or ecotourism • Infrastructures of sustainable uses under
the management plan
VI. Protected Landscape
• To maintain characteristic landscapes with a harmonic interaction between humans and the earth
• To conserve the natural and cultural patrimony, and conditions of original landscape
• To provide economic benefits derived from activities and sustainable traditional uses and ecotourism
• Recreation and tourism • Own economic activities of the site • Traditional uses of the ground • productive infrastructures of houses • preexisting activities and of
communication • New regulated tourist infrastructures
Source: SEMARN (Law 202-04) Note: * Article 13 describes 6 categories but 5 are in Article 14 on the Law 202-04. The categories III and IV of Article 13 are assumed in the category III of Article 14 due to its description.
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Table 12.2 National Protected Areas No. I. Strict Protection Areas No. III. Natural Monuments No. V. Natural Reserves
A. Scientific Reserves A. Natural Monuments A. Forest Reserves 1 Villa Elisa 28 Cabo Francés Viejo 60 Alto Bao 2 Ebano Verde 29 Salto El Limón 61 Alto Mao 3 Loma Quita Espuela 30 Las Dunas de las Calderas 62 Arroyo Cano 4 Loma Barbacoa 31 Las Caobas 63 Cerros de Chacuey 5 Loma Guaconejo 32 Isla Catalina 64 Loma Novillero 6 Las Neblinas 33 Lagunas Cabarete y Goleta 65 Cabeza de Toro 34 Loma Isabel de Torres 66 Loma del 20 B. Marine Mammal Sanctuaries 35 Pico Diego de Ocampo 67 Villarpando 7 Bancos de la Plata y de la Navidad 36 Río Cumayasa y Cueva Las
Maravillas 68 Guanito
8 Estero Hondo 37 Salto de la Damajagua 69 Las Matas 38 Hoyo Claro 70 Cayuco II. National Parks 39 Loma La Altagracia o Loma la
Enea 71 Hatillo
A. National Parks 40 Cabo Samaná 72 Cerro de Bocanigua 9 Armando Bermúdez 41 Bosque Húmedo de Río San
Juan 73 Barrero
10 José del Carmen Ramírez 42 Reserva Antropológica Cuevas de Borbón o del Pomier
74 Río Cana
11 Nalga de Maco 43 Cerro de San Francisco 12 Montaña La Humeadora 44 Los Cacheos VI. Protected Landscape 13 Lago Enriquillo e Isla Cabritos B. Wild Life Protection Areas A. Panoramic Route 14 Valle Nuevo 45 Monumento Natural Miguel
Domingo Fuerte 75 Mirador del Atlántico
15 Sierra Martín García 46 Cueva de los Tres Ojos de Santo Domingo
76 Mirador del Paraíso
16 Sierra de Bahoruco IV. Habitat/Species Management Areas
77 Carretera El Abanico-Constanza
17 Cabo Cabrón A. Wild Life Protection Areas 78 Carretera Cabral-Polo 18 Sierra de Neiba 47 Río Chacuey 79 Carretera Santiago-La
Cumbre-Puerto Plata 19 Los Haitises 48 Lagunas Redonda y Limón 80 Carretera Bayacanes-Jarabacoa 20 El Morro 49 Bahía Luperón 81 Costa Azul 21 Del Este 50 Manglares de Puerto Viejo 82 Entrada de Mao 22 Jaragua 51 Cayos Siete Hermanos 83 Carretera Nagua-Sánchez y
Nagua-Cabrera 23 Manglares del Estero Balsa 52 Laguna Saladilla 24 Manglares del Bajo Yuna 53 Humedales del Bajo Yaque del
Sur B. National Recreation Areas
25 Humedales del Ozama 54 Laguna Cabral o Rincón 84 Cabo Rojo - Bahía de las Águilas 55 La Gran Laguna o Perucho 85 Guaraguao - Punta Catuano B. Marine National Parks 56 Manglar de la Jina 86 Guaigui
26 Monte Cristi 57 Lagunas de Bávaro y el Caletón 27 La Caleta 58 Río Soco 59 Ría Maimón
Source: SEMARN (Law 202-04)
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Source: SEMARN (Law 202-04)
Note: See Table 12.2 for the numbers and names of protected areas.