Dominican Treasures Newsletter. 1

AID-517-A-12-00001 implemented by the Dominican Competitiveness Tourism Consortium (CDCT). The initiative aimed to promote sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic by certifying projects that met specific criteria. The certification process involved a thorough evaluation of projects in various sectors, including ecotourism, cultural heritage, and community development. Projects were assessed based on their environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability. The certification process was designed to promote best practices in sustainable tourism and to provide a framework for projects to improve their operations and impact. The first projects to be certified under the Dominican Treasures initiative were located in the Samaná region, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. These projects included the Taíno Park, a historical recreation of the pre-Columbian era, and the Parada La Manzana, a traditional Samaná restaurant offering local cuisine and handicrafts. Other certified projects in the Samaná region included the Zip line Adventures, a thrilling experience that allowed visitors to soar above the mountains and forests, and the Clave Verde, a sustainable eco-lodge that offered comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Chalet Tropical Village, a collection of villas made from natural materials, and the Ecocampo La Sangría, a sustainable ecotourism project with seven cabins made from wood and cane, were also certified under the initiative. The Dominican Treasures initiative also organized press trips to promote the certified projects to local and international media. The first press trip took place in 2012 and included visits to three projects: Clave Verde, Ecocampo La Sangría, and Rancho Olivier. The press trip generated significant media coverage and resulted in increased bookings for the certified projects. In addition to promoting the certified projects, the Dominican Treasures initiative participated in various tourism events and fairs, including the Semana de la Geografía, the Feria CTN, and the Feria Expoturismo Santiago. The initiative also partnered with the National Geographic Society and the Instituto Panamericano de Geografía e Historia (IPGH) to promote sustainable tourism practices and to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Dominican Republic's natural and cultural heritage. The Dominican Treasures initiative also provided training and capacity-building programs for the certified projects, including a course on first aid and emergency response. The course was designed to equip project staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond to emergencies and to provide basic first aid. Overall, the Dominican Treasures initiative aimed to promote sustainable tourism practices and to support the development of responsible and environmentally friendly tourism projects in the Dominican Republic. By certifying projects that met specific criteria and providing training and capacity-building programs, the initiative aimed to contribute to the country's economic development and to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.