People
Punta Cana Carnival in celebration of this unique Dominican festivity. The Punta Cana Carnival invites over a dozen different groups representing different regions of the country to share their costumes and traditions in what has become one of the largest Carnival celebrations in the country.

Visitors
Bird watching has significant potential as a tourist offer since the island has a large variety of endemic and migratory species, and also because tourism is the country’s most important indrustry.

The Ornithological Society of Hispaniola (SOH) teamed up to create the Academy of Bird Watchingtourism Punta Cana: with support from the Natural Conservancy ans USDA Forest Service.

The project aims to create a complementary offer to the current tourism market, offering opportunities to observe birds in the country and train Dominican guides, and the Bird Watching-tourism Academy and the Hawk conservation Project welcome any help from those who wish to support their efforts.

Environment
All seven indigenous species of sea turtles are threatened by extinction due primarily to human impact. Since 1994, Punta Cana has been committed to sea turtle conservation, working with different national and international organizations to help protect sea turtles in the Punta Cana region.

The Foundation organizes beach monitoring, resulting in the identification of dozens of different Hawksbill turtle nests and the release of tens of thousands of turtle hatchlings. The Foundation is actively seeks ways to protect nesting turtles by making changes in coastal lighting near the beach and planting native flora to provide better nesting conditions.

The Foundation has also carried out a campaign to warn visitors not to purchase artisanal crafts made from turtle shells.

Community
Implementing Programs that improve the wellbeing of the local communities of Punta Cana in basic areas of human development, seeking to be a catalyst for positive change influencing different sectors of society through the achievement of concrete, lasting examples of sustainability.

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park

Forty years ago, today’s concept of sustainable development did not yet exist, but this didn’t stop the Punta Cana Resort & Club from building a reserve that is considered a model for sustainability by today’s standards.

The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park spans over 1,500 acres, offering a place for attendees to bask and recharge in wild places, and for researchers to conserve native and endangered species. Although occupying just a sliver of the resort’s 26-mile turf, Indigenous Eyes offers insight into how one resort can create significant (and profitable) sustainable change. The reserve is maintained by the non-profit Puntacana Ecological Foundation, which works with the Partnership of Ecologically Sustainable Coastal Areas and researchers from Harvard, Virginia Tech, the University of Miami and others to develop sustainable development and tourism initiatives. “Zero Waste” is the most ambitious project to date among a long list of accomplishments—from coastal restoration and sustainable fisheries to conservation of endangered species.

The ongoing program repurposes around 50 percent of all waste generated by the resort and its private airport. Consequently, it is an economic driver for local communities and hotels. The ultimate goal is to reach zero waste. Zero Waste is especially important to areas of the world, like the Dominican Republic, that rely on abounding natural capital to lure MICE groups. The foundation maintains a recycling center for residents and the resort’s three hotels—The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club, Tortuga Bay Hotel and Four Points by Sheridan Puntacana Village.

Sustainable agricultural practices are also in full swing with the recycling of organic waste and a program where locally grown honey, herbs and vegetables are sold to restaurants, locals and hotels.

SUSTAINABILITY