Santo Domingo.– The long term strategies for the conservation and development of the Saona Island was the main topic in a conference held by the Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster, the Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association (AHRB), representatives for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARENA), the Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR), the City Council of La Romana, Mano Juan community leaders and The Nature Conservancy.

According to Cluster Vice-president and AHRB Executive Director, Kelly Robinson, the objective is to achieve higher efficiency in the negotiations of the natural reserve area of which Saona Island is a part of and where SEMARENA and SECTUR are actively involved with community leaders to together assume responsibility for the protection of so valuable a resource.

“We are delighted to see authorities so interested in this process.” Tourism authorities devise strategies to promote the Saona Island Robinson expressed the organization’s concern for the island’s condition given the fact that not only is it one of the country’s most important ports for tourist excursions, but it is also widely regarded as a natural paradise and its preservation is an endeavor of national importance.

In 2007, a total of 366.638 visitors, both Dominican and foreign, traveled to the island, which resulted in millions of dollars that were contributed to the national economy. “This process should be geared toward strengthening and benefiting the community of Mano Juan with any project that is set forth to be executed in the island,” she added.