SANTO DOMINGO.- Dominican Republic has the most Blue Flag Beach international awards in Latin American in the 2011-2012 season, which certifies them as exceptional at the world level.
The Blue Flag will be hoisted December 1during a symbolic ceremony in the 15 beach segments with excellent water quality and a permanent presence of properly equipped lifeguards.
Arena Gorda Bávaro; Playa Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata; Playa Dorada; Playa Dorada; Playa La Laguna Dominicus Bayahíbe, and Playa Cayacoa Bahía Príncipe, in Samaná are among the Blue Flag beaches.
The Blue Flag program is a voluntary certification process for beaches and marinas, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) (www.fee-international.org) and locally by the Dominican Republic Environmental Law Institute (IDARD).
From: Netherlands
We are in the DomRep since 2003, almost 10 years. We traveled the entire country by car, by boat, by helicopter and by plane. Its is so that all the beaches and areas we've seen do have clear water, beautiful beaches and they are postcard perfect places.
So do alle come to the Domrep and see for yourself, especially the Samana peninsula is one stunning place, with crystal clear waters all over!
Written by: xwill7, 28 Nov 2011 12:07 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Best beaches are in DR!
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Nov 2011 12:47 PM
From: Australia
According to Wikipedia:
Bajos de Haina, has been referred to as the 'Dominican Chernobyl'. According to the United Nations, the population of Haina is considered to have the highest level of lead contamination in the world, and its entire population carries indications of lead poisoning. The contamination is believed to have been caused by the past industrial operations of the nearby Baterías Meteoro, an automobile battery recycling smelter. Although the company has moved to a new site, the contamination still remains.
Bajos de Haina was named as one of the ten most polluted places on earth by the US based environmental group the Blacksmith Institute in 2006, and is still listed as one of the 30 worst polluted cities in the world
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Nov 2011 1:03 PM
From: Australia
"excellent water quality and a permanent presence of properly equipped lifeguards"
Where?
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Nov 2011 2:24 PM
From: Australia
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Nov 2011 2:27 PM
From: Australia
loftworxx,
Agreed, Samana and some other Northern beaches are okay, but the water is still cloudy. Most Caribbean coast beaches with masses of rubbish, except Sauna Island, and some manicured resort beaches.
From: United States
@roypiedra
Roy you can F*#@ up a wet dream. The article talks about DR having among the best beaches in Latin America and all you can talk about is some slum beach in Haina. You and danny000 are a light amongst the darkness. NOT.
Written by: walnut, 28 Nov 2011 2:42 PM
From: Bouvet Island, Cayuga lakeside
I tend to agree with Roy on this one.
Granted, there are some beautiful beaches, mostly manicured, that are noteworthy.
However, there is more trash on the beaches here than anyplace else I have ever been. It is a disgrace that is invisible to locals.
Almost a common trait here is the blatant disregard for nature.
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Nov 2011 3:22 PM
From: Australia
venganzaderafael,
I didn't know the Hilton Hotel and the Santo Domingo Hotel were on a "slum beach in Haina".
Check out the photos, they are clearly of your magnificent capital.
Perhaps you can tell me where the lifeguards are, because I've been to many beaches on the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts and never seen one. I heard there used to be one but he's now in hospital after slicing his foot on broken glass.
The only blue flags are on jeepetas promoting political candidates.
"the most Blue Flag Beach international awards in Latin America"? Maybe they forgot to include Brazil and Colombia?
Written by: tomito, 28 Nov 2011 8:59 PM
From: United States
Roystone
We all agree there's trash in many Dominican Beaches, but there are also great ones, being that said, please stop referring to wikipedia to speak about Haina, The Hilton and the Santo Domingo hotels are NOT in Haina but right on the SD Malecon, miles away from the port town of Haina which belongs to San Cristobal, makes me wonder if you have ever been to the capital and its malecon, since the Hilton and Santo Domingo hotels are hard to miss.
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Nov 2011 9:31 PM
From: Australia
tomito,
Yes I know where they are and have been there, and helped clear rubbish on a number of occasions. How do you think I took the photos?
See for yourself at:
http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j479/DominicanBeach/I also acknowledged the good beaches on the Samana Peninsula and elsewhere.
However I would not rank them as "exceptional at the world level" and certainly not on the basis of water quality or "permanent presence of properly equipped lifeguards" or any lifeguards at all!
The reality is, as long as Dominicans keep dumping their rubbish in the streets, forest, creeks and rivers, it will continue to be washed up on many of the beaches. Tragically, pollution has already killed most of the coral reefs.
Written by: tomito, 28 Nov 2011 10:49 PM
From: United States
Roy, it is obvious that the beaches they are referring to here do not include Guibia or Palenque ! but rather the ones in front of some of the resorts.
From: United States
After reading his numerous posts, I am perplexed as to why Roy craves all opportunity to bash the DR for every stupid little thing, yet continues to reside in our deplorable country. Is this not odd or what? His general perspective, not only about the DR is generally expressed in terms of black or white extremes. For Roy there are no gray areas. HIs attitude is indicative of a person with an imbalance of some sort or suppressed agression. He thinks only in terms of worst case scenarios and refuses to give credit for any positive accomplishments. I suggest adjustments towards a more moderate attitude.
It would be great if he could have a more balanced approach of the world which surrounds him and not focus so much on the negatives but rather the good as well, alternate between hope and gloom and meet somewhere in the middle. Roy reminds me a lot of people who suffer from depression, they simply are unable to see shades of gray while non-depressed people can.
From: Netherlands
It is so true what mr.Guillermone from the US sais. It is so easy to see the splinter in the eye of thy neighbour without seeing the tree in ones own.
It is so true that the DomRep is not a perfect society but I am convinced and with me many people that it will not take long and the Domrep will succeed in getting better and better in all aereas of their existance.
Written by: walnut, 29 Nov 2011 7:58 AM
From: Bouvet Island, Cayuga lakeside
Loft.....
You, my friend are a hopeless optimist.
Having spent an enormous part of the last 25 years here in the DR, it would be nearly impossible for a quick turn around with the problems here.
I love this country.....the people and the land are beautiful.
However, many issues plague this country and with some, the solutions are nearly impossible.
When the vast majority of citizens can not read or have access to decent health care, when the authorities are corrupt to the core and steal everything, when many of the populace has even lost hope, a change is not likely.
From: United States
Don't give up..... Walnut.
There is such a thing as light at the end of the tunnel.......:)
Written by: Atabey, 29 Nov 2011 1:13 PM
From: United States, NYC
I'm with you Guillermone, don't give up! It's not like other nations facing EVEN WORSE prospects have not managed to pull themselves together. The glass is not half-empty walnut, it's half-full.
As to the beaches. This is a voluntary program! "The Blue Flag program is a voluntary certification process for beaches and marinas, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) (www.fee-international.org)"
If you suspect that their data is mistaken concerning: Arena Gorda Bávaro; Playa Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata; Playa Dorada; Playa Dorada; Playa La Laguna Dominicus Bayahíbe, and Playa Cayacoa Bahía Príncipe, in Samaná are among the Blue Flag beaches. Then state your data!
WE have problems concerning trash and could use much more improvement throughout the country, but I'm far from being a pessimist long-term on DR. Arriba Dominicana!
Written by: Escott, 29 Nov 2011 1:40 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
People here who post seem like they post about a different country than I live in.
Don't go to a beach after a holiday weekend. Trash to your waist. Dominicans have no regard for others nor themselves. That is a fact we all live with.
Playa Grande is a fabulous beach that is kept fairly clean and not manicured by a Hotel for their guests. Isla Soana is also fabulous. There are many more. Try a beach in Nagua on a Monday and you need waist high boots and still pray you get to the water.
Written by: tartesos, 29 Nov 2011 2:58 PM
From: United States
Roy stone( haitian) says he wouldn't rate the beaches world class. Well you are nobody!! Nothing but a troll hating Dominican republic. One good news on the whole site and you managed to contaminate it with your bullshit!!
I humbly ask you to go back to wherever the he'll you came from you damn troll!!!
And again, I'm glad nobody would ask your opinion on anything! Because all you have managed to accomplish in your life is hate and bs.
Kiss my Dominican behind and leave!
From: United States
Send him to the guilloteen or hang him.......................!!!!!!!
From: Dominican Republic
I agree with guillermone and tartesos on this one. This is not something made up by a government official but by an international entity. I agree with the fact that our country has a long way to go but let's not let that blind us to the point where we do not see our accomplishments! Plus noone is tying you down in the Dominican Republic. You had the option to live anywhere else in the world and you chose DR. If it is not what you thought it was and you are not happy there, then pick up and go. It is very simple.
Written by: RoyStone, 1 Dec 2011 3:41 PM
From: Australia
ojedamaggiolo80,
The fact that some beaches have as yet, escaped environmental vandalism, is hardly an "accomplishment".
It is just luck that Samana Peninsula an Saona Island are remote from the rivers that Dominicans use as sewers and rubbish tips. Yes, the country has "a long way to go", 'cause at the moment its going backwards. For every ton of rubbish that's cleaned up, another ten tons are added to the environment.
Thanks, I am happy here, for the moment, but not because of the rubbish tip you have turned much of this tropical paradise into.
As far as the "international" Blue Flag awards are concerned, far more countries are not members than are (only 45), and the sponsors include a beer bottler and and a beach-cleaning machine manufacturer. Can anyone here honestly say they have ever seen a Dominican beach with the "permanent presence of properly equipped lifeguards"?
Written by: RoyStone, 1 Dec 2011 3:45 PM
From: Australia
It seems many Dominicans are immune to criticism from numerous international organizations, but the minute some carpetbagging organization engages in BS flattery, you all have an orgasm. Wankers!
From: United States
That Roy is sick in hea.d. He must run form the LAW. Go to beach wihtno guard and DROWN man. Youmust want young girls or boy. It is coming to you soon.
From: Dominican Republic
Have to side with Roy on this one. I have yet to see a lifeguard (equipped or not). As well, aside from the beaches where resorts clean daily, the beaches of the east are littered daily...most items floating ashore from this country. Head out to Uvero Alto and visit Dreams PC...their beach...clean, while on either side...piles of trash...a real eyesore and noted regularly in reviews for the resort.
I was at Playa Blanca (Boca de Yuma) 3 weeks ago....had to sweep away the floatsam to find the sand. I have always heard the term "Proud Dominican", but when I see the attitude towards trash, I wonder just how proud they are.
Written by: tartesos, 7 Dec 2011 2:27 AM
From: United States
punta cana mike and roystone, again, demagogues, yes there is trash on some beaches( maybe most of them) in Dr, but they didnt nominate haina or guibia did they?
nobody wrote all the beaches of the country are the best and cleanest of the world!
so again, go with your non sense somewhere else!
just be glad you are welcome here...
again, karma is a b....
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So do alle come to the Domrep and see for yourself, especially the Samana peninsula is one stunning place, with crystal clear waters all over!
Bajos de Haina, has been referred to as the 'Dominican Chernobyl'. According to the United Nations, the population of Haina is considered to have the highest level of lead contamination in the world, and its entire population carries indications of lead poisoning. The contamination is believed to have been caused by the past industrial operations of the nearby Baterías Meteoro, an automobile battery recycling smelter. Although the company has moved to a new site, the contamination still remains.
Bajos de Haina was named as one of the ten most polluted places on earth by the US based environmental group the Blacksmith Institute in 2006, and is still listed as one of the 30 worst polluted cities in the world
Where?
Take a look at these recent photos of Dominican beaches and cliffs covered with rubbish, and the creeks and rivers where it comes from at:
http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j479/DominicanBeach/
Agreed, Samana and some other Northern beaches are okay, but the water is still cloudy. Most Caribbean coast beaches with masses of rubbish, except Sauna Island, and some manicured resort beaches.
Roy you can F*#@ up a wet dream. The article talks about DR having among the best beaches in Latin America and all you can talk about is some slum beach in Haina. You and danny000 are a light amongst the darkness. NOT.
Granted, there are some beautiful beaches, mostly manicured, that are noteworthy.
However, there is more trash on the beaches here than anyplace else I have ever been. It is a disgrace that is invisible to locals.
Almost a common trait here is the blatant disregard for nature.
I didn't know the Hilton Hotel and the Santo Domingo Hotel were on a "slum beach in Haina".
Check out the photos, they are clearly of your magnificent capital.
Perhaps you can tell me where the lifeguards are, because I've been to many beaches on the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts and never seen one. I heard there used to be one but he's now in hospital after slicing his foot on broken glass.
The only blue flags are on jeepetas promoting political candidates.
"the most Blue Flag Beach international awards in Latin America"? Maybe they forgot to include Brazil and Colombia?
We all agree there's trash in many Dominican Beaches, but there are also great ones, being that said, please stop referring to wikipedia to speak about Haina, The Hilton and the Santo Domingo hotels are NOT in Haina but right on the SD Malecon, miles away from the port town of Haina which belongs to San Cristobal, makes me wonder if you have ever been to the capital and its malecon, since the Hilton and Santo Domingo hotels are hard to miss.
Yes I know where they are and have been there, and helped clear rubbish on a number of occasions. How do you think I took the photos?
See for yourself at:
http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j479/DominicanBeach/
I also acknowledged the good beaches on the Samana Peninsula and elsewhere.
However I would not rank them as "exceptional at the world level" and certainly not on the basis of water quality or "permanent presence of properly equipped lifeguards" or any lifeguards at all!
The reality is, as long as Dominicans keep dumping their rubbish in the streets, forest, creeks and rivers, it will continue to be washed up on many of the beaches. Tragically, pollution has already killed most of the coral reefs.
It would be great if he could have a more balanced approach of the world which surrounds him and not focus so much on the negatives but rather the good as well, alternate between hope and gloom and meet somewhere in the middle. Roy reminds me a lot of people who suffer from depression, they simply are unable to see shades of gray while non-depressed people can.
It is so true that the DomRep is not a perfect society but I am convinced and with me many people that it will not take long and the Domrep will succeed in getting better and better in all aereas of their existance.
You, my friend are a hopeless optimist.
Having spent an enormous part of the last 25 years here in the DR, it would be nearly impossible for a quick turn around with the problems here.
I love this country.....the people and the land are beautiful.
However, many issues plague this country and with some, the solutions are nearly impossible.
When the vast majority of citizens can not read or have access to decent health care, when the authorities are corrupt to the core and steal everything, when many of the populace has even lost hope, a change is not likely.
There is such a thing as light at the end of the tunnel.......:)
As to the beaches. This is a voluntary program! "The Blue Flag program is a voluntary certification process for beaches and marinas, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) (www.fee-international.org)"
If you suspect that their data is mistaken concerning: Arena Gorda Bávaro; Playa Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata; Playa Dorada; Playa Dorada; Playa La Laguna Dominicus Bayahíbe, and Playa Cayacoa Bahía Príncipe, in Samaná are among the Blue Flag beaches. Then state your data!
WE have problems concerning trash and could use much more improvement throughout the country, but I'm far from being a pessimist long-term on DR. Arriba Dominicana!
Don't go to a beach after a holiday weekend. Trash to your waist. Dominicans have no regard for others nor themselves. That is a fact we all live with.
Playa Grande is a fabulous beach that is kept fairly clean and not manicured by a Hotel for their guests. Isla Soana is also fabulous. There are many more. Try a beach in Nagua on a Monday and you need waist high boots and still pray you get to the water.
I humbly ask you to go back to wherever the he'll you came from you damn troll!!!
And again, I'm glad nobody would ask your opinion on anything! Because all you have managed to accomplish in your life is hate and bs.
Kiss my Dominican behind and leave!
Send him to the guilloteen or hang him.......................!!!!!!!
The fact that some beaches have as yet, escaped environmental vandalism, is hardly an "accomplishment".
It is just luck that Samana Peninsula an Saona Island are remote from the rivers that Dominicans use as sewers and rubbish tips. Yes, the country has "a long way to go", 'cause at the moment its going backwards. For every ton of rubbish that's cleaned up, another ten tons are added to the environment.
Thanks, I am happy here, for the moment, but not because of the rubbish tip you have turned much of this tropical paradise into.
As far as the "international" Blue Flag awards are concerned, far more countries are not members than are (only 45), and the sponsors include a beer bottler and and a beach-cleaning machine manufacturer. Can anyone here honestly say they have ever seen a Dominican beach with the "permanent presence of properly equipped lifeguards"?
I was at Playa Blanca (Boca de Yuma) 3 weeks ago....had to sweep away the floatsam to find the sand. I have always heard the term "Proud Dominican", but when I see the attitude towards trash, I wonder just how proud they are.
nobody wrote all the beaches of the country are the best and cleanest of the world!
so again, go with your non sense somewhere else!
just be glad you are welcome here...
again, karma is a b....