Abstract

Restoration is a tool widely known for assisting ecosystem recovery. To mitigate the effects of environmental change drivers, restoration techniques have diversified in the Caribbean region. Here, we describe the implementation of a network of coral nurseries within the Dominican Coastal Restoration Consortium (CDRC) as an alternative to optimize efforts in the Dominican Republic. We reviewed collaboration agreements between three local institutions, including the Fundación Grupo Puntacana (FGPC), the Fundación Dominicana para Estudios Marinos (FUNDEMAR) and Counterpart International (CPI) founders of the CDRC. We detail the CDRC's management tools to improve coral nursery management, facilitate information exchange, and standardize procedures and protocols in the Dominican Republic. In the country a total of 10 coral nurseries are monitored and operated by the CDRC; using the best available equipment and using parameters for the evaluation of each member nursery. These protocols and standards are shared through a digital platform for the collection of data, reports and information. This within a framework of partnership between local communities, government authorities, NGOs and industry, which have achieved an innovative ecological and economic strategy for the development of long-term programs and thus benefit the development of the region by providing ecosystem services.

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