Abstract

Connectivity conservation initiatives are increasing in prevalence as a diverse array of benefits are continually being demonstrated through these models, such as establishing and strengthening marine protected area (MPA) networks. Such benefits include: preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services; adapting to climate change impacts; allowing for long term protection of natural resources and threatened species; and supporting the transition into resilient coastal communities. This poster reviews the preliminary findings from recent research in Dominican Republic; there are several intentions of this study. Firstly, to examine the governance frameworks in place and determine the degree to which they consider local resource users in the decision making process for natural resource management. Secondly, to identify alternative opportunities within social-ecological systems. Finally, to assess the perceptions on biodiversity conservation via connectivity initiatives that speak to the DR’s commitment to increasing ecosystem protection and acknowledging the large scale marine conservation initiatives. Data was acquired via key informant interviews were achieved via snowball sampling with coastal and marine stakeholders from a variety of sectors and positions ranging from the community-level to high levels of government. These findings contribute to further understanding coastal ecosystems, assisting in developing coastal areas responsibly while considering management implications on local communities in the Dominican Republic, and other areas in the wider Caribbean.

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