PIONEERS IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Pioneers in Sustainable Development
When we began Puntacana Resort over 45 years ago, the concept of “sustainable development” didn’t yet exist. We made all of our important decisions based on a deep respect for the Dominican Republic, its people, and its incredible natural resources. Yet, our innovations in building our airport, golf courses, and our resort community reflect our deep commitment to protecting the natural environment and local communities. Many of our early development practices now recognized as “sustainable tourism,” having earned us numerous international, sustainable tourism awards.
Fundación Grupo Puntacana
The not-for-profit Fundación Grupo Puntacana was created in 1994 to develop solutions to tourisms’ most complex environmental and social challenges. The Foundation has developed a range of innovative projects that serve as living, breathing examples of sustainable tourism.
The Foundation has an array of community and environment projects. We designed and implemented one of the largest integrated solid waste management and recycling projects in the Dominican Republic. We lead the Partnership for Ecologically Sustainable Coastal Areas (PESCA), an expansive coral reef restoration and conservation program. We support programs in the conservation of endangered species like the Ridgeway’s Hawks. We have developed sustainable agriculture initiatives, producing fresh, organic produce for local consumption and high quality soils for landscaping. Through our unique research facility, the Center for Sustainability, the Foundation engages some of the best universities in the world in research and education programs that seek to provide solutions to social and environmental challenges
The Foundation has also been a leader in the development of communities throughout the Punta Cana region. The Foundation has a co-management agreement for the Rural Clinic of Veron, providing primary care of thousands of patients a year, as well as medical missions that support preventative medicine programs. We oversee the Ted and Ann Kheel Polytechnic School, graduating hundreds of students in basic and technical skills that support the tourism industry. Most recently, we built the Oscar de la Rent Pediatric Center, which provides primary care of the children of the region.
Global Giving
The Fundación Grupo Puntacana is registered with GlobalGiving. To make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation, please click here. You can also send a check with Fundacion Grupo Puntacana in the memo to: GlobalGiving, 1023 15th Street, NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20005.
(GlobalGiving is 501(c)3 organization (EIN: 30-0108263). All projects listed on their website have passed a rigorous audit to ensure they have a bona fide charitable purpose and meet applicable laws relating to international philanthropy.
Pack for a Purpose
Fundación Grupo Puntacana is a proud member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers to make a lasting impact in the community of their travel destination. If you save just a little space in your suitcase and bring supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you'll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families. Please click here to see what supplies are needed for our project/projects.