The TUI Care Foundation is working hard around the world to help look after natural environments and support local communities in travel destinations. And, in the Dominican Republic, it’s all hands on deck to safeguard some of the island’s shoreside greenery…

Go to any tropical destination and visit a saltwater lagoon, river system or nature reserve and the chances are you’re going to see mangrove trees. You know the ones: skinny trunks, loads of leaves, roots that stick out the water like a jumble of spaghetti. These shrub-like plants grow in ground that’s loaded with salt, so expect to see them along the coast or in a spot that empties into the sea – saltwater is exactly what they need to flourish.

But why are they important?

Mangroves help to sort out the big baddy in today’s battle against climate change: carbon. They filter nasty stuff out of the air and water, which does wonders for living things in the habitat, like fish and birds. In fact, mangroves store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than inland forests. Plus, their roots and branches tick all the boxes when it comes to suitable critter shelters. Hear that, marine lovers? They’re a must to protect.

It’s not just wildlife that makes the most of mangroves, either. In places like the Dominican Republic, rural communities also rely on the fishing that comes with having a healthy mangrove habitat. But the fishing’s only good if the water’s clean and the fish have what they need to thrive.

Modesto Nunez, known by his mates as Hacho, is a fisherman from the north-east village of Sanchez. He knows better than anyone why these trees are so important. “They help maintain the volume of shrimp and different fish that come here to feed. These are the resources that sustain my village.”

He’s also well aware of the threats facing the forests. Deforestation, expanding industry and pollution are all big uh-ohs for mangroves in the Dom Rep. In fact, the country’s lost over 50% of its total mangroves in the past 50 years. So, they need all the help they can get.

And that’s where the TUI Care Foundation comes in. It’s been on the ground in the Dominican Republic for years and its TUI Forests programme is currently in the second phase of a huge coastal reforestation effort. Phase one restored 21 hectares in the Bajo Yuna National Park, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of the capital, Santo Domingo. Now, it’s moved the goalposts to over 200 hectares – picture 280 football pitches and you’ll get an idea of the project’s scale. But they’re not doing it alone. This is all in collaboration with CEBSE and the Global Nature Fund (non-profit foundations that help to protect the environment) and the local community – yep, Hacho’s getting his hands dirty, too.

But restoring the mangroves here does more wonders than just helping Hacho’s home catch. There’s also a huge tourism benefit to the mangroves. Love the idea of heading out on the water and cruising your way around twisting waterways while native birds chip in the background? Hacho and others in Sanchez know this all too well.

“Fishing is the main economic activity in Sanchez, but the reality is the Bajo Yuna region has so much more to offer. The mangroves here have the potential to give more of us jobs through eco-tourism. There’s a diversity of birds that we can show holidaymakers, who love to come and see this kind of stuff.”

So, next time you’re in the Dominican Republic, book an experience to visit the Bajo Yuna. Hacho, along with other boat-owning folks on that part of the island, love showing off the nature and landscapes near their homes.

Or, check out one of the other coastal mangrove areas closer to holiday hotspots like Samana and Punta Cana. That way, you can go one step further to supporting local communities while you’re away.