 By hosting between two and three million tourists per year, the Dominican Republic is the main tourism destination for Europeans in the Caribbean, ahead of Cuba and Jamaica. In fact, tourism has experienced continuous growth in the Dominican Republic, receiving income 17 times more than 20 years ago.
Nevertheless, most tourist investments benefit the foreign investor countries, and profits from tourism have not alleviated the levels of poverty prevelant in this beautiful country. The poverty level in the Dominican Republic still stands at 25.8% of the population. More than two million Dominicans subsist under conditions of poverty, earning an income of less than US$ 60.00 per month.
Three indicators quickly provide an overview of the underdevelopment situation in the Dominican Republic: education, health and sanitation.
On education, between 1998-1999, only 53% of the needs for preschool were met. The lack of resources for primary school education is reflected in the illiteracy rate: 15.6 of 15-year-olds out of each 100 Dominicans, and many more do not know how to read or write, exceeding the illiteracy rate among all Latin-American countries.
Public health service coverage reaches only 45% of the population, while the private sector reaches only another 20%, and 31% does not receive any health attention. Only 65% of the population does not have access to potable water, a basic need that could prevent a series of medical problems.
Pollution and removal of solid wastes is a constant problem, especially at tourist areas. The increase in the tourism demand has impacted coastal areas with regard to the contamination of seacoast waters by sewage, degradation of aquifers by an excessive pumping, and the inadequate disposal of sewage and solid wastes, not to mention the destruction of fragile ecosystems.
It is the interest of the communities, the enterprise sector, the humanitarian organizations and the Government to find appropriate solutions to this social problematic. The Dominican Foundation's Ser Voluntario program intends to coordinate these efforts and create a system that integrates the tourism sector as a generator of sustainable resources for the long-term sustainable development of the country.
If you have questions please contact Liv Vesely at 845.223.3570 or liv@dominicanfoundation.org
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