The “Walflüsterer” (Whale whisperer) project, which promotes
sustainable whale-watching trips, has chosen the Whale and Dolphin
Conservation’s (WDC) as partner for 2016 and the upcoming year.
In the
Dominican Republic, there are a number of nature conservation areas and
marine reserves, among them the shallow waters of the Samaná Peninsula.
This is where some 3,000 and 5,000 humpback whales travel to every
January to March to give birth and raise their calves.
For 7 years, the tourism board of the Dominican Republic has been
organising the “Walflüsterer” project. Anyone keen to assist in the
research on humpback whales can apply to join the project as an
ambassador.
A jury, together with WDC representatives, will select a
suitable applicant for 2017. The successful applicant will travel to
the Bay of Samaná next spring where he or she will work with the
non-governmental conservation organisation CEBSE (Center for the
Conservation of Samaná Bay and its Surroundings).
During the stay, he or she will undertake various tasks like taking
tourists on boat trips, office work and managing the “Walflüsterer’s”
blog and its other social media platforms.
The costs of flights and
accommodation will be borne by the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican
Republic and Bahia Principe Hotels.
This is the seventh time that the “Walflüsterer” Project is being
organised. Petra Cruz-Deyerling, Director of the Dominican Republic’s
tourism board in Europe, is positive about the new collaboration.
“The
“Walflüsterer” project plays an important role in communicating the
importance of protecting the humpback whales in the Bay of Samaná.
Having the WDC as a new partner is fantastic. This collaboration
demonstrates our holistic approach to nature conservation and promotes
the Dominican Republic as a destination for eco-tourism,” she said in
German.
The WDC welcomes the tourism board’s approach to promoting sustainable
whale watching.
Following its appearance in the 2016 guide for
responsible whale watching in early summer, this
cooperation with the “Walflüsterer” project is its next exciting
project.
See here for more information
Mares
21st September 2016
Dominikanische Republik 
