Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Grupo Jaragua
( 809-472-1036;
www.grupojaragua.org.do
) The largest and oldest NGO in the southw-
est. Based in Santo Domingo, it concentrates on biodiversity and conservation through microfinancing to as-
sist locals with bee farming etc.
Mariposa Foundation
( 809-571-0610;
www.mariposadrfoundation.org
;
Calle Principal, La Cienega,
Cabarete) Dedicated to empowering and educating girls living in and around Cabarete through a 'holistic'
program that involves English-language classes, health and wellness seminars, athletics and family involve-
ment. Minimum three month commitment, generally teaching in varying capacities. Located near Kite
Beach.
Punta Cana Ecological Foundation
( 809-959-9221;
www.puntacana.org
)
One of the pioneers of sus-
tainable development in the DR; projects targeted at coral reef restoration and preserving the natural envir-
onment in the Punta Cana area.
REDOTOR
(Red Dominicana de Turismo Rural;
809-487-1057;
www.redotur.org
) Promotes alternat-
ive and sustainable tourism projects.
SOEPA
( 809-899-4702) Sociedad Ecologica de Paraiso, founded in 1995, is dedicated to the preserva-
tion and protection of the environment and natural resources in the area around Paraiso; it's biggest project
is maintenance and development at Cachóte.
Women Travelers
Women traveling without men in the Dominican Republic should expect to receive some attention, usually
in the form of hissing (to get your attention), stares and comments like '
Hola, preciosa'
(Hello, beautiful).
Although it may be unwanted, it's more of a nuisance than anything else. If you don't like it, dressing con-
servatively and ignoring the comments are probably your best lines of defense.
But that is not at all to say that women travelers shouldn't take the same precautions they would in other
countries, or ignore their instincts about certain men or situations they encounter. Robbery and assaults,
though rare against tourists, do occur and women are often seen as easier targets than men. Young, athletic
Dominican men who 'target' foreign women, especially in beach resort areas like Punta Cana, are referred
to as 'sanky-pankys'. Their M.O. is subtly transactional, usually involving 'promises' of affection in ex-
change for meals, drinks, gifts and cash from generally older, North American and European women.
