'An alive fish is more important than a dead fish': on location with Tui Care

"It is like magic – I never dreamed the plantation would grow so fast." Local environmentalist Patricia Lamelas looks across a lush forest of red and black mangroves the way a loving Dominican abuela (grandmother) would look at her grandchildren.

The Caribbean sun dazzles overhead and three brown pelicans swim in the wetlands below. Their curved necks and long bills are arched downwards. It might just be me, but it is as if the birds’ blonde feathery heads are bowing to Patricia in thanks for her environmental efforts.

Hundreds of thousands of trees have been planted in the Bajo Yuna national park since 2019, transforming a place ravaged by deforestation into a re-energised habitat. 400,000 more trees will be planted by 2026, and it’s all thanks to the Tui Care Foundation.

I’m fascinated by the project, but struck by how un-Caribbean this all feels. The landscape is far from the typical holiday vision of manicured tropical perfection. There are no golden sands or swaying palms here, only a jungle-like labyrinth of swampy vegetation.

But this muddy chaos is the unlikely scene of something transformational. The mangroves are helping fish and bird populations to recover, protecting local communities from the devastating impacts of hurricanes, and creating jobs for struggling fishermen in kayaking eco tours.

"These trees are rejuvenating the ecosystem, improving lives and creating new tourism opportunities", explains Patricia, her beaming smile testament to what the mangroves mean to the local people of the Samaná peninsula.