Sabana de la Mar (Dominican Republic) .- In order to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the municipality of Sabana de la Mar, runs a project that integrates a proposed ecotourism around the "rain forest trail, located in the area National Park Haitises. The project supports the strengthening and integration of different community groups in taking advantage of the offer ecotourism in the area, including training in financial management and organizational management, support for the Youth Association Guides to bring ecotourism trail conditions , ensuring the protection and conservation of flora and fauna species that serve as attractive, and development of advertising material and a website as a tool to attract tourists. The project will last 18 months, has a budget of 2.68 billion pesos in the same participating NGO Alliance, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARENA), the Tourism Development Board and Savanna Ecological the Sea (SAVAMACA), the Sociedad Pro-Rescate Ecológico de Sabana de la Mar (SOPROECO), the Youth Association Guides Green Brigade, the Association of Artisans and boaters in the area and ecotourism complex Caño Hondo. Of the funds for the project, 1.8 million dollars was paid by the Social Fund for Development of the French Embassy in the Dominican Republic and the other by entities in the area. Rafael Mieses, one of the young guide who works in the area, appreciated the importance of the project as it allows young people to stay in their community and not have to emigrate in order to get a job. "Here in Sabana de la Mar many of the young, when we finished high school, we have to emigrate to Santo Domingo because there we have the opportunity to get a job and continue studying. With the implementation of this project is to demonstrate that young people can stay here because we have this wonderful park (the Los Haitises) and we can stay and work in guided tours, "says Mieses. He said that despite this initiative, we need a boost from the Government as they have the natural attractions that would enhance tourism but not the path that would achieve that goal. Rodrigo Segura Franco official NGO Alliance Project, explained that, as far as possible and with the arrival of other funds, they want to build alternative accommodation at the Hotel Paraiso Cano Hondo, and cultural presentations, making it more attractive place for visitors. "What we are seeking," says Segura-is to generate a local tour operator to submit an offer that includes the arts, ecotourism and handicrafts to generate income for the community. " The proposal of the tours include a visit to the chapel of Elupina Miss Lamb, a symbol of popular religiosity in the area, and a National Park area of Los Haitises water and caves. From Sabana de la Mar is possible to see humpback whales that visit the area between December and March, visit the mangroves, tropical rain forest, small islands and several caves where you can see petroglyphs and pictographs, as well as various species of animals and flora specific to the site. Descorides de la Rosa