A nonprofit in Dominica has built a rum distillery to fund long-term conservation projects, aiming to protect local marine life while supporting the community.
Brian Owens reports for Hakai Magazine.
In short:
- Oceans Forward, a Dominican nonprofit, launched the Rosalie Bay Distillery to create a steady income for conservation efforts after unreliable funding and disasters.
- The distillery, producing rum from local sugar cane, aims to sell 7,000-10,000 bottles annually, with proceeds supporting sea turtle patrols, coral restoration and whale protection.
- The project also creates local jobs, supporting farmers and engaging the community in environmental conservation.
Key quote:
“You can’t have successful conservation without taking care of people, too. They are part of the ecosystem you’re protecting.”
— Jake Levenson, founder of Oceans Forward.
Why this matters:
Reliable funding is critical for long-term conservation efforts, especially for species like turtles and corals with lengthy life cycles. The distillery offers a novel way to generate income and engage the community in protecting Dominica's natural resources.
