Coastal cities in the Caribbean region are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The intensity of the hurricane seasons that hit these cities head-on and the foreseeable rise in sea level are of particular concern in this context, considering that the Dominican Republic has had significant development over time in coastal tourist areas: tourism is the sector that leads the Dominican Republic’s economic growth. In addition, according to ECLAC, the problem of coastal erosion, regression processes and flooding in coastal areas will affect all countries globally, which will have an impact on the economic development of many cities in coastal areas, especially in the Caribbean, most of which have developed their economies around tourism. In addition, due to these elements derived from climate change, these areas become even more vulnerable for biodiversity and the development of human life itself.
Bayahibe has been characterized by an inclination towards tourism, and for being a community conscious of the fragility of the natural environment that sustains it, given that it is located within the Cotubanamá National Park. Added to these aspects is the fact that building pressure has increased exponentially in recent years, increasing the urban heat island effect and all aspects related to the quality of life under these circumstances. Bayahibe is a municipal district, with 2,260 inhabitants and a level of employment amounting almost equal to its population but received 960,119 visitors as of June 2019 (696,245 foreigners and 263,874 Dominicans) an estimated 424 times the number of inhabitants. These figures represent a significant pressure from an environmental and resource point of view, due to situations linked to the effects of climate change. The city is located between the sea, hotel facilities on the sides and a natural reserve behind it, which makes its situation very particular.