Atabey

Sosua-Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Inspired by the Mother of Waters from the indigenous Arawak/Taíno culture, Atabey is much more than a submerged sculpture; it is the heart of a movement that combines art, science, and marine conservation. Placed in the waters of Sosúa, Puerto Plata, in the Dominican Republic, Atabey is not only a symbolic representation of Mother Nature but also serves as a living substrate for coral regeneration.

Atabey’s legacy goes beyond its visual beauty. Like the water deity it represents, its presence catalyzes marine protection, mangrove restoration, and coral farming efforts, raising nationwide awareness about the importance of preserving our oceans for future generations.

ANNUAL VISITORS:

+155,000

SOCIAL METRICS DURING BUILD:

PER POST RANGE: 29,198 - 150,000 viewers

IN-PERSON EVENTS: 100 -500 attendees

VOLUNTEERS: +100 builders

ECO-IMPACT:

Marine protected since 2020
400,000 mangroves planted in the upstream lagoon
Land-based coral farm built, growing 650 baby corals to date

METRICS

Local partner Magua Foundation marine protected Sosua Bay since 2020, working with fishermen in Sosua to grow mangroves at the river mouth
We tested micro-fragmentation, nursing the corals in the ocean and finding successful growth rates.
With our local partners Despri Haiti, we have developed a new mangrove restoration site in the Cabarete laguna which flows into the ocean. Mangroves filter and cool the water while employing and engaging the local community and fishermen to prevent planned wildfires.
We are preparing to build a land-based coral farm and education center that will teach the local community techniques to grow coral for Atabey.
We host educational workshops and tours around Atabey, the farm and our mangrove out plantation sites. Proceeds go directly into continuing conservation efforts.