paradigms and transforming
industries. However, the destructive
creativity of companies is rarely
used to confront the environmental
challenges that todays’ society faces.
Climate change, the most severe
of these threats, will have adverse
impact on coastal communities. The
Caribbean tourism industry will be
forced to face this reality. We firmly
believe companies are uniquely
positioned to become agents of
positive change in building more
resilient coastal communities. The
tourism industry can become a true
pioneer in adapting to climate change.
From implementing the largest Zero
Waste program in the Dominican
Republic to restoring degraded coral
reefs, the experience of Puntacana
Resort & Club is a case study in how
environmental protection can pay
financial dividends.
About the author
Jake Kheel is a sustainability innovator, thought-leader, and award-winning
documentary filmmaker. For fifteen years he has confronted social and environmental
challenges in the tourism industry as Vice President of Grupo Puntacana Foundation
in the Dominican Republic. The foundation has pioneered numerous ground-
breaking initiatives, launching the first Zero Waste project in the country and leading
an expansive coral reef restoration initiative that has expanded throughout the
Caribbean. Under his leadership, the Foundation has received numerous international
awards for its environmental programs, including awards from World Tourism and
Travel Council, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, and National Geographic
Traveler.
Jake is also the President of the National Association of Businesses for Environmental
Protection (ECORED) in the Dominican Republic, an association of nearly 100 prominent
companies committed to sustainability.
Jake co-directed and produced the award-winning documentary film Death by a
Thousand Cuts, which explores Dominican-Haitian deforestation and escalating human
conflict on the border. The film was acquired by Participant Media and Univision and
screened at three dozen international film festivals.
Jake has a Master’s in Environmental Management from Cornell University and a B.A.
from Wesleyan University.
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