Welcome to The DANA & IVAN CERNY FOUNDATION, a non-profit environmental foundation founded in November 2022, and dedicated to the protection of our oceans, our reefs, and our collective future. We are committed to creating a safe and sustainable environment for our community, both below the surface and at the surface.
At the heart of our mission is the hope to make tourism an environmentally conscious, responsible, and sustainable industry. Our main project focuses on the creation of a new extraordinary Underwater Park Dive Site, designed to provide new habitats for marine life, while also serving as a safe space for beginners and diving courses to practice their skills. By offering an alternative dive site, we plan to reduce the traffic of divers on the natural reefs, allowing them to recover and regenerate.
In addition to our main project, we actively participate in other initiatives such as our Mooring Buoy Project, where we maintain and care for mooring buoys in the Bayahibe area's dive sites to prevent anchor damage. We also organize regular Dive and Coastal Clean-Up Events to reduce the impact of trash on our reefs and educate the community on this issue. Our commitment extends to assisting the community with our diving expertise and skills, providing safe underwater areas, and supporting other environmental foundations in their crucial work. This includes actively participating in coral surveys and transplantation efforts and working hand in hand with fellow foundations to protect and restore our precious marine ecosystems.
Our foundation's story is deeply rooted in honoring the memory of Ivan Cerny, a man dearly loved by our community in the Dominican Republic. Ivan, our founder's late husband, was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. An ardent scuba diving enthusiast, Ivan was captivated by the underwater world, spending countless hours beneath the surface, admiring the beauty of the reefs and the marine life. Tragically, he passed away in January 2022. This foundation stands as a tribute to Ivan's passion and love for the ocean. Our Underwater Park Dive Site will be named in his honor and will feature a statue of Ivan as its first structure, forever overlooking the park and the ocean, embracing his favorite place and fulfilling his everlasting legacy.
Join us in our mission to protect our oceans and build a sustainable future for all!
Our mission at the DANA & IVAN CERNY FOUNDATION is a future where diving tourism becomes a driving force for marine conservation rather than posing a threat to it.
We are dedicated to transforming the tourism industry by promoting sustainable practices that actively contribute to the preservation of our invaluable marine ecosystems.
Through our Underwater Park Project and our initiatives, we strive to establish a harmonious balance between tourism and conservation, fostering a future where both can coexist and thrive.
Our vision is to create a thriving world where the preservation and sustainable management of our oceans and reefs are of utmost importance.
At the heart of this vision is our Underwater Park Project, which will significantly improve marine conservation and diving tourism in the area. We envision a future where our Underwater Park Project stands as an example of environmental stewardship, offering a distinctive and captivating experience for divers while providing new habitats for marine life to flourish.
Through this innovative project and our other initiatives, we aim to inspire a movement of conscious individuals, working together to protect and cherish our precious marine ecosystems and ensure their longevity.
We value and prioritize the protection, marine conservation, and sustainable management of our oceans and reefs. We are committed to safeguarding marine ecosystems for present and future generations.
We are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in tourism and beyond. We advocate for responsible and ethical diving tourism practices that minimize negative environmental impacts and maximize positive contributions to marine conservation.
We recognize the importance of engaging and involving local communities in our initiatives. We believe in the power of collaboration and partnership. We seek to collaborate with individuals, organizations, and communities to amplify our impact and work together towards a common goal of marine conservation.
We believe that education and raising awareness are essential to fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of marine ecosystems, marine conservation and the impact of tourism.
President
Fred, our dedicated President from France, started diving in 2001, quickly rising to become a dive professional in the same year. With more than two decades of experience, Fred has been a significant contributor to various dive centers in Bayahibe, first as a dive professional and later as a proficient manager.
For nearly 20 years
President
Fred, our dedicated President from France, started diving in 2001, quickly rising to become a dive professional in the same year. With more than two decades of experience, Fred has been a significant contributor to various dive centers in Bayahibe, first as a dive professional and later as a proficient manager.
For nearly 20 years, Fred managed a bustling dive center, gaining valuable skills and insights into effective team and company management. His knowledge doesn't stop there— he also understands the intricate details of the local area and its regulations, he also possesses a wide knowledge in boat operation and maintaining.
Even in his current role as a real estate agent, Fred's love for the sea and diving led him to join our foundation. Fred took on the roles of President and Advisor, bringing more than two decades of experience in the sea, in diving in the eastern zone of the country, and in team management to guide and shape our foundation's endeavors.
Fred's extensive experience and dedication make him a key part of our mission to protect the oceans and advocate for marine conservation.
Board Member
Julie is our Vice-President from Belgium, a scientist, and a dive instructor. Julie's background in geography and oceanography provides a unique perspective to our foundation.
Formerly a teacher, Julie loves to share her knowledge of science and marine biology.
In 2015, Julie and her husband, David, followed opened an eco-frie
Board Member
Julie is our Vice-President from Belgium, a scientist, and a dive instructor. Julie's background in geography and oceanography provides a unique perspective to our foundation.
Formerly a teacher, Julie loves to share her knowledge of science and marine biology.
In 2015, Julie and her husband, David, followed opened an eco-friendly dive center in Bayahibe. Their dedication to preserving marine life is not just a mission, but a lifestyle.
Julie actively organizes workshops and activities for local kids. Her teachings include essential topics such as proper garbage discharge procedures and climate issues, educating and inspiring the next generation.
Julie brings her knowledge and experience in conservation and diving tourism to our foundation. She advises and supports our marine conservation efforts by following eco-friendly procedures, ensuring that our actions align with the principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility, and taking part in our Education Program.
Operations Manager
Meet David from Belgium, a true lover of marine conservation. His journey began in the chilly waters of Belgium in 2006, where he started diving. In 2012, David's love for diving led him to the Dominican Republic, where he became a PADI instructor.
In 2015, David and his wife opened an eco-friendly dive center in Bayahibe
Operations Manager
Meet David from Belgium, a true lover of marine conservation. His journey began in the chilly waters of Belgium in 2006, where he started diving. In 2012, David's love for diving led him to the Dominican Republic, where he became a PADI instructor.
In 2015, David and his wife opened an eco-friendly dive center in Bayahibe. Their passion for marine conservation is their main mission.
David's commitment goes beyond the dive center; he's also volunteered with local environmental foundations, lending a hand to marine conservation efforts and the installation of mooring buoys on the dive sites of the Bayahibe area.
In our foundation, David wears the hat of Operations Manager, overseeing the daily logistics and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. His profound love for the ocean and dedication to eco-friendly practices make him an invaluable part of our team.
Science Coordinator
Melina is a passionate advocate for marine conservation from the Dominican Republic, with a master's degree in marine environment and resources. In 2018, she started diving to monitor the health status of coral reefs and worked on coral reproduction. She has volunteered for various NGOs and has great experience educatin
Science Coordinator
Melina is a passionate advocate for marine conservation from the Dominican Republic, with a master's degree in marine environment and resources. In 2018, she started diving to monitor the health status of coral reefs and worked on coral reproduction. She has volunteered for various NGOs and has great experience educating adults and kids about natural science.
In her role as Science Coordinator, Melina is the force behind our Underwater Park Project. She ensures that every aspect aligns with the environmental standards and safety procedures and conducts environmental studies.
Melina also leads our education efforts, working to raise awareness and educate our local communities, children, and schools about environmental issues.
Melina's commitment to our Foundation makes a profound impact on our mission to protect and preserve the ocean.
Office Manager
Meet Jennifer from the Dominican Republic.
With a degree in business administration, Jennifer brings solid knowledge in administration, organization, and accounting.
As our Office Manager, Jennifer is the core of our Foundation, ensuring smooth and easy teamwork and communication. She oversees the Foundation’s agenda, manages
Office Manager
Meet Jennifer from the Dominican Republic.
With a degree in business administration, Jennifer brings solid knowledge in administration, organization, and accounting.
As our Office Manager, Jennifer is the core of our Foundation, ensuring smooth and easy teamwork and communication. She oversees the Foundation’s agenda, manages everyone’s tasks, and attends to our guests and volunteers. She is the liaison with our network of contractors, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring operational efficiency.
Jennifer is committed to creating a collaborative work environment. She coordinates important meetings where ideas take shape, ensuring projects like our underwater park project move forward seamlessly. Her warm reception and efficient guest management guarantee that every visitor feels welcomed and appreciated at our Foundation.
Driven by a motivation for knowledge in marine conservation and a deep desire to contribute to our cause, Jennifer is eager to be a part of positive change.
Boat Captain
Miguel, our exceptional captain from the Dominican Republic, developed a deep connection with the sea from an early age. His maritime journey began working alongside his father on an excursion boat, revealing his true calling for the ocean.
With extensive experience in various dive centers in Bayahibe, Miguel possesses a profo
Boat Captain
Miguel, our exceptional captain from the Dominican Republic, developed a deep connection with the sea from an early age. His maritime journey began working alongside his father on an excursion boat, revealing his true calling for the ocean.
With extensive experience in various dive centers in Bayahibe, Miguel possesses a profound understanding of the local sea, navigating its reefs with precision. Over a decade as Chief of Boat Captains refined his skills in logistics and organization, ensuring every dive is safe and enjoyable.
As the captain of our Foundation, Miguel safeguards both passengers and the sea. His dedication extends to the Mooring Buoy Project, maintaining and replacing diving buoys, and his local expertise is invaluable in mapping our Underwater Park Project. We're grateful for his leadership and passion for preserving the ocean and marine life.
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