The emergence of the Dominican Republic as one of the Caribbean’s top tourist destination has a lot to do with mega-developments like Punta Cana, which features sprawling resorts, golf courses and a marina. From humble beginnings more than 40 years ago, Punta Cana has grown into a powerful tourist magnet that now attracts millions of visitors a year. Facing Puerto Rico on the country’s eastern tip, this tourism center has the Caribbean’s third busiest airport, and offers more than 28,000 hotel rooms. But not far seaward of Punta Cana’s golden sands, one of the area’s most important silent partners suffers. The roughly 30-kilometer (19-mile) coral barrier reef that protects the coast, harbors marine life and attracts snorkelers and divers seeking brilliant underwater... [Log in to read more]