Tropicalia

Tropicalia, a tourism real estate development by Cisneros Real Estate, offers sophisticated architecture set against the unparalleled natural beauty of Miches in northeastern Dominican Republic. Comprising resort and residential developments, it seamlessly integrates intelligent design with the natural landscape, creating a perfect harmony between time and place. Tropicalia reflects the cultural and philanthropic values of the Cisneros family and is poised to set the standard for sustainable luxury tourism in the Caribbean and beyond.

Four Seasons Tropicalia

Currently under construction is the first phase of our sustainable luxury tourism project, Four Seasons Dominican Republic Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia (Four Seasons Tropicalia), which is situated beachfront on Playa Esmeralda. Designed with a low density and minimal impact approach, the project integrates local and global talent to strengthen Tropicalia’s integral vision. This beachfront resort will feature 95 keys and 25 branded single-family residences, designed by renowned Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld. Our guests will enjoy world-class amenities such as specialty restaurants, a spa, meeting and event spaces, a kids and teens’ club, and a fitness center.

MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ESMS)

Tropicalia uses its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to guide, monitor, and measure the performance of both the project and its suppliers during the construction and operation phases. The ESMS covers areas such as environment, safety and health, sustainable destination management, stakeholders, community development, biodiversity, and other key areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

The Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) includes plans, policies, and procedures that define key performance indicators and guide Tropicalia’s environmental and social performance. It monitors critical aspects such as stakeholder engagement, environmental management, occupational health and safety, contractor management, supply chain, and grievance mechanisms.

During 2024, the ESMS has matured significantly, aiming for compliance, continuous improvement, and alignment with the international standards of our lenders (IDB Invest, CIFI, DEG), GRI, and LEED. Through internal and external audits, specialized training, technical visits, and feedback sessions, the system has been effectively integrated into the operational culture of Four Seasons Tropicalia and has extended beyond the internal team, positively influencing strategic contractors like Bouygues and Therresta, who have begun adopting practices aligned with the ESMS in areas such as environmental management, occupational safety, labor inclusion, and corporate ethics.

LABOR AND HUMAN RIGHTS

In 2010, Tropicalia committed to the United Nations Global Compact Principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. Our corporate policy promotes respect for human rights across all our operations and value chain.

LABOR AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Our corporate policy promotes respect for human rights across all our operations and value chain. We are committed to protecting fundamental and labor rights, while fostering a healthy and safe work environment. Our policies prevent child labor, champion gender equality, ensure equitable opportunities, and uphold freedom of association.

Women represent 44% of Tropicalia’s workforce, with all employees compensated based on experience and role. Tropicalia also hires and trains local residents, 58% of whom come from the Miches community. All Miches-based operations are supported by Fundación Tropicalia’s community development programs.

In 2024, we implemented various actions to strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion, in line with the values established in the Code of Conduct. Additionally, we launched the Tropicalia Ethics Line, which allows anonymous reports and/or suggestions from employees and community members about our business actions. It was shared with internal staff and the entire Four Seasons Tropicalia construction value chain.

For the Four Seasons Tropicalia project, we implemented a Safety and Health Plan covering the construction and operation phases, ensuring compliance with local regulations and active contractor participation. We expect to create 2,000 local jobs during construction.

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

Tropicalia's Sustainability Committee is an interdisciplinary team that oversees the project's environmental and social issues. The committee meets annually to review strategy, evaluate progress, and set goals. It reports to the Executive Committee, including Cisneros executives and external advisors, which strengthens the corporate governance structure. Members are selected based on the specific topics or areas of need being addressed.

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

The Tropicalia Executive Committee is the highest governing body overseeing the design, development, construction, and financing decisions of the Project. Additionally, Tropicalia has a Sustainability Committee, which serves as the primary governing body overseeing environmental and social issues, reporting to the Executive Committee on high-level strategy.

Environmental, social, and occupational health and safety issues are coordinated through Tropicalia’s Sustainability department, which delegates the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to the construction, design, and operations teams.

The Sustainability Committee is an interdisciplinary team that meets annually to discuss strategy, report progress, and define goals for the upcoming year. It is the highest governance body, dedicated to reviewing the environmental and social issues affecting both the business and the sector.

The diversity of the Committee members strengthens this corporate governance structure, which includes senior Cisneros executives and external advisors who are brought in as needed, based on specific topics or areas of expertise.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Tropicalia fosters trust-based relationships with our stakeholders through constant, transparent, and timely communication, which facilitates the smooth exchange of information regarding the impact of our operations.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

We cultivate and foster trust-based relationships with our stakeholders, valuing their active participation in communication and dialogue spaces. This ensures the seamless and constant exchange of critical information, alongside the widespread dissemination of the project’s impact and transparent, timely communication we’ve maintained over the years.

Download our Management and Governance Mechanisms

KEY COMMITMENTS TO SUSTAINABILITY

HOLISTIC BUSINESS: Investing for impact

IDB Invest, part of the Inter-American Development Bank, supports our commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic and fostering socioeconomic inclusion in the region.

HOLISTIC BUSINESS

IDB Invest, part of the Inter-American Development Bank, acts as the lead creditor in the financing of Four Seasons Tropicalia. This confirms that our model meets and exceeds environmental, social, and economic standards, while fostering sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic. IDB Invest contributed US$49 million, joining other local, regional, and international banks such as Banco Popular, Banco López de Haro, Banco BDI, CIFI, and DEG, who collectively contributed US$85.6 million.

In 2024, we received the first disbursement of the mezzanine loan from CIFI Latam, S.A., a leader in infrastructure and energy financing in the region, after meeting all environmental, social, technical, and financial conditions. Notably, Four Seasons Tropicalia achieved the best compliance rating across CIFI’s entire project portfolio.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Innovation and Thoughtful Architecture

Tropicalia worked alongside its design and brand partners to consolidate redesign efforts, consistently prioritizing the sustainable components of the project.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

In 2024, we completed the issuance and delivery of construction plans, reaching 100% of the required documentation for the execution process. We also finalized the landscaping strategy based on the restoration of the primary forest, and began the vertical construction of Four Seasons Tropicalia.

Furthermore, we made considerable progress in the collection and preparation of the documents required for LEED certification. Additionally, we inaugurated La Palapa Tropicalia, a resting place for visitors that reflects our philosophy of regenerative luxury, inspired by the Caribbean essence and combining coastal design with rich Dominican craftsmanship.

ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE: Management Systems and Programs

Tropicalia is dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural environment, supported by its biodiversity and environmental management plans, as well as its participation in PROMICHES to guide the sustainable development and management of its property and the destination.

ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE

During the construction phase of Four Seasons Tropicalia:

Land Use: Our project covers a plot of land of 521,578.73 m², where 67% is allocated to natural conservation and the remaining 33% is under development. We recovered over 30,000 m³ of organic soil from the topsoil layer for reuse in landscaping work.
Water Consumption: We recorded 96,169 gallons of water consumption, distributed in 14% wastewater, 22% potable water, and 64% non-potable water.
Waste Management: We implemented waste separation at the source, achieving a diversion of 98% of waste generated during the construction phase, far exceeding the 75% required for LEED certification.
Biodiversity Management: The exterior lighting design is 100% compatible with the sea turtle habitat. We also developed Nursery plans to reforest the FST with native trees, herbaceous plants, and creepers.
Climate Change Adaptation: We are making progress in preparing the necessary documentation for LEED certification.
Environmental and Social Audits: Environmental and social audits were conducted by IDB Invest and the ICAs (Independent Consultant Auditors) for the environmental permits.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: A Collaborative Effort

Tropicalia's commitment to community development is channeled both through its participation in PROMICHES, supporting public-private initiatives to establish the necessary infrastructure for responsible destination development, and through the work of Fundación Tropicalia, we promote human development in Miches, focusing on education, gender equity, economic participation, cultural identity, and environmental awareness.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

In 2024, Fundación Tropicalia:

Impacted 2,252 people through five programs, 51.7% of whom were women and girls.
Launched the Mi Ruta pilot program, an initiative between Fundación Tropicalia and IDB Invest aimed at empowering Miches youth with key tools for their professional future.
Received a donation from the Airbnb Community Fund. The Airbnb Community funds will be used to establish and equip a new center, hire staff, and implement continuous development programs for children and adolescents.
Achieved non-profit association status under the sectorial of the National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONANI) for a two-year period.

Tropicalia

Tropicalia

Four Seasons Tropicalia

MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ESMS)

LABOR AND HUMAN RIGHTS

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Download our Management and Governance Mechanisms

KEY COMMITMENTS TO SUSTAINABILITY

HOLISTIC BUSINESS: Investing for impact

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Innovation and Thoughtful Architecture

ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE: Management Systems and Programs

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: A Collaborative Effort

Download our Key Commitments to Sustainability

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