DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Japanese ambassador to the Dominican Republic Masahiro Takagi learned about the efforts for sustainable mountain conservation at the Loma Quita Espuela Scientific Reserve during his weekend two-day visit to San Francisco de Macorís.

Ambassador Takagi was received by Jesús Moreno Portalatín, president of the Loma Quita Espuela Foundation. The foundation was created by the founder of the Helados Bon ice cream company to preserve the important water sources in the central mountain.

The Fundación Quita Espuela private-public conservation effort is a novel venture. It was the first time in the country when people were not evicted by the government from a protected area. Instead they were trained and supported to become caretakers of sustainable activities in the mountain area. Today there is a small hotel and trails so that visitors can have a comfortable...