The Ministry of Environment and the Desde el Medio Foundation have worked on improving the signage and facilities at Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean and the main attraction in the José Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez National Parks. Quality of the services, facilities and the security of the visitors and park rangers have been improved. Desde el Medio Tours is a leading organizer of hiking tours in the mountain area.
In a press release, the Ministry of Environment explains that the electricity system in the surveillance centers in Las Cienaga, La Compartición and el Valle del Tetero has been improved and all of the communication systems via digital radio have been set up between the centers and the central office in Santo Domingo and Valle Nuevo.
According to Minister Francisco Dominguez Brito, the electrification and establishment of communications was vital for the area, especially in the event of emergencies, fires or rescues.
Some existing bridges have been repaired and other paths established up to Los Tablones, as well as new signage up to Pico Duarte and Valle del Tetero. There are also new rest stations, water and emergency assistance in the areas of La Cotorra and La Laguna.
In addition, the roof of the Valle del Tetero complex has been repaired along with the plumbing. He said that the “Desde el Medio” Foundation, directed by Iván Gómez, had been a very important contributor to carrying out the work especially in the areas where access had been difficult, and that great improvements had been made for the 5,000 visitors per year who come to enjoy eco-tourism and mountaineering.
Plans are underway to improve the four routes used for access to Pico Duarte: La Ciénaga (Jarabacoa), Mata Grande (San José de Las Matas), San Juan de la Maguana and Constanza. The process is planned to conclude in 2019, with construction of new camps in La Guácara and Valle del Bao and the repair of the currently unused camp in Valle de Lilís.
The Ministry said that works are underway to be completed in the first half of the year to open new rest, water and emergency assistance stops in Agüita Fría, Valle de Lilís and Sendero de La Virgen, as well as general maintenance of the La Compartición visitor center.
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Diario Libre
23 January 2018
