Environment Minister Orlando Jorge Mera presented institutional achievements and emphasized the positive impact the Ministry of Environment has had on sustainable development and environmental restoration in the country. He said the efforts are directed at mitigating the impact of climate change and to preserve water, protected areas, biodiversity, penalize crimes and strengthen environmental education.
Jorge Mera says the Dominican Republic has been active participating in main international discussion forums and has taken a leading position in combatting the impacts of climate change.
The minister emphasized that the Ministry of the Environment initiated the Plan for the Integral Management of Priority Watersheds in this first year. Priority is given to six of a total of 15 watersheds that supply water to the majority of the population.
He also spoke of efforts to rescue the Valle Nuevo, Los Haitises and Sierra de Bahoruco national parks that are vital for water production. He spoke of efforts to control gravel extraction from rivers, including the intervening of the Nizao River.
Speaking at the event held at the Hotel Embajador, Vice President Raquel Peña said the time had come for the Executive Branch to work closely with mayor’s offices to start urban tree planting in cities, to promote the awareness and the environmental education of the citizens and to promote the environmental perspective in all government.
She also highlighted the need to strengthen the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Invasive Species and called for continued efforts to protect the Valle Nuevo and the Sierra de Bahoruco national parks.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Environment
Presidency
Listin Diario
Hoy
El Nuevo Diario
20 August 2021