The Water Fund of Santo Domingo (FASD) received an injection of RD$3 million from the BHD León Bank to continue works to support the ecological conservation of the Haina River basin ecosystems. These deliver about 35% of the water supply for the capital city.
The funds will go to establish agroforestry systems and will be invested over three years. The project will increase agroforestry coverage to prevent erosion, regulate water flow, and moderate sediment in the area.
Steven Puig, executive president of the BHD Leon, explained the donation falls under the bank’s sustainability strategy. “With this agreement we reaffirm our commitment to contribute to the rescue of one of the most important resources of our planet, water,” he states in a press release.
Roberto Herrera, president of the board of directors of FASD, says to ensure the restoration and conservation of the ecosystems in the watersheds for the supply water to the city of Santo Domingo is part of the mission of the Water Fund of Santo Domingo. “With this agreement we contribute to the ecological restoration of the Haina River basin,” he highlights.
The BHD Leon bank also plans to closely follow up this project with the active participation of the BHD Leon Volunteers.
Josefina Navarro, senior vice president of Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility at Banco BHD León, said the effort seeks to gradually mitigate the consequences of climate change.
Currently, the loss of vegetation cover in the Haina River basin has increased erosion, reducing rainwater retention capacity and sedimentation. This situation is the main cause of flooding and ecosystem deterioration. It is expected that, by 2024, this agreement will bring about a significant improvement in the area.
This year BHD León celebrates 50 years since its foundation as the first mortgage bank in the country and later as the first multiple bank.
The entity was founded on 24 July 1972, when it was known as Banco Hipotecario Dominicano. Its policy of alliances, mergers and acquisitions makes it the second largest privately-owned financial institution in the country.
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Diario Libre
20 January 2022