The National Botanical Garden Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso (JBN) and the Instituto Integral Dominicano (IDDI) agreed to carry out joint actions to reproduce and plant endemic plants, including threatened species that are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The species are valued because they contribute to the ecosystem resilience of the Montaña La Humeadora National Park (PNMLH).
La Humeadora National Park is located in the municipality of Villa Altagracia on the southern slope of the Central Mountain Range (Cordillera Central), about 10 kilometers from the municipality of San Cristóbal.
La Humeadora is a key area of biodiversity, according to the 2019 Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot Ecosystem Profile. The protected area is an important source of water for human consumption, agriculture and hydroelectric generation in the provinces of Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, Peravia, San José de Ocoa, Monseñor Nouel, Sánchez Ramírez, Duarte and Samaná, through the watersheds of the Haina, Nizao, Yuna and Nigua rivers.
This agreement was signed by the general director of the JBN, Pedro Suárez, and the executive director of IDDI, David Luther. They highlighted the importance of conserving the flora, especially in protected areas, thus promoting the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic.
The Botanical Garden and IDDI commit to engage in an environmental protection education process, encourage community participation by promoting the conservation of watersheds, prepare a nursery with appropriate species for the park and carry out due follow-up so that the works are sustainable.
Since its inception, the JBN has positioned itself as the National Scientific Authority in matters of flora. It has trained and continues to train botanical specialists, who carry out numerous explorations with the aim of continuing to document and promote the conservation of the rich flora of Hispaniola.
IDDI is an institution with more than 40 years of experience in programs for the development and strengthening of environmental and municipal management, sanitation, health, environment, disaster risk management, solid waste management and conservation of protected areas.
The activity, which took place in the Administrative Hall of the JBN, was also attended by directors and technical personnel from both institutions.
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Jardin Botanico Nacional
IDDI
26 June 2024