The Ministry of Environment and the Sur Futuro Foundation kicked off the first day of the National Reforestation Month with a tree-planting activity at the Siembra de Agua Reserve in Azua. This protected area, located in the upper basin of the Tábara River, was chosen as the ideal setting to initiate this month-long environmental campaign.
The event marked the beginning of a series of activities aimed at increasing forest cover and restoring degraded lands across the country. Both organizations planted endemic and native species, such as mahogany, amacey, and heart of palm, in compliance with the reserve’s management plan.
The Siembra de Agua Reserve, a privately owned protected area established by Sur Futuro in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, plays a crucial role in conserving local flora and fauna, protecting soil, and providing water for four rural communities: Tábara Arriba, Las Guanábanas, Los Toros, and Sajanoa.
Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez emphasized the importance of reforestation and highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to restore forest cover under the National Recovery Plan 2023-2024. He stressed that the Siembra de Agua Reserve is a significant milestone in the country’s conservation efforts.
“Every time we plant a tree, we are planting a future,” Henríquez said, emphasizing the need to balance economic development with environmental protection.
Melba Segura de Grullón, president of Sur Futuro, echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that the reforestation campaign is a testament to the government’s commitment to sustainable development. She highlighted the organization’s efforts to produce native and endemic tree seedlings to support the national reforestation plan.
The Ministry of Environment has set an ambitious goal of planting over 400,000 seedlings this month. The event was attended by government officials, environmental experts, and representatives from the private sector, all of whom pledged their support for the initiative.
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Ministry of Environment
7 October 2024