2025News

Ministry of Environment launches Citizen Eco-Heroes Volunteer Program

The Ministry of Environment has launched an environmental volunteer program called “Citizen Eco-Heroes.” The program aims to create a nationwide network of trained volunteers from civil society to act as guardians of the environment.

At the launch event held at the Fray Antón de Montesinos monument, Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez outlined the program’s goals and strategies, a press release from the Ministry of Environment explains. These include integrating all social sectors of the country into the Ministry’s environmental protection efforts.

Minister Henríquez emphasized the importance of volunteerism, describing it as “people selflessly dedicating themselves to the most beautiful function of humanity, which is to help others.” He acknowledged the numerous environmental challenges facing the Dominican Republic, such as desertification, biodiversity loss, and solid waste management. “We cannot address everything solely from the government’s perspective,” he stated, highlighting the need for this volunteer initiative.

The “Citizen Eco-Heroes” program seeks to unite efforts and ideas to tackle these challenges and make a difference. Minister Henríquez stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that the Dominican Republic is projected to be among the 15 countries most affected by climate change in the coming decades. He expressed hope that the country can become a regional leader in addressing these challenges.

The “Citizen Eco-Heroes” program aims to make environmental concepts accessible and promote a sense of ownership and action. It will provide educational tools and concrete steps to inspire citizens to become agents of change, demonstrating that every action counts.

The launch event was attended by several government officials, including the Vice Ministers of Protected Areas and Biodiversity, Environmental Management, Climate Change and Sustainability, Coastal and Marine Resources, and Forest Resources. Other notable attendees included Salesian priest Juan Linares and Vielka Polanco, director of the National Center for Non-Profit Organizations.

Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Environment

3 February 2025