Environmentalists are raising concerns over the Dominican government’s recent tree-planting initiative along the border with Haiti, questioning the emphasis on non-native flamboyant trees (Delonix regia), Diario Libre reports. President Luis Abinader himself participated in planting these trees as part of the “Framboyanes por mi Patria” reforestation effort.
While the campaign mainly includes native species such as Creole mahogany, cedar, and pigeonwood, environmental activist Nelson Bautista criticized the promotion of the flamboyants, which were purchased from private nurseries by the Ministry of Defense rather than sourced from the Ministry of Environment’s nurseries.
In an interview with Diario Libre, Bautista stated: “Although only a small fraction of the thousands of trees planned for the border were flamboyants, putting the environment minister and the President at the forefront of planting an invasive species creates unnecessary confusion and undermines efforts that should focus on protecting our endemic and native species.”
Native to Madagascar, flamboyant trees were introduced to the Dominican Republic for their ornamental value. However, their rapid spread in the border region could threaten local vegetation and agricultural lands. The trees’ extensive root systems compete with native flora for water and nutrients, disrupting the ecosystem’s balance. Farmers report that flamboyants quickly overtake crops, reducing harvests and complicating harvesting processes.
Experts warn that the absence of natural predators to control flamboyant populations exacerbates the problem of using the beautiful trees. They urge cross-border collaboration between Dominican and Haitian authorities to develop a management plan before the invasion further damages the region’s environment and agricultural economy.
As part of the same tree-planting campaign in border provinces, six kilometers in Pedernales were reforested with approximately 2,000 seedlings of cedar, pigeonwood, and Creole mahogany. In Independencia, a four-kilometer stretch was reforested with 1,500 Creole mahogany and pigeonwood seedlings. In Elías Piña, three kilometers were planted with around 1,000 Creole mahogany seedlings. Due to the arid conditions in Elías Piña, some areas required prior ground preparation and the use of polymer to ensure a water source for up to six months.
Environmentalists have for years argued in favor of planting fences of trees on the border instead of the cement block and wire fences undertaken by the Ministry of Defense for around 50 km of border area.
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Diario Libre
8 May 2025