Minister of Environment Francisco Domínguez Brito spoke at the United Nations Oceans Conference, calling for greater support for Haiti to improve its natural resources. He explained to the assembly that the Republic of Haiti barely has 2% forest cover and not only has the surface been affected, but that the coral reefs have been devastated.
Domínguez told the United Nations members that “it is essential to help Haiti, we are just one island and to help Haiti in terms of the environment is to also help the Dominican Republic.”
Domínguez Brito said that as an island the Dominican Republic and Haiti have common challenges and threats that come from the negative effects of climate change and the excessive contamination of the world’s oceans. He said: “Our country occupies the eighth place with regards to vulnerability and risk in the face of these threats. The irresponsible dumping of plastic residue and illegal and uncontrolled fishing forces us to take on commitments seeking to preserve the oceans as well as the human goals of food sources and sustainable social development.”
Domínguez Brito called for greater and more effective financing of scientific research that can identify biodegradable alternatives to the use of plastic materials.
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Domínguez Brito clama en la ONU ayuda en medio ambiente a Haití
8 June 2017
