The local representative for the very large Spanish non-profit Cesal (Center for Studies and Solidarity with Latin America), Clara Revuelta, explained to the Listin Diario’s Ivonne Arias and Heidy Santana from the Propagas Foundation, just what Cesal has been doing in the Deep South of the Dominican Republic, Listin Diario reports.
The Abinader administration is pouring billions into the development of Pedernales, a border province with Haiti. The investments include resort hotels that would be managed by Spanish corporations. Cesal is strong on gastronomy programs.
It should be noted that Cesal is a multi-national NGO that has operations in 14 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, and is well funded by the Spanish government. In the Dominican Republic, Cesal is focusing on the area around Enriquillo Lake, the lowest point in the Caribbean.
According to Revuelta, the entire region of Pedernales is open for the creation of the social and economic conditions that would improve the lives of the local inhabitants. Cesal has already produced the Ecotourism Guide for Pedernales, built the Municipal Coffee Museum of Polo, Barahona, began the Coffee Route in the same area as well as hiking trails in the region, and supported the beekeeping coop for the women of Puerto Escondido.
Their efforts are concentrated in the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere which is shared by the provinces of Barahona, Bahoruco, Independencia, and Pedernales.
Stresing the enormous natural resources of the region, Revuelta told the Green Meeting of the Listin Diario that conservation is a key issue, along with improving the lives of the inhabitants.
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Listin Diario
Cesal
6 October 2025