Dominican Republic holds first National Oceans Forum to strengthen marine conservation

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC), hosted the First National Oceans Forum, bringing together government officials, academics, businesses, civil society and international organizations to advance ocean governance and sustainable marine resource management.

Held under the theme “The Ocean as the Foundation of Sustainable Prosperity,” the forum aimed to place ocean conservation at the center of the national agenda and lay the groundwork for a future National Ocean Strategy.

Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez said the initiative marks a significant step toward integrated management of the country’s marine and coastal ecosystems, emphasizing that the Dominican Republic’s future is closely tied to the health of its seas.

Participants highlighted that the ocean accounts for roughly 90% of the country’s territory and plays a vital role in supporting tourism, fisheries, coastal communities and the broader economy.

Discussions focused on key challenges facing marine ecosystems, including climate change, marine pollution, coastal erosion and overfishing, while exploring opportunities to expand the country’s sustainable blue economy.

Officials also called for stronger interagency cooperation, science-based policymaking and expanded conservation efforts. Organizers said the forum is expected to become an annual event to promote collaboration, strengthen ocean governance and support the long-term protection of the Dominican Republic’s marine resources.