They carry out a reforestation and cleaning day in river basins in Cotuí
COTUÍ – The Ministry of Energy and Mines, along with other State institutions, carried out a reforestation and cleaning day in the community of Hatillo, municipality of Cotuí, Sánchez Ramírez province, where 240 seedlings of cedar, mahogany, Juan Primero, and bamboo were planted in the basins of the Colorao, Zinc, and Margajita rivers.
Dozens of collaborators from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the National Environmental Protection Service (Senpa), and Barrick Pueblo Viejo joined the initiative, which aims to protect water sources, reduce soil erosion, and strengthen environmental conservation efforts.
The day included planting native species and bamboo, as well as cleaning tributaries, as part of the environmental conservation actions promoted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
This activity is part of the ongoing environmental initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The institution also carries out internal reforestation and crop planting programs in Sánchez Ramírez, including planting beans, avocados, plantains, cassava, and sweet potatoes.
On behalf of Minister Joel Santos, the Vice Minister of Mines, Giovanni Bloise, explained that environmental protection is a priority for the country, especially due to the importance of preserving water resources.
Cleaning day
“The environmental issue is vital for the Dominican Republic, because we are an island and we must produce water within our own territory,” he stated.
The deputy minister pointed out that mining development can be carried out responsibly and in harmony with the natural environment. “The environment and supervised, responsible mining activity are perfectly compatible; and instead of detracting from its value, it actually adds to it,” he stated.
The day included planting native species, bamboo, and fruit trees as part of the environmental conservation actions promoted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Meanwhile, Omar Dotel, Director of Environmental and Social Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, highlighted that these initiatives cost-effectively strengthen environmental awareness among participants and leave a positive legacy for future generations.
He indicated that the institution has developed several reforestation programs in different areas of the country, including at the Mejita dam, where there was an environmental liability, and the Ministry managed to recover an area that today constitutes a forest.
Ministry of Energy and Mines carries out reforestation and cleaning day in river basins of Cotuí
Regarding the work done in the basins of those tributaries in that mining district, the provincial director of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in Sánchez Ramírez, Franklin Bautista, thanked Energy and Mines for promoting initiatives that foster a balance between mining activity and environmental protection.
Meanwhile, Jahaziel Serrano, Superintendent of Social Responsibility at Barrick Pueblo Viejo, praised the initiative and reiterated the commitment of all sectors to the conservation of natural resources. He maintained that acting with a focus on sustainability enables responsible management of the present and ensures a better future for future generations.
Day of cleaning and reforestation
During the event, approximately 70 people from various state agencies participated, planting 220 cedar, mahogany, and Juan Primero seedlings as well as 20 bamboo seedlings. These species were selected based on the area’s characteristics and planted approximately 5 meters from the riverbanks. The volunteers also collected plastic waste to prevent pollution.
Also participating in the activity were the Director of Mining Promotion of the Vice Ministry of Mines, Golye Latoufe; the provincial head of Senpa, Major Leonardo Rodríguez; the provincial technical sub-director of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, José Ramón Gómez, among others.
