Abinader launches national process to title protected areas in Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader delivered the Dominican State’s first six property titles covering land within the Loma Novillero and Montaña La Humeadora national parks, totaling 12.35 million square meters.
Abinader said the initiative marks the first time the country has undertaken a state-led national process to formally title protected areas in the name of the Dominican State. He said the measure will help prevent illegal occupations, protect ecosystems and state assets, and improve environmental management.
The president described Montaña La Humeadora as a vital source of water, noting that more than 16 rivers and 71 streams originate in its mountains. The area plays an important role in supplying water for agriculture and human consumption while helping protect ecosystems and strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change.
Meanwhile, Loma Novillero National Park, located in Villa Altagracia, San Cristóbal province, contributes to water regulation and the conservation of important watersheds benefiting communities in San Cristóbal, Villa Altagracia and Santo Domingo.
The government is also advancing the titling processes for Los Haitises and Loma Siete Picos national parks, which Abinader described as areas of major ecological, hydrological and cultural importance.
Commission created to title protected lands
Through Decree 581-26, the Executive Branch created a Permanent Presidential Commission responsible for identifying, surveying, regularizing and titling state-owned lands located within protected areas.
The commission will oversee the identification, georeferencing, documentation, cadastral regularization and registration of these lands in favor of the Dominican State.
The initiative is part of the administration’s broader effort to formalize ownership of protected lands and strengthen conservation. According to the government, the process will ultimately contribute to the protection of more than 43,000 hectares of national parks and other protected areas.
