Santo Domingo.- In a significant move towards environmental conservation and sustainable tourism, a co-management agreement was signed for the Padre Nuestro National Park, Cotubanamá Sector, Bayahibe.

The signing ceremony was led by the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Miguel Ceara Hatton, along with Ana García-Sotoca, executive director of the Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association (AHRB); Lidia Pereyra of the Padre Nuestro Guides Association; and biologist Felicita Heredia Lorenzo of the Dominican Foundation for Marine Studies.

This collaborative effort aims to revitalize Padre Nuestro as a tourist attraction and a model of sustainable management, preserving its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

The agreement establishes the creation of a Co-management Council, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, AHRB, the La Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB), and other local and community entities. The council will oversee and implement a comprehensive plan to restore and enhance the trail infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism in the region.

“More than an agreement, this represents a historic commitment to the conservation and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of Padre Nuestro,” said Ceara Hatton. He emphasized that the agreement will focus on rehabilitating infrastructure, improving trails, and promoting environmental conservation practices, marking a significant milestone for the region.