Montecristi, DR.- The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Miguel Ceara Hatton, held an extensive dialogue in this province with local authorities, community representatives, and civil society to emphasize the importance of maintaining a vision of sustainability alongside economic development.
The event, co-led by Nelsy Cruz, Governor of Montecristi, was attended by Jesús Jerez, Mayor of San Fernando de Montecristi, along with Vice Ministers José Ramón Reyes (Coastal and Marine) and René Mateo (Soil and Water). Also present were elected Senator Bernardo Alemán and elected Deputy Johanny Martín.
Erasmo Pichardo, Director of Coordination of Provincial and Municipal Offices of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and Juan Guzmán, Acting Provincial Head of Montecristi, were also in attendance.
Carlos Batista (Cau), a member of Minister Ceara Hatton’s team, outlined the legal framework within which the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources operates and stressed the importance of obtaining the necessary permits for economic activities, such as tourism and ecotourism, before starting any project.
Governor Cruz thanked the minister for his presence and emphasized that dialogue is the best way to resolve any conflict. She appreciated the ministry’s willingness to listen within the legal framework governing its actions as an organ of the Dominican State.
“The time has come for Montecristi to express itself with respect and understanding. I know the ministry is willing, within the legal framework, to address any concerns the citizens may have. Rest assured that my interest, the minister’s interest, and that of everyone here is for Montecristi to develop,” she said.
Carlos Batista reiterated that the ministry’s actions are governed by the Constitution of the Republic, Law 64-00 on Environment and Natural Resources, and sectoral laws, such as the one that creates the National System of Protected Areas. He cited several instances where individuals in the province initiated projects without obtaining the required environmental permits, emphasizing the need to comply with the legal framework.
He also reminded the audience that Montecristi, like Manzanillo, should develop its Land Use Plan with the support of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development.
Meanwhile, Ceara Hatton underscored the importance of integrating environmental sustainability into the region’s economic development. “It is essential that we advance towards economic development that respects and protects our natural resources. Sustainability is key for the future of Montecristi and the entire country,” he said.
“We need to grow, but we need to protect our resources,” he added, noting that while the Dominican Republic has shown stable economic growth since the 1950s, it must deepen its focus on environmental sustainability to ensure a balance between humans and nature.