Image: Natusfera
Barrick Pueblo Viejo recently hosted the webinar “From Critical to Near Threatened: A Look at the Conservation of the Samaná Banded Gecko,” highlighting the successful reclassification of Sphaerodactylus samanensis, a gecko species endemic to the Dominican Republic, from “Critically Endangered” to “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.
The event featured prominent herpetologist Germán Chávez, whose collaborative research with Dominican scientists has been vital in reassessing the conservation status of various reptiles across Latin America.
The webinar attracted a diverse audience, including scientists, students, environmental professionals, and private sector representatives. It underscored the importance of collaborative conservation efforts and served as a case study for how mining operations, like those of Barrick Pueblo Viejo, can align with ecological stewardship.