DR launches guidelines for REDD+ strategy to combat deforestation

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN) of the Dominican Republic unveiled the guidelines for implementing the National Strategy for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), backed by the World Bank.

“This event marks a significant milestone in the Dominican Republic’s efforts to combat climate change and protect our valuable natural resources,” stated Environment Minister Miguel Ceara Hatton during the launch event held in the institution’s Multipurpose Hall.

The launch was also attended by Vice Minister of Climate Change and Sustainability, Milagros De Camps, and Philippe Dardel, World Bank project manager, alongside Vice Ministers René Mateo, José Elías González, and Federico Franco. Also present were Iván Cruz, Director of Financial Mechanisms and Portfolio of the Vice Ministry of Climate Change; Manuel Robles from the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development (Mepyd); and Carmen Amaro, World Bank Operations Officer for the Dominican Republic.

The REDD+ mechanism, developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries through conservation, sustainable forest management, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. This initiative provides financial resources through results-based payments, according to the quantity of verified and validated CO2 tons.

Ceara Hatton highlighted the urgency to act, noting the record temperatures recorded globally in the past decade due to global warming. “Climate change constitutes a global emergency that transcends national borders; it requires coordinated solutions at all levels and international cooperation to move towards a low-carbon economy,” he added.

He emphasized that the reduction of GHG emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the sustained increase of carbon stocks in forests and agroforestry and silvopastoral systems have been achieved thanks to the economic support and guidance from the Central American Commission for Environment and Development, the German Agency for Cooperation, the World Bank, and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.

The REDD+ guidelines are part of the Dominican Republic’s strategy to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, which also aims to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for land management, promoting sustainable agroforestry systems and biodiversity conservation. Examples include coffee and cocoa cultivation under shade, silvopastoral systems, sustainable forest management, and reforestation.

Vice Minister De Camps emphasized the program’s benefits, such as water resource regulation, product quality improvement, economic mobilization, and capacity building.

Carmen Amaro reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to continue supporting the country in implementing REDD+. “But the real work starts now; count on us to continue supporting the sustainable management of the Dominican Republic’s valuable natural capital, contributing to economic development without leaving anyone behind. Congratulations!” she said.

Minister Ceara Hatton concluded by inviting all Dominicans to actively participate in this monumental effort. “Together, we can ensure that our forests remain an essential pillar in the fight against climate change and in building a sustainable future for our nation. Let’s make the REDD+ Strategy a success model and a legacy for future generations!”