Government leads national reforestation effort using native species

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is leading nationwide activities for Reforestation Month, coordinating over fifty tree-planting days across the country through the Reforestation Directorate of the Vice Ministry of Forest Resources. The initiative, supported by public institutions, NGOs, and private companies, aims to plant more than one million native and endemic seedlings on over 20,000 acres of land affected by human activity. The effort seeks to protect water resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

October was chosen for the campaign because the rainy season provides ideal conditions for seedling growth. Among the species to be planted are Criollo and Caribbean pine, caracolí, white and red cedar, juniper, cabirma, mahogany, almond, and Creole oak, among others.

This large-scale initiative strengthens the National Plan for Reforestation and Restoration of Forest Ecosystems, launched by President Luis Abinader in June 2023. Now entering its second phase, the plan focuses on restoring forest areas, increasing tree cover, improving water quality, and enhancing carbon capture. The provinces most involved include Dajabón, Santiago Rodríguez, San Juan, Elías Piña, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Peravia, Sánchez Ramírez, Santiago, San Cristóbal, Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macorís, and Hato Mayor.