Santo Domingo has witnessed a landmark institutional collaboration between cultural authorities and land regularization experts to secure the nation’s historical patrimony. The Dominican Ministry of Culture and the State Land Titling Technical Unit (UTECT) have formally established a three-year cooperative framework dedicated to the legal regularization of state-owned cultural properties.
This strategic partnership, ceremonially endorsed by Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo and UTECT Executive Director Duarte Méndez Peña, directly addresses the critical need for establishing definitive legal ownership over lands containing national monuments, archaeological zones, and heritage structures. The initiative operates under the legal provisions of Law 108-05 on Real Estate Registration, forming a core component of President Luis Abinader’s broader vision for institutional strengthening and cultural preservation.
The operational mechanics of the agreement designate clear responsibilities for each institution. UTECT will deploy its technical expertise, providing comprehensive cadastral and registry support. This involves conducting precise land surveys, executing field investigations, and managing the intricate legal procedures required for title regularization. Concurrently, the Ministry of Culture will undertake the crucial role of furnishing all necessary documentation, actively participating in field operations to identify pertinent properties, and assuming financial responsibility for all associated costs.
A significant outcome of this alliance is the formation of a joint monitoring committee, tasked with overseeing the agreement’s implementation throughout its validity period. Officials from both institutions have emphasized that this endeavor transcends mere administrative procedure; it is a vital measure for ensuring permanent legal protection, reinforcing territorial sovereignty, and safeguarding the Dominican Republic’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage for future generations.