Mass land titling begins in Dominican Republic’s protected areas

In a significant move to bolster environmental conservation, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has unveiled a comprehensive land titling initiative targeting Los Haitises National Park and the Loma Novillero Forest Reserve in Villa Altagracia. This ambitious project encompasses over 43 million square meters, with 35.2 million square meters allocated to Los Haitises and 7.9 million to Loma Novillero. The initiative aims to formalize land ownership under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, aligning with the National System of Protected Areas (Sinap). Previously, these lands were fragmented among various public institutions, including the Dominican Agrarian Institute, the Directorate of National Assets, and the CEA, which impeded effective conservation efforts. President Abinader underscored the critical role of protecting shared natural resources, describing it as a ‘sacred duty’ for both citizens and the government. This effort is part of a broader national strategy to document and legally safeguard protected areas, organized on a regional basis. The government has already successfully titled more than 730 million square meters in other key areas, including Jaragua National Park, Bahía de Las Águilas, and José del Carmen Ramírez National Park.