标签： Dominican Republic

In a significant step toward promoting ecotourism and environmental conservation, the Ministry of Environment, through its Vice Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity, has certified 28 young residents from Monseñor Nouel and Loma de Blanco as nature interpreter guides. The graduation ceremony was held at Lomas del Cielo Ecocamping, located near Valle Nuevo National Park, and was attended by government authorities, institutions, and community leaders. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable tourism and biodiversity preservation in the region. The comprehensive 112-hour training program, conducted in collaboration with the Civil Defense Risk Management School, covered essential topics such as environmental interpretation, ecological education, visitor management, trail safety, and conservation techniques. Graduates expressed that the certification has transformed their empirical knowledge into professional-level expertise, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the ecotourism sector. Local leaders, including José Alberto De Jesús, president of Asoguiemonb, emphasized that ecotourism is emerging as a vital economic driver for the province, fostering both environmental and community development.

Santo Domingo’s Colonial City will remain fully accessible throughout the December holiday season, as announced by the Ministry of Tourism. Restoration and construction projects, temporarily paused to accommodate the festive period, will resume in January. This strategic decision aims to enhance the visitor experience and support local businesses during the peak tourism season. Tourism Minister David Collado emphasized that the move is designed to maximize economic activity, benefiting merchants and business owners in the area. Engineer Amin Abel Santos, overseeing the restoration efforts, revealed that 70% of the heritage streets have already been completed. Teams are also working diligently to repair sections damaged by recent storms, ensuring all areas are operational by Christmas. Beyond road improvements, the Colonial City is undergoing extensive revitalization, with over 28 projects in progress. These include the restoration of the Ruins of San Francisco, upgrades to the Mercado Modelo, and the rehabilitation of more than 150 homes. Additionally, five new electric buses will soon connect key cultural and tourist hubs, enhancing accessibility to the historic center while alleviating traffic congestion.

London – In a significant cultural event, Banco Popular Dominicano, in collaboration with the Taíno Cultural Center Casa del Cordón and the García Arévalo Foundation, unveiled the book ‘Our First Settlers’ at the Dominican Embassy in London. This presentation was a highlight of the XI Dominican Week in the United Kingdom, celebrating the island’s rich ancestral heritage. The book delves into the historical and symbolic depth of the Taíno Cultural Center’s permanent exhibition, offering a profound insight into the Dominican Republic’s indigenous roots. Ambassador Rosa Hernández de Grullón hosted the event, lauding the initiative for its role in promoting Dominican identity on the global stage. José Mármol, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Reputation, and Responsible Banking at Banco Popular, underscored the book’s significance in ‘rescuing the essence of our origins’ and reaffirming the bank’s dedication to culture, education, and sustainable development. Renowned archaeologist and museographer Carlos León Amores emphasized the book’s educational and heritage value, stating it would be a vital resource for understanding and disseminating Taíno culture. Following its debut in Madrid during Dominican Week in Spain, the London event marked the second stop on the book’s international tour.