About the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is found on the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola and is one of the most biologically diverse nations in the Caribbean. Over 30 years ago, conservationists predicted that deforestation rates would cause the island’s forests to vanish completely by 1990. Fortunately, this warning was taken seriously, and the Dominican Republic began to establish its system of protected areas. Today, the country’s natural diversity is protected within 88 protected areas, including national parks, natural monuments, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves representing 24 percent of the nation’s landmass. The Conservancy is active throughout the nation and has key sites in Parque del Este, Samana Bay and Madre de las Aguas.

In Samana Bay and the Yuna River, the Conservancy is working to improve land management and reduce the pollution that drains into the ocean. This is also a great site for whale watching and is spawning a growing ecotourism industry.

The Conservancy has been working for years to protect Parque del Este’s landscapes and coastal areas. We are working with partners to protect its dry forests, mangrove swamps and nesting areas for birds and sea turtles.

Madre de las Aguas containing the headwaters of 17 rivers is the mountain range that provides water for six million people in the Dominican Republic. The Conservancy helped put together a conservation plan for the entire area and is also working on some reforestation efforts in the area.