SANTO DOMINGO.– On the occasion of World Oceans Day, celebrated last Monday, June 8, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources presented the main advances that the Dominican Republic is developing to strengthen the conservation of marine ecosystems, from the expansion of protected areas to rescue and monitoring programs for threatened species.
The institution highlighted that the country continues to promote an agenda focused on the protection of coastal and marine resources, supported by scientific monitoring, the restoration of vulnerable ecosystems, and compliance with international commitments related to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Protected areas and scientific monitoring
During a specialized panel organized as part of the commemoration, technicians from the Vice Ministry of Coastal and Marine Resources shared progress related to strengthening marine protected areas and initiatives that seek to increase the conservation capacity of Dominican ocean ecosystems.
Among the topics discussed were the results of the Dominican Republic's participation in the International Whaling Commission, as well as the progress made in the global 30x30 initiative, which promotes the conservation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems for the coming decades.
Sea turtles and the return of Juan Pedro
The event also served to present some of the species conservation projects being developed in different parts of the country.
Among them are the monitoring and protection programs for sea turtles, as well as the rescue and rehabilitation experience of the manatee known as "Juan Pedro", whose reintroduction to his natural habitat was presented as one of the emblematic cases of marine conservation promoted by the country.
According to the organization, these initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at preserving vulnerable species and strengthening the health of coastal ecosystems.
Beyond beach cleaning
As part of the commemorative activities, the Environment Ministry carried out a cleanup day in the area of Fort San Gil, on the Malecón of Santo Domingo, together with collaborators and allied organizations.
However, the institution emphasized that ocean conservation requires ongoing actions that go beyond waste collection, including generating scientific information, restoring ecosystems, and sustainably managing marine resources.
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