SANTO DOMINGO.- Banco Popular Dominicano, through its Popular Volunteer program, carried out a reforestation day together with journalists, communicators and digital creators from the North region, in which more than 6,000 plants were planted in the community of Mezquino, in Los Montones Arriba, municipality of San José de las Matas.
According to the bank, the activity took place on a 107-acre plot of land located in the Bao River sub-basin, within the Jánico micro-basin, with the purpose of contributing to the conservation of water resources and biodiversity in the La Sierra region.
According to data provided by the organization, this is the first reforestation day carried out this year and is part of a program that, since 2000, has included dozens of similar activities with the participation of thousands of volunteers.
Participation and scope of the day
According to the financial institution, around 250 people participated in the activity, including volunteer members, invited communicators and representatives of the digital community.
The planting process was supported by the technical assistance of Plan Sierra, whose specialists guided the participants in preparing the land and correctly planting the species.
Projected environmental impact
According to estimates shared by the bank, the planted trees could, in their adult stage, capture about 1,920 tons of carbon dioxide, retain approximately 720,000 kilograms of soil and store up to 18 million liters of water per year.
It was also indicated that plant survival could be increased by 80% through the use of hydrogel, a material that promotes moisture retention in the soil and protects root development.
Species planted and conservation
According to representatives from Plan Sierra, 31 species of trees and plants were planted during the event, 29 of which are native. They indicated that some of these species are included on the list of threatened species, so their planting contributes to the recovery of local biodiversity.
José Mármol, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications for Grupo Popular, explained that this type of initiative is part of the sustainability actions promoted by the entity.
Similarly, the executive vice president of Plan Sierra, Inmaculada Adames, valued the support of the private sector for this type of activity, considering that they contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Part of an ongoing program
According to the bank, the reforestation efforts are part of its sustainability program, aligned with international environmental and social standards.
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