“Local governments are turning their backs on this situation, because it is the city councils and public works departments that issue building permits. That is why we say that the issue of land-use planning requires the approval of the law.”.
Taken from Hoy
SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic could face difficult situations in terms of food security if agricultural lands continue to be used for real estate developments, said agronomist Modesto Reyes.
In issuing the warning, he pointed out that it is imperative that the Territorial Planning bill be approved, because with this legislation the best soils would be prevented from being buried under rebar and cement.
Reyes lamented that, due to the attractiveness of the real estate sector, compared to a less profitable one such as agriculture, the most fertile lands in the country are being urbanized, located in the provinces of Espaillat, Hermanas Mirabal, La Vega, and in the municipality of Licey al Medio, in Santiago.
He also said that in Constanza, another important agricultural area, where fruit and vegetable crops abound, "the land is being used for housing developments and cabins.".
In that context, he lamented that the aforementioned bill has been circulating in the National Congress for years.
“We must call the attention of legislators to expedite the approval of this law, because the country cannot be left in disarray when it comes to preserving the best soils.
“You know how many thousands of years it takes for one centimeter of soil to form, more than a thousand years, so we must preserve what we have, it is not something insignificant, the soil is basic, and in any country that wants to have food sovereignty it must be preserved,” he said.
In his view, around 30% of the land suitable for agriculture has been reduced, also due to the devastation caused by slash-and-burn agriculture; "that is why the Government must pay attention to this situation.".
The draft Organic Law on Territorial Planning, Land Use and Human Settlements was submitted to the National Congress more than five years ago, and is under study by a bicameral commission.
The role of local governments
Reyes understands that local governments are not assuming the role that corresponds to them with respect to the problem raised.
“Local governments are turning their backs on this situation, because it is the city councils and public works departments that issue building permits. That is why we say that the issue of land-use planning requires the approval of the law.”.
Non-productive linkage
“In the Dominican Republic, the future is uncertain in terms of food security because of this issue. There is a trend in the country to be more importers than exporters, and it is logical that our food culture is changing. There have been undeniable improvements in people's purchasing power,” Reyes said.
However, he stressed that the national producer must be protected, not a small group.
“In 2021 we imported more than 4 billion dollars in agricultural products, which leads us to think that, probably, a policy of protection of national production is needed, because with imports a very small group benefits.”.
Neglected rurality
In the context of the loss of agricultural land, Reyes believes that the shift of the rural population towards urban centers is due to the fact that the main economic activity is not in agriculture.
"For the countryside to develop, we have to change the view that its residents are different; they are really the same as everyone else and need attention in all areas.".
Source: Hoy newspaper
