SANTO DOMINGO - The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) and HIT Puerto Río Haina were recognized by the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS) with the 2025 Maritime Award of the Americas in the Port-City Relationship category for their successful practices that integrate port development with social, environmental and cultural benefits for the community.
The award highlights the impact of the Sea Turtle Conservation and Protection Program at Manresa Beach, an initiative that exemplifies how sustainability is built through collaboration. The program is the result of a strong inter-institutional alliance between Apordom, HIT Puerto Río Haina, the Ministry of the Environment, the National Aquarium, and the community of Km. 13; enabling the protection of nests, increasing the birth rate of endangered species, and raising awareness about the ecological value of this coastal area.
Jean Luis Rodríguez, director of the entity, highlighted that this new distinction consolidates the Dominican Republic's port leadership in the Americas and reflects the commitment of all members of the Dominican port system to the principles of modern and sustainable port development, aligned with the Roatán Action Plan and the strategic priorities of the CIP-OAS.
“This recognition highlights the collaborative efforts between the port sector and the local community in the area of the Río Haina Port, with an emphasis on sustainability, territorial integration, social responsibility and the strengthening of ties between the port and the citizens,” emphasized Jean Luis Rodríguez.
“This recognition validates that a port development model that also protects marine life and adds value to its surroundings is possible. The sea turtle conservation program at Playa Manresa is a clear example of how, with a strong public-private partnership, concrete results can be achieved. It is an initiative that confirms that sustainability is built through collaboration, commitment, and action.” —Erik Alma, CEO of HIT Puerto Río Haina.
In this eleventh edition of the Maritime Award of the Americas, under the motto "Recognizing outstanding port management", the evaluation jury received 19 high-level applications from eight countries of the continent.
In addition to the Dominican Republic's recognition, the Port Terminal of Manta, Ecuador, was awarded for disaster risk management, and Portonave SA, Brazil, for green port management and sustainability. Honorable mentions were given to the Port of Ventanas, Chile, and JAPDEVA, Costa Rica
The awards will be presented at the VI Hemispheric Conference on Sustainable Port Management and Environmental Protection, to be held in Lima, Peru, from September 23 to 25, 2025.
The Inter-American Committee on Ports is the only permanent intergovernmental forum of the OAS that brings together the National Port Authorities of the 34 Member States, promoting a competitive, safe, sustainable and inclusive maritime-port sector.
