Lack of education about protected areas worries environmentalists

Environmental specialists advocated for the strengthening of citizen environmental education, in which the state plays a fundamental role. They stated that they expect the implementation of the Regulations of the Law of Environmental Education and Communication, to strengthen the system of Protected Areas, and to protect the different ecosystems. They also reported that 25.3% of Dominican land territory is protected space, with a marine protected area equivalent to 10.8%, and that last year there were more than 2 million visitors, being considered as tourist destinations.

These statements were made at Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña, during the Environmental Education Forum 2023, which had Education and Sustainability as its central theme. Panelists Roberto Gómez, administrator of the Natural Monument Saltos de Damajagua of the Ministry of Environment and Eladio Fernández, adviser on Biodiversity, of the Propagas Foundation, who emphasized that there are multiple ways to effectively achieve an environmental education in people and communities, through the discovery and valorization of our natural resources. 

One of these ways of educating is through environmental photography, which also serves as a tool for reporting and monitoring our ecosystems, as a trigger for research. An example of this are the species of orchids and palms, which in their incursions has discovered and registered the also researcher and environmental photographer Eladio Fernández, recommending that it is possible to preserve our ecosystems while promoting the development of communities. Fernández and Gómez agree that protected areas are not only important for the protection of fauna and flora, but also for the provision of fundamental eco-systemic services, such as climate regulation, water purification and maintenance of soil quality. 

As a solution, environmentalists called for promoting a comprehensive environmental education and training environmental leaders, from the early stages of education. Environmental authorities and organizations were also urged to strengthen outreach and awareness programs to involve the community in the protection of these natural areas.

This forum was the product of a successful strategic partnership between the public, private and academic sectors, represented by ITESMARENA, Fundación Propagas and UNPHU.