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Biodiversity conservation promoted in communities near Valle Nuevo National Park
The program "Promoting Biodiversity Conservation in Rural Communities" It is an educational initiative designed to promote biodiversity conservation from the communities adjacent to the north side of the Valle Nuevo National Park, which is implemented by INTEC, the José Delio Guzmán Foundation and the Sabina Municipal District Board.
Constanza, La Vega - The Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), in collaboration with the José Delio Guzmán Foundation (FJDG) and the local government, carried out the educational program "Promoting Biodiversity Conservation in Rural Communities", a proposal aimed at empowering rural communities in La Sabina and areas surrounding Valle Nuevo National Park regarding how to conserve the biodiversity of the protected area.
This initiative, sponsored by the projects, "Promoting Collaborative Social Auditing in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot", funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), and "Collaborative Social Audit to Improve Governance in the Protection of Biodiversity Hotspots", supported by the World Bank's Global Partnership for Social Audit (GPSA), both implemented by INTEC; as well as the project Threat reduction in Valle Nuevo National Park, also funded by CEPF and implemented by FJDG, seeks to train communities in sustainable practices and promote the conservation of local biodiversity through participatory environmental education and ecotourism.
Eveling Gabot, a Biodiversity specialist at INTEC, explained that the specific objectives include familiarizing participants with the concept of biodiversity and its importance, raising awareness about threats such as deforestation and climate change, and training them in conservation strategies that can be implemented at the community level, in order to prepare them as guides for interpreting nature.
The program took place on September 21, 22, 28 and 29 in different locations in Constanza, including the Parish of La Sabina, the Parish of the Convent and Villa Pajón for the theoretical part, while for the practical part it took place on the Charco Azul trail, the Enchanted Forest and at Camping by Villa Pajón.
These days included a series of interactive workshops, excursions and discussion groups to encourage the exchange of knowledge, including the BioBlitz, an event in which participants, accompanied by scientists and naturalists, will explore the biodiversity of La Sabina and Valle Nuevo to identify as many species as possible in a short period of time. Using applications such as iNaturalist, attendees will be able to record and monitor their findings, thus contributing to public awareness and the long-term conservation of these ecosystems.
From the perspective of the Collaborative Social Audit, it is important to highlight the joint effort from the different sectors involved in developing these activities. The municipality of La Sabina, in compliance with its agreements with INTEC, has actively facilitated community participation in these conservation processes. Likewise, the local Catholic Church, providing essential spaces for training.
In this sense, the Japanese Colony School, through its participation, offered logistical support, in compliance with its collaboration with INTEC, demonstrating its commitment to environmental education and local development. In turn, the Ministry of Tourism, through its Department of Sustainable Community Tourism, with its participation began the process of integration and promotion of tourist attractions, especially in the community of El Convento. This effort focuses on empowering young people and community leaders, promoting the development of ecotourism initiatives that generate sustainable opportunities and respect local biodiversity.
“It is essential to highlight the active participation of the youth of El Convento and their community leaders. Their involvement has provided a space to reflect and act based on the importance of joining forces between communities, civil society organizations and the public sector, promoting the conservation and sustainable development of protected areas and surrounding communities,” said Manuel Hernández, INTEC project manager.