In an inspiring turn of events, the Dominican Republic has successfully restored 20 percent of its land in just ten years through an ambitious reforestation plan. Thirty organizations from the government and civil society united to restore lands affected by diseases or unsuitable for agriculture or cattle ranching. Land owners and farmers were encouraged to reforest their lands to secure a steadier water supply. The trees act like sponges, thereby stabilizing water supplies and making gradual water release possible.
The results are promising, offering better water management, healthier soils, a more resilient ecosystem, and greater economic growth. This reforestation effort has led to the restoration of 193 hectares of forests so far. With a significant improvement in the region’s environment, the Dominican Republic now stands as a model for successful land recovery efforts in Latin America.
