The Challenge
Despite progress in tree cover, the Dominican Republic faced high rates of habitat degradation, loss of mangroves, and gaps in effective protection for marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Conservation Threats
Only 20% of forests remained intact
Net loss of mangroves (1000 hectares since 2015)
Incomplete marine protection (only 10.8% protected pre-initiative)
Vulnerability of key biodiversity areas
Stakeholders Affected
Rural communities reliant on forests and ecosystems
Coastal populations dependent on marine health
National economy (protected areas generate ~$920M annually)
The Solution The Solution
National strategy to meet GBF 30×30 goals through spatial and enabler initiatives
The Dominican Republic developed a coordinated national plan, combining over 200 spatial and enabler initiatives. This dual-track approach ensured that marine and terrestrial conservation efforts were matched with reforms in policy, finance, and institutional capacity.
Expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
The country became the first in the Caribbean to reach 30% marine protection by expanding key MPAs, including Cordillera Beata and Banco de la Plata. These actions protect biodiversity hotspots and support the health of regional fisheries and marine ecosystems.
Nationwide reforestation
To reverse forest degradation, the National Reforestation Plan was expanded with a target of 450,000 hectares by 2030. This effort supports carbon sequestration, reduces disaster risks, and creates tens of thousands of rural jobs.
Financing innovations to support conservation
A mix of public and private financial mechanisms were introduced, including a voluntary carbon market and Payment for Ecosystem Services. These tools are designed to generate sustainable revenue while rewarding conservation outcomes.
Key Actions Taken
Reforestation Plan targeting 450,000 hectares by 2030
Expansion of MPAs (Cordillera Beata, Banco de la Plata) adding 5,713,400 hectares of marine protection
Creation of a National Park Rangers Training Program
Strengthening of the voluntary carbon market (US$43–62M potential revenue)
Launch of a US$750M Green Bond, exceeding the program’s full funding needs
Results & Impact
30%
of marine areas protected
450,000
hectares identified for reforestation
$750M
Green Bond issued to support conservation
Government Leadership
President Luis Abinader, Ministry of Environment, and Vice-Ministers leading national workstreams
Institutional Support
Chief Conservation Officer and Ministry of Environment Implementation Team
Her Excellency Ms. Milagros De Camps
Luis Abinader
Alignment with Global Goals
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 30×30 Target
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Climate Action, Life on Land, and Sustainable Economies
Why It Matters
The Dominican Republic’s model demonstrates how strong political leadership, clear implementation structures, and innovative financing can accelerate national conservation goals.
Get Involved
Donors and governments are encouraged to draw from the Dominican Republic’s success—supporting the scale-up of innovative conservation financing models like Green Bonds and ecosystem service payments across the Caribbean and beyond.