2020 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE Opportunities for Employment, Tourism, and Energy © 2020 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Attribution: Please cite the work as follows: “World Bank. 2020. Dominican Republic: Opportunities for Employment, Tourism, and Energy. © World Bank .” Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: pubrights@ worldbank.org. Acknowledgments: This report was produced under the overall guidance of Rodrigo Martínez Fernández. The Bank’s team was made up of lead consultant Lawrence Szott, and German Obando, Gustavo Solano and Rene Rivera. It had the collaboration and contributions of Giuseppe Topa, Muhammad Najeeb Khan, Ben de Jong, Shaadee Ahmadnia, Anabella Palacios, Gerardo Segura, Philippe Dardel and Julia Navarro. Special thanks to the team at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. The team is also grateful for the generous contribution of the Forest Carbon Cooperative Fund (FCPF) and the Wrold Bank Forest Program (PROFOR). Cover photo: Rey Perezoso DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE Opportunities for Employment, Tourism, and Energy NOVEMBER 28, 2020 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE KEY COUNTRY AND FORESTRY STATISTICS Population Statistics Source Non-marine area of country (km2) 48,511 1 Population 2015 (millions) 10.3 2 Urban population 2015 (%) 79% 2 Rural population 2015 (%) 21% 2 Urban population growth 2005-2015 (annual %) 2.82% 2 Rural population growth 2005-2015 (annual %) -2.96% 2 Economic Indicators (Average 2005-2015) GDP growth (annual %) 5.7% 2 Industry, including construction (% GDP) 29.2% 2 Agriculture, forestry, and fishing (% GDP) 6.0% 2 Forest rent (% GDP) 0.04% 2 Tourism (% of GDP) 8.6% 3 Number of tourists (million/year) 4.4 3 Growth in number of tourists (annual %) 4.6% 3 Poverty Indicators General (monetary) poverty rate 2015 (%) 30.8% 4 Extreme poverty 2015 (%) 6.3% 4 Growth in general monetary poverty rate 2005-2015 (annual %) -4.1% 4 Growth in extreme poverty rate 2005-2015 (annual %) -7.4% 4 Key Forest Statistics Area in primary or mature forests 2015 (thousand ha ) 483 5 Area in secondary or degraded forests 2015 (thousand ha) 1,591 5 Primary or mature forests of total land area 2015 (%) 10% 5 Secondary or degraded forests of total land area 2015 (%) 33% 5 2 Source Average losses of primary or mature forests 2005-2015 (thousand ha/ 3.9 year) 5 Average gains of primary or mature forests 2005-2015 (thousand ha/ 4.6 year) 5 Average losses of secondary or degraded forests 2005-2015 (thousand 18.8 ha/year) 5 Average gains of secondary or degraded forests 2005-2015 (thousand 42.5 ha/year) 5 Area with a Forest Management Plan 2000-2016 (thousand ha) 69.6 6 Area with logging permits 2011-2016 (thousands ha) 6.7 6 Volume with logging permits 2011-2016 (thousand m3) 147.0 6 Reforested area by the QVNP (2011-2016, thousand ha) 67.9 7 Number of trees planted by the QVNP (2011-2016, million plants) 62.7 7 Annual average of direct employment generated by the QVNP (2011- 4,588 2016, jobs/year) 7 Annual average cost of the QVNP (2011-2016, million USD/year) 6.5 8 Sources 1 Dominicana.gob.do (2020). 2 The World Bank - World Development Indicators. 3 UN World Tourism Organization. 4 ONE – Poverty Rates. 5 Obando (2018) cited in MIMARENA & FCPF (2019) and Sud-Austral et al. (2018) 6 MIMARENA. Vice-Ministry of Forest Resources. 7 MIMARENA. Office of Quisqueya Verde National Plan (QVNP) – Reforestation Program. 8 MIMAREMA. Financial Execution Reports. Direction of Reforestation Program. 3 Photo: Rui Freitas Rego DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE 4 Photo: Río Yuna TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 9 COUNTRY AND FORESTRY SECTOR OVERVIEW 13 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS, INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS AND 15 SUPPORT Legal and Institutional Framework 15 International Commitments 18 International Cooperation 20 The World Bank's Engagement in the Dominican Republic 20 FORESTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 23 Forest Cover 23 Forests’ Contribution to Economic Growth and Employment 26 Wood Products 26 Firewood and Charcoal 29 Reforestation 29 Wood Biomass for Energy 31 Forest Ecosystem Services - Water and Greenhouse Gas Sequestration 33 Synergies of Forests with Tourism 34 FOREST DYNAMICS AND THREATS 37 Forest dynamics 37 Direct drivers of forest loss 41 Indirect drivers of forest loss 42 FOREST CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 45 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 47 Specific Recommendations 49 REFERENCES 50 Annex 1. Dominican Republic Economic Growth and Poverty 53 Annex 2. Legal and Institutional Frameworks 54 Annex 3. Environmental Projects Financed by International Cooperation 64 Annex 4. MIMARENA and International Cooperation Funding (2015-2019) 70 Annex 5. National System of Protected Areas - SINAP, 2019 71 5 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE CONTENT OF TABLES, FIGURES, BOXES, AND MAPS Table 1 International cooperation projects by donor, 2015-2019 21 Table 2 International cooperation by topic and END 2030 21 Table 3 Summary of challenges for forest management and conservation based on 46 PROFOR PRIME results Table A2.1 The END’s objectives and action lines related to forestry 58 Table A2.2 Correspondence between END action lines and MAMARENA´s ISP action 61 lines Table A5.1 Protected Natural Areas 72 Figure 1 Land use in the Dominican Republic, 2015 24 Figure 2 Location of primary and secondary forests and changes in forest cover 24 Figure 3 National System of Protected Areas (SINAP) of the Dominican Republic 26 Figure 4 Contribution of the forestry sector to national GDP Dominican Republic 28 Figure 5 Percentage of population in living in extreme poverty by region (2016) 42 Box 1 Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction (2000-2015) 14 Box 2 Emissions Reduction Program (ERP) 19 Box 3 Forest Cover in the Dominican Republic 25 Box 4 Wealth and Natural Capital: The World Bank Methodology 27 Box 5 The Forest Industry in the Dominican Republic 28 Box 6 Household Firewood and Charcoal Consumption 30 Box 7 Illegal Charcoal Production in the Dominican Republic 31 Box 8 Employment Generation by the Quisqueya Verde National Plan 32 Box 9 Reforestation and Employment: The Roosevelt’s Tree Army in USA 33 Box 10 Potential of Protected Areas for Nature-Based Tourism 36 Box 11 Dynamics of Forest Cover in the Dominican Republic 38 Box 12 Changes in Land Use Cover, 2005 - 2015 (1,000 hectares) 39 Box 13 Reforestation by Governmental Programs and the QVNP, 1983-2018 40 Box 14 Land Tenure Limitations in the Dominican Republic 43 Box A2.1 History of Environmental Legislation 55 Box A2.2 Organization and Activities of the Vice-Ministry of Forestry Resources 57 Box A2.3 Environmental Goals and Results of END 2030 60 Box A2.4 The MIMARENA’s Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP) 2020-2023 61 6 ACRONYMS Acronym Description Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (Spanish Agency AECID for International Development Cooperation) ASANUMI Asociación de Agricultores Nuevo Milenio (New Millennium Farmers Association) BCCC-SCRC Basel Convention Coordinating Centre - Stockholm Convention Regional Centre BID Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (Inter-American Development Bank) CCC Civilian Conservation Corps CEA Consejo Estatal del Azúcar (State Sugar Council) CEDAF Center for the Development of Agriculture and Forestry CFD Cámara Forestal Dominicana (Dominican Forestry Chamber) CFN Country Forest Note Comité Interinstitucional para el Desarrollo de las Cuentas del Agua (Inter-Agency CIDECA Committee for the Development of Water Accounts) CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CLR Completion and Learning Report CMBDH Comisión Mixta Bilateral Dominico Haitiana (Dominican-Haitian Joint Commission) CNE Comisión Nacional de Energía (National Energy Commission) CPF Country Partnership Framework CPU Clean and Sustainable Production Unit CRESER Centro Regional de Estudios y Servicios (Regional Centre for Studies and Services) Coordinador Regional de Investigación Económica y Social (Regional Coordinator of CRIES Economic and Social Research) Cluster de Turismo y Producción de la Provincia de Barahona (Tourism and Production CTPPB Cluster of the Barahona Province) DBH Diameter at Breast Height División de Inventario de Recursos Naturales del Ministerio de Agricultura (Natural DIRENA Resources Inventory Division of the Ministry of Agriculture) DR Dominican Republic DRM Disaster Risk Management ECLAC United Nations - Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean END Estrategia Nacional de Desarrollo (National Development Strategy ERP Emissions Reduction Program FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FCPC Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Fondo Nacional de Financiamiento Forestal de Costa Rica (National Forestry Financing FONAFIFO Fund of Costa Rica) FUNDEPROCUNIPA Foundation for the Development and Protection of the Nizaíto River Basin in Paraíso GCCA+ Global Climate Change Alliance Plus GCF Green Climate Fund GCRI Global Climate Risk Index GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environment Facility GFW Global Forest Watch GHG Greenhouse Gases 7 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE Acronym Description GSTA Global Alliance for Sustainable Tourism GTZ German Corporation for International Cooperation HLPF United Nations High Level Political Forum IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency IC International Cooperation IDB Inter-American Development Bank ISP Institutional Strategic Plan IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas Ministerio de Economía, Planificación y Desarrollo (Ministry of Economy, Planning and MEPyD Development) Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Ministry of Environment and MIMARENA Natural Resources) NDC Nationally Determined Contribution OAS Organization of American States ONE Oficina Nacional de Estadística (National Statistics Office) PES-CYN Payment for Environmental Services (Proyecto Cuenca del Río Yaque del Norte) Plan Nacional de Igualdad y Equidad de Género (National Gender Equality and Equity PLANEG III Plan) PRIME Productivity, Rights, Investments, Markets and Ecosystem Services PROFOR Forest-Smart Program PRONATURA Fondo Pro Naturaleza, Inc (Pro Natur Fund, Inc) PVDC Pueblo Viejo Dominican Corporation (Corporación Dominicana Pueblo Viejo) QVNP Quisqueya Verde National Plan (Plan Nacional Quisqueya Verde) REDD+ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation SADP Sustainable Agroforestry Development Program SCD Systematic Country Diagnostic SDG Sustainable Development Goals Secretaría de Estado de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Secretary of State for SEMARENA the Environment and Natural Resources) SENPA Servicio Nacional de Protección Ambiental (National Environmental Protection Service) SIEN Sistema de Información Energética Nacional (National Energy Information System) SINAP Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (National System of Protected Areas) TNC The Nature Conservancy TOE Tons of Oil Equivalent UN United Nations UNEP United Nationas Environmental Programme UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund UNPD United Nations Development Programme USAID United States Agency for International Development WB World Bank WDI World Development Indicators WTTC World Travel and Tourism Council 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Photo: Karen The objectives of this Country Forest Note Forests regulate water supply for agriculture, (CFN) are to identify and determine how to drinking water, and hydroelectric electricity address key opportunities and challenges generation, and serve as a source of scenic for sustainable forestry and forest-smart beauty while conserving biodiversity. They also interventions in the Dominican Republic. help reduce the high inherent vulnerability of Essential questions addressed by the CFN the Dominican Republic to climate change are the importance of forests and how the and extreme weather events caused by its forestry sector can achieve its full potential. The geographical location and topography. responses are framed by two perspectives: the Economically, forest-related activities contribute importance of forests in boosting economic to income and employment generation through development in the Dominican Republic, agroforestry, reforestation programs, wood reducing poverty, and facilitating the harvests, and direct or indirect contributions to sustainability of such development and the role food production. of forestry in the context of global issues, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mitigation, The country’s forest cover has been nationally determined contribution (NDC) historically dynamic. In the middle of the objectives, global poverty reduction, and the 20th century forest cover was reduced to services provided by global ecosystems. less than 12% of the country´s territory due to the expansion of the agricultural The Dominican Republic’s forests provide a frontier, but beginning in the 1980s, an range of services from water for agriculture intense but sometimes contradictory legislative and human consumption, to food and scenic and regulatory process that established beauty, and resilience to climate change and logging prohibitions and incentives for forest extreme climatic events; they also provide production and reforestation resulted in forest income and employment opportunities. recovery. By 2015, forests covered 46% of the 9 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE country’s territory but were mostly secondary or based tourism whose potential is increasing, degraded forests. driven mainly by domestic tourists interested in landscape scenic beauty. Nature tourism The net increase of forest cover during based on forest landscapes provides a great the last two decades differentiates the opportunity for diversifying the Republic´s Dominican Republic from most countries traditional sun and beach tourism, which in the region where continuing forest loss has been the main engine of growth in the is common. This increase, however, has country over the last 30 years, at the same time not been homogeneous, since secondary that it helps increase the income and reduce or degraded forests have tended to increase poverty of rural populations while promoting at the expense of primary or mature forests, the conservation of biodiversity, forests, and with consequent impacts on forest quality, ecosystem services. However, overlapping biodiversity, and carbon stocks. responsibilities of environmental authorities The Dominican Republic´s comprehensive and the Armed Forces, especially in the environmental and forest legal and management of the National Environmental institutional framework has contributed to Protection Service (SENPA), has implications for the forest recovery observed and provides the effectiveness of surveillance and control of the basis for expanding the potential of protected areas and forests in general, as well forests in the future. Currently there are as for overall coordination and communication. several objectives and lines of action related These problems are compounded by the large to forests in the country´s most important territorial extent and complex challenges of long-term planning instrument, the National managing protected areas, combined with the Development Strategy 2030 – END 2030. limited institutional capacities and resources The Strategy aims for a net forest growth rate of the Ministry of Environment and Natural of 0.2% per year on average for the period Resources (MIMARENA). 2020-2030 and a reduction of 25% of GHG Another example is the government’s emissions by 2030, relative to the 2010 reforestation policies and programs that baseline (3.6 tCO2e per capita), equivalent have contributed to forest recovery. to a reduction on the order of 25 million Reforestation of almost 200,000 hectares, tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) mainly through the Quisqueya Verde National across all sectors. Despite this overlying legal Plan (QVNP), has been successful in generating and institutional architecture, problems of employment for local rural populations through institutional coordination and capacity reduce the implementation of reforestation brigades. the effectiveness of laws, regulations, and Expansion of such activities, as well as forest institutions as well as the potential of future restoration programs in protected areas and opportunities for forest use and watersheds, could play an important role in management. generating unskilled employment that would One example is the National System counteract COVID-19´s strong negative impacts of Protected Areas (SINAP). Since its on employment in the tourism sector. However, creation, the SINAP has played a key role the effectiveness of reforestation in increasing in the conservation of protected areas, forest cover is in question due to inadequate with concomitant reductions of pressure incentives, control, and monitoring needed on natural forests, with the result that the to assure survival of reforested areas into the Dominican Republic now has significant future. areas of the national territory in protected Similarly, reforestation could be expanded areas oriented towards the conservation of to include the production of firewood, biodiversity. The SINAP´s legal framework which is the main source of energy for rural and wide territorial coverage can serve as the households, and wood biomass for energy base for the potential expansion of nature- generation, which is an important part of 10 a more sustainable energy matrix. These With the support of the World Bank, activities have the potential to contribute to the Dominican Republic is addressing greater use of renewable energies, lower some of these issues, via a program to emissions of greenhouse gases, and a reduce emissions from deforestation and decrease in the country’s dependence on forest degradation (REDD+) that aims to imported fossil fuels for energy generation. reduce 5 million tCO2e. This program aims However, firewood and wood biomass at strengthening the system of protected production are unorganized, unregulated, areas, increasing the area reforested by the unsupervised, oftentimes illegal, and operate QVNP by 64,000 hectares in 5 years; and far below their potential due to insufficient developing agroforestry, silvopastoral and information on potential supply and demand, resilient agriculture systems on another 54,000 productive processes, and channels for hectares. The program will not only seek to commercialization. Beside greater institutional reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but coordination, monitoring, information will also strengthen the legal and institutional generation, and enforcement, public policies framework, establish policies to contain the are also needed to encourage private expansion of the agricultural frontier into investment in this area. forested areas, and promote conservation practices and the sustainable use of forests.1 More generally, the fulfillment of the These measures will also contribute to the potential of forests to provide ecosystem achievement of the goals established in the services, biodiversity, income generation, National Development Strategy for 2030, and employment creation depends on several of the Sustainable Development overcoming the economic and institutional Goals (SDGs), as well as some international barriers to forest management and commitments in the area of biodiversity. The conservation that result in under-valuation program is supported by the World Bank, the of the forests and their conversion to Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other uses. The greatest direct threat to the other international cooperation entities whose conservation of natural and planted forests actions are focused mainly on developing is the expansion of the agricultural frontier, projects aimed at terrestrial ecosystems and especially in forested hillside areas, and forests, and to a lesser extent at institutional informal or illegal activities such as firewood capacity-building and issues related to harvesting as well as charcoal production marine ecosystems. Priorities for institutional and smuggling in areas bordering Haiti. The strengthening include management of the expansion of the agricultural frontier and illegal QVPN and the National Protected Areas activities based on deforestation and forest System and a system for monitoring and degradation is caused by structural economic evaluating forest management, conservation, factors including: the limited awareness and and reforestation as well as for the effective knowledge about the economic potential implementation of agroforestry, silvopastoral, of forests for providing marketable goods and resilient agriculture systems. or ecosystem services, market limitations for ecosystem services, the lack of secure land The total cost of the REDD+ program is tenure and property rights, poverty, and estimated to be USD 153.8 million and unemployment. These economic factors act in should be financed both by the Dominican concert with institutional weaknesses such as Republic government, contributions limited capacity to enforce existing regulations, from international cooperation, as well ineffective territorial planning and control, as investments from the private sector. and low management capacity of forest and Resources in the MIMARENA´s current budget, protected areas. and existing funding for the President’s 1 MIMARENA & FCPF (2019) 11 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE Sustainable Agroforestry Development partnership strategy based on a Systematic Program (SADP) can cover a high percentage Country Diagnostic (SCD) carried out in 2018 of the costs of REDD+ if these investments are will focus on the improvement of natural used more effectively than at present. resource management and the enhancement of resistance to disasters and climate risks, The environmental component of the World especially a multi-sectoral and integrated Bank’s fiscal year 2015-2018 partnership spatial approach applied to resilient agriculture strategy with the Dominican Republic and integrated water resource management. focused on disaster risk management and REDD+ project preparation. The environmental component of the new Photo: Li Tsin Soon 12 COUNTRY AND FORESTRY SECTOR OVERVIEW Photo: World Bank Photo Collec on Since the recession of 1990, the Dominican to the crisis of 2003 and 2004, when 60% of Republic (DR) has experienced rapid the rural population was affected by monetary economic growth and poverty reduction, poverty and 12% by extreme poverty (Box 1, principally as a result of growth of tourism Annex 1), rural poverty in 2015 was reduced to and the service sector. Between 1995 and 38% and extreme poverty to 5%. 2015 the DR economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.2%. Within this context, the This economic growth occurred despite the service sector grew from 50% of the Gross economic impacts of extreme climate events Domestic Product (GDP) in 1995 to 59% in to which the DR, due to its geographic 2015 and within the service sector travel and location and mountainous topography, tourism grew from 15% to 17% in the same is highly vulnerable. In the past 40 years, period.2 In contrast, the contribution of the disasters caused average annual losses manufacturing sector (including construction) amounting to 0.7 percent of GDP per year, and to GDP decreased from 32% to 29% and the catastrophic events can potentially destroy a agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector went greater share of assets in the DR than in the from 10% to 6% of GDP. average of Central American and Caribbean countries3. According to the Global Climate This rapid economic growth is reflected in a Risk Index (GCRI),4 the Dominican Republic significant decrease in poverty. Compared (DR) was ranked in the top third (55th place) in 2 World Bank World Development Indicators - WDI (2020). 3 World Bank (2018a). 4 The GCRI analyzes extent to which countries and regions have been affected by impacts of weather-related loss events such as storms, floods, and heat waves (Germanwatch, 2019). 13 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE BOX 1 ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY REDUCTION (2000-2015) Historically, economic growth in the Dominican Republic are inversely related (Annex 1). This relationship between has had a strong impact on poverty reduction. A study economic growth and poverty is useful when designing of the 1986-1998 period (World Bank, 2001) and more forestry policies and actions compatible with poverty recent data show that economic growth and rural poverty reduction. GDP growth (Annual %) Rural Poverty (% of population) 10 9.4 9.2 70 20 8.3 60 18 60 8 7.4 7.1 6.9 52 16 50 50 48 14 6 12 4.7 4.9 38 12 4.5 40 11 4 10 3.2 3.1 30 2.5 2.6 2.7 8 8 2 20 6 0.9 5 5 4 0 10 2 0 0 -2 -1.3 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Rural Monetary Poverty Rural Extreme Poverty Source: The World Bank World Development Indicators - WDI (2020); MEPyD and ONE (2016). climate risk among more than 180 countries forest goods as well as ecosystem services that for the period 1997-2018. It is expected that can contribute to reducing poverty, reducing in the future the frequency and severity of climate-related vulnerability, and increasing hydro-meteorological risks (floods, landslides, national well-being, especially taking into droughts, and fires), as well as the rise in sea account potential synergies between the levels5 will increase due to climate change. forest and the dynamic tourism and associated services sectors. Within this panorama, the contribution of the forestry sector to the national economy is relatively limited, but high potential exists for forest ecosystems to sustainably produce Photo: Issai Campos 5 World Bank (2018a) and USAID (2013). 14 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS, INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS AND SUPPORT Photo: Right To Health LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL Strategy formulated in 2011, which contains FRAMEWORK specific objectives and actions aimed at adapting to climate change; protecting and The Dominican Republic´s legal and sustainably using ecosystem goods and institutional framework for forestry, services, biodiversity, and natural heritage; and natural resources, and the environment, improving the productivity, competitiveness, its international commitments, and and environmental and financial sustainability international support, including its of agricultural and forestry production chains. engagement with the World Bank, is useful for understanding the current status and The forestry legal framework reflects the dynamics of its forests and provides the tensions between a prohibitionist and basis for potential actions in the future. control approach to forest conservation and an incentive approach for traditional forest The Dominican Republic has a relatively production based on sustainable forest complete legal and institutional framework management (Annex 2). The General Law on for issues related to environmental the Environment and Natural Resources (Law protection and forest management (see 64-00), the major milestone in natural resource Annex 2). The 2010 Constitution of the legislation issued in 2000, seeks to reconcile Dominican Republic established reforestation, these two approaches and establishes the conservation, and forest regeneration as forestry institutions, rules, and their relationship national priorities. Subsequently, forests with the environment. In the last 20 years, were included in the National Development several other important laws have been enacted 15 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE that relate directly or indirectly to forests, such This Strategy targets a net forest growth rate of as protected areas (Law 202-04), renewable 0.2% per year on average for the period 2020- energies (Law 51-07), biodiversity (Law 333- 2030. To fulfill this mandate, the MIMARENA 15), payment for environmental services (Law includes several lines of forestry action in its 44-18), and the Forestry Law (Law 57-18). Institutional Strategic Plan 2020-2023 as well as The latter seeks to regulate and promote the its annual forestry plans. sustainable management of forests, as well as the protection of forest ecosystems to maintain However, most forest objectives are weak in biodiversity and the capacity for regeneration. setting specific targets, making it difficult to It promotes conservation but also allows for monitor compliance. the use, production, industrialization, and The National Gender Equality and marketing of forest products. Equity Plan 2020-2030 (PLANEG III) also Current long-term planning in the establishes specific guidelines and actions Dominican Republic includes several for the forestry sector including6: objectives related to the forestry sector • Implementing forest management, along with their respective lines of action. integrated water resource management, The goals of the National Development and soil conservation plans specifically for Strategy 2030 (END 2030) include three women in depressed areas. objectives that explicitly refer to the forestry • Strengthening and expanding reforestation sector: plans for the most important river basins, • Increase the productivity, competitiveness, integrating rural women’s groups in their environmental, and financial sustainability implementation. of agricultural production chains via: • Establishing a rotating fund of financial institutional reforms; research, innovation assistance for women in the form of credit and technological development; access to for their agroforestry activities in areas information systems and market intelligence; affected by deforestation and drought. development of financial services; provision of infrastructure, services, and production With the support of the IUCN, the Presidency inputs; reorganization of marketing chains; of the Republic and MIMAREANA have also and development of an export support developed a Gender and Climate Change system. Action Plan for the Dominican Republic that considers the guidelines of PLANEG • Promote the protection and sustainable III. In particular, this Plan highlights training for use of ecosystem goods and services, female supervisors who lead the reforestation biodiversity, and natural heritage brigades of the QVNP; specific guidelines through the sustainable management of for incorporating a gender perspective and forest resources and the promotion of women´s participation in forest management reforestation with endemic and native and other REDD+ and forest management species in territories suitable for forestry. activities; and promoting equity between men • Contribute to adaptation to climate change and women in this context.7 Currently, a new and the mitigation of its causes through the study to ensure gender mainstreaming in the development and transfer of technologies design and implementation of REDD+ and that contribute to the adaptation of forest the Emissions Reduction Program (ERP) in the and agricultural species to the effects of Dominican Republic is in progress with the goal climate change. of granting equitable benefits to women, girls, men, and boys. 6 Ministerio de la Mujer (2011). 7 Presidencia de la República, MIMARENA & IUCN (2018). 16 Despite this broad and comprehensive Protected Areas and Biodiversity Vice-Ministry. legal framework, application of these laws The Forestry Resources Vice-Ministry´s and regulations has suffered from limited functions range from forest protection to the institutional coordination and capacity implementation of reforestation projects, and the absence of local zoning regulations the management of extensive personnel for land-use. The result is inadequate law associated with the reforestation brigades of enforcement, extensive informality, and the the Quisqueya Verde National Plan (QVNP), development of illegal uncontrolled activities, the administration of the production of such as the cutting and burning of forests and planting material, and the National Ranger smuggling of charcoal. Service.8 The Vice-Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity administers the SINAP and Institutional responsibilities for the supervises matters related to ecotourism, environment and forests overlap among the wildlife regulation, and programs related to MIMAREMA, the National Environmental biodiversity protection. Protection Service (SENPA) of the Ministry of Defense, and the Environmental and These arrangements sometimes hamper Natural Resources Defense Attorney communication channels and create (PRODEMAREN) of the Ministry of the difficulties for policy implementation9. Interior. The need for coordination in areas Moreover, institutional functions often such as environmental law enforcement, emphasize regulation and control, at promotion of agricultural and forestry the expense of implementation. There production, and climate change policies is are also difficulties in the management evident, since the MIMARENA is in charge of of the reforestation programs and in the regulations, environmental monitoring, and administration of the protected areas due to administrative sanctions; the PRODEMAREN its large geographic area and quantities of represents the State in judicial processes personnel involved. The implementation of related to the environment and investigates, the Forest Law (Law 57-18) also constitutes prosecutes, and judges environmental a challenge for the Vice-Ministry of Forest offenders; and the SENPA carries out Resources, which must improve coordination operations to monitor, detect, prevent, and and synergies related to the conservation and control environmental crimes. In the area promotion of forests outside protected areas, of agroforestry, MIMARENA’s agroforestry as well as fostering dialogue and inter-sectoral activities must be coordinated with the office collaboration. of the President of the Republic and the Ministry of Agriculture through the application To address these issues, the MIMARENA of the President’s Sustainable Agroforestry Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP) 2020-2023 Development Program (SADP). Similarly, includes an institutional strengthening coordination of climate change mitigation pillar. Among many other actions, it foresees and adaptation strategies, policies, and the use of information and communication implementation includes the MIMARENA´s technologies to improve better decision making Climate Change Directorate and the multi- through the implementation and consolidation ministerial National Council for Climate Change of various information systems such as the and Clean Development Mechanism. National Environmental Information System; an information system for the application Within the MIMARENA, multiple of a cross-cutting policy on environmental departments and two vice-ministries sustainability; a national information system are directly responsible for forestry, the for disaster monitoring, evaluation, early Forestry Resources Vice-Ministry and the warning, and response; a financial and 8 MIMARENA & FCPF (2019). 9 MIMARENA (2019a) 17 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE administrative information and operations Successful implementation of the REDD+ system; an information system for strategic ERP is estimated to require public environmental assessment; an information expenditures of about USD 9.6 million system for the economic and ecosystem per year for five years for the QVNP and valuation of environmental services; and a between USD 19 million and USD 34 million system of performance indicators. Also planned annually for all government REDD+ actions is the implementation of an organizational (Box 2). Expenditures could be justified by structure matrix and the development of inter- forest economic benefits and co-benefits institutional coordination mechanisms, especially related to reduced climate vulnerability and for compliance with international cooperation indirect effects on other sectors and poverty agreements, as well as the mobilization of reduction. international technical and financial assistance (MIMARENA, 2019a). Other action lines of The Program´s estimates of emissions the ISP are also compatible with the National reductions, hence future payments, are Development Strategy (END) (See Annex 2). based on the assumption that reforested areas survive and grow in the future. For this to occur, the MIMARENA must improve its INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS efficiency to guarantee the continued survival of The main international commitment involving reforested areas, since the correlation to date the Dominican Republic’s forestry sector is the between the areas reforested by the QVNP and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the increase in forest cover is weak.10 An overall whereby the government proposes to reduce strategy for guaranteeing that reforestation national GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 efforts translate into healthy and permanent relative to the 2010 baseline (3.6 tCO2e per forests, as well as greater monitoring and capita), a reduction on the order of 25 million control of forested areas, are needed. tCO2e. The implementation of agroforestry, With the support of the World Bank and the silvopastoril, and resilient agriculture Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPC), the systems under REDD+ also face financial Dominican Republic has designed a program challenges. To meet REDD+ ERP goals to reduce 5 million tCO2e of emissions these programs need to be implemented on from deforestation and forest degradation about 9,000 hectares per year. This would (REDD+), through a set of strategies and require private sector investments of at least actions. Among these are the strengthening USD 94.6 million during the first five years. It of the system of protected areas; an increase is expected that part of these investments will during 5 years of 64,000 hectares in the area be facilitated by commercial loans at favorable reforested by QVNP; and the development rates from the government Banco Agrícola and of agroforestry, silvopastoril and resilient the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) agriculture systems on another 54,000 hectares. for agroforestry and silvopastoral systems. The Emission Reductions Program Document However, eventual additional resources could (ERPD) indicates that total cost of the REDD+ be required to cover shortfalls, which could be government actions is approximately USD provided by the World Bank. 153.8 million (MIMARENA & FCPF, 2019). Box Besides helping fulfill international 2 contains more details about the Emission commitments related to the NDCs, REDD+ Reductions Program. 10 This result is based on estimates by Ben de Jong (2020) using a Pearson correlation coefficient. Spatial information on forest additions at the province level between 2012-2018 was obtained from the Terrapulse platform (https://www. terrapulse.com/terraView/). These data were correlated with the areas reforested by QVNP in those provinces during 2010-2014. The result obtained is a correlation of 0.31 and the hypothesis’ test indicates that this result is not significantly different from zero. 18 BOX 2 EMISSIONS REDUCTION PROGRAM (ERP) In accordance with the NDC commitment, the country of agricultural, livestock, and infrastructure has designed a REDD+ Emissions Reduction Program, in forested areas. It includes actions to improve with support from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility inter-institutional coordination mechanisms; the (FCPF) financed by the World Bank. The main objective of establishment of new areas for reforestation, forest the ERP is to significantly reduce GHG emissions due to management, and conservation; zoning programs for deforestation and forest degradation and to substantially crops, livestock, and infrastructure; and strengthening increase carbon sequestration via regeneration in ecological management and restoration programs. degraded areas and the establishment of coffee and cocoa agroforestry systems, as well as silvopastoril systems. The • Promoting management models for natural REDD+ program incorporates three strategies: resources that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of forests and an increase • Strengthening the legal and institutional in forest cover. It includes the strengthening of framework to preserve the country´s natural the QVNP and the President’s SADP programs, heritage and promote the sustainable use promotion of agroforestry systems, the strengthening of natural resources. It includes actions for the of the conservation of protected areas through implementation of the Forest Law and the Payment community involvement, monitoring system for forest for Environmental Services Law; the preparation management, promotion of natural regeneration, the of standards for sustainable forestry; governance introducing of financial incentives, the updating of the structures for nature conservation; land tenure forest fire control strategy, and the strengthening the mechanisms; institutional strengthening; and phytosanitary protection program. the development of monitoring and supervision mechanisms for the trade in forest products. Implementation of the ERP is expected to reduce • Establishing, strengthening, and applying public 5,267,868 tCO2e of emissions. The ERP´s costs are policies to limit and/or contain the expansion presented in the Table below: Proposed Public Financing of the Emissions Reduction Program Total financing Gap Public Sector Constant $ thousands 2018 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Total cost REDD+ Government actions (i) 28,385 34,994 38,454 28,992 23,115 - Total contributions of the Dominican Republic 25,471 31,861 34,361 25,084 19,025 - Government Total income from the sale of Emissions - - 11,319 - - 19,916 Reductions (ii) Total public sources for REDD+ 25,471 31,861 45,679 25,084 19,025 19,816 implementation* Financial Gap -2,914 -3,133 7,226 -3,908 -4,090 19,816 Financial Gap – Cumulative (iii) -2,914 -6,047 1,179 -2,729 -6,819 12,998 * Calculations include ER-Payments i. Total cost REDD+ Government Actions in 5 years = US$ 153,940 ii. Total income from the sale of ER=US$ 31,135 iii. Positive Net Balance in the financing of the program after ER Payments = US$ 12,998 Source: MIMARENA & FCPF (2019). actions will also help meet important Nations High Level Political Forum (HLPF)11 national targets and other international found that that the National Development commitments, such as the National Strategy is well-aligned with climate action Development Strategy 2030 (END 2030), as under SDG 13 (climate action), but that well as several of the Sustainable Development progress on the SDG indicator of “number Goals (SDGs). of deaths, people missing, and affected by disasters, per 100,000 inhabitants” Regarding the Sustainable Development deteriorated between 2015 and 2017 from Goals (SDGs), in July 2018 the United 11 Comisión ODS, República Dominicana (2019). 19 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE 315 per 100,000 in 2015 to 1,192 per 100,000 not established specific commitments on this in 2017. Information and resources are also topic. needed to monitor and meet SDG 15 (life on land);12 there is uncertainty about the future INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION of new forest areas since only a fraction of the forest area is under sustainable management The Dominican Republic has received and more effective protection is needed. The constant support from international actors quality of new forest areas is also uncertain, for the development and fulfillment of its which generates uncertainty regarding their environmental and climate agendas and ability to provide environmental services. The commitments. Table 1 shows the projects with SDG Commission also mentions that 38% international cooperation active as of March of plant species are at risk and that invasive 2019; some of these projects are aimed at species are the third most important cause of fulfilling various international commitments biodiversity loss. In 2016, only 40% of the key and in general at complying with the action sites for terrestrial biological biodiversity were plan of the END 2030 and SDGs. Multilateral being conserved and the value of ecosystem cooperation agencies are the main source of services was estimated to be between 2.2% international funding, especially the Global and 7.6% of GDP. It should be noted that due Environment Facility (GEF), which as of March to fiscal constraints, public expenditures on 2019 has executed nine projects valued at environmental management during 2000-2016 USD 117 million. Annex 3 gives more details. were low. Most international funding is directed towards sustainable ecosystem system management, Other formal international commitments especially ecosystem goods and services include biodiversity. The Dominican Republic (Table 2). has been a member of the Convention on Biological Diversity since 1997 and has THE WORLD BANK’S ENGAGEMENT established 20 goals, a National Strategy IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, and a Biodiversity Action Plan. The World Bank’s country partnership In 2015, Law 333 was issued, establishing framework (CPF) with the Dominican that the strategy should be updated every Republic, between fiscal years 2015 and 10 years and identified 15 possible uses of 2018, had five strategic areas,13 which was biodiversity, including agro-biodiversity, subsequently reorganized into three pillars: forestry development, as well as eco-parks and (i) strengthening conditions for equitable other tourism activities. Other international growth; (ii) improving service delivery for the commitments of the DR related to biodiversity poor, and (iii) building resilience. The forestry include the Stockholm Convention on Persistent sector played an important role especially Organic Pollutants, the RAMSAR Convention in the second and third pillars in protecting on Wetlands of International Importance, water sources and regulating water flows. and the Convention on International Trade in FCPF Financing for REDD+ was also important Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora for building resilience to climate risks. The Wildlife (CITES). Although the Dominican Performance Review and the Completion Republic has participated in international high- and Learning Report (CLR) rated this CPF as level round tables on the Bonn Challenge, it has Moderately Satisfactory.14 12 Comisión ODS, República Dominicana (2020). 13 The strategic result areas were: 1. improving the investment climate and fostering private sector development; 2. improving access to efficient and reliable electrical distribution networks, information and communication technologies (ICT), and other infrastructure; 3. supporting the government in building resilience to external shocks; 4. promoting equitable, efficient, transparent, and sustainable management of public resources; and 5. strengthening social service delivery (World Bank, 2014) 14 World Bank (2017). 20 TABLE 1 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION PROJECTS BY DONOR, 2015-2019 Country or Agency Number of Total projects Agency % projects in budget (USD contribution execution as of million) 03/20/2019 Germany 5 7.73 70% Italy 1 0.35 100% Multilateral 15 130.86 41% Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Interamerican 1 0.32 100% Institute for Agricultural Cooperation Forest Carbon Partnership Fund (FCPF) / The World Bank 1 6.00 100% (WB) Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) financed by 1 4.46 100% the European Union Green Climate Fund /United Nations Environment Program 1 2.11 100% International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 2 0.49 59% Global Environment Facility (GEF) 9 117.47 34% General Total 21 138.94 42% Note: Projects in execution as of 03/20/2019 are included. Some projects without budget information are excluded. Source: Vice-Ministry of International Cooperation, the MIMARENA TABLE 2 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION BY TOPIC AND END 2030 GOAL (USD MILLION) Objective of National Development Project Topic Total Strategy (END 2030) International Institutional Land Marine Other Contribution Capacity Ecosystems Ecosystems 4.1 Sustainable environmental 10.00 28.45 12.70 - 51.15 management 4.1.1 Sustainably protect and use the goods 9.88 28.45 12.70 - 51.03 and services of the nation's ecosystems 4.1.2 Promoting sustainable production and 0.12 - - - 0.12 consumption 4.2. Effective risk management - 4.02 - 4.46 8.48 4.3. Adequate adaptation to climate change 2.79 - - - 2.79 Total general 12.78 32.47 12.70 4.46 62.42 Contribution of International Cooperation (%) 4.1 Sustainable environmental 100% 28% 81% 40% management 4.1.1 Sustainably protect and use the goods 100% 28% 81% 40% and services of the nation's ecosystems 4.1.2 Promoting sustainable production and 100% 100% consumption 4.2. Effective risk management 64% 100% 79% 4.3. Adequate adaptation to climate change 98% 98% Total general 99% 30% 81% 100% 44% Source: Vice-Ministry of International Cooperation the MIMARENA. 21 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE A Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD) productivity of each hectare of land suitable completed in 2018 identified six priority for cultivation, reducing the pressure on the areas:15 (a) improving the fiscal balance, agricultural frontier and therefore on the (b) enhancing the accumulation of human forests. capital, (c) promoting a level playing field and a better business environment, (d) improving • support for the government’s REDD+ efforts the management of natural resources, (e) to achieve the NDC commitments via the improving resilience to disasters and climate- strengthening of the legal and institutional related risks, and (f) increasing transparency framework for nature conservation and and accountability in the policymaking process. the sustainable use of natural resources; the establishment, strengthening, and The new Country Partnership Framework implementation of public policies to (CPF FY20-FY24) seeks to be consistent limit and/or contain the expansion of the with both the results of the SCD and the agricultural, livestock, and infrastructure government’s priorities in the National frontier in forested areas; and the promotion Development Strategy.16 Its components of natural resource management models include: and practices that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of forests • Strengthening conditions for inclusive and and the increase of forest cover.17 As a result equitable growth of the preparation for REDD+, financed • Building human capital with USD 6 million dollars during five years • Promoting environmental sustainability (2015-2020) channeled through the FCPF, and resilience, including improved natural the program is expected to generate results- resource management and strengthened based payments for emission reductions of resilience to natural disasters around USD 25 million during 2020-2025. The World Bank’s program to improve • the World Bank is also considering the natural resource management focuses strengthening of the development of on a multi-sectoral and integrated spatial business models for sustainable value approach. It includes: chains, such as cocoa and shaded coffee agroforestry systems. These actions • the development and protection of the would be coordinated with the private assets of the blue economy, sector to promote low-carbon sustainable • the Resilient Agriculture and Integrated development in the Dominican Republic Water Resource Management Project, and are included in the design of the including a follow-up operation in REDD+ program. Maguaca Dam (USD 80 million). This It is expected that the Dominican Republic project seeks to improve sustainable will continue to receive a great deal of landscape management and combines support from international cooperation for measures to support sustainable productive its environmental projects and programs, intensification of the more fertile dry land especially those relating to forestry and and irrigated land through increased access institutional strengthening. This will allow it to to sanitation and capacity building. move forward with the most urgent actions but • the adoption of climate-smart practices for in the medium and long-term MIMARENA´s major crops, for example, by promoting budget should be increased to ensure the improvements in rice production. More sustainability of these efforts. intensive agriculture will increase the 15 World Bank (2018a). 16 World Bank, (2019). 17 MIMARENA & FCPF (2019). 22 FORESTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Photo: Issai Campos FOREST COVER hectares of pastures and shrubland (35% of the national territory) and 1.02 million hectares In 2015, the most recent year for which data (22% of the national territory) of crops (Figure are available, the forests of the Dominican 1). The latter are dominated by transitory and Republic covered 46% (2.1 million semi-permanent crops, such as rice, sugar cane, hectares) of the country’s territory. Most of and other small-scale crops located mainly in these forests, about 1.6 million hectares, are hillside areas.19 secondary or degraded forests, since only a quarter of the forest area, just over 500,000 Primary forests are concentrated mainly in million hectares is classified as primary or the central and south western mountains mature forest. Broadleaf and dense pine forests and the southeastern tip of the country; each account for about 40% of primary or many are associated with the National mature forests, while dry forests (15% of the Protected Area System (SINAP) that covers total area) and mangrove forests (6% of the close to a quarter of the country’s land (Figures total area) account for the remainder. On the 1 and 2).20 In contrast, secondary forests are other hand, two-thirds of the area of secondary scattered throughout the country (Figures 1 or degraded forests correspond to broadleaf and 2). forests, 27% to degraded dry forests,18 and 6% to sparse pine forests (see Box 3, Figures 1 Both the primary and secondary forests in the and 2, and section on forest dynamics). Forests Dominican Republic exhibit wide diversity exist in a landscape containing 1.49 million with a predominance of native species. The 18 Estimation of the degradation of dry forests was made by forestry technicians, consulted for this work. 19 Ministerio de Agricultura (2020). 20 See Annex 5 and the SINAP (2019a). 23 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE FIGURE 1 LAND USE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 2015 Source: Sud-Austral & CRESER (2019). FIGURE 2 LOCATION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FORESTS AND CHANGES IN FOREST COVER Note: This map shows the primary forest (2001), secondary forest (2010), forest area losses (2005 to 2015), and forest gains (2001 to 2012). Secondary forest includes not only regenerated forests, but also timber plantations, agroforestry coffee and cocoa crops, as well as fruit tree plantations. Source: Global Forest Watch (GFW, 2020) 24 BOX 3 FOREST COVER IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 2015 Total Forest Forest Area Dominican Secondary or Primary/Mature Degraded Forest Forest & Republic: Total Mangrove km2 % Forest Area (2015) Primary/Mature Forest & 56,125 24% 24% Mangrove 76% Secondary or Degraded Forest 15,911 76% Total 21,036 100% Primary/Mature Forest & Forest Area Dry forest Broadleaf Dominican Mangrove Mangrove (preserved) primary/mature km 2 % Republic: forest forest Primary/ Broadleaf primary/mature 2,048 40% Mature Forest & 6% forest Mangrove (2015) 15% 40% Pine forest (dense) 2,023 39% 39% Dry forest (preserved) 759 15% Mangrove forest 296 6% Pine forest (dense) Total 5,125 100% Dry forest Dominican Broadleaf (degraded) Secondary or Degraded Forest Area Republic: secondary forest Forest Secondary or km2 % Degraded Forest (2015) 27% Broadleaf secondary forest 10,065 67% 67% 6% Pine forest (sparse) 1,006 6% Dry forest (degraded) 4,300 27% Total 15,911 100% Pine forest (sparse) Sources: Based on Obando (2018) [cited by (MIMARENA & FCPF, 2019)], Sud-Austral & Forest Finest (2018), and Sud-Austral & CRESER (2019). main species found in each type of forest are • Pine forests (both primary and secondary mentioned below (Sud-Austral & CRESER, forests) contain principally the native creole 2019). pine (Pinus occidentalis). Palo de cotorra (Brunellia comocladifolia) and grayumbo • Humid broadleaf forests (in areas of high macho (Cecropia peltatasin), the latter rainfall) are comprised principally jacaranda an indicator of recently regenerating (Licaria triandra) and, to a lesser extent, forests, are found to a lesser extent, and in aguacatillo blanco (Ocotea coriácea) and secondary forests, the non-native Caribbean aguacatillo amarillo (Ocotea floribunda). pine (Pinus caribaea) is common. • Semi-humid broadleaf forests (in areas • Dry forests found in areas of very of lower rainfall) contain creole mahogany low rainfall contain aroma or aromilla (Swietenia mahagoni), a wood of high (Acacia farnesiana), which is used as commercial value and high demand in charcoal in Haitian and Dominican European markets; and chachá (Albizia local markets; cambrón or bayahonda lebbeck), a species indicative of this type of (Acacia macracantha), and to a lesser forests. extent, candelón (Acacia scleroxyla), also • Broadleaf cloud forests are dominated by predominate. On the other hand, the so- the manacla or manacla palm (Calyptronoma called guaconejo or guaconejillo (Amyris plumeriana). 25 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE FIGURE 3 NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PROTECTED AREAS (SINAP) OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Source: National System of Protected Areas (SINAP, 2019). diatrypa), whose resins are mainly destined during 2005-2015 was, on average, 0.5%, to Haiti for the manufacture of fragrances, is which is 7 – 10 times lower than that of small also present. Caribbean countries and the regional or world averages (Figure 4, Box 4). • Mangrove forests (marine-coastal areas) contain a wide variety of species, but In general, the primary wood extraction the so-called black mangrove (Avicennia and processing industry is not highly germinans) and the button mangrove developed (Box 5), although the Dominican (Conocarpus erectus) comprise the majority Republic’s wood industry has historically shown competitive advantages in the production FORESTS’ CONTRIBUTION TO of certain types of wood for construction. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND Compared to imported wood, national EMPLOYMENT producers produce a lower quality product due to relative deficiencies in the cutting and drying Wood Products processes.22 Despite the vision of the forest sector mentioned in Box 5, a sectoral viability Forest production in the DR makes up a analysis is needed to determine if there are relatively small share of the Gross Domestic competitive advantages in supplying domestic Product (GDP). According to the World demand for wood products, such as wood pulp Bank’s World Development Indicators21 the for paper, which represents more than a quarter participation of the forest sector in the GDP of wood imports. 21 The DR´s National Accounts does not differentiate the participation of forestry within the agriculture, livestock, fishing, and forestry sector. 22 UTEPDA (2020). 26 BOX 4 WEALTH AND NATURAL CAPITAL: THE WORLD BANK METHODOLOGY Countries regularly use Gross Domestic Product (GDP) products; and (iii) watershed protection. Mean values are as an indicator of their economic progress; however, this estimated using a regression analysis using information is not a measure of wealth. An alternative, developed by from multiple countries and are applied to each the World Bank, is to construct an indicator of countries’ country according to its specific conditions. Protected wealth, as: Total wealth = Natural capital (renewable areas provide a wide range of services to the country and no renewable resources) + Produced capital + (e.g. income from international tourism or savings in Human capital + Net foreign assets. The value of each the cost of water supply and treatment through flow asset is calculated as the present value (discounted) of regulation and control of pollutants generated by the future income from that asset, over its useful life or forests and wetlands). However, given the difficulty of until it is depleted. Renewable resources include forest valuing these services globally, the World Bank uses resources (wood and non-wood), agricultural land (crops a simplified approach: it values these areas based on and livestock), and protected areas. Non-renewables opportunity costs, expressed as the value that would include fossil energy, minerals, and metals. For wood have been obtained if these areas had been dedicated resources, the income from round wood production to agricultural or livestock activities. is estimated over the lifetime of the resource. For non- wood resources, three services are considered: (i) recreation, hunting, and fishing; (ii) non-wood forest Dominican Republic. Components of Wealth and Natural Capital (1995-2014) Per Capita Wealth Share of Wealth 120,000 100% 100,000 80% Constant 2014 USD per capita Share of total wealth (%) 80,000 60% 60,000 40% 40,000 20,000 20% 0 0% -20,000 -20% 1995 2000 2005 2010 2014 1995 2000 2005 2010 2014 Produced capital Natural capital - renewable Produced capital Natural capital - renewable Natural capital - nonrenewable Human capital Natural capital - nonrenewable Human capital Net foreign assets Net foreign assets Natural Capital Per Capita Share of Natural Capital 7,000 100% 6,000 80% Constant 2014 USD per capita Share of natural capital (%) 5,000 4,000 60% 3,000 40% 2,000 20% 1,000 0 0% 1995 2000 2005 2010 2014 1995 2000 2005 2010 2014 Forests Protected areas Cropland Forests Protected areas Cropland Pastureland Fossil fuel energy Minerals Pastureland Fossil fuel energy Minerals According to this methodology, in 2014 the Dominican Republic´s natural capital represented about 5% of the country’s total wealth. Of the total natural capital, forests contributed about 11% and protected areas another 17%. Although these values are similar to that of pastures (18% of natural capital), they are far below the share of the natural capital contributed by cropland (35% of natural capital). Source: The World Bank (2018b, c). 27 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE FIGURE 4 CONTRIBUTION OF THE FORESTRY SECTOR TO NATIONAL GDP (1995-2020) Forest Rent (% of GDP) 0.80 0.70 0.60 % of GDP 0.50 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.10 0.00 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Dominican Republic Caribbean small states Latin America & Caribbean World Source: World Bank – World Development Indicators (2020). BOX 5 THE FOREST INDUSTRY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC The private forestry sector is represented by the • To produce and export processed products with Dominican Forestry Chamber. It has around 450 added value, such as furniture and moldings. members with 3,500 affiliates and 38 producer associations. There are more than 100,000 hectares • To produce wood for energy through the production planted with forests with the capacity to produce more of chips to supply power generation companies. than 800,000 m3 of wood per year. They correspond to • To produce charcoal for export. about 6,500 small and medium sized farms with more than 800 natural forest management plans registered • Installation of efficient lumber industries that with the MIMARENA and located in the productive produce large volumes of quality wood, with forest areas of San José de las Matas, Restauración, appropriate dimensions and drying, that can Jarabacoa and Santiago Rodríguez, Monte Plata, and compete with imported wood. Cotui. In addition, they group 65,000 hectares of 217 • Manufacture columns and beams of laminated small primary processing industries with the capacity wood. to process 250,000 m3 of wood per year. Planted forests managed and conserved by Dominican Forestry • Sale of environmental services generated Chamber’s members capture 540,000 tCO2e. through soil and water conservation and carbon sequestration. The wood production sector’s vision of the Dominican forestry sector according to the Cámara Forestal Disagreements exist between the private forestry Dominicana (Dominican Forestry Chamber) include the sector and others regarding the potential for forest following elements: development in the country versus the risks of sustaining forest growth based on introduced exotic species • To actively participate in consultation with civil that can generate harmful effects on the environment. society for generating trust and transparency in the However, both sides agree on the need to work together processes of forest management. in the adaptation of introduced species that cause the least possible damage to society and to native forest • To produce wood and derivatives to replace current species. imports, especially wood for construction and precious wood for the craft and furniture industry. Source: Interviews with members of the Dominican Forestry Chamber. 28 Civil society organizations and the Firewood and Charcoal private sector participate actively in the Firewood and charcoal production in development of the forestry sector with the Dominican Republic are important. entities and programs, such as Plan Sierra, Firewood is the main source of energy for ENDA-dominicana, Fundación Sur Futuro, rural households in the Dominican Republic, and Cámara Forestal Dominicana. These but is used inefficiently (Box 6). Domestic organizations represent different views on consumption of charcoal has decreased over the relationship between forest conservation the last 20 years due to the substitution of and productive forest development. These liquified petroleum gas for charcoal,24 but organizations have played a decisive role there is significant demand from Haiti that has in a discussion on the challenges and generated informal trade responsible for the opportunities in the forestry sector with degradation of forests in the provinces near special emphasis on the complementarity the bi-national borders (Box 7).25 This trade of commercial forest plantations with the generates annually about USD 2.5 million and conservation of natural ecosystems and the 83,431 days of employment. environmental services associated with this interaction. An example of private sector and civil society initiatives for promoting this sector Reforestation can be seen in the Caribbean Symposium Commercial forest plantations are present in on Acacia mangium held in Boca Chica, some regions of the country in conjunction Dominican Republic in 2014.23 This symposium with private forest conservation initiatives, was organized under the leadership of but have limited coverage and contribute Enda-Dominicana and was supported by the little to traditional forestry production. MIMARENA, the FAO Regional Office for the Although almost 200,000 hectares have been Caribbean based in Barbados, the Pueblo reforested from 1983 to date - about 10,000 Viejo Dominican Corporation (PVDC - Barrick hectares in the 1980s; 20,000 hectares in the Pueblo Viejo) mining company, the Dominican 1990s; 65,000 hectares in the 2000s; and Forestry Chamber), and national and foreign more than 100,000 hectares in the last decade, companies, universities, and science and between 2000-2016, the MIMARENA reported technical institutes. There were disagreements that there were only 69,600 hectares with Forest between the private sector and other speakers Management Plans and 6,700 hectares with regarding the potential for forest development forest exploitation permits for an authorized in the country versus the risks of sustaining extraction of 147,000 cubic meters of wood forest growth based on introduced exotic during six years. It is likely that many of the species that can generate harmful effects reforested trees have been lost or are aimed at on the environment. Both parties agreed on conservation rather than production. the need to work together in the adaptation of introduced species that cause the least Despite low levels of production of forest possible damage to society and to native products, reforestation has generated forest species. significant employment. Between 2011 and 2016, the average annual reforestation of 11,300 hectares (10.4 million trees/year)26 generated an average of 4,588 direct jobs per year through reforestation brigades funded by public resources from the central government, 23 ENDA-Dominicana (2014). 24 CNE (2018). 25 Checo (2009). 26 These data are based on the plants provided by the nurseries to the reforestation brigades, without any subsequent measurements to verify the survival of the plants. Some specialists estimate that plant mortality could be between 20% and 30%, in which case the areas of surviving plantations could be significantly lower. 29 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE BOX 6 HOUSEHOLD FIREWOOD AND CHARCOAL CONSUMPTION Forests represent the main source of energy for rural Rural consumption of firewood and coal for energy is households in the Dominican Republic. In 2015, highly inefficient. In 2015, rural populations represented firewood was the main source of energy for these 21% of the country’s total population but consumed households, representing, along with a small share 31% of the country’s residential energy, consuming of charcoal, 76% of the total energy consumption, 0.24 energy units (tons of oil equivalent - TOE - per followed in importance by liquefied petroleum gas person), compared to an annual consumption of 0.11 (LPG) (16%) and electrical energy with 8% of total TOE per person by urban populations. However, LPG energy consumption. In contrast, in the same year urban and electricity used by urban populations is highly households were mainly dependent on electricity (47% dependent on foreign sources. Indeed, according to of total energy consumption) and LPG (41% of energy the National Energy Commission, in 2015 90% of the consumption), but only 11% of energy consumption was country’s electricity generation came from imported derived from wood and charcoal. natural gas and coal, 6% from hydropower, and the remaining 4% from solar and wind power. DR - Rural Households: Composition of energy consumption by sources 100 80 60 40 20 0 2020 2021 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Charcoal Firewood LPG Electricity Other DR - Urban Households: Composition of energy consumption by sources 100 80 60 40 20 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Charcoal Firewood LPG Electricity Other Source: CNE-SIEN (2020). 30 BOX 7 ILLEGAL CHARCOAL PRODUCTION IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC The illegal production of charcoal in the provinces of mainly of Haitian citizens, supports a supply chain that Independencia and Bahoruco has had a significant extends to the streets of Port-au-Prince where the price social, environmental, and economic impact on both of charcoal more than triples, and solves the energy sides of the Dominican-Haitian border. This traditional problems of thousands of poverty-stricken households commercial activity produces annually 27,300 tons, in Haiti on a daily basis. The map below shows charcoal DOP 89.3 million (USD 2.5 million) in revenue for the production areas in the DR. Dominican Republic, 83,431 days of employment, Source: Checo (2009) a ratio of one job/2.5 hectares reforested (see programs, could play a determining role in the Box 8).27 In addition to reforestation, these generation of unskilled employment and could brigades also develop complementary social help absorb the unemployed from sectors such work in local communities. On the other hand, as tourism whose activities are greatly reduced the President’s Agroforestry Projects, which by COVID-19. An example of this potential is constitute 48,000 hectares, have been slated to outlined in Box 9, which describes the role of generate 15,000 productive micro-enterprises, reforestation programs in the United States resulting in one job/3.2 hectares.28 during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Forestry programs, such as the QVNP, have a high potential to contribute to Wood Biomass for Energy employment generation in the time of Reforested areas could serve as a basis crisis. Commercial reforestation, as well as that for the production of biomass for energy. of protected area and watershed restoration According to a study contracted by the 27 To date (year 2020), the QVNP reports that about 2,500 reforestation brigade members are actively engaged in forestry and agricultural activities. 28 Information provided by the Vice-Ministry of Forest Resources of the MIMARENA. 31 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE BOX 8 EMPLOYMENT GENERATION BY THE from thirteen companies, three from the QUISQUEYA VERDE NATIONAL PLAN textile sector, which concentrated 64% of this demand, and 10 other companies in The QVNP’s actions and the employment they the plastics, distillery, food, laundry, hotel, generate, is widely and equitably distributed and power generation sectors.31 The study throughout the country. During 2011-2016, six of the also found that existing biomass producing country´s 10 regions each accounted for 9%-13% of total employment associated with the reforestation companies could expand their plantations Program, one region accounted for 19% of total to 13,700 hectares in the short and medium- employment, three others accounted for less than 6% each of total employment. term on land they already owned, to produce 159,000 tons of biomass per year, based on a QVNP - Reforested area and employment moderate yield of 11.6 tons per hectare, thus generated (Annual average 2011-2016) generating a gross annual income of USD 5.7 Region ha/year Employment/year million and a net annual profit of USD 795,000. # % In addition, it estimated that this production would generate about 22,000 direct and full- I. Northern 725 294 6% Cibao time jobs.32 II. Southern 1,212 492 11% The study also identified the potential for Cibao expansion of biomass energy in the long- III. Cibao 2,146 870 19% term. Results suggest that there are 447,000 Northwest hectares suitable for Acacia mangium energy IV. Northeast 1,045 424 9% biomass plantations. Assuming annual yields Cibao of 18 tons of biomass per hectare, these V. Valdesia 1,524 618 13% plantations would generate USD 290 million in VI. Enriquillo 1,407 571 12% gross revenues at a cost of USD 98 million per VII. El Valle 1,370 556 12% year and would generate 760,000 direct jobs. VIII. Yuma 214 87 2% This production would generate 5,454 Gigawatt hours (GWh) per year of renewable energy, IX. Higuamo 1,274 517 11% which is less polluting and more sustainable for X. Ozama / 393 159 3% the country’s economy than energy generated Metropolitan Area with imported fossil fuels. Total 11,311 4,588 100% Based on this first approximation, the CNE estimates that the production of biomass for Source: The MIMARENA. Office of the Quisqueya Verde energy generation has high potential within National Plan a more sustainable energy matrix, without competing with natural forests, protected National Energy Commission (CNE)29, 14 areas, or areas prioritized by the authorities formal biomass producers or processors in the agricultural sector. This initiative would generated an average supply of 992 metric favor the generation of renewable energies, tons per day, mostly from Acacia mangium mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce plantations30. This production supplied the dependence on imported fossil fuels. However, daily biomass demand of 969 metric tons 29 CNE (2018). 30 The study assumed a price of USD 36 per ton of processed biomass. Estimated costs totaled USD 4.9 million per year, equivalent to USD 31 per ton: USD 12 for the tree stands; USD 9 for cutting, bucking, and extraction; and USD 10 for chipping. 31 In addition, another electricity generation company has been identified that consumes an average of 1,250 tons of biomass per day, but this is not from forestry but from sugar cane bagasse that comes from a sugar mill. On the other hand, the study does not include companies that produce energy biomass and consume it themselves, such as some sugar mills and distilleries. 32 However, the study concludes that in a scenario of low average yield (5.8 tons per hectare per year), production would be financially unsustainable and would result in losses for the forest producers. 32 BOX 9 REFORESTATION AND EMPLOYMENT: ROOSEVELT’S TREE ARMY IN THE USA During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the throughout the country and, in addition, local purchases unemployment rate in USA was estimated at 25%, near the CCC camps prevented many small businesses coinciding with an environmental crisis caused by from going bankrupt. a severe drought and agricultural practices that generated a great deal of soil erosion. In this scenario, Reforestation and nature and wildlife conservation when Franklin D. Roosevelt accepted the Democratic projects were carried out in national parks, state parks, nomination to the presidency in 1932, he proclaimed: and on private land. Skilled loggers were employed to “We know that a very hopeful and immediate means provide employment to local workers and to mentor of relief, both for the unemployed and for agriculture, inexperienced youth. This program helped make will come from a vast plan to convert many millions national and state parks more attractive to tourists. In of acres of marginal and unused land into timberland 1935, the National Park Service oversaw the activities through reforestation.” Fulfilling this promise, within of 600 CCC camps, building ranger stations, tourist days of becoming President, he created the Civilian cabins, small dams, picnic areas, fireplaces, entrance Conservation Corps (CCC), known as Roosevelt's Tree stations, signage, and trails and paths. In addition, Army, one of the first and most popular programs of the they established nursery and seed collection programs New Deal. Its goal was conserving natural resources, for revegetation. All of this was critical for the current providing relief to the poor by generating employment, system of national and state parks. To prevent further and fostering economic recovery. soil erosion and for flood control, dams and other improvements, such as drainage systems, canals, This program was initially designed to hire 250,000 men and water storage projects were built. In addition, between 18 and 23 years. But by 1935 it had 505,782 CCC workers responded when unexpected disasters workers in more than 2,650 camps located in all of occurred, fighting forest fires, assisting with blizzards, the existing states and in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and assisting with flood control. Between 1933 and and the Virgin Islands. Along with officers, supervisors, 1942, CCC erected 3,470 fire watch towers, built 97,000 educational advisers, and administrators, it grew to miles of fire barriers, stopped erosion on more than 20 employ more than 600,000 people. Young men in the million acres, and planted more than 3 billion trees all of camps were paid USD 30 per month: USD 25 a month which generated more than 3 million jobs during those was sent home to help their families and they could 10 years. keep the rest for their own spending. With this support for workers' families, the economic impact spread Sources: CCC Legacy (2018). DPLA (2020). for this potential to become effective, policy Forest Ecosystem Services - Water measures are needed to encourage private and Greenhouse Gas Sequestration investments in this sector: Beside traditional wood products, forests There are legal and institutional gaps that must also provide ecosystem services, such as be overcome to attract private investments. water availability and regulation, carbon Regulations and incentives are needed to: sequestration, and habitat for biodiversity establish clear and formal procedures for the and have the potential to generate operation of a free market; standardize the employment and income, especially in quality and types of biomass by applying a concert with the important tourism sector. price system based on calorific value; and However, these services are difficult to value strengthen the administration, environmental (Box 4). protection, and legality of the supply chain In the Dominican Republic, water used actors involved. for agriculture, energy generation, and Forest plantations with inadequate per hectare human consumption originates in the upper yields or low sales price (less than USD 36 per watersheds of the central highlands where ton at the time of the study) present a high risk forests play a key role in regulating the flow of financial unsustainability. This risk is due to of water for flood and drought control and the growing informal supply of biomass, which numerous multipurpose reservoirs, while causes prices to fall below production costs of maintaining its physical and chemical quality. formal companies. The Water Accounts of the Dominican Republic estimated that in 2005 about half of water 33 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE resources were destined for hydroelectric plants million tCO2.38 According to the estimates of and other subsequent downstream uses.33 With the Emission Reductions Program (ERP) for regards to water consumption, 88.5% was used the Dominican Republic, implementing the in agriculture and livestock, 5.2% in households, REDD+ program between 2020 and 2025 5% in hotels, and 1% in the manufacturing could reduce the equivalent of 5 million tCO2e industry. This high dependence of agricultural emissions, further contributing to the Nationally activities on surface water presents is a major Determined Contribution (NDC) goals.39 challenge to this sector since the conversion of forests to pastures or other agricultural or Synergies of Forests with Tourism non-agricultural activities, especially in upper watersheds, has downstream effects on farms in Natural capital represents a small the lower portions of the watersheds. proportion of the country’s total wealth, due to the relatively low importance of Within this context, primary forests located agriculture, mining, petroleum, and the in national parks and forest reserves, play characteristics of traditional tourism, a significant role in the regulation of water which is mainly based on marine and flow. Most of the primary natural forests are coastal natural resources (Box 4). Tourism in four national parks and one forest reserve: is dominated by sun and beach tourism that Armando Bermúdez, José del Carmen Ramírez, promotes the use of large hotel infrastructure Nalga de Maco, and Sierra Neiba National and conventional recreational services while Parks, and the Alto Mao Forest Reserve.34 These there is a relatively low demand for nature are followed in importance by the primary tourism except in coastal marine areas. forests located in two other national parks in the Sierra de Bahoruco in the southwest of Tourism in the Dominican Republic has the the country. The main sources of the rivers highest growth rate in the Caribbean and that drain four of the six main watersheds and is mainly associated with sun and beach regulate two-thirds of the country’s surface tourism. According to Alvarado et al (2017) water are in the same protected areas. They are 4.8 million international tourists entered the the Yaque del Sur and Ozama-Nizao basins, country in 2015, mainly (66%) through the which provide 20% and 19% of the total surface Punta Cana airport in the Eastern region; 18.8% water respectively, and the Yuna-Camú and of international tourists entered through the Las Yaque del Norte basins that provide 15% and Americas airport, which serves Santo Domingo 12% of the total water respectively.35 and is main entrance point for business-related visits. In 2015, the main tourist epicenters were: Since rainfall and runoff are xpected to be 1) the Eastern region, with 3.3 million visitors; 2) reduced significatively in the next 100 years,36 Santo Domingo, with 1.3 million visitors; 3) the the conservation of forests in upper watersheds North-Northwest region, with 385,000 visitors; is a high priority in order to maintain water 4) the Central region, with 535,000 visitors; availability and aquifer recharge. 5) the Northwest region, with 60,000 visitors; and 6) the Southwest coast, with no recorded Forests also help retain greenhouse gases. number of visits due to the heterogeneity of The National Forest Inventory of the Dominican access routes and the informality of reception Republic37 estimates that 2,103 million points. hectares of forest in 2015 retained 2,066.8 33 CIDECA - Comité Interinstitucional para el Desarrollo de las Cuentas de Agua (2016). 34 In Figure 3 (Location of the National System of Protected Areas - SINAP) presented above, these protected areas can be identified respectively with codes II.A.1, II.A.2, II.A.3, II.A.10, and V.A.2. 35 CIDECA (2016). 36 SEMARENA - Secretaria de Estado de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (2004), cited by the World Bank (2018a). 37 Sud-Austral & CRESER (2019). 38 This data, associated with a sampling error of 5.1%, yields a stock of between 1,961.0 and 2,172.7 million tCO2e. 39 MIMARENA & FCPF (2019). 34 Of these six poles, four offer some form of in providing services to visitors, such as nature tourism: ecotourism guides, accommodation, and transport, should be prioritized. Similarly, the • North-Northwest region: visits to the natural multiplier effects of ecotourism on other sectors monuments of Isabel de Torres and Saltos of the local economy, such as food production de la Damajagua. and handicrafts, should be exploited. • Central region: mountain destinations and The SINAP and its wide territorial coverage, adventure, mountain, and nature-based as well as the country’s experience tourism, in particular around Pico Duarte, in tourism management, represent the highest elevation in the Caribbean. opportunities for ecotourism activities that • Northeast region: nature-based tourism in could increase the incomes of the rural the Los Haitises National Park and whale population and encourage the conservation watching in the Samaná Bay and the Banco of biodiversity, forests, and ecosystem de la Plata. services (Box 10). Implementing ecotourism through community-based tourism can • Southwest coast: the province of Pedernales increase the incomes of the rural population, has an enormous potential for nature-based promote their sustainable development, and tourism in the Bahia de las Aguilas, Jaragua encourage the conservation of culture and National Park, Lake Enriquillo, Bahoruco the environment, functioning as a tool for Mountain and, in general, the entire fighting poverty. However, despite the high Biosphere Reserve. potential available for promoting ecotourism, its development has been slow, in contrast to At present, the Southwest coast is an the accelerated growth of traditional sun and incipient tourist destination, receiving beach tourism. Between 2006 and 2011, the between 3,000 to 4,000 visitors per month, Global Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (GSTA) mainly (70%) by national tourists40. It is with support from the United States Agency estimated that more than 50% of these tourists for International Development (USAID), an visited the main attractions of the area, the attempt was made to promote, implement, beaches and national parks, in one or two-day and support sustainable tourism compatible excursions offered by national operators. Local with biodiversity conservation42, but difficulties public administrations have expressed interest in monitoring and evaluating the effects of in the development of nature-based tourism41 tourism promotion on biodiversity made to help generate jobs for the community evaluation of the fulfillment of the program’s through new businesses, associations, and objectives difficult. Limitations to ecotourism cooperatives. include the absence of a legal framework Another emerging segment for the internal that allows for the development of this type tourism market is suburban landscape of tourism on a large scale43, as well as the tourism based on rural lodging or houses institutional weaknesses of the MIMARENA and in the countryside. Although it represents a the Ministry of Tourism, which are responsible risk to forests should construction expand too for ecotourism promotion. greatly, this trend could be channeled and organized to develop an ecologically friendly ecotourism culture supportive of biodiversity, mangrove and mountain forest conservation. Developments that involve the local population 40 Reference cited by Alvarado et al. (2017). 41 Alvarado et al. (2017). 42 USAID and GSTA (2014). 43 Orgaz (2014). 35 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE BOX 10 POTENTIAL OF PROTECTED AREAS FOR ECOTOURISM The following list shows how many of the national parks in the Dominican Republic have a high potential for the development of nature-based tourism, especially related to forest conservation. ARMANDO BERMÚDEZ NATIONAL PARK. Largest watching; bird watching; hiking; and swimming in mountain system in the Dominican Republic; sulfuric waters. presence of Pino Criollo; main tributaries of the LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARK. Most important karstic country; valleys with pajonales; low temperatures. region of the Antilles; presence of haystacks; Tourist activities: Visit to Pico Duarte, main mangrove forests; rock art; bird diversity. Tourist ecological tourism destination in the country; mule activities: Observation of karstic formations; tour of rides; camping; picnics; hiking; bird watching; and mangroves; birdwatching; visit to caves with rock accommodation in ecological lodges. art; and boat tours. JOSÉ DEL CARMEN RAMÍREZ NATIONAL PARK. Largest LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARK-LAGUNA CRISTAL. mountain system in the country; presence of Pino Panoramic view of the Bay of Samaná; largest Criollo; main tributaries in the country; valleys with mangrove reserve in the country; scenic beauty and grasslands; low temperatures. Tourist activities: landscape; natural lagoon. Tourist activities: Boat Mule rides; camping; picnics; hiking; and bird trips; horseback riding; hiking; cultural activities; watching. and visit to the mangrove area. JUAN B PEREZ RANCIER NATIONAL PARK-VALLE NATIONAL PARK OF THE EAST. White sand beaches; NUEVO. Presence of conically formed hills; rocks coral reefs; largest semi-wet forest in the of volcanic origin; birth of important tributaries Caribbean; mangrove forests; caves with rock art. (Yuna and Nizao rivers); presence of pine forests, Tourist activities: Visit to Saona Island; diving and manacles , and broadleaf forests. Tourist activities: snorkeling; cave walks; horseback riding; boat Hiking; bird watching; four-wheel drive vehicle tours; and camping. tours; picnic; camping; photography; and crossing the Cordillera Central. SIERRA DE BAHORUCO NATIONAL PARK. Area of greater floristic wealth of the island; great variety of LAKE ENRIQUILLO NATIONAL PARK. Largest lake in forests; ornithological wealth (27 endemic species); the Antilles; high degree of salinity; surface 40 seat of indigenous culture. Tourist activities: meters below sea level; habitat of iguanas and Walks and tours of the trails inside the Park; bird the American crocodile; most arid region in the watching; hiking to the lookout point; and tours in country. Tourist activities: Visit to Isla Cabritos; an all-terrain vehicle. boat trip on Lake Enriquillo; iguana and crocodile Sources: The MIMARENA (https://ambiente.gob.do). Photo: EU Civil Protec on and Humanitarian Aid 36 FOREST DYNAMICS AND THREATS Photo: USAID U.S. Agency for Interna onal Development FOREST DYNAMICS farmers who ended up occupying hillside land.44By the late 1960s, after high amounts The Dominican Republic´s forests have of forest degradation and deforestation, been very dynamic. Degradation of forested the government enacted a forest law that hillsides began in the 1930s, mainly through the prohibited logging operations and created exploitation of forests by logging companies the first national park. In many cases, logging through forest concessions granted by the companies converted forest concession rights government. Timber companies built primary into land ownership rights, resulting in the and secondary roads in forested areas, conversion of degraded lowland forests to generating access to remote lands for small farms and the displacement of small farmers farmers. In the late 1960s, after high amounts to higher watershed areas.45 As a result of this of forest degradation and deforestation, process of agricultural expansion, by the mid- the government enacted a forest law that 1960s forests covered less than 12% of the prohibited logging operations and created country (see Box 11). the first national park. In many cases, logging companies converted forest concession rights Since then forest cover has increased into land ownership rights, displacing small to almost 44% of land cover, despite farmers to higher watershed areas. Degraded continued high rates of deforestation and lowland forests were converted to farms over forest degradation, with the result that the years. Workers in logging companies young areas of forest have expanded at became unemployed and became small the expense of primary or mature forest. 44 BID (2017). 45 BID - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (2017). 37 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE BOX 11 DYNAMICS OF FOREST COVER IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC In recent decades, available information on forest cover forest cover and hence are not strictly comparable, they in the Dominican Republic shows an increase in forest suggest that forest cover has increased during the last cover. Although the estimates shown in the Figure few decades. below are based on different studies using different forest definitions and different methods for measuring Forest Coverage of the Dominican Republic (1967 - 2019) 43.6 39.7 Coverage (%) 28.8 27.5 19.6 14.3 11.7 OEA CRIES FAO DIRENA SEMARENA MIMARENA MMARENA (1967) (1990) (1990) (1992) (2001) (2013) (2019) Sources: CMBDH - Comisión Mixta Bilateral Domínico Haitiano (n.a). MIMARENA (2019a). During 2005-2015, there was a net increase in The net increase of forest cover was a result forest cover of 244,000 hectares, equivalent of a combination of the following factors: to a net growth of 13%, despite significant deforestation. This net increase in forest cover • Enforcement of restrictions on timber differentiates the Dominican Republic from harvests from natural forests, first by the most countries in the region where forest loss national Armed Forces and presently by continues. the National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA), a body that operates This net increase in forest cover was under the direct authority of the Ministry of associated with a gross increase of Defense46 in coordination with the Ministry 471,000 hectares (425,000 hectares of of Environment and Natural Resources secondary forest - a 31% increase - mainly (MIMARENA). from fallows and pastures, and an increase of 46,000 hectares of primary or mature • The establishment of a system of protected quality forests, mainly from secondary areas and the National Directorate of Parks forests and fallows) (Box 12). On the other in 1974.47 The National System of Protected hand, 227,000 hectares of forest were lost Areas (SINAP) currently covers 1.2 million between 2005 and 2015 (188,000 hectares hectares of land, representing 25% of the of secondary forests and 39,000 hectares of country’s non-marine territory. primary forests), a gross annual deforestation • The initiation of government sponsored rate of 1.24% (Box 12). reforestation programs with landowners in the early 1980s and their subsequent 46 Organic Law of the Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic (Law 139-13 of 2013). 47 This law has been replaced by Law 64-00 issued in 2000, which created the MIMARENA; and by Law 202-04 of 2004, which created the National System of Protected Areas - SINAP. 38 BOX 12 CHANGES IN LAND USE COVER, 2005 - 2015 (1,000 HECTARES) Coverage of vegetal use 2015 Total 2005 Primary Mangrove Secondary Fallow Cocoa Coffee Other Pastures or mature forest or degraded land or crops forest forest brushwood 2005 Primary or mature forest 437 - 26 6.8 - - 1.5 5.2 476 Mangrove forest - 23.9 - 1.1 - - 0.2 0.2 25.5 Secondary or degraded 18 - 1,166 60 - - 16 93 1,354 forest Fallow land or brushwood 19 4.8 227 128 - - 37 85 501 Cocoa - - - - 147 0.1 0.4 - 147 Coffee - - - - 0.6 124 0.0 - 124 Other crops 1.8 0.2 21 49 3.1 0.8 645 22 743 Pastures 7.7 0.8 151 54 8.1 9.2 24 981 1,237 Total 2015 483 29.6 1,591 299 158 134 724 1,187 4,607 2005 This matrix compares land-use and land cover in 2005 (last column, right) with cover in 2015 (last row, bottom). The 476 1,237 25.5 highlighted diagonal cells show the amount of area in each category that did not change between 2005 and 2015. The 1,354 other data within the matrix are the change between land- use and land cover categories in the 10-year period. For example, in 2005 there were 476,000 hectares in “primary Primary or mature forest or mature forests,” of which 437,000 hectares remained 743 under this category in 2015. Of the 39,000 hectares that Mangrove forest 124 147 Secondary or degraded forest were lost, 26,000 were converted to “secondary or degraded 501 Fallow land or brushwood forests,” 6,800 to “fallow land or brushwood”, 1,500 to Cocoa “other crops,” and 5,200 to “pasture.” On the other hand, 2015 Coffee in 2015 there were 483,000 hectares of “primary or mature forests,” corresponding to the 437,000 hectares that were Other crops 483 Pastures not lost in the period, plus 46,900 hectares that were added 1,187 29.6 to this category between 2005 and 2015. These additions correspond to 18,000 hectares of “secondary or degraded forests” that reached mature forest status, plus 19,000 1,591 hectares of “fallow land or brushwood,” 1,800 hectares of “other crops,” and 7,700 hectares of “pastures” that were 724 also converted to mature forests. In summary, the net change based on these gains and losses was a net increase in forest 134 158 299 cover from 476,000 hectares in 2005 to 483,000 hectares in 2015. (The pie charts present the different coverage in 2005 Thousands of hectares and 2015 to illustrate the changes during the period). Notes: 1) The categories of “primary or mature forests” and “secondary or degraded forests” correspond to the groupings of different forest types presented in Box 4. 2) The difference between the total area referred to in this matrix (4.607 million ha) and the total non-marine area of the country (4.851 million ha) corresponds to urban areas, water bodies, areas without vegetation, and areas without consistent information. Sources: Based on Obando, 2018 cited by MIMARENA & FCPF (2019). Sud-Austral & CRESER (2019) . formalization in 1997 by the Quisqueya cover due mainly to the lack of a clear policy Verde National Plan (QVNP) (Box 5). These that allows combining commercial forest programs continue to operate today.48 Since production with the conservation of natural 1983 almost 200,000 hectares have been forests. reforested or regenerated (Box 13). Some private forest plantations have also been • Natural regeneration of “slash and burn” established by private sector actors, but agricultural plots, driven partly by: the loss play a minor role in the increase of forest of soil productivity caused by extremely intensive land use, especially by small-scale 48 These programs were later formalized, in 1997, under the Quisqueya Verde National Plan - QVNP. 39 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE hillside farmers; the decrease of 105,000 Forest recovery is most frequent in the area ha of state-owned sugar cane between of the sierra that stretches from Restauración 1999 and 2014-201849; and decreased (Dajabón Province) to Constanza (La Vega pressure on land, resulting from accelerated Province); the extensive plantations in the rural to urban migration associated with region that stretches through La Vega, the shift from a primary production to a Monseñor Nouel, Sánchez Ramírez, and service economy. According to national Monte Plata; and, more recently, San Pedro censuses, between 2002 and 2010 the rural de Macorís and La Romana. There are also population decreased from 3.1 million (36% blocks of plantations in Duarte province and of the total population) to 2.4 million (26% of others lesser ones in different areas, including the total population).50 recently established Agroforestry Projects of BOX 13 REFORESTATION BY GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS AND THE QVNP, 1983-2018 Reforestation in the Dominican Republic began in the QVNP planted an average of 5,000 hectares per year, 1981 with the USAID-supported Natural Resources Central and Northern Cordillera watersheds. Management Project (MARENA). A land use inventory carried out by MARENA showed that large areas of In 2007 the QVNP Office was created in the MIMARENA, land suitable only for forest production or natural cover strengthening its operations and reach. With a director were dedicated to pastures or crops, resulting in severe reporting to the Minister but working hand in hand erosion and sedimentation and damaged irrigation and with the Vice-Ministry of Forest Resources,52 the Office hydroelectric generation infrastructure. In response, the reforested an annual average of around 10,000 hectares potential of natural resources in geographical regions between 2008-2018. was assessed, regional development strategies were formulated, and large-scale multi-sectoral investment At present, the QVNP uses more than 70 species, both projects were identified. Between 1983-1996 an average native and exotic, for reforestation and plantations. of around 1,500 hectares were reforested annually. Species used at low (less than 1,000 masl) elevations include: Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea), acacia These initial reforestation efforts led to the creation of (Acacia mangium), Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata), the Quisqueya Verde National Plan (QVNP) in 1997. The African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis), teak (Tectona QVNP was conceived to develop massive reforestation grandis), oak (Catalpa longissima), mahogany (Swietenia actions at the national level, fighting poverty and macrophylla), and Juan primero (Simarouba glauca). At migration by generating jobs in rural areas, protecting higher elevations (greater than 1,000 masl), creole pine watersheds and water infrastructure, and integrating (Pinus occidentalis), Australian oak (Grevilea robusta), and the private sector into national forest production; these juniper (Juniperus gracilior) are used. All the seedlings objectives were later expanded.51 Between 1997-2007, used are produced in the MIMARENA’s nurseries.53 Reforested area by governmental Programs and QVNP (ha) 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 1990 2000 2010 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Sources: OAS - Organización de Estados Americanos (2014); CMBDH (n.a) and information from the QVNP Office. 49 FAO (2020). 50 ONE - Oficina Nacional de Estadísticas (2004) and (2012). 51 PRONATURA (2010). 52 CMBDH (n.a). 53 For example, according to information provided by the MIMARENA, more than 7,600 hectares were planted in 2011, with 59% of the trees being pine, 14% mahogany, and 10% cedar. 40 the Presidency of the Republic in the Southern cases to deforestation and in others to the region.54 However, only about 69,000 hectares recovery of a mature forest. Of the 188,000 have management plans, which creates doubt hectares of secondary or degraded forests about the status of the remaining plantations. present in 2005 that changed their land use Monitoring programs are needed to follow up category by 2015, 169,000 hectares were and evaluate the contribution of these efforts to transformed into shrubland, crops, or pastures the goals of the country’s forest policy.55 and 18,000 hectares regenerated into mature forests (Box 12). DIRECT DRIVERS OF FOREST LOSS The main cause of degradation is the trade With regard to forest loss, 54% of in firewood and charcoal (Box 7), as well deforestation was associated with the as grazing and subsistence agriculture.58 conversion of forest to pastures, 37% to Domestic consumption of charcoal has fallows, and 9% to transitory crops (Box 12). decreased over the last 20 years due to the The conversion of hillside forests to pastures substitution of liquified petroleum gas for for livestock or crops56 has been difficult to charcoal,59 but significant demand from Haiti control, despite Environmental Law 64-00 of has generated informal trade responsible for 2000 which contains provisions on the use of the degradation of forests in the provinces near soil and sustainable production and for the the bi-national border (Box 7).60 development and application of norms and Despite impressive net increases in forest parameters for land zoning and management. cover, continuing deforestation and Other causes of deforestation such as forest degradation represent important the impact of sun and beach tourism on challenges, since the tendency towards mangroves, recent suburbanization of younger forests caused by these processes has rural landscapes mainly on the northern side implications for the conservation of biological of the Central Cordillera, such as Jarabacoa, diversity and provision of ecosystem services, Constanza, and San José de las Matas, illegal such as carbon sequestration. Forest loss occurs exploitation of wood and charcoal, forest fires, throughout the country (Figure 2), but tends and mining, are minor. to be concentrated in areas of special interest for biodiversity conservation. These areas, Forest conversion to other uses is explained especially in the southwestern region of the by the low opportunity costs of forests country, contain a high proportion of primary associated with the sub-valuation of ecosystem forests, protected natural areas, and high services resulting from market failures, poverty rates (see Figures 2, 3, and 5). and barriers and limited opportunities for generating sustainable income from timber and Designing and implementing policies non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that would for these protected areas illustrates the encourage sustainable forest management. challenges present when poverty, forests, protected areas, and deforestation Forest degradation is important and is coincide. These areas are geographically reflected in low average timber volumes extensive, present numerous conflicts related of 90.1 m3/ha for trees larger than 10 cm in to land tenure and possession, have different diameter at breast height (DBH).57 The fate of levels of restrictions, and are attended by degraded or secondary forests leads in some institutions with overlapping responsibilities 54 Information obtained through interviews with private forestry experts and public entity officials. 55 Information provided by the Vice-Ministry of Forest Resources of the MIMARENA. 56 MIMARENA & FCPF (2019). 57 Sud-Austral & CRESER (2019). 58 Sud-Austral & CRESER (2019). 59 CNE (2018). 60 Checo (2009). 41 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE FIGURE 5 PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY, BY REGION, 2016 Source: MEPyD & ONE. Incidence of Poverty by Development Region (2016) and limited capacities. Efforts are needed to INDIRECT DRIVERS OF FOREST LOSS find an appropriate balance between positive Indirect causes of deforestation and forest incentives for the different stakeholders to degradation are varied and include low commit to the conservation of protected areas public awareness, undefined land rights on the one hand, and the necessary actions and tenure, limited institutional capacities, to sanction those who do not comply with coordination, and information for decision the established legal mandates on the other. making, limited financial resources At the same time, these cases represent an opportunity for designing proactive policies There is little awareness and knowledge based on economic incentives for the about the economic potential of forests. conservation and sustainable use of forests This is true for small forest owners, as well as that could combine forest and biodiversity for local and national authorities. According to conservation and ecosystem maintenance the perception of private forest entrepreneurs, with poverty reduction and sustainable policy makers have an exaggerated bias development. Examples of such forest use are towards forest conservation and little interest ecotourism or the combination of agricultural in the commercial exploitation of forest production and the sustainable extraction of plantations. These entrepreneurs consider timber and non-timber forest products. that it is possible and desirable to implement a policy of conservation and sustainable use of the forests, including the development of commercial forest plantations. However, 42 BOX 14 LAND TENURE LIMITATIONS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC A study by the United Nations Economic Commission • The large concentration of unregistered land in the for Latin American and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and smallholder sector. the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GTZ) on the land market in the Dominican Republic • Lack of land titles limits access to formal credit and found that the country’s cadastral system, understood hinders agricultural development. as an inventory of continuously updated land information, is not operational. They attribute this • Unregistered rights ostensibly limit the market for mainly to the weakness in the application of laws and rural land. the dispersion of institutional responsibilities that generate negative effects on the legal security of land • Agrarian reform legislation also limits the rural tenure. Land market barriers include: land market since it prohibits the sale of the plots assigned to farmer beneficiaries. • Long and complicated land and registration procedures. The study found no accessible sources of empirical information on assets and participants in the rural land • Costs of land appraisals that generally exceed the market. economic capacity of small and medium owners. Source: Tejada & Peralta (2000). there is a lack of sufficiently detailed studies of control, and accompaniment of communities whether a developing forest sector would be in the development of forest and ecosystem able to compete with imports.61 friendly economic activities. Forest conversion is also favored by Institutional coordination among different undefined and unenforced land tenure entities responsible for conservation and and property rights, as a result of low forest development, as well as internally institutional capacities and the dispersion within MIMARENA, is weak in comparison to of institutional responsibilities (Box 14).62 the diversity of functions it must perform. Precarious land ownership, especially among small farmers, acts as a disincentive to Information for institutional decision investments in sustainable activities, restricts making is also inadequate. Information access to credit needed for improving technologies needs to be updated, data bases sustainable productivity, and ultimately reduces need to be consolidated, and monitoring rural employment. In addition to strengthening needs to be improved. To face this challenge, the processes of land titling, short-term the MIMARENA has included the development mechanisms must be developed that permit of an ambitious set of computer tools in its landholders with ambiguous titles to access Institutional Strategic Plan, which allows a public goods. matrix type organizational structure to facilitate coordination. The REDD+ strategy also Weak institutional capacity causes the includes actions related to the implementation lack of enforcement of existing land-use of information and monitoring systems for regulations, inadequate territorial planning institutional strengthening. and local zoning, and a low capacity to manage forest and protected area There is a lack of incentives to promote the management plans and thus contributions participation of local people or changes to expansion of the agricultural frontier. in their behavior, especially in regards to Although an extensive system of protected forest and biodiversity conservation. As a areas has been established, insufficient result, it will be necessary to combine these personnel prevents adequate monitoring, activities with others that generate income or 61 Sud-Austral & Forest Finest (2018). 62 Sud-Austral & Forest Finest (2018). 43 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE employment such as ecotourism, community One of the Dominican Republic’s main businesses, and the development of small- forestry challenges is obtaining resources scale, environmentally friendly agricultural for implementing its Emission Reductions production systems such as agroforestry, Program through REDD+ actions. The silvopastoril systems, and forest management MIMARENA has a relatively low budget for programs. Protected areas face two closely developing these wide-ranging institutional and related challenges: strengthening the field-level actions but there is an opportunity management capacity of the National System to improve the effectiveness of its current of Protected Areas and involving the local activities and international forest cooperation population in the conservation efforts and by consolidating them around the REDD+ sustainable management of these areas. program. Photo: Rui Freitas Rego 44 FOREST CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Photo: World Resources Ins tute The Dominican Republic presents a number history of reforestation and its efforts to of conditions and tendencies favorable for position itself within a more sustainable improving forest conservation, use, and energy matrix that would include renewable management to maintain ecosystem services, energies, the mitigation of greenhouse improve income and employment, increase gas emissions, and the reduction of the resilience to climate change, and assure the dependence on imported fossil fuels. well-being of the country´s inhabitants. • There are also significant opportunities • Although deforestation and forest for agriculture and forestry sectoral degradation continue, forest cover is development and reduced deforestation increasing due to demographic trends through agroforestry, silvopastoral, and as well as government reforestation and resilient farming systems. agroforestry programs. • There is a growing recognition of the • Scope exists for broadening the country´s importance of forests for the maintenance extensive experience with tourism to of critical ecosystem services such as the include nature tourism based on the system regulation of water flow and quality and of protected natural areas or suburban for reducing the country´s vulnerability landscape tourism, especially in areas to climate changes and extreme climate threatened by deforestation and poverty. events. These activities would increase the incomes • The relationship of forests and water with of communities, improve environmental multiple components of economic activity awareness and sustainability of economic and services provides an opportunity for activities, and enhance the role of rural promoting a system of compensation for women in promoting a culture of legality forest conservation based on payments for and environmental sustainability. forest conservation by downstream water • Potential also exists for biomass energy users and the agricultural sector. Recent generation based on the country´s long initiatives Yaque del Norte River Basin 45 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE demonstrating the viability of this scheme On the other hand, a number of economic/ could be consolidated and expanded. productive/market; land tenure and property rights, institutional, and financial barriers exist, • International cooperation in support of these many of which are structural in nature (Table 3). efforts has been significant and is expected to continue in the future. TABLE 3 SUMMARY OF CHALLENGES FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION BASED ON PROFOR PRIME RESULTS63 Challenge Description Economic / Forests contribute little to the GDP. Productivity / Low opportunity costs of forests due to low productivity and under-valuation of services favors their Market conversion to agriculture and livestock or their unsustainable use. High poverty, inadequate land use, and conflicts over land tenure are disincentives for forest management and incentivize their conversion to subsistence agriculture and livestock. The latent demand for charcoal in Haiti has generated contraband and informal markets both in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Illegal exploitation of wood and charcoal has been the main cause of forest degradation and has reduced the profitability of possible sustainable uses. The ability of domestic wood suppliers to compete with imported products is uncertain, since domestic quality is often sub-standard. In terms of social capital, incentives for community participation or behavior change of producers are lacking. More work is needed with forest-dependent communities to promote associativity, participation in decision-making, and gender equity. It is highlighted that the QVNP has stimulated teamwork through reforestation brigades but this program should be more effectively located and monitored. Land Rights Land tenure is largely undefined, especially for rural smallholders. & Tenure Land titling costs are high and responsibilities are dispersed among institutions. The lack of land titles limits the land market and the access to credit, thus affecting agricultural productivity and sustainability. Institutions Overlap and duplication of some institutional functions among entities exists, especially for the control of illegal activities. Weak institutional capacity causes the lack of enforcement of existing land-use regulations, inadequate territorial planning and local zoning, and a low capacity to manage forest and protected areas and thus contributions to expansion of the agricultural frontier. Institutional coordination among different entities responsible for conservation and forest development, as well as internally within MIMARENA, is weak Better technologies and information management are needed in the MIMARENA and monitoring of the management of protected areas and the QVNP needs to be improved. Investments The MIMARENA's budget represents on average about 1.1% of the central government's budget (see Annex 4). The budget of the Vice-Ministry of Forestry Resources is 15.8% of the MIMARENA’s total budget and reforestation is around 60% of the MIMARENA budget. The reforestation budget must be effectively invested to ensure that reforestation efforts result in an expansion of coverage, with permanence over time. The MIMARENA has a relatively low budget for developing the wide-ranging institutional and field-level actions of REDD+. Significant private sector investment in sustainable production systems is required, but credit availability under suitable terms is uncertain. Ecosystems Currently available estimates of the value of natural capital indicate that it represents a very small proportion of the country's wealth. Natural capital is undervalued due to market failures and methodological limitations in valuing non-marketable ecosystem services (water supply, biodiversity, etc.). It is necessary to consolidate and broaden experiences with the application of the Payment for Environmental Services Law64. The relationship among water, forests, and critical economic activities and services could be linked through the use of water fees to support forest conservation. Source: Own development based on previous sections and the PRIME framework. 63 PROFOR PRIME is a framework that looks at the nexus between forests and economic development and the role of forests as pathways out of poverty 64 Law 44-18, establishing the Payments for Environmental Services. 46 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Photo: Feed the Future • The adequate and timely implementation in MIMARENA´s current budget, and existing of the REDD+ program is a key factor for funding resources the President’s SADP, can the future of forests in the Dominican cover a high percentage of REDD+ costs Republic. The main aspects that must be if such public investments are used more developed to improve forest management, effectively than at present. However, in the avoid deforestation and degradation, build medium and long term it will be necessary better institutional capacities, and thus to allocate greater budget resources to the enhance the contribution of forests to the MIMARENA. country’s development, have been analyzed, diagnosed, and addressed in the design of • Institutional management of the Emission Reduction Program as part of environmental sector programs needs the REDD+ strategy. Within the Emissions to be strengthened. There is a need Reduction Program, special priority to establish a system for evaluating and should be given to actions related to the monitoring forest management, both implementation of the Forest Sector Law, for reforestation, such as the QVPN, and Protected Areas Sector Law, and Payment conservation initiatives, such as the National for Environmental Services Law,65 as well Protected Area System, as well as the as actions to formalize property and land effective implementation of agroforestry, tenure rights. silvopastoral, and resilient agriculture systems. Considering the challenges of • The REDD+ program has a significant institutional strengthening, an in-depth cost that must be financed. The resources evaluation of the current organizational 65 Laws 57-18 of 2018; 202-04 of 2004; and 44-18 of 2018, respectively. 47 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE architecture in the country’s environmental the generation of employment in a time of sector is required. This evaluation should crisis. include an analysis of the impact of previous initiatives for strengthening the sector with • The development of the country’s the aim of reorienting the international capacity to consolidate nature-based support provided to the country to obtain tourism in forest areas should be more effective results. promoted to materialize ecosystem values, such as scenic beauty with special emphasis • Support for the National System of on the use of: i) participatory inventories with Protected Areas needs to include local communities to identify nature tourism positive incentives for the protection attractions and prioritization of areas, ii) of forests and biodiversity beyond the protocols based on carrying capacity to current approach of strict enforcement make biodiversity conservation and the use and compliance. It is recommended that of forests by tourists compatible, iii) plans government agencies and development for infrastructure development, including organizations provide technical and access to sites and tourist accommodation, institutional support for the development iv) training for local communities to develop and strengthening of novel positive their knowledge of local biodiversity and incentive systems for biodiversity to build capacity for tourism management, conservation and for forest conservation, and v) public-private partnerships with such as payment for ecosystem services. the current tourism sector to design Supporting nature-based tourism managed complementary projects and take advantage by local communities, as well as sustainable of existing business capacity and assets. agriculture and forestry systems in the buffer zones of protected areas and involving local • Work with the energy sector to expand communities in protection activities (e.g. the participation of forest biomass in a fire control and control of illegal logging) more sustainable energy matrix, while is also recommended as an alternative to combining actions with the environmental, employment and income generation in agricultural, industry, and commerce remote areas. sectors, and with micro, small, and medium enterprises. To achieve this objective, the • To meet the challenge of combining following actions may be implemented: forest and conservation policies with i) studies of costs and demands at the efforts at overcoming poverty and provincial level to identify areas of the contributing to employment generation, country with the greatest potential for sustainable agricultural system initiatives development of these energies and markets; for smallholders, the development ii) research and technological development of nature-based tourism initiatives of forest-based energy generation; and iii) with community participation, and support for associative schemes of small reforestation in areas of high forest and medium producers to improve their degradation and deforestation should negotiating capacity and their articulation be fostered. The engagement of the with the formal sector to improve their World Bank and other development competitiveness. Some of these actions partners in these initiatives should take into could be led by the World Bank through consideration their impact on employment existing operations or by other development and economic recovery after COVID-19 partners involved in renewable energy since forestry and conservation activities assistance. often permit a higher level of individual work and greater social distancing. In this way, • It is important that the implementation of efforts aimed at generating value from forest plans and programs in the forestry sector ecosystem services could be combined with incorporates a gender approach that not 48 only seeks to avoid gender gaps but also management within an integrated involves rural women as a decisive factor environmental, social, and economic in education about sustainability and geo-referenced information system. The the promotion of a culture of legality. system should consider various indicators for Government and development partner assessing impacts on forests, employment programs/projects working in the forestry generation, indirect or co-benefits, such as sector should verify that the following reduction of vulnerability and adaptation to actions are included: i) identify and prioritize climate change, as well as multiplier effects key gender gaps (i.e. any disproportionate on other sectors and possible reductions in difference or disparity between the sexes) poverty indicators. The potential operation related to the initiatives; ii) design activities/ of this system by a third party to avoid actions/interventions that address those increasing the functions of State institutions gaps; and iii) develop indicators that will could be evaluated; the World Bank could measure progress towards closing the potentially support this through existing identified gender gaps. In addition, the program and pipeline operations. active participation of women in training and technical assistance interventions, as well • A study of forestry sector as respect for their rights within land title competitiveness, together with the legalization programs, should be promoted. Forestry Chamber and other civil society This, in turn, will serve to incorporate rural organizations, is recommended. There women into programs promoting a culture are insufficient detailed studies to reach of legality and sustainable forest production. substantive conclusions regarding the competitiveness and capacity of the national forestry sector to compete with imports in SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS local markets. Conducting studies in this • Institutional strengthening may area would make it possible to analyze the also benefit from structuring and/or sector’s advantages for supplying domestic strengthening a system for assessing demand, as well as for supplying external and monitoring public policy and forest markets with added value products. Photo: Feed the Future 49 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE REFERENCES Alvarado, J., Oddone, N., & Gil, L. (2017). 3b3n20Actual20y2 0potencial20de2 Fortalecimiento de la cadena de valor 0Biomasa.pdf. de turismo en Pedernales, República Dominicana. Naciones Unidas, México: CNE-SIEN (2020). Comisión Nacional de Comisión Económica para América Latina y Energía. Sistema de Información Energética el Caribe (CEPAL) Nacional (SIEN). Retrieved mayo 2020, from Balance energético: https://www.cne.gob. BID (2017). Programa de Desarrollo do/estadisticas-energeticas/ Agroforestal Sostenible DR-L1120. Perfil del proyecto. 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Washington: World Bank Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales - Group Banco Mundial : Consorcio Sud-Austral Consulting SpA y Forest Finest World Bank (2017). Performance and Learning Review of the Country Partnership Strategy Sud-austral consulting SpA-Forest Finest (2018). for the Dominican Republic. Washington: Analisis de las causas directas e indirectas World Bank Group de la deforestación y degradación de los bosques en República Rominicana. Santo World Bank (2018a). Dominican Republic domingo: MARN-World Bank Systematic Country Diagnostic,. Washington: World Bank Group Tejada, Á., & Peralta, S. (2000). Mercados de tierras rurales en la República Dominicana. World Bank (2018b). Building the World Bank’s CEPAL y GTZ, Santiago de Chile: Naciones Wealth Accounts: Methods and Data. Unidas, Serie Desarrollo Productivo, 76 Retrieved from https://development- data-hub-s3-public.s3.amazonaws.com/ USAID (2013). Dominican Republic Climate ddhfiles/94641/wealth-methodology- Change Vulnerability Assessment. Santo january-30-2018_4_0.pdf Domingo: African and Latin American Resilience to Climate Change Proyect World Bank (2018c). Wealth Accounting. Retrieved from The Changing Wealth USAID and GSTA (2014). Performance of Nations 2018: Country Tool: https:// Evaluation Final Report. U.S. Agency datacatalog.worldbank.org/dataset/wealth- for International Development, Global accounting Sustainable Tourism Alliance. Retrieved from https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/ World Bank (2019). Country Partnership PA00K43K.pdf Strategy for the Dominican Republic for the Period FY20-FY24. Washington: World Bank UTEPDA (2020). Proyectos de Desarrollo Group Agroforestal - Resumen Ejecutivo. Santo Domingo: Unidad Técnica Ejecutora de World Bank World Development Indicators Proyectos de Desarrollo Agroforestal de la (2020). Retrieved May 2020, from World Presidencia Development Indicators: https://databank. worldbank.org/source/world-development- World Bank (2001). Dominican Republic Poverty indicators Assessment. Poverty in a High-Growth 52 ANNEX 1. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY GDP Growth (Annual %) 10 9.4 9.2 8.3 8 7.4 7.1 6.9 6 4.9 4.7 4.5 4 3.2 3.1 2.7 2.5 2.6 2 0.9 0 -2 -1.3 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Monetary Poverty (% of population) Extreme Poverty (% of population) 70 25 23 60 60 18 52 20 48 50 50 15 16 50 44 15 14 42 38 13 40 33 44 10 11 40 38 32 10 8 12 30 11 7 28 8 20 24 5 5 5 10 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Sources: World Bank - WDI (2020). MEPyD & ONE (2016). 53 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE ANNEX 2. LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS LEGAL FRAMEWORK suitable for forestry;67 and 3) the adaptation to climate change and the contribution to the The Dominican Republic has an adequate mitigation of its causes, via the development environmental and forestry legal and transfer of technologies that contribute to framework. The 2010 Constitution establishes the adaptation of forest and agricultural species environmental protection as duty of the State to the effects of climate change.68 and the right of individuals (Articles 67 and 75). It also mandates the formulation and Prior to the formulation of the current implementation of management plans for the Constitution and the END 2030, the General sustainable use of resources and establishes Environment Law (Law 64-00) created adaptation to climate change as a State the State Secretariat for the Environment priority (Article 194). Similarly, reforestation, and Natural Resources (SEMARENA), which forest conservation, and the renewal of forest was later transformed to the Ministry of resources are also declared national priorities the Environment and Natural Resources and of social interest (Article 17.2). The (MIMARENA), and established the regulations Constitution also mandates the formulation of a for the conservation, protection, improvement, development strategy that defines the nation’s and restoration of the environment and its long-term vision and governs the planning and resources to ensure their sustainable use. public investment process. Other important laws directly or indirectly The National Development Strategy 2030 related to forests have been issued in (END 2030) law was approved in 2012 to the last 20 years (see Box A2.1). These achieve this mandate. 66 Under this law, laws include themes such as protected the country’s long-term planning includes areas, renewable energy, biodiversity, and various objectives and lines of action payments for environmental services. In 2018, that relate specifically to the forestry the Forestry Law (Law 57-18) was approved. sector. These objectives include: 1) the This law regulates and promotes sustainable increase of productivity, competitiveness, and forest management and the protection of environmental and financial sustainability of forest ecosystems to maintain biodiversity agricultural and forestry production chains, and the capacity for regeneration. It also including institutional reforms; research, promotes forest conservation while allowing innovation and technological development; the use, production, industrialization, and access to information systems and market commercialization of forest products. intelligence; development of financial services; provisions for infrastructure, services Despite this broad and comprehensive legal and productive inputs; reorganization of framework, enforcement and compliance marketing chains; and the development of with these laws has been difficult due an export support system; 2) the protection to limited institutional coordination and and sustainable use of ecosystem goods and capacities. Inadequate enforcement results services, biodiversity, and natural heritage, in slash-and-burn forest clearing and the including the sustainable management of forest production and smuggling of illegal charcoal. resources and the promotion of reforestation Addressing these problems at the local level with endemic and native species in territories has been very difficult, due to institutional 66 Ley No. 1-12 del 2011, Art. 28. 67 Specific goal 4.1.1. 68 Specific goal 4.3.1 54 BOX A2.1 HISTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION There is broad legal support for forest policies. Since Laws 290-85, the end of the 20th century, legal norms have been Incentive to forest development formulated that support forest conservation while others have established incentives for the sustainable forest exploitation. For example, Law 632-77 prohibited the cutting and felling of trees at a time when forest cover Law 291-85, was drastically reduced. Eight years after, Law 290-85 forest and sawmill management incentivized forest investments via the establishment of exemptions for 90% of forestry taxes, while Law 291-85 regulated the management of sawmills. Law 55-88 increased tax exemptions from 90% to 100% Law 55-88, Forestry Incentive until Article 394 of the Tax Code (111-92) eliminated those exemptions. Law 118-99 (Forestry Code) created the National Institute of Forest Resources (INAREF) and established new incentives for forestry, such as the Law 118/99, Forestry Code Negotiable Tax Compensation Certificate. The major natural resource legislation milestone is Law 64-00, which established environmental institutions and Law 64-00, regulations. General Law on the Environment There are also laws and incentives that can result in deforestation and forest degradation. For example, Law No. 28-01 creates fiscal incentives for industrial, Decree 1194-00 Creation of SENPA agricultural, and livestock projects in border areas; Law 158-01 promotes tourism development; and Law 51-07 promotes the use of sugar cane as a renewable energy, although it also stimulates the establishment of forests for sustainable energy use. Law 202-04 Protected areas Law 51-07 Renewable Energy Law 496-08, Territorial planning Constitution Law 01-12, National Development strategy 2030 Law 333-15, Biodiversity Law 44-18, Payment for Environmental services Source: Several Laws and Sud-Austral Consulting and SpA- Forest Finest (2018). 57-18 Forest Law 55 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE overlap and the lack of coordination and the In addition to the MIMARENA and its absence of zoning regulations for land use. affiliated entities, other institutional sectors are also involved in environmental INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK protection. Since the military dictatorship of 1930-1963, forest protection has been linked The lead institution for the environment to national security and the Environmental Law and forestry sectors is the Ministry of (Law 64-00) includes the Armed Forces in the Environment and Natural Resources implementation of the State’s environmental (MIMARENA). The MIMARENA was created and natural resources policy (Article 191). The by Law 64-00 (see Box A2.2). Through this law, National Environmental Protection Service several government agencies whose main (SENPA) was created during the same year objectives were the protection and conservation and is attached to the environmental sector of the environment and natural resources but under the command of the military. were transferred to the Ministry.69 Currently, The Organic Law of the Armed Forces of the MIMARENA has multiple functions and the Dominican Republic (Law No. 139-13) responsibilities including administration, ascribes the SENPA to the Ministry of Defense, regulation, supervision, promotion, and removing its subordination to the MINAREMA implementation. Among these functions, and generating overlap in functions. The there is a greater emphasis on regulation and Environmental Defense Attorney’s Office supervision at the expense of the other areas. (PRODEMAREN) of the Interior Ministry, which represents the State in judicial processes, Within the Ministry, the Vice-Ministry also investigates, prosecutes, and tries of Protected Areas and Biodiversity is environmental offenders. responsible for the SINAP, nature-based tourism, the regulation of wildlife, and In addition to the defense sector, other programs related to the protection of institutional arrangements that affect biodiversity. On the other hand, forest- forest policy implementation include: related themes are the responsibility of the the President’s Office and the Ministry Vice-Ministry of Forestry Resources. of Agriculture for the implementation of the President’s Sustainable Agroforestry The Vice-Ministry of Forestry Resources Development Program (SADP); the has multiple functions, ranging from forest MIMARENA Climate Change Directorate and protection, to the execution of reforestation the National Climate Change Commission; projects which entails managing an extensive the management of land management and payroll associated with the QVNP brigades and institutional plans, projects with international the administration of plant production (Box support by the Ministry of Economy, Planning A2.2). The approval of the Forestry Law (Law 57- and Development; and the management of 18) increased the Vice-Ministry´s responsibilities international commitments and agreements since it added a wide range of functions to by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The those already existing under Law 64-00. The MIMARENA also coordinates the application of Forestry Law also assigned a broad set of environmental regulations in other sectors with responsibilities for environmental protection corresponding sectoral institutions, such as the to local communities. The Vice Ministry is Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Industry. responsible for coordinating and supervising these responsibilities via the reinforced National This institutional framework thus Forest Ranger Service and the volunteer forest requires a high degree of coordination supervision brigades. for developing and executing policies for agroforestry, reforestation, conservation, 69 In addition, the National Zoo, the Botanical Garden, the National Aquarium, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources were also assigned. 56 BOX A2.2 ORGANIZATION AND ACTIVITIES OF THE VICE-MINISTRY OF FORESTRY RESOURCES Ministry of Environmet an Natural Resources Vice-Ministry of Vice-Ministry of Vice-Ministry of Vice-Ministry of Vice-Ministry of environmental Soil and Water Forest Resources Protected Areas and Coastal and Marine management Biodiversity Resources Directorate of Reforestation and Forests and Forest Forest Development Management Division Forest Forest Protection Forest Products Forest Plant Reforestation Management Department Industrialization and Production Department Department Trade Department Department The Vice-Ministry of Forest Resources reports on (vi) forest management through authorization and activities directly related to the strategic forestry monitoring of annual operating plans; objectives contained in the Institutional Strategic Plan (vii) fire prevention and control; 2020-2023 (ISP). These reports illustrate the multiple responsibilities of the Vice Ministry, since they address (viii) certificates of planting associated with timber issues, such as: harvests; (i) reforestation and environmental clean-up brigades; (ix) sale of wood products; (ii) forest plantations; (x) the system of environmental authorizations; (iii) participation of border area provinces in the Green (xi) wood imports and permits; and Border Program; (xii) international cooperation programs. (iv) plant production in nurseries; The recently created Forest Monitoring Unit within the (v) the collection, purchase, analysis, distribution of Vice-Ministry of Forest Resources is also responsible for seeds and equipment, and training in equipment planning, auditing, implementing, and monitoring the use; National Forest Inventory. Source: MIMARENA (2019). environmental services, biodiversity protection, GOALS AND RESULTS OF FOREST as well as forest use and industrialization. POLICY However, overlapping responsibilities among The forestry sector is most directly aligned institutional entities make communication, with the END 2030 via objectives 4.1.1 information sharing, and policy coordination and 4.3.1 of component 4 of the END and implementation difficult. Moreover, there 2030, “Society with a culture of sustainable are difficulties in managing the reforestation production and consumption, which manages program and in the administration of the risks and the protection of the environment protected areas due to inadequate quantities of and natural resources with equity and efficiency human resources. and promotes adequate adaptation to climate change”. The objectives 2.4.2 and 3.5.3 of END 2030 are also related to forest policy. These objectives and their corresponding action lines related to forestry are shown in Table A2.1. 57 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE TABLE A2.1 THE END’S OBJECTIVES AND ACTION LINES RELATED TO FORESTRY Objective Action lines 2.4.2 Reducing urban-rural 2.4.2.3 Promoting non-agricultural productive activities in rural areas that complement and inter-regional disparities and diversify family income sources, such as those linked to agro-nature-based tourism, in access to services and payment systems for environmental services, and infrastructure maintenance. economic opportunities by promoting orderly and inclusive territorial development 3.5.3 Increase productivity, 3.5.3.1 Reform the institutions of the agricultural and forestry sector with a systemic competitiveness, and vision to promote productive transformation and insertion in local and external markets. environmental and financial sustainability of agricultural 3.5.3.2 Implement crop zoning according to the characteristics of agri-productive production chains to resources and environmental and risk conditions. contribute to food security, take advantage of the export 3.5.3.3 Promote and strengthen practices for the sustainable management of natural potential, and generate resources, degraded lands, and lands in the process of desertification through training employment and incomes for and extension programs and the promotion of productive species that allow the rural population adaptation to climate change, respect biodiversity, and meet risk management criteria. 3.5.3.4 Promote research, innovation, and technological development, including biotechnology to improve the production, processing, and marketing processes of agricultural and forestry products, and widely disseminate their results through an efficient agricultural extension system. 3.5.3.5 Strengthen and facilitate access to information systems and market intelligence for agricultural and forestry products through the use of ICTs and their appropriate dissemination among producers and agricultural organizations. 3.5.3.6 Develop and strengthen associative structures and national and global public- private partnerships which, on the basis of participatory planning by all stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including small-scale producers, contribute to the creation of social capital and the exploitation of synergies that result in improved productivity and profitability. 3.5.3.7 Develop financial services that facilitate the capitalization, technification, and risk management of agricultural and forestry production units with regulations and mechanisms that respond to the needs of the sector and ensure access, individually or collectively, by small and medium producers. 3.5.3.8 Develop an integrated, modern, and efficient agrifood health and safety system with a strong training component, involving all actors in the production chain to preserve consumer health and increase competitiveness. 3.5.3.9 Promote efficient forms of provision of infrastructure, services, and inputs that raise the quality and productivity of agrifood and forestry production and distribution processes. 3.5.3.10 Promote the creation of a business facilitation system that will make it possible to reorganize both national and international marketing chains for agroforestry products to generate fairer and more stable terms for agroforestry producers. 3.5.3.11 Develop a system of support for exports of agricultural and forestry products in the main destination markets, providing information and training on their requirements, and offering protection against bad practices. 3.5.3.12 Encourage the expansion of crops and species with profitability and market potential, including the carbon market. 3.5.3.13 Establish a functional system of property registration and titling that guarantees the legal security of property in the rural environment. 3.5.3.14 Provide land tenure opportunities for youth and women and speed up the land titling process for the beneficiaries of agrarian reforms to facilitate access to credit and the investments needed for sustainable production. 58 Objective Action lines 3.5.3.15 Promote, through the dissemination of best farming practices, an increase in productivity and supply in the agricultural sector that contributes most to food security and adequate nutrition for the Dominican population. 3.5.3.16 Encourage the creation of local agro-industries to add value to primary production. 4.1.1 Protect and sustainably 4.1.1.1 Strengthen at the national, regional, and local levels the institutional framework, use ecosystem goods and regulatory framework, and penalization mechanisms to guarantee the protection of the services, biodiversity, and environment in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. the nation's natural heritage, including marine resources 4.1.1.2 Strengthen the participation of local governments in the management of the environment and natural resources and promote their implementation within the geographical scope of the Territorial Management Plan. 4.1.1.3 Promote an Integrated Coastal Zone Management system, assigning priority to unprotected areas. 4.1.1.4 Establish priorities for public investments in the Major Strategic Development Planning Regions based on the environmental sustainability of each of them. 4.1.1.5 Strengthen professional capacities and technological resources for environmental management and sustainable development based on the potential of the Major Strategic Development Planning Regions. 4.1.1.6 Develop systems for monitoring, evaluating, and assessing the state of the environment and natural resources at the national, regional, and local levels based on the consolidation of an Environmental Information System that includes the assessment of natural resources in the national accounts. 4.1.1.7 Conduct research and create systematic information and analysis systems on the impact of environmental degradation on the living conditions of the population, particularly on women and vulnerable groups. 4.1.1.8 Restore and preserve the services provided by ecosystems with emphasis on river basins and design and implement mechanisms for the payment of environmental services to communities and productive units that protect them. 4.1.1.9 Manage forest resources in a sustainable manner and promote the reforestation of forested territories with endemic and native species. 4.1.1.10 Encourage the sustainable use of natural resources through the application of economic and market instruments, including Clean Development Mechanisms. 4.1.1.11 Promote environmental education and the involvement of the population in the valuation, protection, and defense of the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources, including education on the causes and consequences of climate change. 4.1.1.12 Establish and strengthen mechanisms for social monitoring of compliance with national environmental legislations, international environmental agreements, and the application of environmental justice criteria. 4.1.1.13 Protect the environment of the island of Santo Domingo in cooperation with Haiti. 4.1.1.14 Strengthen the National System of Protected Areas as a means of conserving natural heritage and empowering communities to receive its benefits. 4.3.1 Reduce vulnerability, 4.3.1.2 Strengthen, in coordination with local governments, the system for the advance adaptation to the prevention, reduction, and control of anthropic impacts that increase the vulnerability of effects of climate change, and ecosystems to the effects of climate change. contribute to the mitigation of its causes 4.3.1.3 Promote the development and transfer of technology that contributes to the adaptation of forest and agricultural species to the effects of climate change. Source: MEPyD (2019). 59 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE These ambitious and comprehensive lines A2.3): a) carbon dioxide emissions (4.1); b) of action cover most of the interventions in national protected areas (4.2); c) average the agricultural and forestry sectors that are annual deforestation rate (4.3); and d) efficiency needed to ensure the dynamic, relevant, and in the use of water in distribution systems and sustainable development of land use. However, networks and its final application in irrigation priorities are not assigned to the action lines systems (4.4). and only four indicators are monitored (Box BOX A2-3 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND RESULTS OF END 2030 Targets for END 2030 environmental axis indicators Indicators Unit / Measure Baseline Five-year Goals Year Value 2015 2020 2025 2030 4.1 Carbon dioxide emissions Metric tons per 2010 3.6 3.4 3.2 3.0 2.8 capita 4.2 National Protected Percentage of total 2009 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4 Areas territorial area 4.3 Average annual Percentage of total 2005 0.1 -0.1 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2 deforestation rate forest area (*) 4.4 Efficiency in the use of Percentage of 2010 28.0 36.5 45.0 45.0 45.0 water in water distribution distributed water systems and networks and that was used their final application in irrigation systems Note (*): negative values indicate increases in the total forest area. Source: Law 1 of 2012. The country’s performance to date on meeting its environmental targets Indicator Goal Achieved Updated Goal Inertial 2015 2015 Indicator 2020 Projection 2018 Year Value 2019 2020 4.1 Carbon dioxide emissions (Metric 3.40 3.48 2018 - 3.20 3.13 3.08 tons per capita) 4.2 National Protected Areas 24.40 24.40 2017 26.20 24.40 28.29 28.54 (Percentage of total territorial area) 4.3 Average annual deforestation -0.10 ND 2018 - -0.20 -6.35 -8.54 rate (Percentage of total forest area - negative values indicate increases in the total forest area) 4.4 Efficiency in the use of water 36.50 34.91 2016 - 45.00 38.58 39.56 in water distribution systems and networks and their final application in irrigation systems. (Percentage of distributed water that was used - Indirect measurement methodology) Source: Law 1 of 2012 and MEPyD (2019). 60 Of these four indicators, latest available suggests that a greater ambition is necessary. data indicate that the first three have been met or are on track to meet the targets set Actions for implementing environmental for 2020 (Box A2.3), while the last indicator policies in the coming years are contained (4.4) on efficiency of water distribution shows in the MIMARENA’s Institutional Strategic moderate, but slow, progress towards the Plan (ISP) 2020-2023 (Box A2.4). The target. The goal for protected areas (indicator ISP is a medium-term plan that expresses 4.2) was met in 2015 and has subsequently environmental policies, objectives and remained the same, which lessens the utility priorities at the sectoral and institutional levels. of this indicator as a management instrument. It establishes priorities, objectives, goals and The deforestation goal (indicator 4.3) includes resource requirements of MIMARENA for a natural regeneration and therefore does not period of four years, and must be consistent discriminate between reducing deforestation with the National Development Strategy, and increasing forest area through National Multi-annual Public Sector Plan, and reforestation. The emission reduction target Sectorial Plans (Art. 25 Law 498-06, Dec.493-07 (indicator 4.1) was exceeded in 2019, which Art. 44). BOX A2.4 THE MIMARENA’S INSTITUTIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN (ISP) 2020-2023 The Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP) is a management • Sustainable use of natural resources, ecosystems, and instrument established by Article 25 of the Law 498-06 on biodiversity Planning and Public Investment; the ISP complements the • Environmental quality management of ecosystems Sectoral Plan and the Regional Plan and is aligned with and human settlements the National Multiannual Public Sector Plan and with the framework of the National Development Strategy 2010- • Management of risk, adaptation, and mitigation of 2030. The ISP is disaggregated into annual operating climate change plans, which are incorporated into each annual national budget. The MIMARENA ISP’s strategic pillars are: The ISP action lines are aligned with the END´s objectives. Table A2.2 shows the correspondence of the ISP’s action • Institutional strengthening lines with the END’s action lines for END objectives 4.1.1 • Development of instruments for the management of and 4.3.1; END objectives 2.4.2 and 3.5.3 do not have the environment and natural resources action lines in the ISP. • Preservation of the natural heritage of protected areas TABLE A2.2 CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN END ACTION LINES AND MAMARENA´S ISP ACTION LINES END action line ISP Action Line 4.1.1.1 Strengthen at the national, regional and local 42 Create local community networks for protection and levels, the institutional framework, regulatory framework, surveillance. and penalization mechanisms to guarantee the protection of the environment in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. 4.1.1.2 Strengthen the participation of local governments 58 Provide technical assistance and training to Municipal in the management of the environment and natural Environmental Management Units (UGAM) regarding the resources and promote their implementation within the location and proper management of landfills. geographical scope of the Territorial Management Plan. 4.1.1.3 Promote an Integrated Coastal Zone 74 Develop integrated coastal zone management, with Management system, assigning priority to unprotected attention to unprotected areas. areas. 4.1.1.4 Establish priorities for public investments in the 37 Establish the National Cadaster of Protected Areas, which Major Strategic Development Planning Regions based should update the plans and maps of the priority units of on the environmental sustainability of each. the SINAP with their topographic areas and boundaries and, their inventories of service infrastructure, including accommodation, trails, and signs. 61 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE END action line ISP Action Line 4.1.1.6 Develop systems for monitoring, evaluating, 4 Develop and establish the use of economic and market and assessing the state of the environment and natural instruments in the management of the environment and resources at the national, regional, and local levels based natural resources, aimed at the economic valuation of on the consolidation of an Environmental Information environmental goods and services offered by ecosystems. System that includes the assessment of natural resources in national accounts. 8 Implement the use of information and communication technologies for proper decision making, policy design, and management of administrative and financial processes. 51 Develop a system for monitoring emissions and discharges from fixed sources. 73 Strengthen the system of surveillance, monitoring, and control of ecosystems. 101 Develop a monitoring and early warning system for the effects of climate change in the country. 4.1.1.7 Conduct research and create systematic 45 Promote basic and applied scientific research on information and analytical systems for measuring the ecosystems and natural resources in protected areas. impact of environmental degradation on the living conditions of the population, particularly women and vulnerable groups. 4.1.1.8 Restore and preserve the services provided 62 Protect and restore forest ecosystems in critical areas of by ecosystems with emphasis on river basins and priority basins with native, endemic, and appropriate species. design and implement mechanisms for the payment of environmental services to communities and productive 77 Ensure the provision of technical assistance to the units that protect them. environmental clean-up of watersheds. 4.1.1.9 Manage forest resources in a sustainable manner 62 Protect and restore forest ecosystems in critical areas of and promote the reforestation of forested territories with priority, watersheds with native, endemic, and appropriate endemic and native species. species as appropriate. 64 Promote the establishment and management of commercial forest plantations. 65 Strengthen instruments and mechanisms for the sustainable management of native forests. 67 Promote the improvement of the quality of forest species in forest ecosystems. 4.1.1.10 Encourage the sustainable use of natural 4 Develop and establish the use of economic and market resources through the application of economic and instruments for the economic valuation of ecosystem goods market instruments, including Clean Development and services and the management of environment and Mechanisms. natural resources. 50 Promote the establishment of economic instruments for the implementation and compliance with water quality standards in priority sectors (agriculture, industry, and tourism). 4.1.1.11 Promote environmental education and 25 Include an environmental education component in the the involvement of the population in the valuation, plans, programs, and projects carried out by the Ministry. protection, and defense of the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources, including 13 Strengthen inter-institutional coordination for compliance education related to the causes and consequences of with cooperation agreements on trade and the environment. climate change. 4.1.1.12 Establish and strengthen mechanisms for social 32 Encourage the participation of different sectors of society monitoring of compliance with national environmental in the management and use of natural protected areas legislation, international environmental agreements, and by concluding and implementing shared management the application of environmental justice criteria. agreements and establishing Private Protected Areas. 99 Promote the conclusion of voluntary agreements for the implementation of sustainable production and consumption in the productive sectors. 62 END action line ISP Action Line 4.1.1.13 Protect the environment of the island of Santo 9 Strengthen the coordination mechanisms with international Domingo in cooperation with Haiti. cooperation for its alignment with the policies, plans, and programs of the Ministry. 4.1.1.14 Strengthen the National System of Protected 29 Develop and update management and operating plans in Areas as a means of conserving natural heritage and the priority conservation units of the SINAP. empowering communities to receive benefits. 30 Promote decentralized administration of the SINAP, delegating powers, functions, and resources to the managers or boards of directors of the units. 33 Promote the economic sustainability of the SINAP through the diversification of its financing sources, including debt for conservation investments, the establishment of a Trust Fund, and payments for environmental services. 37 Establish the National Cadastre of Protected Areas, which should update the plans and maps of the priority units of the SINAP with their areas and topographic boundaries and their inventory of service infrastructure, including accommodation, trails, and signs. 38 Carry out the transfer on behalf of the MIMARENA of state- owned property titles of the SINAP to autonomous and semi- autonomous institutions and the municipalities. 39 Carry out the physical demarcation, georeferencing, and marking of the boundaries of the different SINAP conservation units. 4.3.1.2 Strengthen in coordination with local 58 Provide technical assistance and training to Municipal governments the system for the prevention, reduction, Environmental Management Units (UGAM) regarding the and control of anthropic impacts that increase the location and proper management of landfills. vulnerability of ecosystems to the effects of climate change. 59 Manage the sanitation of landfills with local governments. 100 Promote the incorporation of a climate change adaptation perspective in public policies in priority sectors (agriculture, water, and tourism). 4.3.1.3 Promote the development and transfer of 63 Develop legal, technological, and coercive instruments technology that contributes to the adaptation of forest and mechanisms to prevent illegal logging and the transfer of and agricultural species to the effects of climate change. forest products. 94 Improve the process of environmental impact assessment by incorporating the use of information and communication technology. 97 Promote the use of technologies to optimize the use of natural resource management and reduce pollution. Source: MIMARENA (2019a). MEPyD (2019). 63 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE ANNEX 3. ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS FINANCED BY INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Agency contribution (USD) Name Cooperating Implementing Component of General Goal Specific Goal Development Agency or Institution END 2030 of END 2030 of END 2030 Goal (SDG) Date of Termination Organization Total Budget USD) Date of Execution Country Topic Strengthening the European Union Dominican Republic 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life Caribbean Biological (EU) headquarters of Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Corridor the Biological Sustainable management protect and Land Ecosystems Corridor Secretariat/ Production, use the goods UNEP-Panama/ Consumption, and services Multilateral 3,124,800 3,124,800 13/07/21 Latin American and & Adaptation to of the nation's Caribbean Regional Climate Change ecosystems Office Elaboration of the International Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 14: Life Caribbean Marine Atlas Atomic Energy Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably below water Marine Ecosystems (Phase II) Agency (IAEA) Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and and the Institute Production, use the goods Multilateral 28/12/15 28/12/17 of Marine and Consumption, and services 400,000 200,000 Coastal Research of & Adaptation to of the nation's Colombia Climate Change ecosystems Conserving Biodiversity in Global Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life Coastal Areas Threatened Environment Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Land Ecosystems by Rapid Tourism and Facility (GEF) Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and Physical Infrastructure Production, use the goods 37,747,182 16,034,799 Multilateral 01/01/16 12/01/20 Development Consumption, and services & Adaptation to of the nation's Climate Change ecosystems CLME+: Catalyzing the Global United Nations 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 14: Life implementation of the Environment Development Environmentally environmental Sustainably below water Strategic Action Program Facility (GEF) Program (UNDP) Sustainable management protect and for the sustainable Production, use the goods Marine Ecosystems management of shared Consumption, and services Living Marine Resources & Adaptation to of the nation's 15,344,948 12,500,000 Multilateral in the Caribbean and Climate Change ecosystems North Brazil Shelf, Large ND ND Marine Ecosystems The development of the Global Basel Convention 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.2 GOAL 12: initial evaluation of the Environment Coordinating Centre Environmentally environmental Promoting Responsible Institutional capacity Minamata Convention Facility (GEF) and Stockholm Sustainable management sustainable Consumption an in Latin America and the Convention Production, production and Production Caribbean Regional Centre Consumption, consumption Multilateral 01/06/16 01/12/17 for Latin America & Adaptation to 119,000 119,000 and the Caribbean Climate Change (BCCC-SCRC) Integration of water, Global United Nations 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life soil, and management Environment Environment Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Land Ecosystems of ecosystems in the Facility (GEF) Program (UNEP) Sustainable management protect and Higüamo River Basin (A) Production, use the goods Multilateral 3,930,646 1,430,646 04/02/17 04/02/21 Consumption, and services & Adaptation to of the nation's Climate Change ecosystems Conservation of Global United Nations 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life biodiversity in threatened Environment Development Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Land Ecosystems productive mountain Facility (GEF) Program (UNDP) Sustainable management protect and forest landscapes Production, use the goods 59,460,000 Multilateral 9,150,000 Consumption, and services & Adaptation to of the nation's ND ND Climate Change ecosystems 64 Agency contribution (USD) Name Cooperating Implementing Component of General Goal Specific Goal Development Agency or Institution END 2030 of END 2030 of END 2030 Goal (SDG) Date of Termination Organization Total Budget USD) Date of Execution Country Topic Strengthening Human Global Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life Institutional capacity Resources, Legal Environment Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Frameworks and Facility (GEF) Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and Institutional Capacities to Production, use the goods Multilateral 01/05/17 01/05/19 Implement the Nagoya Consumption, and services 370,000 350,000 Protocol & Adaptation to of the nation's Climate Change ecosystems Implementation of KFW Foundation for 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life conservation measures, Development the Development Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Land Ecosystems ecological restoration, Bank (KFW) and Protection of Sustainable management protect and and sustainable the Nizaíto River Production, use the goods 01/10/12 15/06/18 production systems in the Basin in Paraíso Consumption, and services 240,070 141,499 Germany lower and middle basin (FUNDEPROCUNIPA) & Adaptation to of the nation's of the Nizaíto River Climate Change ecosystems Strengthening the KFW Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life Provincial Directorates for Development Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Environment and Natural Bank (KFW) Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and Resources (rehabilitate /Vice-Ministry of Production, use the goods the Dajabón office; build Forest Resources Consumption, and services provincial offices for & Adaptation to of the nation's Elías Piña and Bahoruco; Climate Change ecosystems Land Ecosystems and, equip the Bahoruco and Independencia 09/04/13 15/07/18 Offices with office 198,137 198,137 Germany and measurement equipment) Protection and KFW Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life surveillance actions in Development Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Land Ecosystems protected areas in border Bank (KFW) Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and areas / Vice-Ministry of Production, use the goods 19/02/14 30/06/18 Forest Resources Consumption, and services 239,504 239,504 Germany & Adaptation to of the nation's Climate Change ecosystems Implementation of KFW Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life actions for the sustainable Development Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land management of natural Bank (KFW) Natural Resources/ Sustainable management protect and resources (build four Vice-Ministry of Production, use the goods nurseries; rehabilitate Forest Resources Consumption, and services three nurseries; support & Adaptation to of the nation's Land Ecosystems for actions in the Climate Change ecosystems Biological Corridor; and 09/04/13 15/07/17 acquisition of materials 807,666 807,666 Germany for seed collection and seedling production)  Catalyzing a multi- Food and Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: sectoral program to Agriculture Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action Institutional capacity support water and soil Organization Natural Resources / Sustainable climate change advancing to management in the face (FAO) and Vice-Ministry of Soil Production, adaptation, and of the threat of climate Interamerican and Water Consumption, contributing to 323,000.00 323,000.00 Multilateral 08/02/17 21/07/18 change in the Dominican Institute for & Adaptation to mitigation Republic Agricultural Climate Change Cooperation Building resilience in Global Climate Ministry of the 4. 4.2.-Effective risk 4.2.1 Develop GOAL 13: a coastal-mountainous Change Alliance Environment and Environmentally management an effective Climate Action gradient through Plus (GCCA+) Natural Resources Sustainable national ecosystem-based financed by the Production, comprehensive approaches (EbA) and European Union Consumption, risk ecosystem-based disaster & Adaptation to management Multilateral 4,464,000 4,464,000 19/01/19 01/01/24 risk reduction (Eco-DRR) Climate Change system to increase adaptation/ Other Miches 65 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE Agency contribution (USD) Name Cooperating Implementing Component of General Goal Specific Goal Development Agency or Institution END 2030 of END 2030 of END 2030 Goal (SDG) Date of Termination Organization Total Budget USD) Date of Execution Country Topic Capacity development of Forest Carbon Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 13: Institutional capacity actors involved in the use Partnership Fund Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably Climate Action and change of land use in (FCPF) / World Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and the Dominican Republic, Bank (WB) Production, use the goods Multilateral 3,437,091 3,437,091 01/06/16 01/06/19 SNIP 13760. Consumption, and services & Adaptation to of the nation's Climate Change ecosystems Dominican Republic First Global Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: Institutional capacity Biennial Update Report Environment Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action (BUR) Facility (GEF) Natural Resources / Sustainable climate change advancing to National Council for Production, adaptation, and Multilateral 01/05/17 01/05/19 Climate Change Consumption, contributing to 397,000 352,000 & Adaptation to mitigation Climate Change A portable early warning German Dominican Institute 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: service for disasters in Corporation for for Integral Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action every pocket of Santo International Development  Sustainable climate change advancing to Domingo Cooperation Production, adaptation. and Multilateral 7,050,000 01/10/17 01/07/18 (GTZ) Consumption, contributing to 150,000 & Adaptation to mitigation Other Climate Change Increasing climate The Adaptation Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: resilience in the province Fund Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action of San Cristóbal, Natural Resources Sustainable climate change advancing to Dominican Republic - and National Production, adaptation, and Program for Integrated Institute of Drinking Consumption, contributing to Multilateral 9,954,000 9,954,000 01/07/19 30/06/23 Management of Water Water and Sewage & Adaptation to mitigation Resources and Rural Climate Change Other Development Institutional Spanish Agency Planning and 1. Democratic 1.1. Efficient, 1.1.1 Structure GOAL 16: strengthening of the for International Development Social State of transparent an efficient Peace, justice Institutional 14/12/17 30/12/20 Ministry of Environment Development Directorate Law. and results- public and strong 223,430 175,929 capacity and Natural Resources of Cooperation oriented public administration institutions Spain the Dominican Republic (AECID) administration. Building capacity to Green Climate Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: Institutional capacity advance the National Fund /United Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action Adaptation Plan process Nations Natural Resources Sustainable climate change advancing to in the Dominican Environment / Climate Change Production, adaptation. and Multilateral 2,112,239 2,112,239 30/04/17 30/04/20 Republic Program Directorate Consumption, contributing to & Adaptation to mitigation Climate Change Development of an Regional Fund German Corporation 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.2.1 Develop GOAL 14: Life innovative financial for Triangular for International Environmentally environmental an effective below water Marine Ecosystems mechanism for the Cooperation in Cooperation in Sustainable management national conservation of coral Latin America Costa Rica and the Production, comprehensive Multilateral 01/07/17 01/06/19 reefs in the Dominican and the Dominican Republic Consumption, risk Republic Caribbean & Adaptation to management N.D. N.D. Climate Change system Preparation of the Sixth Global Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life National Biodiversity Environment Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Land Ecosystems Report of the Convention Facility (GEF) Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and on Biological Diversity / Department of Production, use the goods Multilateral 01/12/17 01/12/18 (CBD), in compliance with Genetic Resources, Consumption, and services 100,000 100,000 Article VI of the CBD Biodiversity & Adaptation to of the nation's Directorate Climate Change ecosystems Strengthening the Japan Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.3 Develop GOAL 6: Clean Institutional capacity institutional capacity International Environment and Environmentally environmental comprehensive Water and of the Program for the Cooperation Natural Resources - Sustainable management management Sanitation integrated management Agency (JICA) Directorate of Solid Production, of waste, 1,041,236 30/05/17 of solid waste) Waste Consumption, pollutants, 943,527 Japan (FOCIMIRS) & Adaptation to and sources of Climate Change contamination 66 Agency contribution (USD) Name Cooperating Implementing Component of General Goal Specific Goal Development Agency or Institution END 2030 of END 2030 of END 2030 Goal (SDG) Date of Termination Organization Total Budget USD) Date of Execution Country Topic Strengthening national Green Climate Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: Institutional capacity capacities through the Fund (GCF) Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action Program to Support Natural Resources Sustainable climate change advancing to Preparedness for Climate Production, adaptation, and Multilateral 01/04/17 30/04/19 Change in the Dominican Consumption, contributing to 300,000 300,000 Republic (Readiness & Adaptation to mitigation Support) Climate Change Operationalization of Global Ministry of the 4. 4.2.-Effective risk 4.2.1 Develop GOAL 6: Clean the special program to Environment Environment and Environmentally management an effective Water and support institutional Facility (GEF) Natural Resources Sustainable to minimize national Sanitation strengthening at the Production, human, comprehensive national level that Consumption, economic and risk promotes the application & Adaptation to environmental management of the Basel and Climate Change losses system Rotterdam Conventions, the Minamata on Institutional capacity Mercury, and the Strategic Approach for the Management Multilateral 01/01/18 01/12/19 of Chemicals at the 312,500 250,000 international level in the Dominican Republic Promotion of the German Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life economic potential Corporation for Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land of biodiversity in a International Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and Land Ecosystems fair and sustainable Cooperation /Department of Production, use the goods manner to implement (GIZ) Genetic Resources, Consumption, and services 4,490,784 4,464,000 11/01/15 11/01/17 the Nagoya Protocol in Biodiversity & Adaptation to of the nation's Germany Central America and the Directorate Climate Change ecosystems Dominican Republic Promotion of Government of Clean and 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 12: development and Austria Sustainable Environmentally environmental Sustainably Responsible industrial cooperation Production Unit Sustainable management protect and Consumption an in developing countries (CPU), United Production, use the goods Production and economies in Nations Industrial Consumption, and services transition for poverty Development & Adaptation to of the nation's 01/01/14 01/01/20 reduction, globalization Organization Climate Change ecosystems 669,885 669,885 Austria for all, and environmental (UNIDO) Other sustainability Pilot Project, Ecosystem Italian Ministry UNEP/Ministry of 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life management of of Foreign the Environment Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Land Ecosystems biodiversity for Relations and its and Natural Sustainable management protect and sustainable development General Director Resources Production, use the goods 01/09/16 in the Caribbean. (RD for International Consumption, and services 350,000 350,000 Case: Montecristi-Puerto Development & Adaptation to of the nation's N.D.  Italy Plata) and Cooperation Climate Change ecosystems Transforming tourism The Federal United Nations 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: value chains in Minister for the Environmental Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action developing countries and Environment, Program (UNEP), Sustainable climate change advancing to small island developing Nature Ministry of the Production, adaptation, and states (SIDS) to accelerate Conservation, Environment and Consumption, contributing to 4,445,082 4,445,082 01/01/17 01/01/20 resilience, efficient use of and Nuclear Natural Resources & Adaptation to mitigation Germany resources, and lower the Safety (BMU) Climate Change Other level of carbon emissions Support for the Multilateral Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 12: Institutional capacity ratification of the Kigali Fund for the Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Responsible amendment in the Implementation Natural Resources Sustainable climate change advancing to Consumption an Dominican Republic of the Montreal Production, adaptation, and Production Multilateral 05/07/18 30/12/19 Protocol Consumption, contributing to & Adaptation to mitigation N.D. N.D. Climate Change 67 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE Agency contribution (USD) Name Cooperating Implementing Component of General Goal Specific Goal Development Agency or Institution END 2030 of END 2030 of END 2030 Goal (SDG) Date of Termination Organization Total Budget USD) Date of Execution Country Topic Management Plan for Multilateral United Nations 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 12: the elimination of the Fund for the Development Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Responsible use of hydrochlorine Implementation Program (UNDP) Sustainable climate change advancing to Consumption an fluorocarbons in the of the Montreal Production, adaptation, and Production Dominican Republic Protocol Consumption, contributing to Multilateral 1,279,558 (HPMP). Second stage. & Adaptation to mitigation 01/03/17 01/03/20 Climate Change Other N.D. Management Plan for Multilateral Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: the elimination of the Fund for the Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action use of hydrochlorine Implementation Natural Resources Sustainable climate change advancing to fluorocarbons in the of the Montreal Production, adaptation, and Dominican Republic Protocol Consumption, contributing to (HPMP). Second stage/ & Adaptation to mitigation strengthening the Climate Change legal and institutional sectors responsible for Multilateral regulation related to the 01/03/17 01/03/20 195,000 implementation of the Other N.D. Montreal Protocol Strengthening the Multilateral Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: institutional capacity Fund for the Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action of the Ministry of the Implementation Natural Resources Sustainable climate change advancing to Environment and Natural of the Montreal Production, adaptation, and Resources Protocol Consumption, contributing to Multilateral & Adaptation to mitigation 01/09/17 01/03/20 171,946 171,946 Climate Change Other Increased restoration and German German Corporation 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life adaptation capacity in Corporation for for International Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land biosphere reserves on the International Cooperation (GTZ)/ Sustainable management protect and Dominican Republic and Cooperation Ministry of the Production, use the goods Haiti border (CAReBios) (GIZ) Environment and Consumption, and services Natural Resources, & Adaptation to of the nation's Land Ecosystems Vice-Ministry of Climate Change ecosystems 3,571,200 3,571,200 Protected Areas and 01/01/15 30/11/18 Germany Biodiversity Integrated management German Ministry of the 4. 4.2.-Effective risk 4.2.1 Develop GOAL 15: Life in the transboundary Corporation for Environment and Environmentally management an effective on Land basin of the river Libón International Natural Resources Sustainable national Land Ecosystems Cooperation Production, comprehensive (GIZ) Consumption, risk 6,249,600 4,017,600 01/01/12 31/12/17 & Adaptation to management Germany Climate Change system Land Degradation Global Ministry of the 4. 4.3.-Adequate 4.3.1 Reducing GOAL 13: Neutrality (LDN) Environment Environment and Environmentally adaptation to vulnerability, Climate Action Facility (GEF) Natural Resources Sustainable climate change advancing to Institutional capacity Production, adaptation, and Consumption, contributing to Multilateral & Adaptation to mitigation 10/10/16 26/07/17 Climate Change N.D. N.D. Preparation of the Sixth Global Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.2 GOAL 15: Life Institutional capacity Country Report within the Environment Environment and Environmentally environmental Promoting on Land framework of the United Facility (GEF) Natural Resources Sustainable management sustainable Nations Convention to Production, production and Multilateral 01/01/16 01/01/17 Combat Desertification Consumption, consumption 27,850 27,850 and Drought (UNCCD) & Adaptation to Climate Change 68 Agency contribution (USD) Name Cooperating Implementing Component of General Goal Specific Goal Development Agency or Institution END 2030 of END 2030 of END 2030 Goal (SDG) Date of Termination Organization Total Budget USD) Date of Execution Country Topic Establishment of the International Ministry of the 4. 4.1 Sustainable 4.1.1 GOAL 15: Life Caribbean Observation Atomic Energy Environment and Environmentally environmental Sustainably on Land Institutional capacity Network for ocean Agency (IAEA) Natural Resources Sustainable management protect and acidification and its Production, use the goods effects on harmful algal Consumption, and services Multilateral 02/01/15 02/01/17 outcrops, using nuclear & Adaptation to of the nation's 89,280 89,280 research techniques / Climate Change ecosystems RLA-7020 Water for the future Private Donor Center for GOAL 12: Agricultural Responsible and Forestry Consumption an Development Production (CEDAF), Plan Sierra Inc., Private Donor PRONATURA, 01/01/16 01/12/23 Asociación de Agricultores Nuevo Other N.D. N.D. Milenio (ASANUMI) Land Ecosystems Water for the planet Private Donor Center for GOAL 15: Life Agricultural on Land 01/09/18 01/12/23 and Forestry Private Development N.D. N.D. (CEDAF) Increasing climate Adaptation Fund Ministry of the resilience in San Environment and Cristobal, Dominican Natural Resources Land Ecosystems Republic, Comprehensive 01 /07/ 2019 30 /06/ 2023 Water Resources Multilateral Management, and Rural Development Program. N.D. N.D. 5 years Reduction of Emissions Forest Carbon Ministry of the by Deforestation and Partnership Environment and Institutional Multilateral Degradation of Forests Facility (FCPF) Natural Resources 12 / 2020 06/10/15 capacity (REDD+) / World Bank (WB) N.D. N.D. Promoting climate smart Global CONALECHE 4. 4.1 Sustainable GOAL 15: Life livestock in RD. Environment Environmentally environmental on Land Land Ecosystems Facility (GEF) Sustainable management Production, Multilateral 01/07/18 30/06/21 Consumption, & Adaptation to N.D. N.D. Climate Change Strengthening Japan Ministry of the Institutional capacity institutional capacity for International Environment the integral management Cooperation and Sustainable of solid waste at the Agency (JICA) Development 04 / 2020 04 / 2023 national level in the Japan Dominican Republic N.D. N.D. Phase 2 69 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE ANNEX 4. MIMARENA AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FUNDING (2015-2019) USD million 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total 2015-2019 MIMARENA - Forestry 22.6 22.7 22.4 23.4 25.0 116.1 Vice-Ministry of Protected Areas 5.3 5.7 5.7 6.1 6.8 29.5 Vice-Ministry of Forest Resources 13.7 13.4 14.5 15.0 15.3 71.9 Environmental Protection and Defense Program 3.6 3.6 2.3 2.3 2.9 14.7 Total MIMARENA 119.7 117.8 142.1 134.7 219.3 733.6 MIMARENA Forest Matters / Total MIMARENA (%) 18.9% 19.3% 15.8% 17.4% 11.4% 15.8% TOTAL CENTRAL GOVERMENT BUDGET 11,521 12,220 13,153 13,865 14,950 65,709 MIMARENA / Total Central Government Budget (%) 1.0% 1.0% 1.1% 1.0% 1.5% 1.1% International Cooperation (IC) 62.4 IC Institutional Capacity 12.8 IC Land Ecosystems 32.5 IC Marine Ecosystems 12.7 IC Other 4.5 A. Total MIMARENA + International Cooperation 799.1 International Cooperation / (Total MIMARENA + 7.8% International Cooperation) (%)  B. MIMARENA Forestry + IC Land Ecosystems 148.6 IC Land Ecosystems / (MIMARENA Forestry + IC Land 21.9% Ecosystems) (%)  Sources: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MIMARENA), Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of the Dominican Republic 70 ANNEX 5. NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PROTECTED AREAS - SINAP, 2019 The creation of the SINAP as a strategy forests, both broadleaf and pine. However, for the conservation of biodiversity and institutional capacity to effectively conserve ecosystem services serves to reduce protected areas is not always enough. This is pressures on natural forests. These areas are primarily due to the MIMARENA’s institutional especially important because they represent weaknesses in attending to these protected close to a quarter of the country’s land.70 By areas, which cover a very extensive territory law, these areas are intended to guarantee the and face a great deal of complex challenges. conservation and preservation of representative In addition, the overlapping responsibilities samples of the different ecosystems and the between the environmental authorities and the natural and cultural heritage of the country, Armed Forces, especially in the management ensuring the permanence and optimization of SENPA, has implications for the effectiveness of the environmental and economic services of vigilance and control in these areas. It is that these ecosystems offer or may offer to not always possible to adequately balance present and future generations. The law seeks actions to promote inclusive conservation to protect the services provided by primary on the one hand and punitive actions on the or secondary forests, as well as natural and other, especially in a territory where there are artificial water sources. In particular, the multiple conflicts of land tenure and possession ecosystem services of carbon sequestration, in areas where restrictions are established water protection and generation, and the at different levels to carry out productive protection of biodiversity and scenic beauty activities. In other words, efforts are needed to are highlighted. In addition, the same law find an appropriate balance between positive establishes the need to develop ecologically incentives for the different stakeholders to and environmentally appropriate activities commit to the conservation of protected that generate income for the maintenance of areas on the one hand, and the necessary the SINAP and for improving the economic actions to sanction those who do not comply and social conditions of the communities with the established legal mandates on the neighboring the protected areas.71 As shown other. A large part of the loss of forest cover is in Figure 3 and Table 5A.1, protected areas, concentrated in protected areas (see Figures especially national parks and, to a lesser 2 and 3) and highlights a challenges related to extent forest reserves, include within their strengthening the country’s capacity to prevent territories a large part of primary or mature deforestation within national parks. 70 See Annex 2 and the SINAP (2019a). 71 Dominican Republic, Sectoral Law on Protected Areas (Law 202-04 of 2004). 71 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOREST NOTE TABLE 5A.1 PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS Categories and Subcategories Number of Terrestrial Marine Total Area Protected Surface (Km²) (Km²) Areas Area (Km²) I. STRICT PROTECTION AREAS 12 406.68 32,900.46 33,307.15 A. Scientific Reserves 8 216.62 - 216.62 B. Marine Mammal Sanctuaries 2 11.88 32,900.46 32,912.34 C. Biological Reserves 2 178.19 - 178.19 II. NATIONAL PARKS 30 8,611.92 1,810.82 10,422.74 A. National Parks 28 8,610.60 1,555.78 10,166.38 B. Underwater National Parks 2 1.33 255.04 256.37 III. NATURAL MONUMENTS 31 664.55 23.70 688.25 A. Natural Monuments 29 630.94 23.70 654.64 B. Wildlife Refuges 2 33.61 - 33.61 IV. HABITAT/SPECIES MANAGEMENT AREAS 22 332.20 11,129.44 11,461.64 A. Wildlife Refuges 19 326.17 317.73 643.91 B. Marine Sanctuaries 3 6.03 10,811.71 10,817.74 V. NATURE RESERVES 15 1,641.83 - 1,641.83 A. Forest Reserves 15 1,641.83 - 1,641.83 VI. PROTECTED LANDSCAPES 17 414.08 48.96 463.04 A. Via Panoramica 10 284.87 12.38 297.25 B. Natural Recreational Areas 4 108.41 36.58 144.99 C. Ecological Corridor 3 20.80 - 20.80 Total Conservation Units 127 12,071.27 45,913.38 57,984.65 Source: SINAP - National System of Protected Areas (2019a). 72