Dominican government titles land in two national parks

The Dominican government has formalized the state's ownership of significant land within two national parks, Loma Novillero and Montaña La Humeadora. Six land parcels, covering more than 12.3 million square meters, have been officially titled in the name of the Dominican state.

President Luis Abinader highlighted this initiative as a crucial legacy of his administration, emphasizing the importance of securing these protected areas for future generations. To this end, a specialized commission has been established to identify, regularize, and title state lands within protected areas. Abinader announced that such titling processes would occur regularly, potentially on a monthly basis.

Currently, similar titling procedures are in progress for the Los Haitises and Loma Siete Picos national parks. The government aims to legally establish state property rights over these protected zones, thereby strengthening their legal, territorial, and administrative protection. Abinader noted that these efforts are crucial to counter attempts by "mafias" to seize adjacent lands, ensuring the preservation of these natural resources.

The Parque Nacional Montaña La Humeadora, located in the Central mountain range, spans territories in San Cristóbal, Monseñor Nouel, and San José de Ocoa provinces. It is vital for water resources, with over 16 rivers and 71 streams originating in its mountains. The Parque Nacional Loma Novillero, in Villa Altagracia, San Cristóbal province, encompasses forests and catchment areas feeding the Haina, Isabela, and Ozama river basins, which supply water to numerous communities.