Spanish
Jarabacoa. - The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Centro Cuesta Nacional (CCN) within the framework of its "Pride of my land" program, reaffirms its commitment to the preservation of the environment and community development, through an important initiative of support in infrastructure intervention and specialized training for the guides and park rangers of Pico Duarte.
This effort highlights the importance that the ministry places on strengthening protected areas, recognizing them as key spaces for the conservation of biodiversity and the ecological balance of the country. In this context, the role of the park ranger team takes on fundamental relevance, as they are the ones who protect these territories, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and actively contribute to the education and awareness of local communities and visitors.
"For several years, Centro Cuesta Nacional has promoted the initiative "Pride of my land", with which we seek to value the best of the Dominican Republic: its people, its culture and its natural treasures," said the Director of Corporate Communications of CCN, Amalia Vega, when participating in the delivery of certificates to the park rangers, after completing a 23-day training at the Instituto Técnico de Estudios Superiores en Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Itesmarena).
He explained that, through "Pride of my land," "we set out to work with Pico Duarte, our highest peak, and in the process we realized the role that park rangers play in protecting the environment. In each trail, of each river, of each forest that is preserved, there is the work, dedication and love for nature of each one of them."
He thanked Minister Paíno Henríquez for his valuable collaboration on the project, as well as Itesmarena and all the facilitators who were involved in the training of the park rangers.
"Pride of my land", in this edition, focused on two fundamental pillars. The first of these was specialized training for guides and park rangers in emergency management and environmental interpretation techniques, promoting safer and more educational tourism.
These trainings, carried out in strategic areas such as Mata Grande, La Ciénega and Sabaneta, have allowed to equip the personnel with tools to respond effectively to emergencies in areas of difficult access.
"Having allies like CCN allows us to move towards a more effective environmental management, focused on the people who are on the front lines of defense of our natural heritage," said the Vice Minister of Protected Areas and Biodiversity, Carlos Batista.
Additionally, as part of the infrastructure intervention axis, CCN donated more than 700 units of equipment to improve the conditions of 23 cabins used by park rangers in the José del Carmen Ramírez and Armando Bermúdez national parks. This donation included beds, mattresses, kitchen utensils, first aid kits, and furniture, in collaboration with Colchonería y Mueblería La Nacional.
These actions reinforce the joint commitment between the private sector and the State in the conservation of natural resources.
The Ministry of Environment, which recently certified 44 park rangers in specialized courses on protected area management, has positively valued the initiative, highlighting its impact on the professionalization and dignification of the personnel who protect our national parks. The ministry greatly values the collaboration of this important business group.
