EcoSolucionesRD and the Ministry of Environment Launch Landmark Mangrove Restoration Partnership

A new collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and EcoSolucionesRD, Global Coralition’s operational hub in the Dominican Republic, sets the stage for large-scale mangrove recovery along the northern coast.

Mr. José Ramón Reyes (Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources), Mr. Paíno Henríquez (Minister of Environment), Ms. Lia Hiraldo (Country Manager of Global Coralition) and Mr. Carlos Augusto Batista (Vice Minister of Protected Areas and Biodiversity)

On Wednesday, September 17th, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN) and EcoSolucionesRD—the official representative of Global Coralition in the Dominican Republic—signed a landmark collaboration agreement to restore and reforest mangroves and wetlands along the northern coast, specifically in the provinces of Espaillat and Puerto Plata.

This agreement sets a strong foundation for coordinated action to protect critical coastal ecosystems, aligning national efforts with global climate and biodiversity goals. EcoSolucionesRD, through its expertise in nature-based solutions, will lead restoration efforts under the technical coordination and supervision of MMARN’s Vice Ministry of Coastal and Marine Resources and the Vice Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity.

Mangroves: A “Super-Ecosystem”

During the signing ceremony, Minister Paíno Henríquez underscored the immense value of mangroves:

“The priority is the protection of our mangroves. Much is said about superfoods, but mangroves are a superecosystem. They hold immense value and provide essential services for both nature and communities. Today, we are beginning to talk about them not only internationally but also locally, and this conversation is directly linked to building a blue economy—an economy with great potential that must be central to our agenda as we face the challenges of climate change, pollution, and desertification.”

Minister Henríquez emphasized his optimism, drawing parallels to the Dominican Republic’s successful forest recovery in the late 20th century. He expressed confidence that with the right alliances and methodologies—such as those being developed with Global Coralition and EcoSolucionesRD—the country can effectively protect, restore, and expand mangrove coverage.

Minister Henríquez and Ms. Hiraldo signing the agreement.

Collective Action for Long-Term Impact

The collaboration outlines clear commitments from both parties. MMARN will provide technical oversight, community engagement, and training programs, while EcoSolucionesRD will be responsible for executing restoration activities, monitoring impact, and ensuring long-term sustainability through a 30-year mangrove monitoring plan.

Beyond ecological benefits such as carbon sequestration and coastal protection, the initiative will also foster community resilience, local employment, and environmental education programs that strengthen coastal governance.

A Model for Blue Economy Partnerships

This agreement is more than a restoration project—it is a model for how governments, communities, and international partners can come together to protect vital ecosystems. By safeguarding mangroves, the Dominican Republic is investing in a resilient blue economy and setting an example for other nations in the region.

Global Coralition is proud to stand alongside MMARN and EcoSolucionesRD in this transformative effort. Together, we are committed to protecting, restoring, and expanding mangrove ecosystems so that both nature and communities can thrive.