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Dominican Republic Launches First National Oceans Forum
Government officials, academics, businesses, international organizations, and civil society representatives gathered in Santo Domingo for the Dominican Republic's first National Oceans Forum, an initiative aimed at strengthening ocean governance and promoting the sustainable use of the country's marine resources.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC), hosted the First National Oceans Forum of the Dominican Republic. Led by the Vice Ministry of Coastal and Marine Resources, the event brought together key stakeholders to promote collaboration on marine conservation and the sustainable management of the country’s ocean resources.
Held at the INTEC campus in Santo Domingo under the theme “The Ocean as the Foundation of Sustainable Prosperity,” the forum served as a platform for dialogue among government agencies, academic institutions, private sector representatives, international organizations, civil society groups, and marine experts. Participants discussed ways to strengthen ocean governance and lay the groundwork for a future National Ocean Strategy.
Building a National Vision for Ocean Governance
Paíno Henríquez, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, said the forum marks an important step toward a more integrated approach to managing the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
“As an island nation, our future is closely linked to the health of our seas. This forum provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across sectors and build a shared vision that supports marine conservation and a sustainable blue economy,” Henríquez said.
Shajira Nazir, INTEC’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, emphasized that protecting the oceans requires scientific knowledge, cooperation, and evidence-based decision-making. She highlighted the role of universities in connecting government, the private sector, and civil society to address environmental challenges.
During the event, organizers noted that the ocean accounts for approximately 90% of the Dominican Republic’s national territory, underscoring its strategic importance for the country’s long-term sustainable development.
Conservation and the Blue Economy
José Ramón Reyes, Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources, described the forum as the beginning of a long-term effort to strengthen ocean governance through public policy, institutional cooperation, and partnerships involving all sectors connected to marine resource management.
Jonathan Delance, National Manager of the Ministry of Environment’s 30×30 Program, reviewed the country’s recent progress in marine conservation while stressing the need to address ongoing challenges affecting coastal and marine ecosystems. He noted that healthy oceans are essential for sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and coastal communities.
Panel discussions examined issues including climate change, marine pollution, coastal erosion, and overfishing, while also exploring opportunities to expand the country’s sustainable blue economy. Experts discussed governance frameworks and strategies to improve the conservation and management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Strengthening Collaboration for the Future
Ana María Díaz, UNDP Resident Representative in the Dominican Republic, said advancing the country’s ocean agenda offers an opportunity to develop a more integrated and strategic approach to marine management through stronger partnerships, institutional capacity, and consensus-building.
Participants concluded the forum by calling for greater interinstitutional coordination, science-based policymaking, expanded marine conservation efforts, and a national agenda that reflects the Dominican Republic’s priorities for ocean sustainability. Organizers expect the National Oceans Forum to become an annual event that supports long-term collaboration and reinforces the country’s commitment to protecting its marine environment.
