In the scenario of environmental conservation in the Dominican Republic, the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park stands out as the pioneer and precursor of protected areas in the Caribbean country. This natural jewel, established in 1974, stands as a historical monument in the preservation of the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.
Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, located in the southwestern region of the country, covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometers. It was created in response to the need to protect an area of great ecological and cultural value. In an effort to safeguard its rich ecosystems and unique flora and fauna, it became the Dominican Republic’s first official national park.
This national park is home to a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from rainforests to dry forests, mountains, rivers and a rich biodiversity.
The Sierra de Bahoruco is not only a nature sanctuary, but also a site that is home to archeological remains dating back to pre-Columbian times. These vestiges represent the ancestral presence of the Taino communities in the region, adding an additional historical and cultural value to the park.
Over the years, Sierra de Bahoruco National Park has faced conservation challenges, such as pressure from human activity, deforestation, and uncontrolled agricultural expansion. Nevertheless, it has been the object of conservation efforts and management programs that seek to preserve its natural and cultural richness.
The creation of the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park set a crucial precedent in the history of conservation in the Dominican Republic. Its establishment marked the beginning of a commitment to the protection of the country’s natural resources and served as an inspiration for the creation of other protected areas throughout the national territory.
Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, as the Dominican Republic’s first national park, represents not only a valuable natural treasure, but also a milestone in the nation’s conservation history. Its establishment has left a significant legacy in the preservation of ecosystems, biodiversity and cultural heritage, consolidating its importance as an emblematic symbol in the protection of nature in the Caribbean island.
