Dominican Republic : biological diversity assessment report

This report focuses on the institutional problems associated with protecting the country"s biological resources. Relevant legislation is described, followed by an assessment of governmental, nongovernmental, and international conservation agencies. According to the report, the government agencies are characterized by myriad weaknesses, including lack of organization, overlapping responsibilities, insufficient fiscal and physical resources, and inadequately trained staffs. These problems are compounded by other government agencies which foster the invasion of parks and reserves by farmers, as well as a lack of environmental awareness among the Dominican people. As a result, the government is incapable of enforcing conservation legislation or managing protected areas, and the country"s coastlines and forested lands face nearly unrestricted development for tourism and agriculture. Although the efforts of nongovernmental conservation agencies have also been limited, the report recommends that future support from international agencies be directed to these organizations rather than the government. A list of proposed research and conservation projects is included.