DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Our Implementation
The selection of communities was made through the use and adaptation of the Strategic Targeting Methodology, which was implemented after a long pre-selection process and additional local STM. The RD team adapted this tool to incorporate the identification of nearby ecosystems in the prioritization process. Given the size of the country and its population density, the STM turned out to be a useful tool at the provincial level but not ideal at the national level.
The process and numerous subsequent discussions led to the selection of two neighborhoods in the municipality of Miches: Boca de Rio and Los Mameyes (Lengua Afuera). However, in order to propose solutions based on nature, an ecological evaluation of the entire landscape was carried out (not only the communities and their surroundings) that encompassed the La Yeguada river basin and adjacent coastal-marine spaces.
The assessment of vulnerabilities and capacities of the communities was affected by the start of the pandemic and the team adapted to carry out the process semi-virtually. This strategy had mixed results that made the face-to-face methodology necessary to be able to complete the processes.
Concomitantly, the RD team held several meetings with municipal authorities, other projects and key actors in the municipality, guaranteeing knowledge of the portfolio of solutions and support for it. The process does not have a specific end but requires constant accompaniment and communication, especially because situations emerge at the community level that require constant adaptation.
In some cases, such as Los Mameyes, the existing vulnerability is so urgent that short-term measures focus mainly on risk management. This, and the level of exposure throughout the municipality, have required the RD team to begin training and strengthening the municipal Preparedness, Mitigation, and Response Committee and the Boca de Rio and Los Mameyes community risk management networks. This training is based on national standards established by the National Emergency System.
Role of the team in the project
The team made up of Catherin Cattafesta / The Nature Conservancy and Arnaldo San Roman / Dominican Red Cross, was decisive in adapting and articulating the IFRC methodology called Strategic Targeting Methodology (STM) to the reality of the Dominican Republic.
The process had to be carried out at the municipal level in 7 coastal municipalities to identify the most vulnerable communities within them. In the selection process, beyond the tools, other factors intervened, such as the presence of other projects, the development of important productive activities taking precedence and importance for local communities, among others.
Once the community was selected, we organized ourselves to start the eVCA process, the organization in the field took time because in Miches there is no organized branch of the Red Cross, the hiring of a field coordinator has been essential to carry out the evaluation actions , coordination with authorities and other projects, delivery of the eVCA strategy during COVID, and currently the start of cleaning and revegetation actions for the Boca de Rio mangrove swamp.
The team is instrumental for constant communication and coordination with local authorities and other actors intervening in the territory, to avoid duplication and not tire the communities.
Lessons Learned
-
The incorporation of the checklist for the identification of ecosystems in the community selection process (combination of tools with the STM).
-
The work of the Dominican Red Cross allowed for synergies with other projects for the implementation of the tools (CAN CHECKLIST) in other areas beyond the project. I also facilitate the implementation of the eVCA in Boca de Rio, Miches.
-
The team was able to adapt the eVCA methodology to be applied in times of pandemic. Although there was a difficult learning process. The project team was able to adapt the consultation processes for the preparation and solution of the portfolio of solutions, using different approaches according to the availability and disposition of the various corresponding actors. A virtual approach was used for the thematic experts, a face-to-face approach was used for the local authorities, and a hybrid approach was used for the communities, which ended with a greater presence in the field, given the limitations of communication and availability of the members of the communities. community networks.
-
Strengthening of two community networks for risk management (Boca de Rio and Los Mameyes) and establishment of their community brigades.
-
Coordination with another project called El Seibo Resiliente, implemented by GIZ and MARENA with funds from the European Union. This project has similar objectives and with the portfolio of solutions an action coordination table was elaborated and they adopted several of the proposed solutions.
-
Making synergy with funds from others from another project, TNC and its partner CEBSE have started cleaning and revegetation work in Boca de Rio.
HIGHLIGHT RESOURCES
ECOSYSTEMS
THE FUTURE IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Nature Conservancy and the Dominican Red Cross have started the implementation of some of the solutions included in the community resilience plans and continue to seek financing to take from the rest of their portfolio. At the same time, the team works to contribute to the review process of the national risk management legislation, so that it includes aspects of adaptation to climate change and nature-based solutions.
Story Map Collection
This StoryMap Collection will walk you through the geospatial story of Resilient Islands: how data was collected, what data products are available, and how these layers can be utilized to inform decisions.
​
At the national level, socioeconomic, environmental, and risk datasets were compiled between the years 2018 and 2020, from multiple sources and summarized by district. These datasets were published as a Decision Support Tool and can be viewed at maps.coastalresilience.org or directly through this StoryMap Collection.​
Mapping a Path to Resilience
New geospatial data guides Caribbean countries towards climate adaptation
