"Promoting development, stability and protecting the environment in Haiti must be a priority for the Dominican Republic, if the country wants to secure its own future," said Environment Minister Francisco Dominguez Brito.

Minister Dominguez, warned "whether we like it or not, promoting stability in Haiti is a strategic political issue, because if decisions are not made to take care of the forests and especially the rivers that end in this Nation, it will create an explosive situation for the Dominican Republic, since no one is going to let himself die of thirst".

He said that because of climate change, adaptation measures and the question of both nations are fundamental to the ecological balance of the island. "If we now talk about the migratory problem of Haiti as a serious problem, a much more serious and important problem for the stability of both countries is the ecological balance that must exist."

He recognizes that taking care of protected areas creates conflict, threats and violence because the interests are affected, but this protection is necessary for the future of the island."

SL/ iciHaiti