PUCMM University Students Study Diversity of Woody Species in Santo Domingo’s Arroyo Hondo Region Situated in the City’s Northern Section

With the goal of classifying the woody species found within the Dominican Hyppotherapy Center, situated in the Arroyo Hondo section of the National District, students from the Pontifical Catholic University Mother and Teacher (PUCMM) majoring in Ecological Sciences and Environmental Management Studies headed an initial study on the diversity of woody species found in the area.

Due to the lack of biological data on the region, students Kelvin Socorro, Laura Bencosme, Manuel Garrido and Verónica López set out to determine the ecological importance of the region and the various species that depend  on this ecosystem.  The goal is to open the way to future environmental research.

The area studied is comprised of more than 120,000 square meters that are part of Santo Domingo’s green belt.  The surrounding woods are dotted with human settlements that place important demands on the natural resources provided by the region, provoking the serious exploitation and contamination of these resources.

The lack of environmental research also hinders the elaboration of a recovery plan.  This is why more research on the biological diversity of the woody species is crucial as well as the definition and analysis of its importance within the city, explained the students.

Due to the fast-growing environmental problems, the idea of the conservation of the region’s biological diversity is of crucial importance in these environmental and ecological studies. This situation is a challenge to public and private institutions to preserve the system, but also to involve incoming students in these issues.

The biological diversity of the abovementioned woods have not been studied previously, but the level of pollution provoked by nearby settlements are extremely high, especially in the region around the Isabela River.

The goal of the student’s research project is to provide information on the woody species found in the area in order to facilitate future environmental projects that will lead to the recovery of this important ecosystem.