On November 8, 2024, the AdaptCCCDR team, together with representatives of the funding entity, held a key meeting in Bayahibe. This event brought together strategic actors at the local and national level with the aim of discussing the impact of the project on the community and its implications in the fight against climate change. During the day, various topics related to the installation and operation of the network of environmental sensors were addressed, as well as its importance in the planning and management of the territory.
A Meeting of Wills for a Sustainable Future
The event was attended by various institutions and professionals committed to environmental sustainability. Among the people present were Colonel Carlos Manuel Santana, Intendant of the Bayahibe Fire Department; Mrs. Mercedes Foster, representative of the La Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster; Arch. Francina Mateo, from the National Commission for Climate Change and Clean Development Mechanism (CNCCMDL); and several researchers from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), among others. In addition, international representatives such as Dr. Perry Polar and Dr. Graham King, from the University of the West Indies, Trinidad, as well as Gerard Denouden from OACPS R&I, actively participated.
Innovation and Science in the Service of Climate
During the meeting, the impact of the project was analyzed from various perspectives, including the central government, local private organizations and municipal public bodies. One of the highlights was the demonstration of the network of sensors installed in Bayahibe. It was explained in detail how these devices collect data in real time and transmit it to the cloud, allowing its analysis to define strategies for adaptation to climate change.
The importance of community integration in the project was also emphasized. The participants agreed that the active participation of the local population, in collaboration with the municipal authorities, will maximize the achievements and guarantee the sustainability of the initiatives implemented. In this regard, the awareness-raising workshop held in May 2024 was mentioned as a positive precedent to strengthen community collaboration.
Key points discussed:
✅ Impact of the project in different areas: from the central government to the private sector and the local community.
✅ Introducing the sensor system: how it works in real time and its potential to improve climate adaptation.
✅ Community Engagement: The importance of involving the population at every stage of the project to ensure its success.
Commitments for a Resilient Tomorrow
The event also served to strengthen the link with the local municipality and consolidate commitments for the continuity of the project. Among the agreements reached, the CNCCMDL’s willingness to act as a bridge between local government entities and to disseminate the project at the national level was highlighted. In addition, the Hotel Association valued the initiative as a key tool for planning, aligned with its environmental efforts in the protection of biodiversity and community health.
Impact Measurement and Next Steps
Similarly, one of the main achievements of this visit was that the general coordination of the project and the representative of the financing entity were able to learn first-hand about the reality of Bayahibe, the progress made and the sensor system deployed. The innovation in the strategic location of the sensors was highlighted, which have been located at relatively close distances, which allows fluctuations in the measured variables to be detected more precisely.
To ensure the follow-up of the agreements reached, periodic reports will be established within the critical path of the project. These reports will allow progress to be assessed and strategies adjusted as needed.
Towards a Future of Collaboration and Change
Finally, the meeting in Bayahibe reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between local, national and international actors to face the challenges of climate change. With the integration of scientific data, the active participation of the community and the support of key institutions, this project is consolidated as an innovative initiative that will contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the territory. The next step will be to continue with the implementation of the planned actions and further strengthen the link with local actors to ensure long-term success.
The meeting in key points:
🔹 Knowing the Terrain: The visit allowed the representatives of the financing entity to understand first-hand the context of Bayahibe and the local challenges.
🔹 Validation of the Monitoring System: The decision to install sensors in locations close to each other was highlighted as innovative, allowing the detection of fluctuations that other systems would not capture.
🔹 Follow-up and Expansion: A follow-up plan was established through periodic reports and opportunities were identified to strengthen collaboration with government entities and local organizations.