nature reserves — protecting the country's natural habitats, flora, and fauna.
zoological & botanical gardens — protecting the country's flora and fauna.
The Ministry of the Environment is the institution in charge of the development, administration, organization, and maintenance of all the country's natural and recreational areas. Its principal objective is to conserve the nation's natural resources and unique ecological heritage, for the perennial enjoyment of present and future generations.
A partial listing of Dominican national parks includes: 1.) Cueva de las Maravillas National Park. Close to San Pedro de Macorís at the south coast. Taino paintings. 2.) Parque Nacional Del Este. In the south-east of the country/island, between La Romana and the mouth of the Yuma River. It includes the coastal Isla Saona in the Caribbean Sea. 110 different species of birds and dolphins have been identified within the park. Also known as Cotubanamá National Park. 3.) El Choco National Park. With the caves of Cabarete at the shore, where one can swim in them. El Choco can be explored on horses. Native orchids live in the park's habitats. 4.) Isabel De Torres National Park . In San Felipe de Puerto Plata 5.) Isla Cabritos National Park . On Cabritos Island of Enriquillo Lake, in the southwestern Dominican Republic near the border with Haiti. . 6.) Jaragua National Park . In the southwestern Dominican Republic, with 130 different bird species, and 4,500-year-old Taino pictographs. 7.) José Armando Bermúdez National Park . In the Cordillera Centralmountain range. Contains some of the highest mountains in the Caribbean region, including: Pico Duarte, La Pelona, Loma La Rucilla, and Yaque. 8.) José del Carmen Ramírez National Park . In the center of the island, near San Juan de la Maguana and Loma De La Viuda. 9.) La Caleta Underwater National Park . 10.) Los Haitises National Park . On Samaná Bay, with 700 different plants, and 110 different birds. 11.) Monte Cristi National Park . In the northwestern Dominican Republic, near the border with Haiti. 12.) Perez Rancier National Park . Near the town of Constanza 13.) Sierra De Baoruco National Park . In the high Sierra De Baoruco mountain range, of the southwestern Dominican Republic towards the border with Haiti. The town of Barahona and Enriquillo Lake are in the vicinity. 14.) Valle Nuevo National Park . In Azua Province, La Vega Province, Monseñor Nouel Province, and San José de Ocoa Province of the Cibao Central Region. Park features include Las Pirámides de Valle Nuevo, Reserva Scientifica Ebano Verde, Salto de Aguas Blancas, Piedra Letrada, and Colonia Japonesa. 15.) Pueblo Viejo National Park. Includes the old city ofConcepción de la Vega, and the Pueblo Viejo gold mine.
