In Dominican Republic (DR), the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with a long-standing lack of connectivity and IT access in certain areas of the country, has introduced new challenges to the country’s REDD+ efforts.

In February, Dominican Republic began consultations on its REDD+ benefit-sharing plan that quickly became difficult to continue with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. And the lack of IT connectivity and resistance among certain stakeholders to participate in virtual meetings made online solutions hard to implement. 

DR’s Technical Management Unit has decided to proceed with its schedule of face-to-face meetings that adhere to strict hygiene practices and interpersonal distancing. These new protocols include limiting gatherings to small groups of 10 and 20 people, holding meetings in wide and ventilated spaces, and requiring the use of masks and antibacterial gel before, during and at the end of each activity. 

These new meeting protocols, in line with the Ministry of Health’s regulations, are limiting the risks to participants and technical staff. They have also allowed REDD+ technical teams to continue consultations to evaluate the additional criteria that will be included in the country’s REDD+ Benefit-Sharing Plan.