Laguna de Los Cangrejos (República Dominicana)

About the Program
Since 2010, CEMEX Dominica has participated in the active management and protection of Laguna de los Cangrejos (Laguna de los Guardias), located within the company's central operations base in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. This 2,027-square-meter lagoon is located within the Higuamo River Wildlife Refuge, a protected area dominated by the mangrove ecosystem, which has a high value for conservation at the national level. Over 55 native species of vegetation have been recorded in the habitat, of highest priority being  lotus flower, platanillo and mangrove fern. The education and conservation activities are governed by a 10-year action plan in alignment with local and regional initiatives. 

Practices and Impacts

• The team encourages native growth in the lagoon through the removal of solid waste and invasive exotic plants. The cutting and clearing of vegetation along the shores of the lagoon has also been minimized. The team conducts monitoring of the water quality, flora and fauna across a three-square-kilometer area. CEMEX also works to prevent illegal fishing and crabbing.
• Following research identifying a need for more environmental education resources in the local community, the team developed a curriculum in partnership with Grupo Jaragua focused on mangroves at the local and national level. The team engages approximately 800 primary and secondary school students across 13 educational centers annually in classroom lessons, outreach opportunities, citizen science events and site visits.