This project focuses on the conservation and national recognition of Pereskia quisqueyana, commonly known as the Bayahíbe Rose, an endemic and critically endangered plant species that was designated the national flower of the Dominican Republic. The species is native to the Bayahíbe region and faces threats from habitat degradation and environmental pressures. The project combined scientific research, environmental education, and awareness campaigns to strengthen conservation efforts for this unique species. Activities included propagation research, public awareness initiatives, training workshops for key stakeholders, and educational campaigns to promote knowledge of the species and its ecological importance. The initiative also aimed to strengthen national pride in the country’s biodiversity by promoting the Bayahíbe Rose as a symbol of Dominican natural heritage. Through collaboration with local communities, institutions, and environmental organizations, the project contributed to building long-term conservation capacity and ensuring the protection of this iconic species.
This dynamic conservation project delivered profound ecological and cultural impact by actively rescuing the Bayahíbe Rose, a critically endangered endemic species and the national flower of the Dominican Republic. Backed by a $197,670 grant, the initiative brilliantly merged rigorous scientific propagation research with widespread community education. The core impact of this project was the successful mobilization of national pride as a tool for biodiversity protection. By conducting targeted workshops and awareness campaigns, the project elevated the Bayahíbe Rose from an obscure, threatened plant to a celebrated symbol of natural heritage. Furthermore, the development of strict conservation guidelines and successful propagation methodologies ensures that this unique species can be safely cultivated and protected against accelerating habitat degradation, securing its long-term survival within the Dominican ecosystem.
