Top Five Current Problems

1.  Water Storages  

Water Storages is a huge issue in the Dominican Republic.  For example in the city of La Colorada Arriba in the Dominican Republic there are 900 inhabitants.  They currently do not have access to portable water. To meet their daily needs, families currently collect rain and stream water that is contaminated with parasites from passing trucks. Drinking contaminated water is not healthy for anyone, particularly the young children and the elderly. Drinking this contaminated water can cause diarrhea which can lead to serious health complications, including dehydration and malnutrition, or even death. (Water Charity, 2011)  Water is a key component to our survival. If not attend to this could affect the health and well-being of the population in the Dominican Republic.

2. Deforestation

Deforestation has caused soil erosion, the drying of rivers, and a decrease in rainfall. Soil erosion causes farmers to lose more of their land suitable for planting every year.  The primary source of income of the communities is agricultural production. The clearing of land for agriculture has caused widespread deforestation, which has had a significant effect on the livelihood of the inhabitants. (Water Charity, 2011) Deforestation does not only affect the land.  It has negative effects on their food supply.  Dominican Republic is an island which is highly dependent on their natural resources. The nation relies on goods to export.  This is important because it generates money into their economy.  If deforestation continues it will lead to economical and agricultural problems.

3.  Natural Hazards

Dominican Republic lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and is subject to storms from June to October. The hurricane season in the Caribbean frequently coincides with heavy rains, which may cause flash floods, landslides and periodic droughts.  The natural hazards are a serious situation because often times it leads to death.  For example In September 1998, Hurricane Georges had a devastating impact on the country. It is important to understand what precautions could be done in order to protect the safety of the inhabitants in the Dominican Republic.    

4. Ecotourism.

According to The World Factbook 63% of the labor force in the Dominican Republic is in services. Tourism is an important factor in the Dominican Republic because much of the economy generates renew from the leisure industry.  However tourism can have negative effects on the island of Dominican Republic. For example tourism affects the beaches because much of the hotels are built on them. The Dominican Republic is fighting to hold onto its beaches and transform them into a low-key, environmentally sustainable tourist destination.  This is important because this idea generates revenue for the nation while protecting their environment.  

5. Migration

The Dominican Republic net migration rate is -3 per 1,000 total population. Although it may not Poverty in Dominican Republicseem like a lot, there is a migration issue occurring.  As we know the Dominican Republic shares an island with Haiti.  Since the natural disaster in Haiti many of the inhabitants of Haiti look for refuge in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic was the first country to give aid to Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.  (CNN World News, 2010)  However there are some negative effects of immigration for instances the transmission of diseases.   

This information provided by The CIA World Factbook, CNN World News, and Water Charity