Strategic Planning for the Cuenca Media of the Yaque del Norte Watershed in the Dominican Republic

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F2F volunteer, Michael Viola, recently traveled to the Dominican Republic to work with Plan Yaque, a non-governmental institution that combines efforts between the state and civil society for the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources of the Yaque del Norte River Basin. Its fundamental purpose is to contribute to regional and national development towards the construction of a better and sustainable quality of life in the Dominican Republic.

The purpose of this assignment was to focus on the middle zone, Cuenca Media, of the northern Yaque River watershed that consists of 19 micro-watersheds and supplies approximately 11% of the total area. At the end of last year, a meeting was held with various governmental, academic and political stakeholders to discuss the development of a sustainable development plan for the watershed. As part of this effort, Michael’s assignment was to create a comprehensive proposal specifically focused on the Cuenca Media that Plan Yaque could propose to stakeholders for approval.

Michael divided his time between three important activities, including evaluating the watershed, meeting with Plan Yaque representatives to develop the proposal, and training Plan Yaque members on the use of results management as a planning tool. During the workshops, he incorporated design tools to measure targets and indicators that will effectively track project successes.


Protection of the watershed is necessary to ensure its sustainability and that quality water is available to the region. Michael was thrilled that he was able to assist Plan Yaque with exactly what they needed for the proposal that they will be pitching. He is confident that the training will also allow for effective project planning, implementation, and monitoring.

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