The municipality of Las Salinas is located in the province of Barahona. It is bordered to the east by Cabral, to the west by Mella, to the north by Neyba, and to the south by Polo.

The municipality was elevated to the category of a municipality on March 1, 2001. It has a population of 5,229, of which 4,427 live in the urban zone (94%) and 802 in the rural zone (6%). The municipality is located at an altitude of 269 meters with a territorial extension of 126.55 km2 and an approximate population density of 41 inhabitants/km2.

It is important to note that the project will have a positive impact. This is due to a great plan that takes into account integral aspects of design, execution, monitoring, and follow-up activities. The benefits for the communities and their inhabitants have been considered, with specific objectives to accomplish.

Census data shortages and social inequities have resulted in a decrease in population due to emigration, lack of opportunities, and commercial isolation from the exportation of raw materials. As a result, 16.4% of housing is currently in precarious conditions.

In 2019, the community lacked Internet access, school enrollment decreased between one school year and another, and access to health and clean drinking water did not present a decent picture either.

The soils are classified as Class III, with a topography that is flat, hilly, or gently sloping, and with some limiting factors of considerable severity.

The municipality has a salt and gypsum mine located on a hill, which is the main economic activity. The Salt and Gypsum hill covers an area of approximately 21 km², composed of powerful layers with intercalations of soft clayey shales. It is estimated to contain 800 million metric tons of gypsum and 70 million tons of rock salt, making it the second-largest deposit in Latin America.

The municipality of Las Salinas has considerable mining resources. The salt and gypsum mines are one of the most important and are currently being exploited, representing the main economic activity and source of employment. In contrast, many deficiencies and collective needs of the inhabitants depend on agricultural products such as bananas and plantains, among others. This reality fits the pattern of development promoted by investors, where the usufruct of resources of the territories is not reflected in the quality of life nor the welfare of the people of the communities. The social commitment of businessmen and investors is null, with no return or compensation for the effects on the natural environment and a total absence of human sensitivity.

One of the main objectives of Kokonut Network is to distribute the benefits in the municipality, positively impacting hundreds of families.

Mina de Sal y Yeso, Las Salinas, Barahona, República Dominicana © Armidis Díaz All rights reserved.

The execution of the project will take place in a life zone of dry subtropical forest, we will intervene in the strip that extends from the municipality of Las Salinas, province of Barahona, to the municipality of Duvergé, province of Independencia.

This life zone is characterized by sunny and clear days most of the time. These conditions are ideal for coconut cultivation. This project will be executed with the highest quality standards and be committed to preserving the natural resources of the area. It will generate employment for hundreds of families, bringing hope and prosperity.