Supporting resilient territorial and urban development and social protection systems in the Dominican Republic

Although the Dominican Republic’s growth makes it one of the best performing countries in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, poverty and inequality continue to represent a challenge. Almost 40 percent of the population is vulnerable and can fall into poverty in the event of a shock such as a natural disaster. Key to resolving this vulnerability is the extension of adaptive social protection services and the development of socioeconomically inclusive resilience.

Highlighted results in this brief include a better informed urbanization policy, enhanced institutional knowledge, new tools to reach those in need, expanding access to resilient housing, and mobilizing additional resilient development investments. This brief also highlights lessons learned including the need to engage and adapt to a wider range of stakeholders, the intrinsic link of social welfare to inclusive resilience to natural hazards, and the necessity of support for affordable housing has a positive impact on urban economies and welfare.