La Descubierta is a town in the Independencia Province of the Dominican Republic.
Located in the north of the province, this municipality was created on April 21, 1938 as part of dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo's "Dominicanization of the border" plan. La Descubierta benefits from its agricultural production and several tourist attractions such as the Las Barias spa, Lake Enriquillo and Isla Cabritos.
Etymolygy[]
There are several versions about the origin of La Descubierta's name. One theory suggests that it originates from the early colonial period, relating to the positioning of troops during battles fought against the Spanish between Postrer Río and Tierra Nueva. It is said that the troops of Postrer Río were located, that is, discovered. Another theory maintains that during the Dominican-Haitian war, Dominican soldiers frequently observed movements of Haitian troops in that vicinity.
The name of this region is derived from the Independence battles that took place between 1845 and 1856, during which Dominican soldiers engaged in open combat against Haitian forces. Many locals believe that the unique name of the place comes from a group that patrolled openly during the wars, using the thick forest and abundant water in the area to their advantage.
That version fades, however, in light of historical information that confirms the name and origin predate the founding of the Republic by many years. It is more plausible to consider that this name derives from the meaning of the term "discovered," in its sense of explored or inspected territory, although not necessarily inhabited. This term appears to have been applied during colonial times to areas that were difficult to access, where integration into the known geographical environment required special reconnaissance efforts.
There is a community with this name in the mountains of Constanza, in addition to the one in discussion. Two other areas with the same name have been lost in history due to changes in the border line. One was located at the headwaters of the Babouil River, which the Spanish called Los Cordones, before reaching the Artibonito River, running north-south. The other was a plain in the Sierra de Bahoruco, later known as Sabana del Zombí.
The earliest historical mention of La Descubierta dates back to 1684, when Spain had not yet officially recognized France's claim to the island. At that time, neither the town of Neiba nor the city of Puerto Príncipe existed. Notably, along the western coast in French Saint-Domingue, the settlements of Petit-Goâve and Léogâne were prominent, the latter situated in the small valley where the Spanish village of La Yaguana once stood, which was destroyed by Governor Osorio in 1605. These locations were gathering points for privateers, buccaneers, merchants, and adventurers from France, England, and the Netherlands. This mention comes from a story about a group of escaped slaves, including an engagé, fleeing from Petit Goave to Spanish Santo Domingo, as recorded by historian Carlos Esteban Deive in his book Los Guerrilleros Negros.
La Descubierta served as the site for the military operations tasked with defending the primary route of the town of Neiba, to which it originally belonged. Within its vicinity were the military outposts of La Caleta and El Colorado, whose activities significantly shaped the region's geography with names like Los Cuarteles, El Cantón, and Granadero. The previously serene environment of La Descubierta was disrupted by the Dominican-American convention, which established a customs office in Lajas to oversee trade with Haiti.
In the 1910s, a path was established for the installation of telegraph and telephone poles leading to Las Lajas. Shortly before this, a group of mounted guards had been assigned to the area to oversee smuggling and trade activities along the border. Many of these guards, upon completing their duties, chose to remain in the vicinity of La Higuera, which contributed to its development in comparison to other population centers that would later form the Municipality of La Descubierta. This is the origin of many local families.
The municipality was established on April 21, 1938, as a component of dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo's initiative known as the "Dominicanization of the border." The first mayor of this own was Eufracio Vásquez. La Descubierta thrives on its agricultural output, which encompasses crops such as coffee, corn, cassava, and bananas, alongside its livestock activities. Additionally, trade with Haiti plays a vital role in fulfilling the needs of the local population.
Pre-Colombian Culture[]
In the municipality, numerous signs of pre-Columbian culture can be observed, such as the traditional preparation of casabe, conducted in a burén, reminiscent of indigenous methods, as well as fishing using a raft, a makeshift vessel constructed from simple sticks. During the period when the island was divided into five chiefdoms, the area now known as La Descubierta was part of the Jaragua Kingdom, under the leadership of the strong leader Bohechío. Evidence from that era includes Las Caritas, which are graphic tattoos etched by the indigenous people on stones, likely situated in what may have served as an indigenous stronghold. Numerous traditions from both Columbian and post-Columbian cultures have been preserved, notably the sugar mill, which functions within a subsistence economy.
Shield[]
The shield of La Descubierta reflects elements of its historical and cultural heritage, including Las Caritas, which was sculpted by indigenous peoples in the nearby rocks, as well as representations of Lake Enriquillo, river waters, mountains, and local flora and fauna. At the center of the emblem is a triangle, accompanied by the motto “Faith in tomorrow.”
Initially, La Descubierta was part of the Neiba Commune. On April 22, 1938, it was renamed from Higuera to La Descubierta and designated as a commune within Barahona Province. Subsequently, on March 18, 1943, it became incorporated into Bahoruco Province. La Descubierta is recognized as one of the earliest settlements in the area to achieve municipal status, which occurred on August 16, 1938, under Law No. 14976.
About[]
La Descubierta is one of the six municipalities that form the Independencia Province, alongside Duvergé, Mella, Río Postrer, Cristóbal, and Jimaní, the latter being the principal municipality. The Independencia Province, in conjunction with the Barahona, Bahoruco, and Pedernales Provinces, forms part of the Enriquillo Region.
The municipality of La Descubierta is situated in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic, within the Enriquillo Lake Basin, and shares a border with the Republic of Haiti. Its geographical limits include the Sierra de Neyba to the north, Lake Enriquillo to the south, the Poster Río Municipality to the east, and the Republic of Haiti to the west. Covering an area of 192.7 km², La Descubierta ranks as the fourth largest municipality in the province.
Descubierta is a small town with fewer than five thousand residents over the age of fifteen, based on the 2002 census. It is located about 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Santo Domingo and just under 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Haitian capital, accessible via Jimaní. The town sits on a narrow alluvial strip that slopes down towards Lake Enriquillo, with some areas below sea level.
The municipality experiences an annual temperature ranging from 32 to 34 °C. In terms of land area, La Descubierta is the fourth largest municipality within the province.
As of 2010, the Province of Independencia represented 14% of the total population in the Enriquillo Region. In that same year, Jimaní accounted for 27% of the province's total population, a situation attributed to the economic growth of its urban center, which is primarily driven by the activities of the binational market and the flourishing trade with Haiti.
La Descubierta maintains a significant dependency on the Municipality of Jimaní, which is located 23 km away. This dependency arises from Jimaní's status as the main municipality, where essential public offices, banking institutions, retail establishments, and service providers are concentrated, necessitating that residents of La Descubierta frequently travel to Jimaní and Neyba (in Bahoruco Province) for various activities.
The region of La Descubierta is linked from east to west to the municipality of Jimaní via Highway No. 48, and from west to east to the municipalities of Los Ríos, Postrer Río, Villa Jaragua, and Neyba, utilizing the same roadway. La Descubierta comprises both the urban center and the rural areas of Ángel Félix, which includes the regions of Sabana Real and Bonete, as well as Los Piños, encompassing Charco Largo, Palo Alto, Granada, El Bejuco, La Cañaíta, Los Piños del Edén, Guasosa, El Arroyo, La Plena, El Cao, Acitrón, El Cantón, Cruce de Granada, El Naranjo, Los Borbollones, Cerros, and Los Trates.
Adjacent to the municipality of La Descubierta lies Lake Enriquillo, the largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean, which borders its southern region. This aquifer is situated between the provinces of Independencia and Bahoruco and is encircled by the municipalities of Jimaní, Duvergé, La Descubierta, Postrer Río, Mella, Villa Jaragua, Los Ríos, and Neyba. The lake presents significant ecotourism potential and serves as a vital source of income for many families engaged in fishing and ecotourism. However, it also poses a considerable risk due to the rising water levels and the expansion of its surrounding areas. Consequently, 127 families in La Descubierta have been impacted, with 14,314 tracts of land submerged, while in the Bartolomé section, 399 families have lost 11,363 tracts of land.
The geomorphology of the municipality is part of the Hoya de Enriquillo territory, the Dominican extension of the Cul-de-Sac Plain. This area encompasses the Sierras de Neiba and Bahoruco, and features alluvial fans, marine lake deposits, and distinctly mountainous rocky areas. The soils are classified as type VII, which are suitable for forests, pastures, and mountain crops, but they have severe limitations due to topography, depth, and rockiness. This indicates a greater potential for forestry than for agriculture.
Geography[]
La Descubierta is made up of the urban area and the Ángel Félix rural sections, with its Sabana Real and Bonete sites; and Los Piños, which includes the places Charco Largo, Palo Alto, Granada, El Bejuco, La Cañaíta, Los Piños del Edén, Guasosa, El Arroyo, La Plena, El Cao, Acitrón, El Cantón, Cruce de Granada, El Naranjo, The Borbollones, Cerros and Los Trates.
In the Municipality of La Descubierta is the largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean, Lake Enriquillo, which borders it on its southern part. This aquifer is located between the provinces of Independencia and Bahoruco and is surrounded by the municipalities of Jimaní, Duvergé, La Descubierta, Postrer Río, Mella, Villa Jaragua, Los Ríos and Neyba.
This aquifer represents potential eco-tourism and a great source of employment for numerous families who live from fishing and eco-tourism. But it also represents a great threat, due to the increase in height and the expansion of waters in its surroundings. As a result of the flooding of the lake, 127 families have been affected in La Descubierta, with 14,314 tasks of land flooded, and in the Bartolomé section, 399 families have lost 11,363 tasks of land.
The geomorphology of the municipality is part of the territory of the Hoya de Enriquillo, Sierras de Neyba and Bahoruco, includes alluvial fans and marine lacustrine deposits and definitively mountainous rocky areas. The soils are type VII, suitable for forests, pastures and mountain crops, with very severe limitations in topography, depth and rockiness. This implies that the municipality has a high forestry potential rather than agriculture.
The municipality combines a diversity of ecosystems that feature coastal areas on the shores of the lake, which are drier, and high mountains with greater humidity. This combination, along with fertile lands, creates a conducive climate for a range of agricultural products, including crops from both lowland areas and musaceae, as well as highland crops such as coffee.
In the vicinity of La Descubierta lies the Bosque de las Barías, an inviting location that serves as a significant tourist attraction. This area is distinguished by its large trees and a spa designed like a swimming pool, which contains very cold waters sourced from an underground spring. These waters flow out from the spa and spread across the surrounding properties, irrigating the nearby land before eventually reaching Lake Enriquillo. This area is known as La Novia de la Frontera (“The Bride of the Border”).
Demography[]
Based on SIUBEN data from 2018 to 2020, 81% of people lived in urban areas while 19% resided in rural areas. The population consisted of 51.4% men and 48.6% women. Additionally, 12% are children under 5 years old, 11% are seniors over 65, and 3% are disabled. In terms of household leadership, 44.5% are led by women and 55.5% by men.
In the local population, 37% of individuals under 16 years old are registered but lack a birth certificate, while 11% are not registered at all. This situation restricts access to basic services from early childhood. For those aged 16 and older, it is noted that 5% do not have an identity and electoral card.
Additionally, it is important to note that the predominant demographic in the municipality of La Descubierta consists of Dominicans and Haitians. These two communities coexist peacefully, although sometimes individual conflicts occur in isolation. Many Haitians who migrate to La Descubierta arrive with their spouses and children and work in farming, while women often take on domestic responsibilities. Additionally, some are involved in the street vending of various goods, including clothing, perfumes, and footwear.
| Year | Population | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,310 | ||
| 2012 | |||
| 2022 | |||
Locations[]
Neighborhoods
| La Descubierta | 6,990 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section | Localities | |||
| La Descubierta Zona Urbana |
Urban | 9 | Centro, El Palmito, Ganadero, La Descubierta, Los Limoncitos, María Auxiliadora (La Meseta), Nuevo, and Rincón Collado. | |
| 1. | Ángel Félix | Rural | 3 | Ángel Félix, Sabana Real, and Bonete. |
| 2. | Los Piños | Rural | 16 | Acitrón, Cerros los Trates, Charco Largo, Cruce de Granada, El Arroyo, El Bejuco, El Cantón, El Cao, El Naranjo, Granada, Guasosa, La Cañaíta, La Plena, Los Borbollones, Los Piños del Edén, and Palo Alto. |
| 3. | Bartolomé | Rural | 3 | Bartolomé, El Higüero, and Los Geños. |
Environment and Natural Resources[]
The municipal council has an Environmental Management Unit (UGAM) that works with the Ministry of the Environment to manage issues like deforestation, forest fires, and waste disposal in rivers and their tributaries. In La Descubierta, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources recognizes four protected areas: Las Caobas Natural Monument, Las Barías Springs Natural Monument, Lake Enriquillo National Park, and Isla Cabritos, along with Neiba Mountains National Park.
Las Caobas Natural Monument
Located in the southern foothills of the Sierra de Neiba, this protected area features a unique forest that includes plants from both dry and humid environments. Visitors to this area can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Enriquillo and the Neiba plain.
Lago Enriquillo National Park
This park is situated between the Sierras de Neiba and Bahoruco, in the Hoya del Lake Enriquillo, which was once a marine channel. It is the largest lake in the Antilles, covering about 209 km² (81 mi²). The lake's size changes over time due to rainfall and cyclones. This protected area has three recognized management categories: a) National Park (local level), b) RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance (No. 1178), and c) Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO). The area was designated as a National Park under Law No. 664 on April 16, 1974, and officially announced on May 14 of that year. It became part of the Biosphere Reserve on November 6, 2002. Both the Biosphere Reserve and RAMSAR wetland designations provide international protection for Lake Enriquillo, highlighting its environmental significance.
Economy[]
The municipality of Jimaní concentrates 27% of the total population of the province, a fact that is explained by the economic development of its urban center, attributed to the binational market and the boom of trade with Haiti.
La Descubierta has a close dependency relationship with the municipality of Jimaní, from which it is separated by 23 km (14 miles). This relationship is due to the fact that the latter, as head municipality, concentrates the main public offices, banking entities, shops and service offices, which forces its inhabitants to carry out many of their activities in Jimaní and Neyba (Bahoruco Province).
In the 2010 National Population and Housing Census, the economically active population of the municipality was 2,177, consisting of 1,419 men and 758 women. The unemployment rate stood at 18%, while the inactivity rate was 34%, indicating that over half of the population was not employed.
The employability data shows that 32% of employed individuals engage in informal work, which leads to unstable income and likely no access to social security. Additionally, 35% work in public sector jobs, 15% are private sector employees, and 10% are business owners, while 5% are involved in domestic work. In La Descubierta, among those aged 15 to 24, 32% are not working or studying. Furthermore, 10% of young women aged 12 to 19 have experienced at least one pregnancy during their teenage years, which can hinder their education and job opportunities.
In previous years, agriculture, including farming, livestock, and fishing, was the main economic activity. However, the rapid rise of Lake Enriquillo has led to a significant decline in agricultural activities. This has resulted in a shift towards informal commerce, such as street vendors and fried food stalls, as well as fishing. Most people earn their income from public sector jobs, and about 10% of the population relies on remittances from family members.
Primary sector[]
The municipality of La Descubierta is situated in the Hoya del Lago Enriquillo, which plays a key role in agriculture. The tall mountains to the north, along with the winds, influence the rainfall in the region. The Biodiversity Atlas of the Dominican Republic shows that most soils in the municipality are classified as category VII. These soils are found in the higher parts of the municipality and consist of steep, rugged land that is not suitable for farming but can be used for forest resources. In some areas, coffee can be grown, and there are also class III and IV soils, which are arable and can be irrigated. These soils have flat, rolling, or gently hilly landscapes, with some limitations and varying productivity levels, requiring specific management practices.
In the lower part of the municipality and near Lake Enriquillo, there are small farms that grow bananas, plantains, beans, and vegetables. Most of the agriculture is for personal use and requires little skill. The majority of the farm workers are Haitian. In the upper part of the municipality, coffee is the main crop. However, in recent years, it has faced issues from pests and diseases like rust and borer, leading to a decrease in production. Farmers sell their products in the binational market of Jimaní.
In the municipality, livestock farming is done for cattle production and local fishing for personal use. Mining is focused on export, while forestry is used for wood and coal. There are agricultural groups centered on coffee cultivation and dry forest production. These groups manage the Dry Forest sustainably to sell dry poles, rods, and forks, and they also raise goats and keep bees. Some of them engage in both irrigated and dryland farming, like in Los Piños del Edén. These groups have a clear identity and are working towards forming a central hub for Dry Forest associations from the municipalities of Postrer Río, La Descubierta, and Jimaní. Together, they aim to coordinate their efforts for resource preservation and sustainable use of the Dry Forest. The coffee-growing groups have already formed a provincial organization to plan and carry out their initiatives. The municipality has a unique mix of natural resources. While these resources have mainly been used for agriculture, they also hold potential for ecotourism.
Secondary sector[]
The secondary sector in La Descubierta is less developed. However, the municipality has some cabinetmaking, electromechanical, and electronic workshops, along with a cheese factory run by agricultural associations.
Tertiary Sector[]
Most formal jobs are in the public sector, including Town Hall and fields like education, public health, agriculture, and the environment. Other activities include ecotourism services, retail, and various services such as grocery stores, hair salons, fuel sales, food outlets, bars, betting shops, and motorcycle taxi services. Sources state that the flooding of Lake Enriquillo harmed the municipality's growth, affecting 526 families and flooding over 25,000 acres of land used for mixed and intensive farming.
The municipality has agricultural opportunities that can be developed. There is enough land to manage dry forests sustainably, enhance the fishing and agriculture sectors, implement fish farming, and use semi-intensive farming methods to modernize crops. It can also support semi-stabled livestock breeding, organic banana farming, create irrigated plots with drip systems, raise fish in ponds, modernize fishing practices, and set up greenhouses for vegetable production, among other activities.
Vendor. La Descubierta, DR
Infrastructure[]
The territory of La Descubierta is connected from east to west with the Municipality of Jimaní through Highway No. 48, and from west to east with the municipalities of Los Ríos, Postrer Río, Villa Jaragua and Neyba.
Social[]
The 2010 study on Poverty in the Dominican Republic shows that the Average Quality of Life Index in La Descubierta is 50.29%. Data from SIUBEN (2018-2020) reveals that 70% of households are classified as poor, with 48% experiencing moderate poverty and 22% facing extreme poverty. La Descubierta is one of the least developed areas in the country. The local population relies on agriculture, which is sensitive to climate changes. Most farmers own small plots of land for subsistence farming. This, combined with low annual rainfall, land erosion, and the rising waters of Lake Enriquillo, negatively affects the municipality's economic and social development. The ongoing expansion of Lake Enriquillo has forced families to move to areas without adequate infrastructure and services, further exacerbating the poverty levels within the municipality.
The government has some programs and subsidies to help with this situation, especially the Progressing with Solidarity Program, known as PROSOLI, with 41% of the population in the Descubierta area enrolled. This program provides social protection by linking poor families to conditional cash transfers, targeted subsidies, socio-educational support, and helps them access state services and goods through seven lines of action.
Infrastructure[]
Education[]
La Descubierta is part of District 04 in Region 18 of the Ministry of Education. In the 2016-2017 school year, there were 9 public educational centers with a total of 2,332 students enrolled. Among these students, 152 were in the initial level, 1,339 in the basic level, 729 in the intermediate level, and 112 in adult education. SIUBEN data from 2018-2020 shows that for those aged 15 and older, 15% never attended school, 0.2% attended pre-primary, 42% completed basic education, 37% completed secondary education, and 5% achieved higher education, including university and master's degrees.
20% of people aged 15 and older were illiterate from 2018 to 2020, meaning they cannot read or write. This rate is much higher than the national average of 6% for the same age group. Since the launch of the National Literacy Plan Quisqueya Learns with You, the illiteracy rate has decreased. However, there is still a need to reach more families in rural areas. Among children and teens aged 5 to 18, 7% do not go to school. The municipality has a Community Technology Center (CTC) that offers computer training courses for youth. There is also a municipal library that provides Internet access and book lending services.
In La Descubierta, 21% of the population reports having taken a technical-vocational course, which is much higher than the national average of about 13%. This includes courses from PROSOLI (Progressing With Solidarity), CTC (Community Technology Center), and other technical-vocational centers. The municipal council helps low-income university students by covering their rent for student housing in Santo Domingo, which comes with necessary equipment and appliances. They also pay for diplomas for local teens and young adults. Additionally, they are working on starting a children's school for art and culture.
Health[]
La Descubierta is part of Health Region IV, Enriquillo, based in Barahona Province. The municipality has a public hospital with 32 beds for patients. It provides emergency services and general consultations. The hospital has 10 departments, including: Pharmacy, laboratory, administration, maintenance, statistics, HIV counseling, health education, laundry, and nursing. It employs 9 doctors (4 general practitioners, 1 anesthesiologist, 2 gynecologists, 1 obstetrician, and 1 surgeon), a dentist, 30 nurses, 28 assistants, 2 graduates, 14 janitors, and 5 security staff. The estimated monthly budget is around RD$ 175,000, allocated as follows: 45% for medications, 30% for food, 10% for fuel, 10% for maintenance, and 5% for supplies. The Municipal Hospital mainly serves low-income patients, while wealthier individuals tend to seek care at private facilities in Neiba, Barahona, or Santo Domingo.
One significant limitation of medical care at the Hospital de La Descubierta is that, even with several specialists available, patients often have to seek consultations outside the community due to insufficient equipment for certain cases. The municipality has five Primary Care Units (UNAP), with two located in the municipal hospital and the others in the Bartolomé and Los Piños del Edén clinics. These health centers are well-maintained. The UNAP provides key services such as general medical consultations, laboratory tests, vaccinations, monitoring for pregnant women, and community education on disease prevention. The main health issues affecting the municipality's population include acute respiratory infections, diabetes, and high blood pressure. For children under one year and those aged one to four, the most pressing health concerns are acute respiratory infections, acute diarrheal diseases, parasitosis, and skin infections. For women of childbearing age, the leading cause of health issues is similar to other age groups, along with urinary tract problems and parasitosis.
Gastrointestinal diseases like amoebiasis, salmonellosis, giardiasis, typhoid, and respiratory infections such as bronchitis, flu, and especially tuberculosis are common in La Descorta. These issues arise from a polluted environment, poor health education, and inadequate nutrition. It is estimated that 80% of the population suffers from one of these illnesses. The most common reasons for visits to the Municipal Hospital are Acute Diarrhea and Kidney Infections, which are linked to the poor quality of drinking water. The municipality has a private medical office that offers gynecology and obstetrics services, as well as the IMA private clinic, which provides general consultations. The NGO World Vision has helped improve health by training health promoters who conduct talks, home visits, and educate the community on disease prevention. This NGO also runs programs for HIV/AIDS prevention, teenage pregnancy, gender violence, tuberculosis, and the construction of organic latrines. The city council aids the community by funding sonography, purchasing medications, and transporting patients to regional hospitals. In terms of mortality, the leading causes in the province are heart diseases due to cardio-respiratory arrest, and cancer, particularly prostate cancer, has also become a significant issue.
Security[]
In La Descubierta, there is a police station and an army base. The police station has an officer and an assistant. Often, just one officer is on duty, which makes it hard for him to respond to emergencies since he cannot leave the station unattended. Consultations show that a proper police station or a well-equipped detachment is needed, as crime and drug issues are increasing.
La Descubierta has a Municipal Emergency Plan. The main groups responsible for reducing disasters include the municipal council, Red Cross, Civil Defense, and local organizations. These groups form the Municipal Committee for Prevention, Mitigation, and Response (CM-PMR), which is recognized by the National Emergency Commission. While Civil Defense and Red Cross teams are established in La Descubierta, they lack proper training and structure to be effective. They also do not have the necessary equipment to respond to emergencies. Community training on disaster awareness and risk management has been conducted by the CIEPO organization.
In the 2017 statistics yearbook on violent mishaps, the municipality reported zero homicides and fatalities. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in drug use and family breakdowns, leading to an increase in thefts and robberies, especially at night in La Descubierta. Additionally, cattle theft has been reported in the upper sections of the urban area. Overall, security and public order in the municipality are lacking.
Culture[]
The main cultural events within the municipality are the festivities dedicated to the patron saint, Saint John the Baptist, which take place annually from June 17 to June 24. The municipality is home to a nationally acclaimed carnival group known as Los Indígenas, in addition to the Gregorio Amador Theater Group.
Carnaval is celebrated each year on February 27. The youth council organizes various cultural and youth-oriented activities. The Professor José Ovidio García Music Academy, located in La Descubierta, operates with the support of the council and utilizes a borrowed facility. This institution currently has an enrollment of 60 music students, offering courses in guitar, singing, piano, and brass instruments. Among the students, 80% are female and 20% are male, which includes 10% who are Haitian.
Sports[]
The sports facilities in the area are well-maintained, featuring two playgrounds, a baseball-softball field, and a basketball court. The main sports played in the municipality include baseball, volleyball, basketball, chess, and taekwondo. The Medina Baseball League and the La Descubierta basketball team represent the community, along with a volleyball team and several individual chess players. Neighborhood tournaments involve four neighborhoods: El Palmito, Centro Urban, La Bomba, and Bartolomé. There are women's teams for volleyball and softball, and they are working on training for athletics.
The NGO CIEPO has supported sports by training local coaches, with two trained in volleyball, four in basketball, and four in baseball. The municipality needs trained monitors and coaches, as well as support for sports equipment. Additionally, the sports facilities require staff for care and maintenance, especially for the baseball field.
Notable citizens[]
Notable figures in the municipality's tradition include the first trustee Eufrasio Vásquez, educator Juan Ruperto Polanco, and local residents Juan de Dios Medina (Juan la Pola) and Jesús María Ramírez.
Points of Interest[]
The municipality of La Descubierta offers a variety of tourist attractions. One of its most popular sites is the Las Barías spa, which draws numerous visitors who appreciate its refreshing cold waters in a serene setting adorned with towering trees. Located a few kilometers to the east of the town is the Caritas de los Indios, a series of petroglyphs created by indigenous peoples on the face of a rocky hillside.
Ecotourism enthusiasts can embark on boat excursions on Lake Enriquillo and Cabritos Island, where they can observe the island's unique endemic and native flora and fauna.
Among the key tourist attractions in the municipality is Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Antilles, extending 35 kilometers in length and reaching a maximum depth of 8 meters. Within its waters lie Isla Cabritos, designated as a National Park in 1974, covering an area of 2,600 hectares (26.4 km²), as well as Isla Chiquita and La Islita. This site is home to a diverse array of reptiles, including iguanas and crocodiles, as well as various bird species such as herons, flamingos, and seagulls, alongside cacti, mangroves, and petrified wood trunks. The lake is named in honor of the courageous indigenous chief Enriquillo, who led a rebellion against the Spanish in the region during the 16th century. It is part of the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve.
The Las Barías Forest Spa serves as an exceptional ecotourism destination, distinguished by its lush tree cover. The waters, which emerge from underground sources, are notably cold, reaching temperatures of 6 degrees Celsius in winter, in a region where average annual temperatures hover around 35 to 37 degrees (97 degrees F). This site has been designated as a protected area, encompassing 1.23 km² (half a square mile). Currently, the municipality is supported by the Municipal Council for Prevention, Mitigation, and Response (PMR), which operates from the Civil Defense premises and implements a risk management plan developed in collaboration with CIEPO, World Vision, the Town Hall, UNDP, and local relief agencies.
La Azufrada Spa is a spring from Los Cientos that flows underground to the lake. It is known for its high sulfur content, which many believe has healing properties for skin diseases. The municipality also features the tourist site Las Cuevas de Las Caritas, a natural shelter for pre-agricultural groups, the first settlers of the island. The petroglyphs found in these caves show evidence of their presence. Other eco-tourism attractions include the Las Caobas natural monument and the green area of La Vuelta del Quince, located in the Ángel Félix section. The municipality offers several eco-tourist trails.
A fire brigade consisting of twelve members operates from a temporary location. They lack a fire truck and essential gear. When fires occur, local residents work together, relying on fire trucks from Jimaní and Neyba. There is no local Red Cross office. The Civil Defense has volunteers who need more training in risk management. In summary, the municipality lacks sufficient resources and equipment needed to handle potential disasters.
References[]
La Descubierta [1]
Ayuntamiento [2]
World Postal codes [3]