Yaque

Yaque refers to the two principal river systems of the Dominican Republic: Yaque del Norte in the north and Yaque del Sur in the south. They are among the island’s most important rivers, draining substantial portions of the central Cordillera Central and supporting agriculture, communities, and ecosystems.

Yaque del Norte rises in the Cordillera Central and flows northward toward the Atlantic Ocean, passing through the Cibao region and several towns. It is one of the country’s longest rivers, and its basin sustains irrigation for crops in the northern and central plains, as well as providing water for cities and rural communities.

Yaque del Sur originates in the same mountain range and travels toward the southern coast, crossing the southern plateau before reaching the Caribbean. Its basin supports intensive agricultural activity in the south and provides water resources for multiple settlements, farms, and local industries.

Environmental and management notes: The two basins have faced challenges such as deforestation, sedimentation, and pollution from agricultural and mining activities. Watershed management, reforestation efforts, and the operation of reservoirs and protected areas are among the approaches used to balance water use with conservation and to mitigate flood risks.

The term Yaque is used locally for both rivers and appears in various place names and cultural references throughout the Dominican Republic, reflecting the rivers’ enduring presence in the country’s geography and daily life.