Pedernales River (Hispaniola)

The Pedernales River forms part of the international border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola. Originating in the Bahoruco mountain range, the river flows southward, emptying into the Caribbean Sea near the town of Pedernales in the Dominican Republic and Anse-à-Pitres in Haiti. The river's course marks a significant portion of the southern border between the two nations. The area surrounding the river is characterized by a relatively dry climate and thorny scrub vegetation. The river plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and is a source of water for both human consumption and agricultural use, though its water resources are often subject to contention and management challenges between the two countries. Its name, Pedernales, derives from the Spanish word for flint.