Environment Ministry dismantles 73 illegal structures in Hoyo Claro

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources dismantled 73 illegal structures at four locations within the Hoyo Claro Natural Monument in the Verón area as part of an operation to recover protected land occupied without authorization.

The operation involved the Public Prosecutor’s Office, National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA), Dominican Republic Army and General Directorate of Migration, along with environmental enforcement technicians and legal officials.

Authorities found several types of structures, including a concrete building and another partially built structure. Heavy machinery was used to demolish the buildings and remove construction materials.

According to the Ministry, some structures appeared to have been abandoned shortly before the operation. Authorities reported finding cooking pots containing food, but no people were present at the sites.

The Ministry said the intervention reflects its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal occupation and construction in protected areas and will continue monitoring the affected locations to prevent new encroachments.

The operation is also part of measures established under Decree 615-26, which declared the prevention and combating of environmental terrorism a matter of high national interest and a strategic national security priority.