Forget mining, agro and tourism are better: San Juan bishop

Santo Domingo.- A prominent bishop on Mon. said called San Juan de la Maguana province (west) an agricultural territory, so the planned gold mine at Hondo Valle doesn’t mean human or economic development for that region.

To benefit its inhabitants, monsignor José Dolores Grullón Estrella said San Juan province should definitively ban all mining projects and instead exploit its territory’s agro and tourism wealth.

He also proposed the reactivation of the Ecotourism Development Council and implement new projects that spur tourism, such its iconic plazas, cathedral and monuments.

Citizen reforestation

The prelate urged San Juan citizens to get involved in a permanent reforestation plan to secure the water supply.

“The wealth of San Juan Valley is Sabaneta dam. We urge to encourage other activities for the subsistence of the inhabitants of this area, which they now call mining, is agriculture, livestock, crafts and ecological tourism,” Grullon said, quoted by El Dia.