Alleged environmental crime reported in Enriquillo region

Barahona.- The Coalition for the Rescue of El Rincón Lagoon has accused the Barahona Central Sugar Consortium and the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI) of causing an environmental crisis at El Rincón Lagoon and the lower basin of the Yaque del Sur River, according to El Nuevo Diario.

A survey conducted by citizens from over 12 communities in Barahona and surrounding areas revealed that diverting tributary waters to sugarcane plantations has led to the death of more than 39,000 aquatic species, including tilapia, guabinas, and shrimp. The coalition warned that the gradual disappearance of El Rincón Lagoon threatens local biodiversity, food security, and the development of communities in the Enriquillo region, where over 85,000 acres of plantain crops have been lost due to insufficient irrigation.

During a tour on August 26, the coalition observed that over 80% of the Yaque del Sur River’s flow is diverted to sugarcane fields, with only 10% reaching the lagoon. They highlighted that floodgates at the Mena and Trujillo dams remain permanently open to irrigate private lands, while the lagoon’s channel suffers from neglect, illegal tapping, and weed overgrowth, leaving it unable to sustain aquatic life.