Environment gives deadline to vacate Luperón Bay, in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata – The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources informed the occupants of the Bahía de Luperón Wildlife Refuge in Puerto Plata that they must leave the protected area within a maximum of 15 days.

The measure, taken by Minister Paíno Henriquez after inspecting the site for the second time with a commission, will be carried out because the invaders are causing significant environmental damage in the wetland of the Mangles Abajo sector within the protected area, according to a statement.

The preliminary report carried out on October 30 established that around 200 occupants lived in the area, dumped waste directly into the wetland and its surrounding areas, and built a wall to channel water, contributing to the accumulation of garbage in the ecosystem.

The minister said that he would ask the Ministry of the Presidency for help with the “social management of the people affected by these measures. ” A meeting was organized next Thursday to provide viable solutions to the families whose homes will be demolished after their abandonment.

Once the occupants leave the protected area, Henríquez will promote the tourism and sustainable development of Luperón Bay.

“This is a coastal area of vital importance for the local economy and a suitable habitat for species such as the manatee and various seabirds,” he said about the area, which is also an environment of great relevance for its mangroves and seagrass meadows, which help mitigate the impact of hurricanes.