Luperon, Puerto Plata – Between 30 and 40 homes illegally built by invaders in a mangrove area within the Bahía Luperón Wildlife Refuge were demolished in an operation led by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resourcesin collaboration with the National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA).
According to the report of the acting commission, the occupants were carrying out filling activities with materials such as caliche and rubble, which served as a base to erect the structures, causing significant damage to the mangrove ecosystem.
Around 200 people occupied the area, where they dumped solid waste directly into the wetland and nearby areas. In addition, they had built a wall to channel water, which contributed to the accumulation of garbage in the environment, generating bad odors and a serious environmental impact.
After verifying the environmental crime, the commission recommended sanctioning those responsible according to the magnitude of the damage caused and submitting them to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Defense of the Environment and Natural Resources.
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The wetlands of Luperón Bay are areas of great ecological value due to their biodiversity and environmental services, including coastal protection and the habitat they provide to species such as the manatee and various seabirds. This environment, which is home to mangroves and seagrass beds, mitigates the impact of storms and hurricanes, and was declared a protected area by Decree 571-09.
The Ministry of the Environment pointed out that this occupation constitutes a violation of Law No. 64-00 on the Environment and Natural Resources, as well as the Sectoral Law of Protected Areas No. 202-04. Between 30 and 40 informal homes were identified at the site, which were demolished in order to recover the affected areas and restore the balance of the ecosystem.
