Hoy newspaper reports on the destruction of 1,200 tareas in Punta de los Nidos, Bavaro. The fire that took place last Thursday and Friday destroyed a natural habitat of more than 30 water-based species and birds. Punta de los Nidos is located south of Punta Cana, and is one of the few areas in the eastern province that has not yet been developed. Rafael Chavez, president of the Agrupación Ecológica Manglares del Este denounced that the fire was intentional as it started in two separate points. He speculated that it is the result of tourism investors aspirations to new property to develop. (8 June 2000)
