The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources has reiterated its call to the Dominican public as well as foreign tourists to refrain from purchasing crafts made of the hawksbill turtle shell.
The ministry warns that there has been a resurgence in illegal sale of the shell of this highly-endangered species.
Traders along Santo Domingo’s El Conde Street as well as in the province of La Altagracia (Punta Cana), Puerto Plata and any other tourist area found selling turtle shells will face serious legal consequences, according to the Ministry. It calls on tourists, both national and foreign, not to buy or even ask for this type of banned item.
