Endemic trees continue to be irregularly cut down in the Baní Dunes, an environmentally- protected area. The tree-cutting is in open defiance of the authorities. Recently, Environment Minister Angel Estevez visited the area and called for a stop to the violations. The Minister has ruled that the violations stop and persons living in the area be relocated outside of the National Park. Observers say that less than 24 hours after the visit by the Minister, more trees were cut down.
The Baní Dunes are but a short distance from the Bahía de las Calderas Naval Base.
Baní Bishop Víctor Masalles recently complained about the felling of the trees. The community has been fighting for decades to preserve the supposed protected area that is unique in the Caribbean.
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Listin Diario
26 November 2019