Environmentalists are hopeful that the protected areas will be respected in the implementation of tourism development iun southwestern Pedernales.
The Chamber of Deputies accepted amendments sent by President Luis Abinader to the Pro Pedernales Trust Fund bill to exclude the protected areas after several criticism from Deputy Jose Horacio Rodríguez and environmentalists was received.
Diario Libre reports on the resolving of the impasse regarding addendum number three of the Pro-Pedernales Trust Fund contract following an intense meeting of three hours at the Ministry of Environment on Tuesday, 11 January 2023. Environment Minister and Presidency Minister Joel Santos represented the President at the meeting with members of the Coalition for the Defense of Protected Areas. Diario Libre reports that the government committed to subdivide the parcels open to deals governed by the Pro Pedernales Trust Fund to exclude the protected areas.
The Coalition for the Defense of Protected Areas had warned on Monday, 10 January 2023 that protective areas could be developed as these were being included in the Pro Pedernales Trust Fund bill.
As reported in Diario Libre, environmentalists Luis Carvajal, representing the Academy of Sciences, and Nelson Bautista, of the Acción Verde collective, said the successful output of the talks on Monday, 11 January 2023, highlights the importance of working together.
“The talks are a demonstration that the environmental sector was not generating a false alarm. What the environmental movement sought was precisely that the common good be defended, that it can be discussed on the same table and agreements can be reached that benefit common objectives,” Nelson Bautista corroborated in an interview with Diario Libre.
Luis Carvajal was more cautious. Summing up the experience, he told Diario Libre: “For us (the Coalition) it strengthens us because it is evidence that technical work and follow-up produce results. It is a lesson learned for the government to work with civil society. We have to wait for the final results, because what is on paper are just words in a country where institutionalism is usually disrespected.” Carvajal said the environmentalists will continue to be vigilant.
An editorial in Diario Libre warns of strong business interests could detract from the successful touristic development of Pedernales.
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Diario Libre
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Listin Diario
12 January 2023