The Academy of Sciences (ACRD) protests government authorization of the construction of a fuel station and a public school in the protected wetland area of Cachón de la Rubia in Santo Domingo. The park area is a vulnerable ecosystem part of the Green Belt of the city of Santo Domingo. The area was protected to ensure the keeping of eight crystal clear water springs. The park is also an important recreational area for the residents of Lucerna, Vietnam, Cancino, Los Minas Norte, Juan Pablo II and Katanga.
A press release from the ACRD urges the construction of the proposed works outside of the park limits. The Environmental Commission of the Academy of Sciences has identified several alternative sites for the construction without affecting the important water reserves and ecologically important site.
“Rescuing and giving value to the Cachón de la Rubia from the multiple threats to which it was subjected, including being used as a municipal garbage dump and the massive invasions that took place, cost the Ministry of Environment a lot of effort and sacrifice. The Ministry’s efforts received the unanimous support of the communities of the periphery”, adds the note.
The Academy of Sciences urges the ministries of Environment, Education, Public Works and Industry and Commerce support the long-term protection of site, and that the government reconsider locating of the polytechnical school, the grade school and the fueling station outside of the protected area. The group’s concern was also shared with the Mayor of Santo Domingo East who is asked to comply with the mandate of Environment Law 64-00 and ban these constructions. The Academy of Sciences also calls on community, environmental and national press organizations to be vigilant in the defense of the natural heritage of the city.
Read more in Spanish:
Acento
Hoy
4 July 2018
