The Ministry of Tourism and Grupo Globalia presented Leaf Bayahibe during the Fitur travel show in Madrid. Globalia says it is an ecologic and sustainable development of 96 cabañas to be built on 244,000 square meter property acquired by the company in 2000. But environmentalist groups, and the Academy of Science, say that the construction of accommodations in the area is banned and the environmental impact permission was irregularly issued.
Tourism Minister Francisco Javier García defended the project, saying that all ecologic projects that are built in harmony with nature are welcome in the Dominican Republic.
The Ministry of Environment under Angel Estevez has a track record for being lax regarding the use of protected areas. Among other controversial projects authorized by the Ministry under Estevez are the avocado plantations in the Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco and the use of the parking area of the Parque Mirador del Este to build a bus terminal in eastern Santo Domingo.
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27 January 2020