The Ministry of Environment ordered the closing of 60 unauthorized quarries that mined construction materials at river sites. Minister Frank Moya Pons said an operation is underway to oblige quarry operators to implement responsible mining practices and pay their taxes. Moya said that the country has lost 60% of its forests. He said to revert the deforestation there has to be a commitment of several governments as it is a process that will take eight to 12 years. He explained his department is preparing a territorial order plan that seeks to protect zones declared of public utility. He also explained that their work will focus on preserving forests at the top of mountains where rivers are born. This same water is also used in aqueducts, for farming irrigation and in reservoirs. "Our forestation policy is one that is taking place where it will not be seen, not at the side of the highways, but where the trees have a role of retaining the water to gradually release this to generate rivers and streams," Moya Pons told El Caribe newspaper following a meeting at the National Palace, the government seat.
