Puerto Rico's Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into destruction in an ecological reserve that protects one of the island’s most extensive mangrove forests
Properties are being built at the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, in Salinas, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Puerto Rico's Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into destruction in the ecological reserve that protects one of the island's most extensive mangrove forests. SALINAS, Puerto Rico — — Jacqueline Vázquez was sitting on the couch when her phone rang.
Homes of concrete block complete with fences, pools and even a dock have been illegally built inside the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The reserve has protected nearly 2,900 acres of mangrove forest surrounded by waters in varying shades of turquoise. It is home to the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle and the vulnerable West Indian manatee, among other species.
Last month the secretary of the natural resources department resigned. He told a local radio station that some employees investigating the illegal construction were receiving death threats. The judge also noted that 2% of the property in the case is protected land where no urban development should have been permitted, and 12% is located in a coastal area with a high risk for flooding.
“We feel that the fight here is never-ending. It is very, very frustrating,” said Mónica Timothée Vega, a civil attorney. At the request of a friend, she also is fighting another proposed development in a wetland in the northeast coastal town of Luquillo. Pedro Cardona Roig, an architect, planner and former vice president of Puerto Rico’s Planning Board, said the same thing is happening to him as he investigates on his own what occurred in Salinas, where Jobos Bay is located. He said of the 16 documents he previously perused online, only a handful remain.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
El Chifrijo: The Long and Interesting Path of a Puerto Rican Food Truck to DallasThe chef of El Chifrijo food truck originally started out in Puerto Rico, but Hurricane Maria vanquished that plan. He moved to Dallas shortly after and had his truck shipped over later. Read about where you can find his Puerto Rican fusion fare now.
Read more »
Diego Castellanos, remembered as the Mr. Rogers of Philly’s Puerto Rican community, dies at 88Daily News | Diego Castellanos, remembered as the Mr. Rogers of Philly’s Puerto Rican community, dies at 88
Read more »
Bad Bunny Explains the Inspiration Behind His Met Gala LookBad Bunny embraced the MetGala's Gilded Age theme in his own distinct way.
Read more »
Architects, builders creating homes with more cultural awarenessSome home builders are incorporating features to appeal to different cultures.
Read more »
Diego Castellanos, remembered as the Mr. Rogers of Philly’s Puerto Rican community, dies at 88Daily News | Diego Castellanos, remembered as the Mr. Rogers of Philly’s Puerto Rican community, dies at 88
Read more »
Bad Bunny Transforms Into a Naked, Seafaring Merman in 'Moscow Mule' VideoBad Bunny is throwing the world’s biggest beach party on his new album 'Un Verano Sin Ti' — and it kicks off with “Moscow Mule,” a laidback, synth-filled reggaeton track that quickly sets the tone for the rest of the LP.
Read more »