A massive port expansion is currently underway in the DP World Port of Cuacedo, a mega-port on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic. The project will expand the size of what is already one of Dominican Republic’s largest ports, nearly doubling its size. The new project will extend another 300 meters of berth, (Cuacedo news: http://www.caucedo.com/english/index.html ) where it will effectively extend over famous surfing spot, La Boya, and destroy endangered tropical reef.
Cuacedo DP World port executives proposed enlarging the port in 2003 in the hope that it could become one of the Caribbean’s most important shipping centers. The port’s main activity centers in loading and unloading international cargo ships and also focuses on transshipment operations. William Khoury, Cuacedo’s Senior Commercial Manager, believes that the port’s enlargement will help accommodate economic growth in the area. But unlike Khoury, many local citizens believe that the proposed port expansion is unnecessarily large, and will ruin the already endangered coral reefs in the area and a popular recreational surfing zone, barreling right point break, La Boya. Hundreds of both local and international surfers enjoy this wave every year and it’s considered as one of Domincan Republic’s top surfing wave.
“The environmental damage on the natural environment and the loss of a valuable recreational zone does not justify this project,” announced Save The Waves environmental director, Carla Graziosi. “ The port already faces international scrutiny for their unfair high tariffs and cargo ships are unloading in nearby port, Haina International, where it can accommodate the industry’s growing demand, this shows there is no need for new berths at Cuacedo’s DP World Port.” (http://www.caribbeanshipping.org/archway/news/2004-caucedo-problems-01.htm). The construction is planned for commencement in the first trimester of this year. “ We want to make sure proper environmental impact studies are in place and that every aspect is taken under consideration including the wave, ” said Graziosi.
Local surfers, environmentalists, and ocean lovers have formed a coalition to protect their local wave and its natural surrounding environment. They feel that their voice must be heard and that the environment cannot be destroyed over a business deal. Please help save the wave by signing our letter to oppose the expansion.
Save the Waves needs your support! A donation will greatly help us continue our conservation work, as well as our ongoing effort to educate the world's government and industry leaders that surf spots are an invaluable and irreplaceable asset to any coastline.
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