Baní residents protest massive tree removal for urban renovation

The removal of historic oak and mango trees in the urban center of Baní, Dominican Republic, has sparked widespread indignation among environmentalists, legal experts, and local residents. The felling occurred as part of a 57 million peso urban renovation project near the Peravia Provincial Government building, the Government Offices building, and the Nuestra Señora de Regla Hospital.

Critics and community leaders have described the action as an “authentic urban ecocide,” arguing that the trees provided essential shade and temperature regulation for decades. While some local authorities suggested the removal was necessary due to aging trees and damage to concrete sidewalks, protesters have contested these claims, citing photographic and video evidence that suggests the trees were healthy and did not pose a threat to infrastructure.

Local sectors are demanding transparency regarding the technical justifications and official authorizations that permitted the removal of these significant natural and historical assets.