Environmental authorities address illegal tree felling in Dominican Republic and Ecuador

In the Dominican Republic, the cutting of oak and mango trees near the Peravia Governorate in Baní has reignited debates regarding the responsibility of public institutions in protecting urban greenery. This incident follows a pattern of complaints since 2022 involving tree removal in parks, coastal zones, and protected lands. A notable previous case in May 2022 involved the judicial prosecution of a municipal director in Los Alcarrizos for felling 330 trees in a protected area without the required environmental permits.

In Ecuador, the National Police's Environmental Protection Unit (UPMA) intervened in the Licán sector of Riobamba following reports of tree felling in the San José de Macají neighborhood. During the inspection, authorities seized 7.64 cubic meters of eucalyptus and a chainsaw. While the wood was confiscated as part of efforts to prevent the irregular use of forest resources, officials have not yet identified the individuals responsible for the activity.