La Altagracia, Dominican Republic — The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has ordered an immediate suspension of coastal intervention activities carried out by the Grand Sirenis Punta Cana hotel in Uvero Alto, citing serious breaches of environmental regulations.
According to an official statement, the hotel—owned by the Matute Hotel Group—was conducting sargassum removal operations using heavy machinery in a protected coastal zone without the necessary environmental permit. The unauthorized work triggered concern among environmental groups and prompted a formal complaint, leading to a swift response from the Ministry’s Oversight Directorate, in coordination with the National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA).
An on-site inspection confirmed multiple violations, including the complete removal of the groundwater table, an action that disrupts the natural hydrogeological balance of the beach. Inspectors also noted the absence of a certified environmental supervisor, a requirement under Dominican environmental regulations for any coastal intervention.
The most alarming finding was the destruction of nesting areas for the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle, a species protected under Dominican law and international conservation agreements. In addition, authorities observed sargassum improperly stockpiled within the high tide line, a practice that poses risks to coastal ecosystems due to contamination from organic decomposition.
In response, the Ministry announced that legal proceedings have been initiated against the parties responsible. Officials reiterated their commitment to strict enforcement of environmental laws and the protection of the Dominican Republic’s fragile marine and coastal resources.
This incident adds to growing public concern about the environmental impact of tourism development along the country’s eastern shoreline and the need for sustainable sargassum management practices that safeguard both marine biodiversity and local communities.
