NewsWhore
07-25-2007, 05:40 PM
The Caribbean Sea is advancing towards high ground in Boca Chica, and the beach is getting smaller and smaller. According to Listin Diario, where there was once deep sandy beach there is only some black mud about one inch below the sand, and sand bags are being used to limit the erosion. What was formerly known as one of the most beautiful beach areas in the world, with white sand, gentle wave action, and protected swimming areas bordered by mangrove barriers is now so degraded that worldwide attention is being focused on the beach. According to Boca Chica traders' association president Raul Valette, part of the problem is related to long sand traps that have been placed along the beach, dividing areas, but which were placed without proper studies of the wave action. Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez told reporters that the reason that Boca Chica had not been among the first beaches to be rebuilt was the fact that the local business community had not come up with the US$500,000 matching fund for the Ministry of Tourism proposed beach enhancement plan. The Puerto Plata private sector paid US$4 million in matching funds, as part of the US$18-million beach reconstruction program along the north shore.
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More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#9)