SAN CRISTÓBAL.– The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources reported that, as of Monday, December 1, the Natural Monument Reserve
Anthropological Cuevas de Borbón o del Pomier will remain closed for six months, as part of a comprehensive reorganization and restoration process, aimed at strengthening the protection of its archaeological heritage and biological diversity.
The environmental entity explained that the closure will allow specialized conservation work to be carried out, adaptation of trails, improvement of essential infrastructure and regulation of public use. These actions are part of a comprehensive model that seeks to guarantee responsible management of the area, boost sustainable ecotourism development and reinforce environmental education in nearby communities.
The Cuevas del Pomier Anthropological Reserve, located in San Cristóbal, constitutes one of the most relevant cave complexes in the insular Caribbean, housing 54 caves with more than 4,000 pictographs and petroglyphs, in addition to being a vital refuge for various species of bats, vascular plants and birds. Due to its ecological and cultural sensitivity, the Ministry emphasized the need to control access during the restoration process to ensure the integrity of the site.
The works include the accommodation of trails, installation of interpretive signage, improvements in access, construction of protection and surveillance booths, and the strengthening of education and research programs.
Community initiatives linked to sustainable tourism and the protection of natural and cultural heritage will also be developed.
As part of the context of this measure, President Luis Abinader sent Decree No. 403-25, which creates the Presidential Commission for the Sustainable and Ecotourism Development of the Pomier Caves, with the purpose of promoting a new stage of rescue, protection and valorization of the natural monument.
With these actions, the Ministry of the Environment led by the minister, Paíno Henríquez, reaffirms its commitment to the preservation of this natural monument and guarantees that its reopening will be carried out under a safe, orderly and sustainable public use scheme.
