The expansion of both lakes has flooded agricultural fields and roads and is threatening one community nearby Enriquillo Lake (Boca de Cachón).  It has also reduced visitation to the area’s popular springs and commerce at the border market of Malpasse-Jimaní. The lives of most residents in the Lakes area have been affected in some way, if not by direct losses, by having less to eat (or having to spend a greater part of their income on food), or changing how they make a living.  This has even prompted some to leave the Lakes area or even their country in search for new livelihood opportunities, or to take up environmentally unsustainable activities such as charcoal making from natural forests or planting on unsuitable mountain areas where soil loss quickly occurs.