Government declares the fight against environmental terrorism a national priority in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Government has reached a milestone in the protection of its natural resources through Decree 615-26. This regulation establishes as a strategic priority and of high national interest the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of what has been termed environmental terrorism, with the goal of curbing deliberate and serious damage to the country’s ecosystem.
This measure provides enhanced protection to critical zones, covering protected areas, watersheds, forests, aquifers, mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs. Likewise, security is extended to vital infrastructure such as dams, aqueducts, treatment plants, and reservoirs.
The official vision on national security
The protection of natural heritage must be assumed as a component of national security, because the availability of water, agricultural production, and food security depend directly on the conservation of ecosystems.
Paíno Henríquez, Minister of Environment and Natural ResourcesThe head of the Environment Ministry emphasized that the State will concentrate its efforts on dismantling criminal structures and stopping illegal occupations that seek to profit through the intentional destruction of protected areas.
Coordinated and technological strategy
The decree integrates the National Anti-Terrorism Committee and the National Anti-Terrorism Directorate into intelligence efforts to identify and neutralize threats against environmental heritage. This operational strategy is based on the following pillars:
- Inter-institutional cooperation: Joint work between the Ministries of Environment, Defense, Justice, and the National Intelligence Directorate.
- Technological innovation: Implementation of digital platforms for georeferencing, oversight, and monitoring of environmental damage.
- Citizen participation: Enabling confidential channels for the public to report activities that put strategic resources at risk.
It is important to highlight that this provision does not create new criminal offenses nor does it alter current legislation. Its fundamental purpose is to increase the state’s response capacity and coordination in the face of extremely serious actions that threaten the country’s sustainability.
With this decree, the administration of President Luis Abinader reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that water, biodiversity, and forests are preserved as an essential legacy for future generations of Dominicans.
