Operation Environmental Commitment 2.0 recovers 775 acres of protected land

Santo Domingo.- Dominican authorities carried out a nationwide environmental enforcement operation that resulted in the recovery of 775 acres of protected land, the arrest of 384 people, and the dismantling of dozens of illegal structures.

Operation “Environmental Commitment 2.0,” led by the National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA) in coordination with the Ministries of Defense and Environment, the armed forces, the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office (PROEDEMAREN), and the General Directorate of Migration, targeted 14 protected areas across the country.

During the operation, officials dismantled 30 shacks, removed 27 illegal fences, destroyed 11 unauthorized farms, and seized 39 tools and pieces of equipment linked to environmental crimes. Authorities also confiscated six pickup trucks and one motorcycle allegedly used in illegal activities.

Among those detained were 381 Haitian nationals and three Dominican citizens.

Officials said the coordinated effort reinforces the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal land occupation, slash-and-burn farming, logging, unauthorized construction, and other activities that threaten protected ecosystems.

The Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Environment, and PROEDEMAREN said similar joint operations will continue to protect the country’s natural resources and enforce environmental laws.