Dominican Government declares environmental terrorism a matter of high national interest
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican government has declared the fight against environmental terrorism a matter of high national interest and strategic priority through Decree 615-26, establishing stronger measures to combat deliberate attacks on national parks and other critical natural resources.
During the presentation of the decree at the National Palace, President Luis Abinader warned that acts involving the destruction or systematic degradation of protected areas will face tougher enforcement and prosecution, regardless of whether they are committed by Dominican nationals or foreigners.
Stronger protection for natural resources
Abinader said that for decades, national parks lacked sufficient legal and state protection. He explained that, at the beginning of his administration, authorities discovered that many protected areas were not even legally titled in the name of the State. A national titling process is now underway to address the situation.
The president also linked several recent forest fires, including those in Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, to illegal activities that damage ecosystems and threaten essential resources such as water supplies and food security.
Prison sentences of up to 30 years
The government said that, in response to weaknesses in previous legal mechanisms, authorities will now apply existing laws and provisions under the new Penal Code more rigorously. Serious offenses against national parks could result in prison sentences ranging from 20 to 30 years.
The decree also instructs the Armed Forces, the General Directorate of Migration and intelligence agencies to strengthen efforts to prevent, investigate and prosecute those involved in such activities, including individuals who finance, encourage or facilitate them.
The decree prioritizes the prevention, detection and investigation of acts classified as environmental terrorism and provides special protection for protected areas, watersheds, dams, reservoirs, mangroves, wetlands and river sources.
It also orders the National Anti-Terrorist Committee, the Ministries of Defense and Environment, the National Police and the General Directorate of Migration to develop a National Policy for Prevention and Combat targeting deliberately set forest fires and threats to water and energy infrastructure.
In addition, any attack against the country’s environmental heritage must be immediately referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for appropriate criminal action. The decree establishes technological platforms and confidential reporting mechanisms to allow citizens to report environmental crimes and assist authorities while protecting those who cooperate in good faith.
