Multi-agency initiative to safeguard Los Haitises National Park

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN) launched an extensive intervention operation on Tuesday in the Los Haitises National Park, in collaboration with the Public Ministry. This operation, overseen by the National Environmental Protection Service (Senpa), involves various state agencies, including the General Directorate of Migration.

Captain René Ysidro Rodríguez Álvarez, Senpa’s general director, emphasized the coordination with the Specialized Attorney for the Defense of the Environment and Natural Resources (Proedemare), led by court attorney Francisco Contreras.

The operation aims to halt environmental crimes and disrupt the activities of individuals, primarily foreigners, engaged in illegal farming within the national park. Los Haitises is crucial for its hydrological significance and rich biodiversity, making its preservation paramount.

Rodríguez Álvarez highlighted the collaboration with the Army, Navy, and Air Force of the Dominican Republic, as well as various law enforcement agencies such as the National Police, the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), and the National Department of Investigations (DNI). Additionally, support is provided by the Quiet City Joint Task Force (FTC-Ciutran) and the Military and Police Commission (Comipol).

Other governmental bodies involved include the Ministries of Agriculture, the National Council for Children (Conani), the General Directorate of Livestock, the Social Assistance Plan of the Presidency, and the Economic Kitchens of the Dominican State.

“This intervention, orchestrated in accordance with the directives of Minister of the Environment Miguel Cera Hatton, commenced at 6:00 AM and is expected to span several days,” stated Captain Rodríguez Álvarez, overseeing the operation against environmental offenses. He noted that over 200 military personnel are involved, divided into five task teams under the command of Army Colonel Alejandro Santana Mota.