AGP Executive Report

Solid Waste Reform: President Abinader enacted Law 36-26, reshaping Dominican solid waste management with a new tiered business contribution system, higher recycling incentives, and tighter rules on single-use plastics, including a ban on expanded polystyrene imports. Heat & Water Safety: Indomet warned of mostly sunny, hot conditions with Saharan dust boosting heat and heat index; officials urged hydration, light clothing, and avoiding peak sun exposure. Reforestation Push: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial, and Digecac launched a plan to plant 10 million trees along major roads and avenues over two years to restore vegetation and strengthen conservation corridors. Tourism Sustainability in Bayahíbe: The Tourism Ministry created a permanent working group with communities and businesses to coordinate Bayahíbe’s long-term development, focusing on destination management and protecting natural and cultural resources. Local Waste Crisis at La Cuaba: Residents in La Cuaba say improvised landfills are harming health and ecology, while they oppose a proposed recycling plant in Los Aguacates. Samaná Development: Blu Terrenas broke ground on Almare Beach Resort (Hilton Curio Collection) as part of a larger mixed-use, “sustainable tropical city” project. Emergency Tech: Dominican 911 began talks with Boston Dynamics about using Spot robots to support safer emergency response in hazardous environments. Tourism Boom: The DR reported 6.6 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, reinforcing the tourism surge.

Bayahíbe Tourism Management: The Ministry of Tourism and local stakeholders set up a permanent working group to coordinate Bayahíbe’s long-term growth, with priorities like reorganizing tourism areas, improving security and services, and protecting natural and cultural resources. Tourism Boom Numbers: The DR welcomed a record 6.6 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, driven by air connectivity and cruise expansion, reinforcing the sector’s fast recovery. Heat and Saharan Dust Alert: Indomet warns of mostly sunny, very hot conditions with a tropical wave bringing isolated showers, while Saharan dust pushes highs to 33–35°C and a heat index up to 45°C—hydration and sun avoidance urged. Waste and Recycling Fight in La Cuaba: Improvised landfills are harming residents’ health and local ecology, as community opposition continues over a proposed recycling plant in Los Aguacates. Reforestation Push: Environment and road agencies announced a plan to plant 10 million trees along major highways and avenues over two years to restore vegetation and improve conservation corridors. Remittances Climb: Central Bank data shows remittances topped US$6.219B in Jan–Jun 2026 (+6.7%), with the U.S. providing 81.4% of formal flows in June. Colonial City Upgrade: Santo Domingo’s Alcázar de Colón Museum reopened after a RD$100M+ restoration, and a RD$86M public lighting project will expand energy-efficient LED lighting across the Colonial City.

Bayahibe Sustainability Push: The Ministry of Tourism and local stakeholders set up a permanent working group to coordinate Bayahibe’s long-term growth, with priorities like destination management, security, urban improvements, and protecting natural and cultural resources. Heat and Saharan Dust Alert: Indomet says mostly sunny, hot weather continues, with a tropical wave bringing isolated showers and Saharan dust boosting temperatures and heat index—up to 37–38°C and a heat index near 45°C—urging hydration and sun-avoidance. Tourism Boom Numbers: The DR logged a record 6.6 million+ international visitors in the first half of 2026, and JP Morgan lifted its growth forecast to 4.3%, citing tourism strength and broader economic momentum. Solid Waste and Community Health: In La Cuaba, residents say improvised landfills are piling up trash, worsening contamination and rodent risks, while debate over a proposed recycling plant continues. Reforestation Plan: Environment officials, RD Vial, and Digecac announced planting 10 million plants along major highways and avenues over two years to restore vegetation and improve conservation corridors. Local Environment and Daily Life: A national household report finds 48.9% of homes affected by pollution or environmental nuisances, with noise and garbage in streets and lots topping complaints.

Heat & Dust Alert: Indomet says Saharan dust will keep conditions scorching this Friday, with highs around 37–38°C and a heat index up to 45°C, plus brief showers in some provinces—authorities urge hydration and limiting sun exposure. Flood Watch: COE has seven provinces and the National District on yellow alert as a trough and tropical wave bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusts, and possible isolated hail, with warnings to avoid rivers and ravines. Trash & Recycling Fight: In La Cuaba, improvised landfills are piling up and residents say they’re harming ecological areas and health, while opposition continues around a proposed recycling plant in Los Aguacates. Reforestation Push: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial and Digecac announced a plan to plant 10 million plants along major highways and avenues over two years to restore vegetation and improve conservation corridors. Tourism Growth: The Dominican Republic logged a historic 6.6 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, driven by stronger air connectivity and cruise expansion. Tourism Sustainability: Bayahíbe is setting up a permanent working group with hotels and community leaders to coordinate long-term destination planning and sustainability. Local Environment & Health: ENHOGAR-MICS 2025 reports 48.9% of households feel affected by pollution or environmental nuisances, with noise and garbage topping complaints. Energy Planning: The energy minister outlined a long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand through generation expansion, grid upgrades, rural electrification, and efficiency. Security & Prevention: A report highlights rising legally registered firearms and calls for stronger preventive security models in the business sector.

Household Pollution & Noise: A new ENHOGAR-MICS 2025 report says 48.9% of Dominican households are affected by pollution or environmental nuisances nearby, hitting urban areas hardest—57.5% in the Ozama region. Noise is the top complaint (40.4%), especially loud music from stores, bars, and neighbors, while garbage in streets and lots affects 39.7%. Heat & Dust Alert: Indomet warns that Sunday stays mostly sunny and hot, with a tropical wave bringing isolated showers in parts of the country; Saharan dust keeps skies gray and heat high, with advice to hydrate and avoid peak sun. Saharan Dust Spike: Another forecast flags Friday’s extreme heat—37–38°C and a heat index up to 45°C—driven by dust limiting nighttime cooling. Flood Risk Watch: The COE keeps seven provinces plus the National District on yellow alert as a trough and tropical wave bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, gusts, and possible isolated hail, with warnings to avoid rivers and ravines. Reforestation Push: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial, and Digecac kick off a plan to plant 10 million plants along major highways and avenues over two years to restore vegetation and improve conservation corridors. Circular Economy at the Bank: Banco Popular’s Gnial cards will be made with plastic recovered from the Dominican coast via Parley for the Oceans, tying everyday banking to coastal cleanup and ocean conservation. Tourism & Energy Signals: JP Morgan lifts the Dominican Republic’s growth projection to 4.3% on tourism strength, while the energy minister outlines a long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand through generation, grid upgrades, and efficiency.

Heat Alert: Saharan dust is pushing Dominican temperatures up to 37–38°C, with a heat index near 45°C this Friday, and authorities are urging hydration and limiting time in the sun. Flood Watch: The COE kept seven provinces and the National District on yellow alert as a trough and tropical wave bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusts, and possible isolated hail, with warnings to avoid rivers and ravines. Reforestation Push: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial and Digecac announced a plan to plant 10 million plants along major highways and avenues over two years to restore vegetation and strengthen conservation corridors. Coastal Recycling: Banco Popular will issue Gnial cards made with plastic recovered from the Samaná coastline, partnering with Parley for the Oceans and linking card use to ocean-protection funding. Monorail Debate: Environmentalists are challenging the Santo Domingo East monorail route over fears it could damage the protected bluff system along Ecológica Avenue. Tourism Growth: JP Morgan raised its Dominican Republic growth projection to 4.3%, citing strong tourism momentum and visitor gains. Energy Planning: The energy minister outlined a long-term strategy to expand generation and modernize the grid to meet rising electricity demand through the 2030s.

Reforestation Push: The Ministry of Environment, RD Vial and Digecac announced a two-year plan to plant 10 million plants along major highways and avenues, including the Azua Bypass, Coral Highway, and Duarte Highway sections, aiming to restore vegetation cover and strengthen conservation in key corridors. Weather & Flood Risk: The COE, citing INDOMET, placed seven provinces plus the National District under yellow alert as a trough and tropical wave keep conditions humid and unstable, with heavy downpours, thunderstorms, gusts and possible isolated hail—plus warnings to avoid rivers and ravines and stay out of recreational waterways. Coastal Plastic Cut: Banco Popular launched Gnial cards made with plastic recovered from the Dominican coast via Parley for the Oceans, tying card use to ocean-protection funding and ecosystem support. Energy Planning: The Energy and Mines minister outlined a long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand through 2030s—generation expansion, grid upgrades, rural electrification and energy efficiency. Border Agriculture Upgrade: ITESIL and the Dominican Agrarian Institute will develop an agro-industrial research and training center on 900+ tareas of state land in Montecristi, covering the full value chain from production to processing and commercialization. Community Volunteering: Banreservas Volunteers opened its first Northern-region headquarters in Santiago de los Caballeros to expand services for vulnerable communities in the Cibao.

Reforestation Push: The Ministry of Environment, RD Vial and Digecac kicked off a two-year plan to plant 10 million trees along major highways and avenues, including the Azua Bypass, Coral Highway, 6 de Noviembre, Juan Pablo II and Duarte routes, aiming to restore vegetation and strengthen conservation in key corridors. Storm Watch: The COE kept 8 provinces plus the National District on green and raised La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Sánchez Ramírez, Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macorís, San Cristóbal and the National District to yellow as a trough and tropical wave keep conditions humid and unstable, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusts and possible isolated hail; authorities urged people to avoid rivers and recreational waterways and heed official bulletins. Energy Planning: Energy Minister Joel Santos outlined a long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand through the 2030s, warning that delaying infrastructure beyond 2028 could hurt future supply, while focusing on generation, grid upgrades, rural electrification and efficiency. Circular Economy at the Bank: Banco Popular says its Gnial cards will be made with plastic recovered from the coast of Sánchez, Samaná, partnering with Parley for the Oceans and matching cardholder donations to support coastal ecosystem protection. Agro-innovation on the Border: ITESIL and the Dominican Agrarian Institute launched an agro-industrial project to transform 900+ “tareas” in Montecristi into a research and training hub spanning the full value chain, with an emphasis on sustainability and entrepreneurship.

Severe Weather Alerts: A trough plus tropical wave is keeping conditions humid and unstable, with the COE placing seven provinces and the National District on yellow alert for heavy rains, thunderstorms, gusts, and possible isolated hail, while eight provinces remain on green; authorities warn residents to avoid crossing flooded rivers/streams and stay out of recreational waterways, and maritime operators are told to remain in port in rough Caribbean waters. Heat Risk: Indomet and other officials warn extreme heat is persisting at “extremely severe” levels, with health alerts for heat stroke as temperatures push toward dangerous highs. Coastal Pollution & Recycling: Banco Popular says its Gnial cards will be made from plastic recovered from the Dominican coast via Parley for the Oceans, with cardholder donations helping fund projects to protect coastal ecosystems and cut ocean plastic. Reforestation & Restoration: A WRV student volunteer trip to Jarabacoa helped work in nurseries tied to the national reforestation effort, producing seedlings for forest restoration. Agriculture & Water Efficiency: TNR and Intabaco signed a deal to modernize tobacco farming with pressurized irrigation, training, and demonstration plots to improve yields and water efficiency. Energy Transition: The energy minister outlined a long-term strategy to expand generation, modernize the grid, and improve rural electrification and efficiency to meet rising demand through the 2030s. Tourism Footprint Debate: Environmentalists are pushing back on the Santo Domingo East monorail route, warning it could damage protected bluff formations along Ecológica Avenue. Hurricane Preparedness for Buyers: A guide for foreign property buyers asks how hurricane-vulnerable the DR is, noting the country has historically seen fewer direct major-hurricane hits than many neighbors.

Border Agriculture & Training: ITESIL and the Dominican Agrarian Institute (IAD) are launching an agro-industrial project in Montecristi to turn 900 tareas of state land into a research, innovation, and training hub covering the full farm-to-processing value chain. Weather Alerts: The COE raised risk levels as a trough and tropical wave keep conditions humid and unstable, placing seven provinces plus the National District under yellow alert for heavy rains, thunderstorms, gusts, and possible isolated hail, with warnings about flooding and unsafe river crossings. Energy Planning: The Energy and Mines minister outlined a long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand through the 2030s, focusing on generation expansion, grid upgrades, rural electrification, and energy efficiency. Coastal Plastic Cut: Banco Popular will issue Gnial cards made from plastic recovered from the Dominican coast via Parley for the Oceans, with cardholder donations supporting coastal ecosystem protection. Reforestation Push: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial, and Digecac announced a plan to plant 10 million trees over two years along major highways and ecological corridors. Sustainable Transport: OMSA will launch a 100% electric bus corridor in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, aiming to reduce emissions while supporting the historic district’s revitalization. Sugar Mechanization: Dominican sugar mills report mechanized harvesting rising from 1% to 70% in five years, boosting productivity and reducing reliance on foreign labor. Tobacco Irrigation Modernization: TNR and Intabaco signed an agreement to modernize tobacco farming with pressurized irrigation, training, and demonstration plots to improve yields and water efficiency. Coastal Cleanup: A national coastal cleanup day mobilized more than 1,300 volunteers, targeting marine debris and shoreline pollution.

Weather Alerts: The COE expanded warnings as a trough and tropical wave keep conditions unstable, placing seven provinces plus the National District under yellow alert and eight more under green, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and isolated hail; authorities urged people to avoid rivers and ravines and noted maritime hazards along parts of the coasts. Coastal Plastic Cleanup: Banco Popular says its Gnial cards will be made with plastic recovered from the coastline of Sánchez, Samaná, via Parley for the Oceans, and cardholders can donate Popular Miles as the bank and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund match contributions to protect coastal ecosystems. Coffee Supply Pressure: Reproca warns 60%–70% of coffee consumed in the DR is imported, despite higher international prices, citing stagnant local production and calling for stronger public support for farmers and agroforestry. Monorail vs. Cliffs: Environmentalists are urging authorities to reconsider a Santo Domingo East monorail route, saying it could damage the protected bluff system along Ecológica Avenue. Clean Transport Push: OMSA will launch a 100% electric bus corridor in the Colonial City, with five buses on a 12.5-kilometer route and accessible stops, aiming to cut emissions and help preserve the historic area. Reforestation Drive: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial and Digecac announced a plan to plant 10 million trees over two years along major highways, including Ecological Avenue and key ring roads.

Reforestation Push: The Ministry of Environment, RD Vial, and Digecac announced a nationwide plan to plant 10 million trees over two years, prioritizing major highways and ecological corridors like the Azua Ring Road, Coral Highway, and the Duarte Highway to expand green cover and improve landscapes. Clean Transport in the Capital: OMSA is rolling out a 100% electric bus corridor in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, using five zero-emission buses on a 12.5-kilometer route with accessible stops and new shelters—aimed at cutting pollution while supporting revitalization. Water-Smart Farming: TNR and Intabaco signed an agreement to modernize tobacco production through pressurized irrigation, training, and demonstration plots, targeting higher yields with better water efficiency and lower environmental impact. Coastal Waste Action: The Progressive Youth Foundation wrapped up its sixth National Coastal Cleanup Day with 1,341 volunteers collecting about 56,966.5 pounds of solid waste across 21 beaches, after weather disruptions from troughs. Circular Economy Finance: Banco Popular will issue gnial credit/debit cards made with recovered coastal plastic, linking cardholder Miles donations to ocean conservation and plastic-waste reduction efforts.

Aviation Safety: The CIAA released a preliminary report on the June 7 Gulfstream G200 crash at La Romana, confirming the crew declared an emergency after reporting loss of the right engine; the jet veered off runway 29, hit grass, the landing gear collapsed, and it caught fire, killing both crew members, while investigators are still checking engine failure, the aborted landing, maintenance, and weather. Clean Transport: OMSA will launch a 100% electric bus corridor in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City with five buses on a 12.5-kilometer route, accessible stops, and new shelters—aimed at cutting emissions and protecting the historic district’s atmosphere. Reforestation: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial, and Digecac announced a plan to plant 10 million trees over two years, prioritizing major highways to restore vegetation and expand green space. Plastic & Coasts: Banco Popular will issue gnial credit/debit cards made with plastic recovered from coasts in Sánchez, Samaná, partnering with Parley for the Oceans to fund ocean conservation. Tourism Waste Pressure: Tourism associations asked the government to review how solid-waste fees are applied under Law 225-20, saying the current approach hits tourism MSMEs hardest and can charge the same service multiple times. Coastal Cleanup: The Progressive Youth Foundation wrapped up National Coastal Cleanup Day with 1,341 volunteers collecting 56,966.5 pounds of solid waste across 21 coastal sites.

Extreme Heat Watch: Dominican meteorology and NOAA warnings say “extremely severe” heat could persist for two weeks, with temperatures pushing toward 39–40°C and health officials urging people to watch for heat-stroke risks. Coastal Cleanup: The Progressive Youth Foundation wrapped up National Coastal Cleanup Day with 1,341 volunteers collecting about 56,966.5 pounds of solid waste across 21 beaches and coastal sites. Ocean Plastic Push: Banco Popular announced its new gnial credit/debit cards will use plastic recovered from the coasts of Sánchez, Samaná, linking card use to donations that support coastal ecosystem protection and waste reduction. Solid Waste Fees Pressure on Tourism: Tourism associations asked the government to review how the solid-waste coprocessing fee is applied, saying it hits tourism MSMEs unfairly and can be charged multiple times through intermediaries. Biodiversity & Climate Policy: A regional push for ethical AI includes an explicit roadmap pillar on environment, sustainability, and climate change, aiming to protect vulnerable groups.

Extreme Heat Watch: The Dominican Republic is under an “extreme heat” warning as Indomet and NOAA say sweltering conditions could persist through mid-July, with highs around 35–39°C and a higher heat index, plus Saharan dust and El Niño-linked dry patterns raising the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Coastal Cleanup Push: The Progressive Youth Foundation wrapped up National Coastal Cleanup Day with 1,341 volunteers removing about 56,966.5 pounds of solid waste across 21 beaches and coastal sites, after weather disruptions earlier in the program. Solid Waste Fees vs. Tourism Costs: Tourism associations are urging the government to adjust how the solid-waste fee law is applied, arguing it hits tourism MSMEs unfairly because services get billed multiple times through intermediaries. Tourism Growth in Punta Cana: Lopesan inaugurated three new Punta Cana resorts (over 1,000 rooms) in a €300M+ expansion, adding jobs and new entertainment and convention capacity. Local Environment & Daily Life: UASD apologized for a deteriorated National Flag on campus, saying strong winds damaged the fabric and replacement flags are being procured. Digital Safety for Citizens: Indotel moved ahead with plans for a Cybersecurity Assistance Center to help people respond to scams and online fraud.

Extreme Heat Watch: NOAA has the Dominican Republic under an “Extremely Severe” extreme-heat risk through at least July 14, with Indomet warning temperatures up to 35–39°C (and higher heat index) in the northwest, north, and southwest, driven by Saharan dust, a high-pressure pattern, and moderate El Niño—raising heat-stroke danger for children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. Health & Safety Guidance: Indomet urges hydration, light clothing, sunscreen, and avoiding direct sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Coastal Cleanup Momentum: The Progressive Youth Foundation wrapped its sixth National Coastal Cleanup Day with 1,341 volunteers collecting 56,966.5 pounds of solid waste across 21 beaches and coastal sites, after weather disruptions tied to troughs. Digital Protection: Indotel is moving ahead with a procurement process for a Cybersecurity Assistance Center to help citizens respond to scams, identity theft, account takeovers, and online fraud. Regional Tech Ethics: More than 20 Latin America and Caribbean countries agreed on an ethical AI roadmap under the Santo Domingo Declaration, including an environment and climate-change pillar.