AGP Executive Report

Renewable Energy Policy: Environmentalist Enrique De León renewed criticism of the Dominican Republic’s rooftop solar “sun tax,” saying the 25% charge on electricity fed into the grid still hasn’t been removed despite earlier promises—warning it could slow clean-energy investment. Climate & Disaster Readiness: The COE expanded a green alert to 16 provinces due to a trough and tropical wave bringing moderate to heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and possible isolated hail, urging people near rivers and ravines to stay alert. Clean Energy Growth: SENI data shows solar is surging—adding 100 MW between 2025 and June 2026 and reaching major cumulative growth since 2020—while the government pushes renewables to reduce exposure to oil and gas price shocks. Sargassum Innovation: Intec researchers extracted alginate from Sargassum washed ashore in the DR, turning a recurring coastal problem into a potential material for food, cosmetics, agriculture, pharma, and biomaterials. Local Environment Investment: Tourism Minister David Collado highlighted RD$135 million for a new recreational park in Bajos de Haina, including large-scale grass installation, tree and palm purchases, and reforestation support. Regional Governance: UNDP’s report launched in the DR says democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean faces pressure from crime, misinformation, public debt, and climate change—extreme weather events have more than doubled in recent decades. Tourism & Sustainability: Banco Popular secured up to US$50 million from Spain’s ICO for projects tied to tourism, energy, and sustainability goals like energy efficiency and digital transformation. Aviation Incident (Regional): A Dominican Republic-registered aircraft reported missing over the Caribbean was found with both crew members rescued alive in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as authorities keep details limited during a “very delicate” investigation.

Renewables Policy Clash: Environmentalist Enrique De León renewed criticism of the Dominican Republic’s distributed generation “sun tax,” saying a 25% charge on residential rooftop solar fed into the grid still hasn’t been removed despite earlier promises—warning it could slow clean-energy investment. Weather & Flood Risk: The COE expanded green alerts to 14 provinces (plus National District) due to a tropical wave and upper-level trough, with moderate-to-heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible isolated hail; residents were urged to avoid rivers, streams, and ravines. Clean Energy Growth: New SENI figures say solar capacity in the DR jumped 100 MW between 2025 and June 2026, with cumulative solar growth of 806.6% since 2020—supporting broader renewable expansion. Sargassum to Value: Researchers at Intec extracted alginate from Sargassum washed on Dominican shores, pointing to a more sustainable way to turn a coastal problem into materials for food, pharma, cosmetics, and biomaterials. Local Green Space Investment: Tourism Minister David Collado highlighted RD$135 million for a new recreational park in Bajos de Haina, including major landscaping and reforestation support from the Environment Ministry. Cyber Resilience: The DR launched a Cyber Cluster to strengthen cybersecurity talent and coordination, aiming to improve digital resilience as cyber threats rise.

Weather Alert: The COE expanded green alerts to 14 provinces (plus the National District) as INDOMET warns of moderate-to-heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, and possible isolated hail—residents near rivers, streams, and ravines were told to avoid crossings and follow official bulletins. Renewable Energy Push: SENI data show solar power is driving DR’s clean-energy growth, with installed solar capacity up 100 MW since 2025 and a massive 806.6% rise since 2020; the government is aiming for about 25% of consumption from clean sources. Sargassum Turning Into Value: Intec researchers extracted alginate from Sargassum washed ashore in the DR, pointing to a practical way to recover useful biopolymer from a major Caribbean coastal problem. Local Tech & Resilience: The DR launched a Cyber Cluster Dominican Republic, a public-private effort to strengthen cybersecurity, build specialized talent, and improve digital resilience as cyber threats rise. Tourism & Nature Recognition: Tourism journalist Cristina Rosario was inducted into OMPT’s Hall of Honor for work promoting responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism—highlighting DR’s natural and cultural heritage.

Storm Watch: The COE expanded a green alert to 14 provinces plus the National District after INDOMET forecasts of moderate-to-heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, and possible isolated hail—authorities urged people to avoid rivers, streams, and ravines during high water. Green Energy Push: Solar keeps leading renewable growth in the Dominican Republic, with installed capacity up 100 MW between 2025 and June 2026 and renewables now exceeding 2,000 MW as the country aims to raise clean energy’s share. Sargassum-to-Value Research: Intec researchers extracted alginate from Sargassum washed on Dominican shores, turning a coastal problem into a biopolymer with uses in food, cosmetics, agriculture, pharma, and biomaterials. Ocean Cleanup Tech: A solar-powered rubbish-eating boat concept is highlighted from Los Angeles’ Ballona Creek area, using floating collection and conveyor systems to capture plastics before they spread. Local Climate-Linked Resilience: DIDA’s director highlighted Santiago’s infrastructure and public-space investments and urged citizens to claim pending AFP funds—part of broader efforts to strengthen community resilience. Cyber Resilience: The Dominican Republic launched a Cyber Cluster to strengthen cybersecurity talent and digital resilience as threats rise worldwide.

Extreme Rain Alert: The COE expanded a green alert to 14 provinces plus the National District after INDOMET forecasts of moderate-to-heavy downpours, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, and possible isolated hail—residents are urged to avoid rivers, streams, and ravines. Renewables Push: SENI data show solar is driving the Dominican Republic’s clean-energy growth, with installed solar capacity up 100 MW between 2025 and June 2026 and renewables now exceeding 2,000 MW, helping the country move toward a cleaner energy mix. Sargassum Value-Add: Intec researchers extracted alginate from Sargassum washed ashore, turning a major coastal problem into a biopolymer with uses in food, cosmetics, agriculture, pharma, and biomaterials. Ocean Cleanup Tech: A solar-powered floating trash collector in Los Angeles highlights how interceptor-style systems can reduce plastic entering waterways—relevant as DR continues battling marine debris. Local Climate Leadership: The Dominican Republic assumed regional climate leadership by coordinating GRULAC before the ILO, reinforcing its push for stronger regional policy coordination. Sustainable Tourism Recognition: Tourism journalist Cristina Rosario was inducted into OMPT’s Hall of Honor for work promoting responsible, sustainable, inclusive tourism.

Severe Weather Watch: The COE expanded green alerts to 14 provinces (plus the National District) as INDOMET warns of moderate-to-heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, and possible isolated hail—authorities urge people to avoid rivers, streams, and ravines during high water. Renewable Energy Push: SENI data show solar power is driving DR’s clean-energy growth, with installed solar capacity up sharply since 2020 and renewables now exceeding 2,000 MW, supporting a goal of about 25% of consumption from clean sources. Sargassum to Value: Intec researchers extracted alginate from Sargassum washed on Dominican shores, pointing to a practical way to turn a coastal nuisance into useful materials for food, pharma, cosmetics, and biomaterials. Cyber Resilience: DR launched the Cyber Cluster Dominican Republic, a public-private initiative to strengthen cybersecurity, train talent, and improve digital resilience as cyber threats rise. Green Alert Update: A separate COE bulletin raised alerts to 16 provinces due to a trough and tropical wave, with downpours and possible hail expected in the coming hours. Sustainability & Industry: AIRD and the Environment Ministry discussed how sustainability must go hand in hand with competitiveness, calling for closer public-private collaboration to protect natural heritage while growing the economy. Food & Cost Pressures: The government proposed new taxes to offset higher oil costs, while business groups urged focusing on informality and broadening the tax base.

Renewable Energy Push: Solar power keeps leading the Dominican Republic’s clean-energy expansion, adding 100 MW between 2025 and June 2026 and reaching 2,000+ MW of renewables overall, with the government aiming for about 25% of electricity from clean sources. Sargassum Turning Into Value: Intec researchers extracted alginate from Sargassum washed on Dominican shores, showing a path to reuse a major coastal problem in food, cosmetics, agriculture, pharma, and biomaterials. Storm Readiness: The COE expanded green alerts to 14 provinces (plus the National District) as a tropical wave and upper-level trough bring moderate-to-heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and possible hail; residents are urged to avoid rivers and ravines. Cyber Resilience: The Dominican Republic launched a Cyber Cluster to strengthen cybersecurity, build specialized talent, and improve digital resilience through a public-private network. Tourism Journalism Recognition: Cristina Rosario became the first Dominican woman inducted into OMPT’s Hall of Honor for promoting responsible, sustainable, inclusive tourism. Sustainability & Industry: AIRD highlighted sustainability as key to competitiveness, calling for closer collaboration between environmental authorities and the private sector.

Weather & Preparedness: COE expanded its green alert to 14 provinces (including the National District) as INDOMET warns of moderate-to-heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and isolated hail—residents were told to avoid rivers, streams, and ravines with rising water. Climate & Environment Education: A wildlife exhibit at Ágora Mall highlights Hispaniola’s endemic and native fauna, pairing artwork with habitat and conservation info to push back against myths that harm biodiversity. Digital Resilience: The Dominican Republic launched the Cyber Cluster Dominican Republic, a public-private effort to strengthen cybersecurity, train talent, and coordinate among major tech and security firms. Energy & Sustainability Signals: The Environment Ministry announced modernization progress at the National Botanical Garden, reinforcing conservation and public environmental awareness. Ocean Plastic Cleanup (Global link): Ocean Cleanup is scaling up river-to-sea interception of plastic in polluted areas, using solar-powered collection systems—relevant to DR’s coastal pollution concerns. Economy & Risk: The government’s anti-crisis tax package proposes higher corporate income tax for large firms and changes to advance payments for micro-enterprises, aiming to protect stability amid oil-price pressure.

Anti-Crisis Tax Push: The Dominican government is proposing new taxes to raise about RD$800 million a year to offset a surge in oil prices, including a 30% corporate income tax for large firms for three years, higher airline ticket fees, and added levies on casinos and e-cigarettes, while protecting micro-enterprises and low-income earners with exemptions. Sustainability in Business: The AIRD says sustainability must go hand in hand with competitiveness, urging closer work between environmental authorities and the private sector to build a more resilient development model. Urban Infrastructure & Mobility: Larimar City & Resort in Punta Cana signed with TK Elevator and local installer JCQ Ingeniería to bring vertical mobility solutions to planned residential, hotel, and commercial projects. Biodiversity Education: A World Environment Day-linked exhibit at Santo Domingo’s Ágora Mall highlights endemic and native Hispaniola wildlife, aiming to correct myths that threaten local biodiversity. Ports & Resilience: The DR assumed the first vice-presidency of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, backing port sustainability, tech upgrades, and maritime infrastructure resilience.

Anti-Crisis Tax Push: The Dominican government is proposing new revenue measures to offset higher oil costs, including a 30% corporate income tax for large firms for three years, higher taxes on airline tickets, casinos and e-cigarettes, and customs taxes on select imports. Small-Business Relief: The same package includes tax simplification—repealing advance income tax payments for micro-enterprises and moving small firms to three annual payments—plus elimination of the mortgage tax dating back to 1890. Environment & Industry Link: The private sector (AIRD) is urging that sustainability and competitiveness move together, calling for stronger coordination with environmental authorities. Marine Protection: For World Oceans Day, the Environment Ministry highlighted coastal cleanups and marine conservation progress, including work on protected areas and species recovery. Botanical Garden Upgrade: The Environment Ministry began modernizing the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden, improving access, security, and education spaces while planning further trail and facility renovations. Energy Expansion: Energy officials say the country is set for its largest energy buildout in decades, with renewable capacity expected to rise sharply by 2028. Biodiversity Education: An Ágora Mall wildlife exhibit is spotlighting endemic Hispaniola fauna to challenge myths and boost conservation awareness.

Energy & Growth: The Dominican Republic is set for its largest energy expansion in decades, with firm generation capacity projected to rise more than 50% between 2025 and 2028 as electricity demand climbs toward a 4,250 MW peak, driven by tourism and industry. Coastal & Marine Protection: Environment officials marked World Oceans Day with a Fort San Gil beach cleanup and a panel on marine conservation, highlighting progress in protected areas, turtle programs, and the reintroduction of the manatee “Juan Pedro.” Biodiversity & Public Education: A new wildlife-focused exhibit at Ágora Mall in Santo Domingo runs through June 12, using art and species data to debunk myths about Hispaniola’s native fauna. Botanical Garden Modernization: The Environment Ministry launched the first phase of upgrades to the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden, including restored domes, improved access, and plans for trail and herbarium modernization. Climate Risk Support: The government and UNDP unveiled parametric insurance for 3,030 vulnerable households in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte to help them respond faster to heavy rains and hurricanes. Saharan Dust & Health: Hazy conditions tied to Saharan dust are bringing health risks across the region, with guidance to limit exposure—especially for people with respiratory conditions. Animal Health Threat: New World screwworm remains a concern for warm-blooded animals, with renewed attention after cases reported in Texas and reminders that the pest is endemic in the Dominican Republic.

Energy Expansion: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos says the Dominican Republic is set for its largest power expansion in decades, with firm renewable capacity expected to rise by over 50% between 2025 and 2028, as electricity demand climbs toward a 4,250 MW peak. Botanical Garden Modernization: The Environment Ministry unveiled the first phase of upgrades to the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden, including restored domes, improved access and monitoring, and plans for trail and department modernization plus water-quality work. Oceans & Coasts: For World Oceans Day, the Environment Ministry highlighted marine conservation progress with beach cleanups, panels on coastal resilience, and species efforts including the reintroduction of manatee “Juan Pedro.” Screwworm Alert: New World screwworm remains a regional concern, with Texas cases tied to a fly species described as endemic across the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic—raising stakes for livestock, pets, wildlife, and public awareness. Adaptive Hurricane Insurance: Supérate and UNDP presented parametric insurance for vulnerable households, starting with 3,030 families in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte to speed payouts after heavy rains and hurricanes. Social + Environment Funding: APAP announced RD$131 million for 2026 social projects, including more than RD$5 million for natural resource preservation and conservation. Regional Port Role: The DR was elected First Vice President of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, aiming to boost sustainability, tech innovation, and port-city integration. Wildlife Tourism: Applications opened for a fully funded citizen-science humpback whale expedition to the Silver Bank, with limited permits to protect whale well-being.

Environmental Remediation vs. Mining Claims: Dominicana de Cales (Docalsa) says its 86,000 m² project in a former mining area is strictly ecological restoration—terrain stabilization, revegetation, and 50,000 trees—approved by the Ministry of Environment, with no explosives and safeguards around sensitive areas like Tandem Cave. Climate Risk Protection: The government, with UNDP, unveiled parametric insurance for Supérate households, starting with 3,030 vulnerable families in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte to speed payouts after heavy rains and hurricanes. Hurricane Insurance for Vulnerable Homes: Separate coverage highlights new insurance support aimed at households most exposed to storm impacts. Saharan Dust Weather Watch: Indomet forecasts a generally dry, hazy week as Saharan dust dominates, with only brief isolated disruptions possible. Wildlife Conservation Opportunity: Applications open for a fully funded citizen-science scholarship to join a humpback whale expedition to the Silver Bank, with limited permits to reduce overcrowding. Social Investment with Environmental Focus: APAP will invest RD$131 million in 2026, including over RD$5 million for conservation and preservation of natural resources. Regional Climate Leadership: The DR strengthens climate leadership by taking on the presidency of SBSTA 64. Tourism Pressure Fees: A broader travel trend notes more destinations rolling out “access fees” to manage overtourism, including references to the DR’s tourist entry charges.

Hurricane Risk Coverage: The Dominican Government, with UNDP, launched parametric insurance for 3,030 vulnerable families in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte to speed payouts after heavy rains and hurricanes—positioning the country as a regional first for adaptive social protection. Climate Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic will chair UNFCCC’s SBSTA 64 session, with Environment advisor Dr. Carol Franco leading technical talks in Bonn, reinforcing the country’s growing role in climate negotiations. Renewable Energy Push: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said non-conventional renewables could reach 2,600 MW by 2028, with about 2,000 MW already in production and 200 MW of storage planned by end-2026. Weather & Dust Watch: Indomet warned Saharan dust will keep conditions dry and hazy through June 10, with only brief, isolated rain disruptions possible. Marine Life Spotlight: A fully funded citizen-science scholarship is opening for a humpback whale expedition to the Silver Bank, a key North Atlantic sanctuary north of the DR. Local Environment Funding: APAP announced RD$131 million for social projects, including RD$5+ million for conservation and preservation of natural resources. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas—an alert because the pest is endemic in the Dominican Republic and can threaten livestock and wildlife.

Climate Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic will chair UNFCCC’s SBSTA 64, with Minister Paíno Henríquez highlighting science-based leadership as Dr. Carol Franco leads technical talks in Bonn. Weather & Health: Saharan dust is expected to keep DR dry and hazy through Wednesday, with brief isolated disruptions possible from a tropical wave and weak trough—less rain in the east and southeast. Energy Transition: The Ministry of Energy and Mines projects non-conventional renewables could reach 2,600 MW by 2028, nearly five times 2020 levels, with storage capacity planned (200 MW by end of 2026). Coastal Pollution: Sargassum continues to cover main Dominican beaches, adding pressure to tourism and marine ecosystems. Governance & Environment: UNDP praised DR’s democratic and human development gains, while officials tied stronger institutions to tackling the environmental crisis. Regional Security: Costa Rica’s security minister visited DR to study the Joint Task Force coordination model used to reduce homicide rates—an indirect boost for stability that can support environmental and disaster response.

Climate Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic will chair UN climate talks again, taking over SBSTA 64 in Bonn and boosting its role in science-led negotiations. Renewable Energy: Energy Minister Joel Santos says the country is already producing nearly 2,000 MW of renewable power and expects non-conventional capacity to reach 2,600 MW by 2028, with storage projects coming online. Extreme Weather & Flood Risk: Indomet warns of a trough plus tropical wave bringing downpours, thunderstorms, gusts, and urban flooding/landslide risk across multiple provinces, with alerts and warnings in place. Sargassum Crisis: Sargassum continues to blanket key beaches like Boca Chica and Guayacanes, piling up on shore, hurting tourism, and disrupting local businesses. Agriculture Biosecurity: New World screwworm—endemic in the DR—has been detected in Texas, prompting heightened monitoring and preparedness for livestock and pets. Aviation Safety: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crash near La Romana killed both pilots during an emergency landing attempt. Regional Security Cooperation: Costa Rica’s security minister visited the DR to study its Joint Task Force coordination model, credited with homicide-rate reductions.