AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: The COE issued yellow alert for La Vega, Puerto Plata and Espaillat, and green alert for 13 provinces (including the National District and Greater Santo Domingo) as a trough brings heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusts and possible hail, with warnings to avoid rivers, ravines and beaches and to watch for higher waves. Sargassum to Jobs: A US$6.3 million package backed by the EIB, EU and Banco Adopem will help Dominican MSMEs collect, transport, store and use sargassum, shifting from emergency cleanup to a safer, sustainable value chain. Mining Oversight: Barrick completed its 59th Participatory Environmental Monitoring exercise at Pueblo Viejo, continuing quarterly community and academic checks on water, air and noise. Water & Land Risk: Authorities highlighted cleanup and relocation work around urban ravines and gullies, including the Gurabo River project, aimed at cutting pollution into the Yaque del Norte. Tourism & Resilience: Experts urged integrating territorial planning, disaster risk management and climate adaptation into local decisions, using climate and risk data for early warning and safer mobility. Infrastructure Upgrade: Puerto Plata Cable Car modernization began, replacing the system with a higher-capacity double-cable tramway while keeping the historic route. Policy & Regional Agenda: President Abinader will inaugurate ECLAC’s 41st session in Santiago, with economic, social and environmental transformation on the agenda.

Urban Water & Flood Risk: The CAASD director general says the government is cleaning up ravines, gullies and rivers while relocating families living in extreme vulnerability, citing the Gurabo River cleanup in Santiago as a benchmark after it historically fed about 43% of pollution into the Yaque del Norte. Sargassum Jobs & Resilience: A US$6.3 million EIB/EU/Adopem package will help Dominican MSMEs collect, transport, store and use sargassum, shifting from emergency cleanup to a safer, commercially viable value chain. Mining Oversight: Barrick completed its 59th Participatory Environmental Monitoring at Pueblo Viejo, with communities and an independent academic role helping track water, air and noise. Weather Alerts: COE keeps multiple provinces under green alert and earlier placed others on yellow as a trough brings heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusts and possible hail; officials warn against crossing swollen rivers and using beaches. Climate-Ready Planning: Max Puig says territorial planning, risk management, and climate adaptation must be integrated locally, using meteorological, satellite data and early warnings to reduce displacement and environmental damage. Protected Land Enforcement: Environment authorities dismantled 73 illegal structures in Hoyo Claro Natural Monument, using heavy machinery and promising continued monitoring.**

Sargassum to Jobs: A US$6.3M EIB/EU package will help Dominican MSMEs collect, transport, store and sustainably use sargassum, shifting the response from cleanup to a safer, commercial value chain. Storm Readiness: The COE put three provinces on yellow alert and 13 (including the National District and Greater Santo Domingo) on green as a trough brings heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusts and possible hail, plus rougher seas. Coastal Ecosystem Protection: The Environment Ministry dismantled 73 illegal structures in the Hoyo Claro Natural Monument, reinforcing a zero-tolerance approach to protected-area encroachment. Climate-Disaster Planning: Max Puig urged integrating territorial planning, risk management, climate adaptation and local early-warning tools to better handle disaster mobility and environmental degradation. Aviation Modernization: IDAC is upgrading Punta Cana with an ILS-DME and expanding weather radar and surveillance capacity to improve landing safety in bad conditions. Mining Oversight: Barrick’s Pueblo Viejo completed its 59th participatory environmental monitoring exercise, continuing quarterly community-led checks on water, air and noise. Older People in Crises: International Day of Older Persons coverage highlights humanitarian priorities to protect elderly people in conflict and disaster zones. Tourism Infrastructure: Puerto Plata began modernizing its cable car, boosting capacity and safety while keeping the historic route.

Colonial City Housing & Urban Renewal: Tourism Minister David Collado delivered the first batch of 254 renovated homes and inaugurated facade recovery and “Paint Your City” work under the Colonial City Housing Improvement Program, with funding tied to the IDB and EU co-financing—aimed at repairing 140 homes and preserving residents in Santo Domingo’s historic center. Weather & Flood Risk: The COE kept a green alert for eight provinces plus the National District as a trough and moisture bring moderate to heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusts, with warnings to avoid rivers and ravines and follow INDOMET bulletins. Sargassum Response: Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez urged a coordinated, cross-border approach at an EU-Caribbean conference, saying the Dominican Republic is shifting from just collecting seaweed to stronger monitoring using satellite and geospatial tools. Air Safety Modernization: IDAC announced upgrades at Punta Cana, including an ILS-DME system and expanded weather radar coverage, plus plans for more surveillance tech at Cibao to improve landing safety in poor visibility. Protected Land Enforcement: The Environment Ministry dismantled 73 illegal structures in the Hoyo Claro Natural Monument, using heavy machinery and joint enforcement to recover protected land and prevent new encroachments. Digital Credentials for Citizens: The government launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork in services like Soy Yo RD, using a federated model so institutions keep responsibility for their records.

Colonial City Housing & Urban Facades: Tourism Minister David Collado delivered the first batch of renovated homes under the Colonial City Housing Improvement Program (Promevi), plus facades and a “Paint Your City” push—part of a wider IDB- and EU-supported effort to repair 140 homes and upgrade historic neighborhoods. Weather & Flood Risk: The COE kept green alerts active for multiple provinces and the National District as a trough and moisture from the Caribbean and Atlantic bring moderate to heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusts—urging people to avoid rivers and ravines. Sargassum Response: Environment officials at an EU-Caribbean conference stressed that sargassum is a shared, borderless problem; the Dominican Republic is shifting toward proactive monitoring using satellite and geospatial tools. Air Safety Modernization: IDAC announced upgrades at Punta Cana, including an ILS-DME system and expanded radar and surveillance capacity to improve landing safety in bad weather. Protected Land Enforcement: The Environment Ministry dismantled 73 illegal structures in the Hoyo Claro Natural Monument, signaling zero tolerance for unauthorized construction in protected areas. Water Security: A separate regional drought response highlights the need for storage tanks and water resilience planning across the Caribbean.

Sargassum Response: Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez told the EU-Caribbean Sargassum conference that the Dominican Republic is moving from just clearing seaweed to proactive monitoring, using satellite and geospatial data, and pushing for cross-border coordination since sargassum “knows no borders.” Protected Land Enforcement: The Environment Ministry dismantled 73 illegal structures in the Hoyo Claro Natural Monument, with SENPA, the Army, and migration authorities, using heavy machinery and pledging continued monitoring under Decree 615-26. Flood Risk Watch: The COE kept Green Alert in eight provinces (including Greater Santo Domingo and parts of the north) as a trough and moisture bring moderate-to-heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusts; officials urged people to avoid rivers and have emergency plans ready. Aviation Safety & Weather Tech: IDAC is upgrading Punta Cana Airport with a new ILS-DME and expanding radar coverage (Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and the Dominican Aeronautical Complex) to improve landing safety and weather monitoring. Digital Credentials: The government launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork in services like Soy Yo RD and the Citizen Folder.

Sargassum Response: Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez told the EU-Caribbean conference that the Dominican Republic is moving from just collecting seaweed to a more proactive, coordinated approach—using satellite and geospatial monitoring to protect coasts, fishing, and tourism. Illegal Land Use Crackdown: The Environment Ministry dismantled 73 illegal structures in the Hoyo Claro Natural Monument, with heavy machinery and enforcement partners, and said it will keep monitoring to stop new encroachments. Aviation Modernization: IDAC is upgrading Punta Cana Airport with a new ILS-DME and expanding weather radars and surveillance systems to improve landing safety and reduce diversions, including plans for Cibao by 2027. Rain Risk Alerts: The COE kept green alerts in multiple provinces and the National District as a trough and moisture bring moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusts—urging people to avoid rivers and prepare emergency plans. Digital Public Services: UN ODET highlighted the need for safeguards, governance, and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure, discussing verifiable credentials and inclusion during a Santo Domingo forum. Water Security: (Regional note) Jamaica announced emergency procurement to distribute 5,000 water-storage tanks to drought-hit communities, underscoring the wider Caribbean water stress.

Sargassum Response: Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez told the EU-Caribbean conference that the Dominican Republic is moving from just collecting seaweed to a more proactive, coordinated approach—using satellite and geospatial monitoring and sector-to-sector planning—because sargassum “knows no borders.” Flood & Storm Readiness: The COE kept green alerts active for multiple provinces and the National District as a trough and moisture boost rainfall, with warnings to avoid rivers and ravines and to follow INDOMET bulletins. Civil Aviation Modernization: IDAC said Punta Cana will get a new ILS-DME system and highlighted expanded weather radars and surveillance upgrades to improve safety in adverse weather. Protected Land Enforcement: The Environment Ministry dismantled 73 illegal structures in Hoyo Claro Natural Monument, using heavy machinery and pledging continued monitoring. Sustainable Aviation Deal: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed an MOU framework to support decarbonization in aviation, including SAF and CORSIA-aligned cooperation. Digital Credentials: The government launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork for citizen services.

Severe Weather Watch: The COE kept green alerts active for eight provinces plus the National District as a trough and heavy moisture set up moderate-to-heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds—areas include Greater Santo Domingo, Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, San Pedro de Macorís, Hato Mayor, and Sánchez Ramírez—with officials urging people to avoid rivers and have emergency plans ready. Protected Land Crackdown: The Environment Ministry dismantled 73 illegal structures inside the Hoyo Claro Natural Monument in Verón, using heavy machinery and coordinating with prosecutors, SENPA, the Army, and migration authorities, warning it will keep monitoring to stop new encroachments. Aviation Modernization: IDAC is upgrading Punta Cana Airport with an ILS-DME system to improve landing safety in poor weather, while expanding weather radars and surveillance tech across the country. Digital Governance for Sustainability: The government launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork and physical document submissions for certain procedures. Maritime Strategy: The Dominican Shipping Association called for a long-term national maritime vision focused on sustainability as trade and logistics grow.

Aviation modernization: The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation says new surveillance, navigation and communications upgrades are already improving safety, including three weather radars (Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and the Dominican Aeronautical Complex) and a modernized control tower at San Isidro Air Base with backup power. Sustainable aviation push: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed a sustainability MoU for decarbonization, aligning with ICAO’s CORSIA and focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuels, emissions cuts, and climate finance. Water security under drought: Jamaica’s Water Ministry activated emergency procurement to distribute 5,000 black storage tanks over three months, warning some communities may face tighter day-to-day supply as reservoirs run low. Coastal and climate resilience: A regional project assessed six schools in Antigua and Barbuda, flagging needs for stronger roofs, flood protection, and safer emergency access—work also underway in the Dominican Republic. Food and climate-smart farming: Mars reported progress toward responsible cocoa sourcing (98% covered in 2025) and said its climate-smart agriculture program with Dominican suppliers helped farmers improve practices. Local environment-adjacent policy: Dominican pork producers urged import adjustments to protect domestic farms, arguing current volumes threaten profitability and sustainability.

Aviation Modernization: The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation says new weather radars, upgraded air-base control systems, and improved radar data sharing are boosting safety and risk monitoring across the country. Sustainable Aviation Push: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed a MoU to cooperate on decarbonizing civil aviation, including Sustainable Aviation Fuels and CORSIA-aligned emissions units. Digital Credentials: The government launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork for certain procedures by proving information is issued and still valid. Climate & Health Signals: The Dominican Republic reported 338 dengue and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026, while PAHO and MSD for Mothers backed a two-year effort to cut preventable maternal deaths and adolescent pregnancy. Food & Environment Pressure: Pork producers urged import adjustments to protect local farms and sustainability, and a separate report flagged food waste in the Dominican Republic at 1.1 million kilograms a week. Water Stress Watch: Officials warned tighter water restrictions could hit some communities soon as drought conditions worsen.

Sustainable Aviation: The Dominican Republic and Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on sustainability and decarbonization in civil aviation, aligning with ICAO’s CORSIA and prioritizing Sustainable Aviation Fuels and climate finance. Climate Policy at the UN: President Luis Abinader pushed for faster climate adaptation financing at the UN General Assembly, joining the Climate Vulnerable Forum and highlighting renewable energy and cleaner mobility, including efforts to cut short-lived climate pollutants. Urban Mobility Funding: The EU and France pledged €10 million to modernize Greater Santo Domingo’s public transit, bringing local city halls into planning for better multimodal connections and station access. Maritime Strategy: The Dominican Republic Shipping Association urged a long-term national maritime vision to coordinate ports, logistics, human capital, environmental protection, and support for the goal of doubling the economy by 2036. Critical Minerals Rules: CAMIPE called for clearer, more predictable mining regulations—like a single digital “mining window”—to attract investment while keeping environmental safeguards. Health & Climate Resilience: PAHO and MSD for Mothers launched a two-year initiative to reduce preventable maternal deaths and adolescent pregnancy in high-need areas of the Dominican Republic. Disaster Risk & Weather: Coverage also flagged ongoing climate and weather pressures, including the country’s moderate but persistent El Niño risk and calls to protect coastal communities.

Sustainable Aviation: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cut aviation emissions, align with ICAO’s CORSIA, and expand use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, technical training, and climate finance. Maritime Strategy: The Dominican Republic Shipping Association urged a long-term national maritime vision to match expected trade growth, calling for coordinated planning that also strengthens environmental sustainability. Urban Mobility Funding: The EU and France pledged €10 million to modernize Greater Santo Domingo’s public transit, with support for Intrant, Fitram/EMT, and better multimodal connections. Climate Diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly, President Abinader pushed for faster climate adaptation financing and joined the Climate Vulnerable Forum, highlighting renewable energy and cleaner mobility. Food Waste: The Dominican Republic Food Bank says about 1.1 million kilograms of food are lost or wasted weekly, urging faster food rescue partnerships. Health Support: PAHO and MSD for Mothers launched a two-year initiative to reduce preventable maternal deaths and adolescent pregnancy in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. Mining Rules: CAMIPE called for clearer, more predictable mining regulations (including a “single window”) to unlock critical minerals while keeping environmental safeguards.

Dominican Climate Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader used the UN General Assembly in New York to push for faster, fairer climate adaptation financing, joining the Climate Vulnerable Forum and calling for support that goes beyond per-capita income; he also highlighted renewable energy and efforts to cut short-lived climate pollutants like methane. Food Waste & Environment: The Dominican Republic Food Bank says about 1.1 million kilograms of food are lost or wasted each week, urging faster food-rescue partnerships to protect food security and reduce environmental harm. Coastal & Disaster Preparedness: Abinader and New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced collaboration to clean the Yaque del Norte River and strengthen disaster preparedness. Urban Mobility Upgrade: In Santo Domingo, Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched a Colonial City electromobility route with electric buses and charging infrastructure. Health & Climate Risk: The country faces a moderate but persistent El Niño risk, and dengue/malaria updates underscore how weather can amplify public health pressures.

UN Climate Push: President Abinader urged faster climate adaptation financing at the UN General Assembly in New York, joining the Climate Vulnerable Forum and calling for funding criteria that reflect vulnerability, not just income. Clean Transport in Santo Domingo: Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched a Colonial City electric bus route, backed by the IDB and EU, to cut emissions in the historic core. Food Waste Alarm: The Dominican Republic Food Bank says about 1.1 million kilograms of food are lost or wasted weekly, calling for faster food-rescue partnerships to protect food security and the environment. Water & River Stress: A look at the country’s main rivers highlights threats from deforestation, weak sanitation, and untreated wastewater and solid waste—especially in basins feeding major population areas. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.8 quake rattled parts of the Dominican Republic, with light-to-moderate shaking reported. Weather Outlook: Indomet forecasts mostly sunny skies with afternoon downpours and thunderstorms in several provinces, plus continued hot conditions and Saharan dust. Port & Emissions Lessons: Caribbean port leaders studied European approaches to cleaner, more resilient operations, focusing on cutting emissions and improving disaster readiness.

Sargassum & Climate Finance: President Abinader told the UN that the Dominican Republic helped secure the first global UN resolution on sargassum, urging faster climate financing so Caribbean coasts can respond as storms and seaweed impacts arrive. Coastal Water & Pollution: A new study on the Dominican Republic’s main rivers highlights threats from deforestation, weak sanitation, and untreated wastewater and plastic dumping—especially in basins feeding major population centers. El Niño Risk: The Dominican Republic faces a moderate but persistent risk from El Niño, with the biggest concern being drought, water stress, and heat that could hit prices and key sectors. Disaster Watch: Indomet warned of downpours and thunderstorms in several provinces, plus continued hot conditions and a cyclone watch for Tropical Depression Fay, which poses no threat to the country. Earthquake Felt Locally: A magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Guaymate rattled residents across the island with light-to-moderate shaking. Urban Mobility (Greener Transport): Abinader inaugurated the Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched a Colonial City electromobility route with electric buses and charging infrastructure to support more sustainable transport in Santo Domingo. Health & Environment Link: Public health updates report malaria cases down sharply and maternal deaths falling, while dengue and other disease surveillance continues—important as climate-driven conditions affect mosquito-borne risks.