AGP Executive Report

Forced Labor in Sugarcane: A human-rights report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations tied to Central Romana, with U.S. calls to reinstate an import ban over abusive working conditions. Port & Emissions Planning: Puerto Plata’s Terminal del Norte project is set for over US$520 million in its first phase, aiming to boost northern logistics and even offer cruise refueling services as the industry shifts toward lower-emission fuels. Biodiversity & Trade Pressure: A wider Latin America extinction roundup flags how Dominican policy decisions can affect species protection and monitoring, while climate change keeps pushing vulnerable wildlife toward the brink. Public Health Infrastructure: The UN reports major sanitation gaps in healthcare facilities worldwide, a reminder that clean water and toilets are part of climate resilience and disaster readiness. Weather Watch: Coverage points to tropical weather risks this weekend, including a tropical wave bringing rain and strong gusts—conditions that can worsen flooding and water contamination. Local Transport Reliability: OMSA suspended special bus loans for urban and interurban services, citing fleet deterioration and maintenance needs—an everyday climate-adaptation issue when heat and storms strain mobility. Cocoa Economy: Dominican cocoa exports hit US$669 million in 2025, with a chocolate festival set for September 11–13 in Santo Domingo.

Forced Labor & Sugar Exports: A human-rights report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations supplying the U.S., urging Washington to reinstate an import ban tied to Central Romana and Fanjul-linked operations. Weather & Flood Risk: Indomet reports a tropical wave bringing rain, thunderstorms, and wind gusts, with alerts for Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces and warnings for maritime operators to stay in port. Public Health Watch: SINAVE data show malaria and some deaths falling, but leptospirosis surging and dengue ticking up—signals to watch as heavy rain can worsen outbreaks. Biodiversity Pressure: A new regional extinction snapshot highlights species at risk, including cases tied to trade and habitat stress, with the Dominican Republic mentioned in conservation-control setbacks. Cocoa Economy: Dominican cocoa exports hit US$669M in 2025 (+55%), with a chocolate festival set for Sept. 11–13 in Santo Domingo. Digital Infrastructure: Bermuda’s new Canoa subsea cable is set to directly connect to the Dominican Republic, boosting regional connectivity. Industrial Outlook: AIRD says DR industrial confidence stays favorable in Q2 2026, with indices above 50.

Forced Labor in Sugarcane Supply Chains: A human rights group says forced labor persists on large Dominican sugarcane plantations tied to Central Romana, urging the U.S. to reinstate an import ban after it was lifted last year—an issue with major climate-and-people stakes for export agriculture. Tropical Weather Watch: Indomet reports a tropical wave bringing rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with alerts for Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces, plus maritime guidance to keep small vessels in port. Public Health & Water Safety: New SINAVE comparisons show malaria and mortality down, but leptospirosis up sharply, alongside rising dengue and other infections—signals that sanitation and flood-risk conditions matter. Cenote Rescue Highlights Risk in Extreme Environments: An international team, including Dominican explorers, rescued a Mexican fisherman alive after 15 days trapped in a flooded sinkhole, underscoring how hard these natural hazards are to navigate. Cocoa Exports Climb: Dominican cocoa exports hit a record US$669M in 2025, boosted by higher prices, with a chocolate festival set for Sept. 11–13 in Santo Domingo. Regional Environment Leadership: Belize took over CCAD’s presidency, stressing climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and sargassum as shared regional threats.

Tropical Weather Watch: Indomet says a tropical wave south of the Dominican Republic is bringing scattered rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with alerts for Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces; maritime operators are warned to stay in port as strong swells and wind gusts raise the risk of damage and flooding. Public Health Trends: SINAVE data show progress against malaria and mortality, but a sharp rise in leptospirosis (253 cases in 2026 vs 85 in 2025) alongside increases in severe respiratory infections and whooping cough—an urgent reminder that climate-linked flooding and sanitation risks can quickly shift disease patterns. Environment & Biodiversity: A reef-focused talk highlights how herbivorous fish help keep coral ecosystems balanced, while overfishing and climate change can push reefs into degraded “state shifts” that favor algae and seaweed. Clean Trade & Smuggling Controls: Customs destroyed 8.29 million cigarettes seized for illicit entry, citing protection of public health and national economic security. Cocoa Economy: Dominican cocoa exports hit a record US$669m in 2025, up 55%, with higher prices driving growth—good news for rural livelihoods tied to sustainable production.

Tropical Weather Watch: Indomet says a tropical wave is bringing rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with alerts for Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces, plus a separate system under surveillance for possible cyclonic development. Public Health Update: SINAVE data shows malaria and some deaths falling sharply, but leptospirosis is surging (up 190% year over year), alongside increases in dengue and severe respiratory infections. Environment & Reefs: New research highlights how herbivorous fish help keep coral ecosystems balanced, warning that climate change and overfishing can push reefs into degraded “state shifts.” Cocoa & Trade: Dominican cocoa exports hit a record US$669m in 2025, up 55%, with the sixth Dominican Chocolate Festival set for Sept. 11–13 in Santo Domingo. Industry Exports: The Dominican Republic leads regional exports of cement, lime, and gypsum, with 2025 exports totaling US$581.3m and the country taking 25.4%. Regional Governance: Belize took over CCAD’s pro tempore presidency, pledging continuity on climate, biodiversity, marine pollution, and water security priorities.

Weather & Flood Risk: Indomet says a tropical wave south of the country will keep bringing rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces under alerts for possible urban flooding. Heat & Saharan Dust: Another update warns Saharan dust will cut rainfall and keep temperatures high Friday and Saturday, urging hydration and sun precautions. Tropical Monitoring: Indomet is also tracking two tropical disturbances tied to tropical waves, with chances of cyclonic development of 30% and 50% depending on the system. Public Health: SINAVE reports progress against malaria and some deaths, but a sharp rise in leptospirosis (up 190%) and increases in dengue and severe respiratory infections. Environment & Reefs: Research highlights how herbivorous fish help keep coral reefs balanced, while climate change and overfishing can push reefs into degraded “state shifts.” Industry & Exports: DR leads regional cement, lime and gypsum exports, with 2025 figures showing strong export growth and calls for policies that protect competitiveness. Tourism & Finance: Tourism is driving private-sector credit growth, with banks reporting faster lending momentum into mid-2026.

Weather & Risk: Indomet says a tropical wave south of the country will bring rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces under alerts for possible urban flooding; winds could reach 25–45 km/h and higher in spots, so authorities warn of falling branches and unsafe conditions for small vessels. Public Health Watch: SINAVE’s 2025 vs 2026 comparison shows progress on malaria and mortality, but a sharp rise in leptospirosis (253 cases vs 85) plus increases in dengue and severe respiratory infections—signals to keep sanitation and mosquito control tight. Climate & Heat: Saharan dust is expected to cut rainfall and keep temperatures high Friday and Saturday, with guidance to hydrate, avoid peak sun, and expect only isolated showers until a tropical wave boosts instability on Sunday. Environment & Nature: A coral-reef study highlights how herbivorous fish help prevent algal overgrowth, while climate change and overfishing can push reefs into degraded “state shifts” that suffocate coral recovery. Policy & Governance: Congress is entering a new 2026 session with key long-stalled bills still pending, including a Climate Change Law—raising the stakes for faster environmental action.

Tropical Weather Watch: INDOMET is tracking two tropical waves for possible cyclonic development (30% near the Lesser Antilles; 30% in 48 hours and 50% in 7 days near the Cape Verde area), while Saharan dust is expected to cut rainfall and keep temperatures high—then a Sunday tropical wave could bring cloudy skies, downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, especially along the south coast and Greater Santo Domingo. Coral Reef Resilience: A reef study highlights how herbivorous fish help keep coral ecosystems balanced, warning that overfishing and climate change can lock reefs into degraded “state shifts” where algae and seaweed blooms take over. Marine Conservation in Bávaro: Iberostar says it’s expanding coral reef work in the Dominican Republic with a coral lab and genetic bank, thermotolerance research, underwater nurseries, and a restored hectare aimed at protecting endemic species and supporting regeneration. Wildlife Awareness: World Lizard Day spotlights lizards’ role in ecosystems and urges protection against habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, noting Dominican species like geckos and endemic anoles. Local Climate Context: Heat-safety guidance is circulating as Saharan dust reduces rain—drink fluids, dress lightly, and avoid peak sun exposure.

Weather & Climate Risk: Indomet says Saharan dust will cut rainfall and keep temperatures high across the Dominican Republic on Friday and Saturday, with only isolated afternoon showers; but a tropical wave is expected to bring more humidity and local downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds on Sunday (Restoration Day), especially along the southern coast, Greater Santo Domingo, and provinces like Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, La Vega, and nearby areas. Tropical Monitoring: Indomet is also tracking two tropical-wave systems in the Atlantic with chances of cyclonic development (30% and 50%), keeping continuous surveillance. Marine Life & Reefs: Iberostar is expanding coral reef conservation in Bávaro with a coral lab and genetic bank, thermotolerance research, and restoration work aimed at helping reefs adapt to warming seas. Biodiversity Spotlight: World Lizard Day highlights the ecological role of lizards in DR ecosystems and the threats they face from habitat loss and wildlife trade. Policy & Governance: Congress is set to start its second 2026 session Aug. 16, but key pending laws include water, energy efficiency, nutritional labeling, and a climate change law.

Weather Watch: Indomet says Saharan dust is arriving, cutting rainfall Friday–Saturday while keeping temperatures high; officials urge hydration and sun protection, and note a tropical wave could bring rain again Sunday. Tropical Systems: Tropical Storm Cristobal has weakened and poses no direct threat to the DR, but forecasters are tracking two tropical disturbances with chances of development and possible downpours and urban flooding risk in parts of the country. Marine Life & Reefs: Research highlights how herbivorous fish help keep coral reefs balanced, warning that overfishing and climate change can lock reefs into degraded “state shifts.” Conservation in Action: Iberostar expands coral reef conservation in Bávaro with a coral lab and genetic bank, thermotolerance research, and restoration work to support endemic species and future reef recovery. Local Biodiversity Awareness: World Lizard Day spotlights lizards’ role in ecosystems and the need to protect Dominican habitats from loss and illegal wildlife trade. Education Leadership: Abinader appoints Dinorah García Romero to lead ISFODOSU, emphasizing transparent, quality education aligned with sustainable development. Regional Environment Governance: Belize hosts CCAD meetings, with the Dominican Republic among participants pushing priorities like biodiversity, solid waste, water resources, and Sargassum.

Saharan Dust Heat Alert: The Dominican Institute of Meteorology says Saharan dust will cut rainfall and keep temperatures high this Friday and Saturday, with Indomet urging hydration, light clothing, and avoiding direct sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tropical Storm Cristobal Update: Indomet reports Cristobal has weakened into a depression and is not expected to threaten the Dominican Republic, while a tropical wave may bring downpours Sunday evening. Coral Reef Protection: Iberostar is expanding coral reef conservation in Bávaro with a coral lab and genetic bank, thermotolerance research, underwater nurseries, and a restored hectare to help endemic species and future regeneration. Reef Resilience Science: A lecture series highlighted how herbivorous fish help keep coral ecosystems balanced, warning that overfishing and climate change can lock reefs into degraded “state shifts.” Biodiversity in Mining: Barrick Pueblo Viejo opened a public photo exhibition on local flora and fauna and its monitoring and conservation work tied to responsible mining. Regional Climate Governance: Belize is hosting CCAD environment and climate meetings, with Dominican participation on priorities including biodiversity, solid waste, water resources, and Sargassum. Wildlife Awareness: World Lizard Day spotlights lizards’ ecological role and the threats they face from habitat loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade.

Heat & Dust Alert: Indomet says Saharan dust will cut rainfall and keep temperatures high across the Dominican Republic this Friday and Saturday, with guidance to hydrate, wear light clothing, and avoid direct sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Cristobal has weakened into a depression and is not expected to threaten the country, but Indomet is still monitoring two tropical disturbances, with downpours and possible urban flooding risk in parts of Santo Domingo and nearby provinces. Biodiversity Spotlight: World Lizard Day highlights the ecological role of lizards and the threats they face from habitat loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade—featuring Dominican species like geckos and endemic anoles. Coral Conservation: Iberostar is expanding coral reef work in Bávaro with a coral lab and genetic bank, thermotolerance research, and restoration efforts aimed at helping reefs adapt to rising ocean temperatures. Regional Environment Cooperation: Belize hosted CCAD talks with Dominican participation, focusing on priorities including biodiversity, solid waste, water resources, and Sargassum. Local Resilience & Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry and Indomet partner on climate resilience, while the Carabao Center initiative supports dairy buffalo distribution to strengthen sustainable livelihoods.

World Lizard Day: Dominican Republic highlights lizards’ role in ecosystems and urges action against habitat loss, climate stress, and illegal wildlife trade. Tropical Weather Watch: Indomet says Tropical Storm Cristobal has weakened into a depression and poses no threat locally, while meteorologists track two Atlantic disturbances and warn of heavy downpours and possible urban flooding in Santo Domingo and nearby areas. Reef & Biodiversity: Iberostar expands coral reef conservation in Bávaro with a coral lab and genetic bank, plus restoration and nurseries aimed at helping reefs adapt to warming seas. Regional Environment Cooperation: Dominican officials join CCAD talks in Belize focused on biodiversity, solid waste, water resources, and sargassum—pushing for regional projects. Plastic Pollution Spillover: Jamaica reports plastic waste washing in from other islands, raising alarms about marine life and calling for cross-island coordination. Local Biodiversity in Mining: Barrick Pueblo Viejo opens a public photo exhibition on flora and fauna around its operations, spotlighting responsible mining and ecosystem monitoring. Digital Sovereignty: Caribbean telecom leaders, including DR’s Fitzgerald, push for a regional digital sovereignty pact—framing data and infrastructure control as a resilience issue. Connectivity Upgrade: Google plans a new subsea cable linking the Dominican Republic to Bermuda to boost reliability and resilience for cloud connections.

Biodiversity & Mining: Barrick Pueblo Viejo opened an exhibition in Santo Domingo highlighting local flora and fauna and its “responsible management” work around the mine, aiming to boost public awareness of Dominican biodiversity. Climate & Disaster Watch: Atlantic models show a new tropical threat could form and potentially affect the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic soon, with rain bursts expected as the system develops. Hurricane Season Context: A Dominican-focused update flags that September is peak hurricane month and notes current Atlantic activity remains low but conditions are shifting toward mid-August to mid-October. Water & Ecosystem Protection: The DR’s Taíno Cultural Center Casa del Cordón screened “El Pico Duarte,” spotlighting the mountain’s role in the country’s river system and its endemic wildlife, tying national identity to conservation. Regional Waste Problem: Jamaica stakeholders warn that plastic waste from other islands is washing onto shorelines, raising concerns for marine life and food chains across the wider Caribbean. Local Environment + Health: The DR launched a study linking gut microbiota to cognitive decline, adding a health angle to how local research is growing. Infrastructure for Resilience: Google announced a new subsea cable system connecting the Dominican Republic to Bermuda, boosting connectivity reliability for the region.

Sister-City Cooperation: Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía and Aguadilla Mayor Julio Roldán Concepción signed a twinning deal covering trade, tourism, education, culture, economic development, environmental protection, and municipal governance, including sharing how to restore public spaces and manage parks. Hurricane Watch: Atlantic models point to a new tropical threat forming this week (Invest 92), with possible impacts for the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic before any turn toward the U.S. East Coast—so keep an eye on official updates. Rain & Storm Risk: Reports say rainstorms are on the way, adding to the week’s broader weather concern as the Atlantic heats up. Plastic Pollution Spillover: Jamaica officials and partners are alarmed by plastic waste washing in from other islands, with debris linked to multiple Caribbean destinations including the Dominican Republic—pushing for region-wide coordination to stop the flow. Climate-Linked Health Research: A PUCMM study in the Dominican Republic links gut microbiota patterns to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s risk, strengthening the gut-brain connection. Tourism & Resilience: WTTC welcomed Piñero as a global member, highlighting its “regenerative tourism” approach across hotels and travel operations that include the Dominican Republic. Sustainable Cooling Investment: The Dominican Republic launched “Cold Districts” with $3.3M to support sustainable cooling in Latin America.

Regional Climate Diplomacy: SICA’s new Secretary General, Costa Rican diplomat Lina Ajoy, says her priority is to restart high-level political dialogue and rebuild consensus across Central America after a long vacancy and internal tensions. Hurricane Season Watch: Dominican meteorology chief Gloria Ceballos warns the Atlantic is “waking up” as August enters peak hurricane intensity, with two tropical waves under monitoring but low formation chances and generally hostile Caribbean conditions. Sustainable Cooling Push: The DR launched “Cold Districts” with €3.3M from the EU/Euroclima and UNDP support, aiming to cut energy use and reduce polluting refrigerants by using centralized cold-water production through closed pipe networks. Water & Biodiversity Spotlight: Casa del Cordón screened “El Pico Duarte,” linking the mountain’s ecosystems and endemic flora/fauna to the country’s water system feeding the Yaque del Norte and Yaque del Sur rivers. Public Health & Safety: The Ministry of Public Health and DNCD launched a national study using specialized drug-detection tests to assess psychoactive substances in drivers injured in trauma hospitals, targeting better road-safety policies. Tourism Resilience: A report notes Caribbean travel during hurricane season is running 21% ahead of last year, as lower fares and resort rates keep demand strong into fall.