AGP Executive Report

Sargassum & Climate Finance: President Luis Abinader told the UN General Assembly that the Dominican Republic helped secure the first global UN resolution on sargassum, urging faster climate financing for Caribbean countries as sea-level rise and coastal impacts intensify. Coastal Protection: The Dominican Republic also called for stronger regional cooperation to protect coastal communities from rising sea levels and climate-related displacement, pushing for adaptation funding and data-driven planning. Disease Watch: Public Health reported 338 dengue and 137 malaria cases in 2026 so far; malaria is down about 82% versus 2025, while dengue remains within expected levels. Wildlife Rescue: A green sea turtle (pawikan) was rescued after being stranded on Santo Domingo, Albay, treated, and kept under care as authorities assess when it can safely return to the sea. Regional Partnerships: New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Abinader discussed disaster preparedness and environmental cooperation, including support tied to Yaque River pollution. Blue Economy Funding: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s BluEFin project selected a Dominican Republic-linked initiative for seed support aimed at biodiversity and climate resilience.

Climate & Health Watch: The Dominican Republic reported 338 confirmed dengue cases and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026, plus 275 leptospirosis cases—many linked to recent floods—while health authorities step up surveillance, sanitation, and rodent control. Coastal Resilience: At a UN-linked summit in New York, the country urged stronger regional action on sea-level rise and climate displacement, calling for adaptation financing and coastal protection for vulnerable communities and ecosystems like mangroves and reefs. Disaster Preparedness Links: President Abinader met New York Governor Kathy Hochul to deepen cooperation on emergency and disaster response, including environmental work tied to long-polluted areas of the Yaque River. Food Security Under Pressure: At the UN General Assembly, Finance Minister Ashni Singh warned that hunger gains can be reversed by severe weather, higher input costs, and trade disruptions—citing the Dominican Republic among countries reaching major hunger-reduction milestones. Energy Costs & Fuel Subsidies: The government announced another RD$1,770.65 million in fuel subsidies to cushion rising refined-product prices, adjusting gasoline and diesel prices to protect public finances. Biodiversity & Plastics: A Caribbean Blue Economy seed-funding effort selected a Dominican Republic-linked initiative to support biodiversity and climate resilience, while regional partners push waste-to-product approaches to cut marine plastic pollution.

Public Health Watch: The Dominican Republic reported 338 confirmed dengue cases and 137 malaria cases in 2026 (week 36, Sept. 6–12), with malaria down sharply versus 2025 and dengue staying below alert thresholds; health authorities also flagged 275 leptospirosis cases, linked in part to recent flooding. Climate Adaptation & Coasts: At a sea level rise session in New York, the National Council for Climate Change and Carbon Market urged coordinated Caribbean coastal adaptation plans, warning rising seas could worsen erosion, saltwater intrusion, flooding, and damage mangroves, reefs, and beaches. Disaster Readiness with New York: President Luis Abinader met Gov. Kathy Hochul as Dominican emergency officials joined a New York summit focused on disaster preparedness and response, including environmental cooperation tied to long-running Yaque River pollution issues. UN Development Commitments: The DR reaffirmed its stance at the UN on inclusive, sustainable development and called for development financing that accounts for climate vulnerability and resilience, not just income rankings. Blue Economy Funding: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s BluEFin project selected a Dominican Republic initiative for seed support (up to $250,000) aimed at biodiversity and climate resilience through blue economy solutions. Tourism Pressure & Opportunity: Visitor arrivals hit 8.56 million in the first eight months of 2026, underscoring both growth and the need to manage environmental impacts as demand concentrates in coastal destinations.

UN Climate & Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader used the UN General Assembly to warn that wars abroad are pushing up food and energy prices at home, stressing the Dominican Republic’s vulnerability as a small island state. Poverty & Food Security: Abinader also highlighted progress on poverty reduction and hunger, saying the country hit its Zero Hunger target ahead of schedule and is set for formal recognition by FAO. Rare Earths & Environment: The Ministry of Energy and Mines reports it has processed 5,000 lab sample results for rare earth work, aiming to announce first certified reserves in the first half of 2027—after environmental and feasibility studies. Blue Economy & Plastic: A Caribbean Blue Economy financing effort selected a Dominican Republic initiative for seed funding, aiming to support biodiversity and climate resilience while tackling waste and marine pollution. Tourism Pressure: Visitor arrivals topped 8.5 million in the first eight months of 2026, raising the stakes for managing water, waste, and coastal impacts as demand grows. Sargassum Management: Barbados reported large-scale sargassum removal and is exploring pump harvesting—an approach Dominican coastal areas may watch closely. Biodiversity Heritage: Azerbaijan’s UNESCO World Heritage support program will include the Dominican Republic in a pilot phase focused on protecting cultural and natural heritage amid climate threats.

UN Climate & Food/Energy Pressure: President Luis Abinader told the UN General Assembly that wars in Europe and the Middle East are pushing up global food and energy prices, hitting the Dominican Republic because it imports all fuel. Rare Earths & Environment: The Ministry of Energy and Mines says it has processed 5,000+ lab samples for the rare earth project, aiming to announce first certified reserves in the first half of 2027 and exports by 2028—alongside required environmental studies. Blue Economy Funding: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s BluEFin project selected a Dominican Republic initiative for seed grants up to $250,000, backing solutions that cut marine pollution and strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience. Sargassum Response in the Region: Barbados reported removing 3.6 million pounds of sargassum this year and is exploring pump-harvester approaches; a Dominican Republic team visited to share sustainable management ideas. Tourism & Waste/Water Context: Dominican tourism business events (like SDQ MICE 2026) and new resort activity continue, while regional coastal pressures keep sustainability on the agenda. Bilateral Diplomacy: Abinader also pushed for stronger DR-Peru ties, including disaster resilience and sustainable development cooperation.

Rare Earth Push: The Dominican Ministry of Energy and Mines says it has processed 5,000+ lab samples for rare earth work, aiming to announce first certified reserves in the first half of 2027 and exports by 2028—while also citing environmental and feasibility studies. Sargassum Response: Barbados reported removing 3.6 million pounds of sargassum this year and is exploring pump-harvester harvesting before seaweed hits beaches; a Dominican team visited to compare sustainable management options. Blue Economy Funding: Action Bequia was selected for Caribbean Blue Economy seed support via the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, with up to $250,000 for projects that cut plastic and marine pollution while boosting biodiversity and climate resilience. Coastal Restoration: DP World says it achieved 86% survival in Boca Chica mangrove restoration—an important nature-based defense for the Dominican coast. UN Climate-Linked Diplomacy: President Abinader used the UN General Assembly to stress how global food and energy shocks hit small island states like the DR, calling for de-escalation and stronger international frameworks. Tourism & Nature: Punta Cana hosted major MICE activity, while new all-inclusive and nature-preserve resort openings keep spotlighting development pressures and opportunities for greener tourism. Weather Watch (Regional): Heavy rain advisories in the wider Caribbean region signal ongoing storm risk that can affect coastal flooding and runoff planning.

Rare Earths Push: President Luis Abinader told the Concordia 2026 summit the Dominican Republic is advancing rare earth identification with U.S. support, aiming for certified reserves and first exports around 2028. Energy & Mines Update: The Ministry of Energy and Mines says it has processed 5,000+ lab samples for the rare earth project, with first certified reserves targeted for the first half of 2027 after environmental and feasibility studies. Sargassum Cleanup Watch: Barbados reported removing 3.6 million pounds of sargassum this year and is exploring pump-harvester harvesting before seaweed reaches beaches—Dominican teams are visiting to learn sustainable management approaches. Blue Economy Funding: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund selected a Dominican Republic initiative under BluEFin, with grants up to $250,000 for projects that boost biodiversity and climate resilience. Coastal & Water Stewardship: MLB’s Julio Rodríguez, a Dominican native, plans an offseason environmental initiative to clean a hometown waterway near the Salto River, linking local restoration to broader community support. Tourism Meets Climate Reality: Abinader used his UN address to stress how global conflicts raise food and fuel prices for the DR, which depends on imported fuel.

Sargassum & Coastal Health: Parlatino’s Caribbean Commission meeting put sargassum management front and center, with experts urging countries to intercept seaweed at sea before it reaches shorelines—where it can smother coral, cut oxygen and hurt tourism. Blue Economy Funding: Action Bequia Inc. was selected for Caribbean Biodiversity Fund BluEFin seed money, with one Dominican Republic initiative among five winners across the region—aimed at biodiversity and climate resilience through practical ocean solutions. Wildlife & Habitat Under Threat: A major forest fire in the Sierra de Bahoruco has burned over 47,000 tareas, threatening a biodiversity hotspot with many endemic plant species, while crews work to contain the blaze. Heat & Storm Watch: Indomet warned of hot, humid conditions nationwide plus localized downpours and thunderstorms in multiple provinces, urging residents to hydrate and avoid peak sun. Community Action for Water: Mariners’ Julio Rodríguez says he’s planning an environmental cleanup in Loma de Cabrera and wants improvements around the Salto River, tying local restoration to climate and water protection.

Rare Earth Push: President Luis Abinader says the Dominican Republic could start exporting rare earth materials in 2028 after reserve sizing work and refinery testing, with a state mining company (Emidom) set to drive development. Mining & Biodiversity Risk: A major forest fire in the Sierra de Bahoruco has burned over 47,000 tareas in five days, threatening a biodiversity hotspot with many endemic plant species and raising concerns about land pressures tied to past mining, charcoal, and plantations. Sargassum Coordination: Parlatino’s Caribbean Commission is focusing on sargassum management, stressing interception at sea to protect coral reefs and tourism, and discussing regional cooperation and shared rules. Blue Economy Funding: Action Bequia Inc. was selected for Caribbean Biodiversity Fund BluEFin seed money, with the Dominican Republic among the countries backing blue economy projects aimed at biodiversity and climate resilience. Weather Watch: Indomet reports hot, humid conditions plus downpours and thunderstorms across multiple provinces, while monitoring a system with cyclone potential. Water & Health Research: A Dominican-linked coral bacteria study found strains that could help block cholera-causing bacteria, pointing to new water-borne disease prevention ideas. Coastal Conservation: DP World reports 86% survival in Boca Chica mangrove restoration, a hopeful sign for coastal protection and habitat recovery.

Rare Earth Push: President Luis Abinader says the Dominican Republic could begin rare earth exports in 2028 after testing refining tech next year, with Emidom set to oversee development. Sargassum Response: Parlatino’s Caribbean Commission is zeroing in on sargassum management, with experts urging interception at sea to protect coral reefs and tourism. Coastal Restoration: DP World Dominican Republic and Deep Green Foundation report an 86% survival rate for mangrove seedlings in Boca Chica Reef Lagoon, with early signs of returning marine life. Weather & Cyclone Watch: Indomet warns of downpours and thunderstorms across multiple provinces and monitors a system with an 80% chance of becoming a cyclone. Biodiversity Under Threat: Botanist Angela Guerrero warns Sierra de Bahoruco forest fires are damaging a key biodiversity reserve, where endemic plant species are concentrated. Water & Health Innovation: A Dominican-linked research effort highlights coral bacteria that could help block cholera-causing bacteria, pointing to new water safety approaches. Agriculture Pressure: ANPA warns DR-CAFTA rice market opening could hurt local producers if Decree 693-24 is repealed, citing risks to irrigation, costs, and farm incomes. Local Climate Resilience Funding: A Caribbean Blue Economy seed program selected a Dominican initiative for waste-to-product work aimed at biodiversity and climate resilience.

Wildfire Emergency: The Protected Areas Observatory says surging wildfires across the Dominican Republic have escalated into a national environmental emergency, pointing to active burning in Sierra de Bahoruco National Park inside the UNESCO Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve. Coastal Cleanup Push: Barbados reported removing about 3.6 million pounds of sargassum this year and is exploring pump harvesters to pull seaweed from the water before it reaches beaches—an approach a Dominican team is studying. Sargassum Policy Moves: Parlatino’s Caribbean Commission meetings in Curaçao and Santo Domingo focused on sargassum management, including intercepting seaweed at sea to protect coral reefs and tourism. Mangrove Restoration Results: DP World Dominican Republic and Deep Green Foundation reported an 86% survival rate among 400+ mangrove seedlings in Boca Chica Reef Lagoon, with early aerial roots and signs of returning marine life. Storm Watch: Indomet warned of downpours and thunderstorms across multiple provinces, plus heat risks, and said conditions should ease by nightfall. Water & Ecosystem Funding: Fondo Sur is advancing a US$500,000 conservation fund to protect watersheds and marine ecosystems in the southwest, supporting recovery of thousands of hectares.

Wildfire emergency in Sierra de Bahoruco: Dominican fire crews are battling major forest fires that have already burned over 47,000 tareas in five days, threatening the Sierra de Bahoruco area inside the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve; botanist Angela Guerrero warns the loss hits habitats with many endemic Dominican plant species, while charcoal and expanding plantations are adding pressure. Sargassum response goes offshore: Barbados officials, with help from a Dominican Republic-based DESMI team, are exploring offshore mesh booms and even a dedicated sargassum management unit to intercept seaweed before it reaches beaches and harms reefs, fish, turtles, and tourism. Coastal restoration update: DP World Dominican Republic and Deep Green Foundation report an 86% survival rate among more than 400 mangrove seedlings in Boca Chica Reef Lagoon, with early aerial roots and signs of returning marine life. Weather watch: Indomet says downpours and thunderstorms are expected across multiple provinces, with alerts for flooding, landslides, and urban flooding, plus a cyclone monitoring update. Water & marine conservation fund: Fondo Sur is moving toward a US$500,000 conservation fund (2026–2027) to protect watersheds and marine ecosystems in the southwest, building on thousands of hectares restored.

Severe Weather Watch: Indomet reports hot, humid conditions plus downpours and thunderstorms across multiple provinces, with alerts for possible flooding, landslides, and urban flooding—so residents are urged to hydrate, avoid peak sun, and stay alert. Cyclone Monitoring: Indomet is also tracking a system with an 80% chance of becoming a cyclone, as rain bands could affect several areas. Wildfire Emergency: The Protected Areas Observatory warns wildfires are escalating into a national environmental emergency, with active burns inside Sierra de Bahoruco National Park threatening native pine and a UNESCO biosphere. Mangrove Restoration in Boca Chica: DP World Dominican Republic and Deep Green Foundation report an 86% survival rate among 400+ mangrove seedlings, with early aerial roots and signs of returning marine life—supporting coastal resilience. Sargassum Response: Government officials are exploring a dedicated sargassum unit and offshore mesh-boom barriers, while Barbados tests pump-harvester approaches—both aimed at reducing beach impacts. Water & Marine Conservation Funding: Fondo Sur is moving toward a US$500,000 conservation fund to protect watersheds and marine ecosystems in the southwest, backing restoration and long-term financing. Blue Economy Grants: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund selected a Dominican initiative for BluEFin seed funding, backing solutions that link biodiversity protection with climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

Caribbean Blue Economy Funding: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s BluEFin program picked five blue-economy pilots for up to $250,000 each, including the Dominican Republic’s waste-to-product “Circular Blue Economy” initiative led by Action Bequia Inc., aiming to back eco-entrepreneurs while boosting biodiversity and climate resilience. Plastic Pollution & Public Health: A new study warns that “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America are leaking hard-to-recycle plastics into the environment, stressing waste systems and raising major health concerns—naming the Dominican Republic among affected countries. Mangrove Restoration in Boca Chica: DP World Dominican Republic and the Deep Green Foundation report an 86% survival rate among 400+ mangrove seedlings in Boca Chica Reef Lagoon, with early aerial-root growth and signs of marine life returning. Sargassum Response Planning: Barbados is testing pump-harvester approaches to remove sargassum before it hits beaches, while the Dominican Republic is also exploring offshore barriers and a dedicated sargassum management unit. Wildfire Alert: The Protected Areas Observatory says wildfire frequency and spread have escalated into a national environmental emergency, with active burns threatening Sierra de Bahoruco’s native pine and UNESCO biosphere ecosystems. Coastal Storm Watch: INDOMET reports a tropical wave bringing locally heavy rains, thunderstorms, and wind gusts, with flooding and landslide alerts in multiple provinces.

Wildfire Emergency: The Protected Areas Observatory says surging, recurring wildfires have escalated into a national environmental emergency, with active burns inside Sierra de Bahoruco National Park threatening native pine and the UNESCO Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve. Coastal Restoration: DP World Dominican Republic and the Deep Green Foundation report an 86% survival rate among 400+ mangrove seedlings in Boca Chica Reef Lagoon, with aerial roots forming and early return of marine life. Sargassum Fight: Government officials are exploring offshore defenses and a dedicated sargassum management unit, including mesh booms to intercept seaweed before it reaches shorelines. Rain & Flood Risk: INDOMET warns a tropical wave and trough will bring locally heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusts across multiple provinces, with alerts for flooding, landslides, and urban flooding. Water & Marine Conservation Fund: Fondo Sur is moving toward a US$500,000 conservation fund (2026–2027) to protect watersheds and marine ecosystems in Barahona, Pedernales, Independencia, and Bahoruco. Tourism With a Sustainability Angle: President Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, highlighting a push for jobs and a “more sustainable tourism model.” Budget for Resilience: The government approved the 2027 state budget bill at about RD$2.037 trillion, including spending for water, sanitation, hospitals, and emergency networks.

Wildfires as a national emergency: The Protected Areas Observatory says surging wildfire frequency and spread across the Dominican Republic has escalated into a national environmental emergency, pointing to active burns in Sierra de Bahoruco National Park and recent large fires in protected areas. Coastal resilience in Boca Chica: DP World Dominican Republic and the Deep Green Foundation report an 86% survival rate among 400+ mangrove seedlings planted in the Boca Chica Reef Lagoon, with early aerial-root growth and signs of returning marine life. Sargassum fight gets new tools: Government officials are exploring a dedicated sargassum management unit and offshore mesh booms to intercept seaweed before it reaches beaches, while Barbados pilots pump-harvester approaches to reduce shoreline damage. Rain and flood risk: A tropical wave and trough are bringing locally moderate to heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusts across multiple provinces, with alerts for flooding, landslides, and urban flooding. Water and marine ecosystem funding: The Fondo Sur initiative is moving toward a US$500,000 conservation fund to protect watersheds and marine ecosystems in the southwest, supporting restoration across thousands of hectares. Tourism and climate-linked planning: Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, while Apordom pushes for more cruise terminals with stated environmental standards. Rare earths timeline: The Ministry of Energy and Mines targets declaring the country’s first rare earth reserves in 2027 after technical, economic, environmental, and logistical studies.