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Dominican Republic Recovers Protected Land in Nationwide Environmental Operation
Authorities in the Dominican Republic have carried out a large-scale environmental enforcement operation across several protected areas, resulting in arrests, the recovery of illegally occupied land, and measures aimed at preventing environmental crimes and forest fires.
SANTO DOMINGO — Dominican authorities have completed a major interagency environmental enforcement operation targeting illegal activities inside protected areas across the country. The initiative, carried out under Joint Task Force Operation Commitment to the Environment 2026, focused on recovering protected land, combating environmental crimes, and strengthening conservation efforts in some of the nation’s most important national parks.
The operation sought to address illegal land occupation, unauthorized farming, illegal logging and burning, unlawful fishing, and the presence of unauthorized individuals inside protected areas. Authorities said the actions were conducted in accordance with the country’s environmental and migration legislation.
Multiple Agencies Coordinated the Operation
The operation brought together the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Defense, the National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA), the Dominican Army, the Dominican Navy, the Dominican Air Force, the General Directorate of Migration, the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Defense of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture, the General Directorate of Livestock (DIGEGA), and the National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONANI).
SENPA coordinated field operations under the command of Brig. Gen. Ángel Alfredo Camacho Ubiera, deploying teams simultaneously to protected areas throughout the country.
The enforcement actions covered Valle Nuevo National Park, José del Carmen Ramírez National Park, Armando Bermúdez National Park, La Humeadora National Park, Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, Los Haitises National Park, Pico Diego de Ocampo Natural Monument, and Salto de la Tinaja Natural Monument.
Land Recovered and Illegal Activities Disrupted
Authorities reported the arrest of 113 people, most of whom were identified as Haitian nationals with irregular immigration status who were allegedly carrying out illegal activities within protected areas. Officials stated that all detentions were conducted in accordance with legal procedures and with respect for human rights.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 496 tareas of protected land that had been occupied or used for unauthorized agricultural activities. Enforcement teams also dismantled 19 illegal farming plots and demolished 11 makeshift structures associated with those activities.
In addition, officers seized 71 tools used in environmental degradation, including machetes, shovels, backpack sprayers, picks, and files. Authorities also confiscated 54 animals, including cattle, horses, mules, goats, and donkeys, that were reportedly being used in illegal agricultural operations.
Five vehicles, including motorcycles and unregistered automobiles, were also impounded after being used to transport agricultural products and travel within protected areas. Officials further seized agricultural produce, including yautía and plantains, allegedly harvested from unauthorized farming inside national parks.
Fire Contained in Sierra de Bahoruco
One of the operation’s most significant incidents occurred in Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, where response teams extinguished a deliberately set wildfire that affected approximately 30 tareas of forest. Authorities said the fire was brought under control before it spread further.
Meanwhile, in Los Haitises National Park, enforcement teams recovered occupied land, confiscated equipment and livestock, and dismantled structures linked to unauthorized agricultural activities, reinforcing environmental protection measures within the park.
Government Reaffirms Environmental Protection
Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre and Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources, stating that authorities will maintain a zero-tolerance approach toward environmental crimes, illegal occupations, and actions that threaten forests, water resources, and biodiversity.
Officials said enforcement operations will continue as part of a long-term national strategy to safeguard protected areas, prevent forest fires, and strengthen environmental law enforcement throughout the Dominican Republic.
