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SENPA Expands Environmental Surveillance Across Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic's National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA) carried out 36,512 environmental surveillance operations from January through July 2026, surpassing its total for the same period in 2025 as authorities expand enforcement across the country.
The National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA) carried out 36,512 environmental surveillance operations during the first seven months of 2026, up from 23,534 during the same period last year, according to figures released by the institution.
The increase represents a broader deployment of environmental enforcement teams across the Dominican Republic, with authorities also reporting sharp rises in arrests and vehicle seizures linked to environmental violations. SENPA said the results reflect stronger operational capacity and a greater presence in areas where natural resources require protection.
Arrests and Seizures Rise Sharply
Between January and July, the number of people detained during environmental operations increased from 3,136 to 7,685. Vehicle seizures also rose, from 1,433 during the first seven months of 2025 to 2,332 this year.
The institution attributed the expansion to improvements in mobility, equipment and logistical support provided through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. SENPA is led by Brigadier General Ángel Camacho Ubiera of the Dominican Army and operates as a specialized body under the Ministry of Defense in support of environmental authorities.
During environmental operations, SENPA also transferred 5,213 people in irregular immigration status to the General Directorate of Migration, compared with 1,292 during the same period in 2025. The institution said these actions were carried out within its legal responsibilities.
Protected Areas See More Enforcement
Environmental surveillance has increased particularly sharply inside the country’s protected-area system. SENPA conducted 1,962 operations in protected areas between January and July, compared with 1,293 during the same period in 2025.
Detentions for environmental violations in those areas rose from 513 to 3,716, while vehicle seizures increased from 46 to 264. The figures point to a substantial expansion of enforcement activity in ecosystems protected under the Dominican Republic’s national conservation system.
SENPA maintains a presence in protected areas to prevent illegal occupation, logging, forest fires, unauthorized extraction of natural resources and other activities that can damage sensitive ecosystems. Those areas encompass forests, rivers and other natural assets that form an important part of the country’s environmental heritage.
Environmental Enforcement Expands Nationwide
The service works in support of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Defense of the Environment, carrying out surveillance, inspection and enforcement functions.
Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez said stronger institutional capacity has allowed SENPA to increase its presence and respond more quickly to environmental offenses. He linked the expansion to efforts to improve the protection of forests, rivers, protected areas and other natural resources.
SENPA Director Ángel Camacho Ubiera attributed the results to the commitment of the institution’s personnel, operational improvements and guidance from Defense Minister Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre. He said the service would continue coordinating with environmental authorities and other government institutions to enforce environmental laws.
The 36,512 operations conducted through July indicate that environmental enforcement has expanded substantially compared with 2025. The continued deployment of SENPA personnel across protected areas and other parts of the country will remain central to efforts to prevent activities that threaten the Dominican Republic’s natural resources.
