AGP Executive Report

Trade & Labor Compliance: The Dominican Republic moved fast after the U.S. imposed a 12.5% tariff, issuing Decree 502-26 (signed July 23) to block imports made wholly or partly with forced labor, with customs as the lead agency and labor and foreign affairs supporting enforcement. Heat & Dust Alert: Indomet says Saharan dust will keep conditions dry and hot across most of the country, with scarce rainfall and only isolated afternoon showers; temperatures are expected around 33–35°C, and officials urged hydration and sun protection. Electricity Resilience: ADIE called for stronger power-system resilience as climate risks grow, citing potential GDP losses from extreme weather and urging investments that keep services running during shocks. Solid Waste Oversight: President Abinader created a Citizen Oversight Commission for the DO Sostenible solid-waste trust to boost transparency and public monitoring of projects’ physical and financial execution. Sports Tourism Push: As the Central American and Caribbean Games open in Santo Domingo, the government is highlighting tourism investment, with billions in venues and infrastructure and a major visitor projection. Water-Smart Farming Exchange: Chile’s irrigation agency visited to study Dominican protected-environment agriculture and water-saving irrigation, aiming to share know-how for resilient food production.

Solid Waste Oversight: President Luis Abinader created a Citizen Oversight Commission for the DO Sostenible solid-waste trust, aiming to boost transparency and public monitoring of waste projects, with an advisory, honorary role and members selected for independence. Climate Risk & Power Resilience: The Dominican Association of Electric Industry (ADIE) warned that climate change is already costing the country close to 1% of GDP annually, urging resilience upgrades to keep electricity services running during extreme events. Forests Under Pressure: A new investigative multimedia report, “Dominican Forests: Conservation Under Siege,” maps key forest ecosystems and highlights threats to water security, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability. Agriculture & Water Tech: Chile’s irrigation commission visited to study Dominican protected-environment agriculture and irrigation modernization, focusing on water conservation and productivity gains. Regional Food Security: Coverage notes hunger is falling in Latin America and the Caribbean, but warns that climate and trade risks could slow progress—relevant for DR’s food system planning. Tourism & Connectivity: Santo Domingo hosted a CLAC aviation summit to expand regional air connectivity, while Asonahores framed the Central American and Caribbean Games as a tourism boost. Energy Transition Watch: Analysis flags China’s rapidly growing solar footprint in the Caribbean, raising concerns about transparency, long-term dependence, and cybersecurity risks.

Climate & Energy Resilience: The Dominican Association of Electric Industry (ADIE) warned that climate change is already hitting the economy, citing Central Bank estimates of ~1% GDP losses annually from climate impacts and up to 17% by 2050 without stronger adaptation—urging resilience upgrades to keep power reliable during extreme events. Solid Waste Governance: President Luis Abinader created a Citizen Oversight Commission for the DO Sostenible Trust to boost transparency and public monitoring of solid-waste projects, with an advisory, honorary role and members selected for independence and no conflicts of interest. Forests Under Pressure: A new Diario Libre investigation, “Dominican Forests: Conservation Under Siege,” maps key forest ecosystems and the threats they face, linking conservation needs to water security, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability. Food Security Milestone: The Dominican Republic received FAO’s “Zero Hunger” declaration in Rome after cutting undernourishment to 3.6% in 2025 (down from 8.7% in 2019), with the country now focusing on stronger production, water management, family farming, and climate resilience. Agriculture & Water Tech: Chile’s irrigation commission visited to study Dominican protected-environment agriculture and irrigation modernization, aiming to exchange methods for more resilient, water-saving farming.

Waste Oversight: President Luis Abinader created a Citizen Oversight Commission for the DO Sostenible solid-waste trust, aiming to boost transparency and public monitoring of how funds are spent, with an advisory, honorary role and members selected for independence. Forests Under Pressure: A new investigative report warns Dominican forests face systemic threats tied to water security, climate resilience, and the economy, mapping key forest types and the pressures hitting them. Energy & Mines Payroll Audit: An audit found major irregularities in the Ministry of Energy and Mines, including employees listed as absent yet on payroll, plus off-scale payments and retroactive payroll issues. Agriculture & Water Tech Exchange: Chile’s irrigation delegation visited the Dominican Republic to study irrigation modernization and protected-environment agriculture, focusing on water conservation and productivity gains. Food Security Milestone: The Dominican Republic received FAO’s “Zero Hunger” declaration after reducing undernourishment below the hunger threshold, with plans to keep strengthening family farming, water management, and climate resilience. Sports Event Readiness: DAEH will deploy 70 ambulances and 300 staff for medical coverage during the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. Tourism & Sustainability Awards: Piñero launched the third “Los + Ecoístas” awards, expanding categories to spotlight climate action, circular economy, biodiversity, and sustainability voices.

Medical Preparedness for Climate-Linked Crowds: DAEH says it will deploy 70 ambulances and 300 staff to cover the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo (July 24–Aug 8), with rapid response, stabilization, and safe transfers. Water-Smart Agriculture: Chile’s irrigation commission is visiting TNR sites in Jarabacoa, San José de Ocoa, and Azua to study Dominican water conservation and protected-environment farming, aiming for resilient, sustainable food production. Food Security Milestone: The Dominican Republic received FAO’s “Zero Hunger” declaration in Rome after cutting undernourishment to 3.6% (below the hunger threshold), with plans to keep strengthening family farming, water management, and climate resilience. Wildfire Smoke Disruptions: Weather tied to Canadian wildfires led to 12 flight cancellations affecting routes to and from Santo Domingo and other U.S. cities, with operations later returning to normal at AILA. Sustainable Tourism Recognition: Piñero launched the third “Los + Ecoístas” awards, adding categories for content creators and media promoting energy, climate action, circular economy, and biodiversity. Marine Ecosystem Protection: Dominican Republic and Haiti’s binational “Blue Hispaniola” project is set to protect marine ecosystems.

FAO Hunger Milestone: The Dominican Republic was removed from the FAO hunger map after undernourishment fell below 2.5%, with officials pointing to school feeding, Aliméntate, and energy support as well as climate resilience planning. Food Security Watch: A UN report says global hunger dropped for a third straight year in 2025, but warns climate shocks and trade disruptions could slow progress—relevant for DR’s food system planning. Blue Hispaniola Marine Project: A binational Haiti–Dominican initiative launched to protect marine ecosystems and build a “blue economy” corridor, aiming for sustainable fishing and stronger coastal livelihoods. Sustainable Tourism Awards: Piñero opened nominations for its “Los + Ecoístas” awards, expanding categories for circular economy, biodiversity, and sustainability voices to push greener tourism practices. Sports Tourism Push: Asonahores framed the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games as a major tourism boost across the whole local economy. Travel & Climate-Linked Disruptions: After severe weather in the U.S., AILA operations returned to normal following cancellations, underscoring how storms can ripple into Dominican travel. Just Transition & Vulnerability: Supérate highlighted social protection gains at a UN forum, including support for energy-vulnerable households as climate risks rise. Eco-ecotourism Spotlight: Senator Gustavo Lara promoted Los Cacaos’ natural assets as a path to ecotourism growth tied to water wealth and sustainable resource use. Air Connectivity for DR: WestJet and Air Canada announced new winter routes that include Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, expanding access for seasonal visitors. Tourism Logistics Upgrade: Arajet signed with Arcube to sell add-on services digitally (like transfers and lounge access), aiming to streamline travel experiences. Food Waste Action: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation program to The Bahamas, part of a broader “Less Left Over” strategy that also signals regional food-waste reduction momentum. Local Climate-Resilience Angle: AILA rain-related issues and broader weather impacts keep showing up in the travel news cycle this week.

Food Security Milestone: The Dominican Republic was removed from the FAO hunger map after undernourishment fell below 2.5%, with the government pointing to school feeding, household support programs, and a renewed focus on water management and climate resilience. Hunger Trends Watch: The UN’s SOFI report says global hunger declined for a third straight year in 2025, but warns climate shocks and trade disruptions could slow progress. Marine Ecosystems & Blue Economy: The binational “Blue Hispaniola” project officially launched to protect marine ecosystems and support sustainable fishing and coastal livelihoods across Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Heat & Weather Risks: Indomet warns of oppressive summer heat across the country, with temperatures expected to stay around 33–35°C and only brief showers in some eastern and northeastern areas. Sustainable Tourism Push: Piñero opened nominations for its third “Los + Ecoístas” awards, expanding categories to spotlight circular economy, biodiversity, and sustainability-focused media and creators. Mango Exports: Agriculture rolled out new phytosanitary measures to keep Dominican mango exports flowing to Europe and the U.S., including tighter fruit-fly monitoring and trap review. Waste & Sanitation: President Abinader inaugurated a solid waste transfer station in Los Alcarrizos as part of efforts to strengthen the Zero Waste program and improve collection efficiency. Community Food Rescue: Carnival Corporation expanded its surplus meal donation program to The Bahamas, redirecting prepared meals to local children’s and community organizations.

Marine Conservation: The binational “Blue Hispaniola” project officially launched, aiming to protect marine ecosystems and build a blue-economy corridor between Haiti and the Dominican Republic through sustainable fishing, coastal preservation, and livelihood support. Urban Climate & Planning: Santiago de los Caballeros and Curitiba agreed to a permanent cooperation agenda on smart-city work, including urban growth, mobility, environmental sustainability, and public management—plus a planned visit to learn from Santiago’s transformations. Waste & Sanitation: President Abinader inaugurated a Los Alcarrizos solid waste transfer station to strengthen the Zero Waste program, boosting collection capacity and targeting more efficient disposal. Heat & Weather Risk: Indomet warned of oppressive summer heat across the country, with Saharan dust and high-pressure conditions keeping highs around 33–35°C, while brief showers may hit parts of the east and Greater Santo Domingo. Agriculture & Exports: The Ministry of Agriculture rolled out phytosanitary steps to expand Dominican mango exports to Europe and the U.S., including tighter fruit-fly monitoring and trap review. Energy Vulnerability: At a UN sustainable development forum, Supérate highlighted social protection and energy subsidies (Bono Gas and Bono Luz) as tools to help vulnerable households cope with climate and global shocks. Tourism & Nature: Senator Gustavo Lara used Los Cacaos’ 100th anniversary to push its ecotourism potential, citing water wealth and landscapes of environmental value.

Blue Hispaniola Marine Protection: The DR and Haiti officially launched the three-year “Blue Hispaniola” project to protect marine ecosystems and support coastal livelihoods through a cross-border blue economy corridor. Heat and Dust Alert: Indomet warns Saharan dust plus high-pressure weather will keep summer temperatures around 33–35°C, with brief showers possible in parts of the east and Greater Santo Domingo. Solid Waste Upgrade: President Abinader inaugurated a Los Alcarrizos solid waste transfer station under the Zero Waste Program, aiming to improve collection efficiency and reduce service costs. Mango Export Push: The Ministry of Agriculture tightened phytosanitary controls for mango exports, including fruit-fly monitoring and trap reviews, to keep access to Europe and the U.S. Energy and Larimar Sector: The Energy and Mines Ministry says exporting surplus raw larimar won’t cut supply for Dominican artisans, and it announced a direct sales fair to connect miners and artisans. Women’s Regional Leadership: DR’s Women’s Affairs Minister Gloria Reyes was confirmed pro tempore president of COMMCA, with climate justice and migration protections on the agenda. Tourism Policy Moves: The Senate Tourism Commission advanced bills for gastronomic tourism and a national council to develop health tourism. Aviation Disruptions: Severe rain and flash flooding in the U.S. led to cancellations at AILA, while DR’s weather-linked travel disruptions continued to ripple through flight schedules.

Severe Weather Disruptions: Heavy rains and flooding tied to storms in the northeastern U.S. forced multiple cancellations at Las Américas International Airport (AILA), leaving dozens of passengers scrambling to reschedule; airlines affected included JetBlue, Delta, and Arajet. Earthquake Preparedness: Seismic engineer Claudia Germoso urged Dominicans to prepare now—identify safe spots at home, secure heavy furniture, check for structural vulnerabilities, and use “drop, cover, and hold on” during shaking. Saharan Dust & Rain Outlook: Meteorologist Jean Suriel warned of a trough bringing moderate rain and possible lightning in parts of the country, followed by continued Saharan dust that will keep skies hazy and air very hot. Marine Conservation in Action: The DR and Haiti launched the Blue Hispaniola project, a binational effort to protect marine ecosystems, support sustainable fishing, and strengthen coastal communities. Solid Waste Upgrade: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the Los Alcarrizos Solid Waste Transfer Station to boost the Zero Waste Program and improve garbage collection efficiency. Agriculture Exports: The Ministry of Agriculture tightened phytosanitary controls to expand Dominican mango exports to Europe and the U.S., including stronger fruit fly monitoring and trap review. Tourism Policy Moves: The Senate Tourism Commission advanced bills to promote gastronomic tourism and create a national council to develop health tourism.

Solid Waste & Sanitation: President Luis Abinader inaugurated a Los Alcarrizos solid waste transfer station to boost the Zero Waste Program, aiming to speed garbage collection and improve disposal efficiency. Agriculture Exports: The Ministry of Agriculture tightened phytosanitary controls for Dominican mango exports, including tighter fruit-fly monitoring and trap review, targeting Europe and the US. Marine Conservation: DR and Haiti launched the Blue Hispaniola project to protect marine ecosystems, support a cross-border “blue economy” corridor, and strengthen sustainable fishing and coastal conservation. Coastal Cleanup & Plastic: Cabarete Butterfly Effect wrapped up with a record 190 participants and a major La Boca beach cleanup that collected hundreds of kilograms of waste, including large amounts of plastic. Disaster Preparedness: A seismic safety reminder urged families to identify safe spots, secure heavy furniture, and use “drop, cover, and hold on” during earthquakes. Weather Watch: Meteorologists flagged a Saharan dust influence with hazy skies and very hot conditions, plus possible moderate rain and thunderstorms in parts of the country.

Earthquake Preparedness: A Dominican seismic engineer urged residents to prepare now—spot safe spots at home, secure heavy furniture, check for structural cracks or exposed steel, and use “drop, cover, and hold on” during shaking before evacuating to open areas. Weekend Weather Watch: Meteorologists say Saharan dust and heat will keep skies hazy and conditions very hot, with a trough bringing a chance of moderate rain and possible thunderstorms in parts of the country. Marine Conservation in Action: The Blue Hispaniola project launched with partners from the Dominican Republic and Haiti to protect mangroves and coral reefs, improve sustainable fishing, and support coastal livelihoods through a cross-border “blue economy” corridor. Tourism Policy Push: The Senate Tourism Commission is advancing bills to promote gastronomic tourism and create a national council to regulate and boost health tourism. Solid Waste & Cleanup Culture: Cabarete’s Butterfly Effect drew a record 190 participants and backed coastal protection with a beach cleanup that collected hundreds of kilograms of waste, including large amounts of plastic. Fossil Fuel Free Zones Debate: A climate policy piece highlights growing support for “fossil fuel free zones” as a practical tool to protect biodiversity and speed energy transitions.

Earthquake Preparedness: A seismic engineer in Santo Domingo urged residents to prepare now—spot safe spots at home, secure heavy furniture, and check for structural red flags like diagonal wall cracks or exposed steel—then use “drop, cover, and hold on” during shaking and evacuate calmly afterward. Weekend Weather & Saharan Dust: Meteorologist Jean Suriel said a trough and humid winds could bring moderate rain and possible lightning after midday, while Saharan dust is expected to keep skies hazy and air very hot through Sunday into Monday. Marine Conservation (DR–Haiti): The Blue Hispaniola project launched as a three-year binational effort to protect coastal ecosystems and support sustainable fishing, targeting mangroves, coral reefs, and improved livelihoods for thousands of participants. Plastic & Coastal Cleanup: Cabarete’s Butterfly Effect wrapped up with a record 190 participants and a beach cleanup that collected 693 kg of waste, including 361 kg of plastic, reinforcing local coastal protection efforts. Solid Waste & Resilience: Santo Domingo Este’s fire department added a new 1,500-gallon firefighting unit to boost response to structural and forest fires and support during natural disasters. Tourism Policy (Sustainability): The Senate Tourism Commission advanced bills to promote gastronomic tourism and create a national council to develop health tourism, aiming to diversify the sector with stronger legal frameworks.

Marine Conservation: The Dominican Republic and Haiti launched the Blue Hispaniola project, a three-year effort to protect marine ecosystems and build a cross-border “blue economy” focused on sustainable fishing, mangrove and coral conservation, and better market access for coastal communities. Disaster Readiness: A forum at INTEC pushed stronger building safety and earthquake preparedness, urging better structural standards and risk management to reduce damage and save lives. Coastal Cleanup & Sustainability: Cabarete Butterfly Effect wrapped up with a record 190 participants and a major beach cleanup at La Boca that collected 693 kg of waste, including 361 kg of plastic. Tourism Policy Moves: The Senate Tourism Commission advanced bills to promote gastronomic tourism and create a national council to develop health tourism, aiming to diversify the sector. Local Emergency Capacity: Santo Domingo Este received a new 1,500-gallon firefighting unit to improve response for structural, forest fires, rescues, and natural-disaster support. Tourism Trade & Supply Chains: Asonahores announced its 2026 Trade Show (Sept 2–4) with 300+ exhibitors and sustainability steps like reducing paper use.

Tourism Policy Push: The Dominican Senate Tourism Commission is moving two bills forward—one to promote gastronomic tourism by protecting culinary heritage, and another to create CONDETUSA, a national advisory council to regulate and promote health tourism. Marine Conservation (DR-Haiti): The Blue Hispaniola project was launched as a three-year binational effort to protect marine ecosystems, support a cross-border “blue economy” corridor, and tackle overfishing and habitat loss while boosting coastal livelihoods (with women’s participation built in). Coastal Cleanup & Waste: Cabarete’s Butterfly Effect wrapped up with a record 190 participants and a major beach cleanup at La Boca that collected 693 kg of waste, including 361 kg of plastic—another reminder of how fast pollution can pile up on DR’s shores. Disaster Risk & Safety: INTEC hosted a forum urging stronger building safety and earthquake preparedness, focusing on structural vulnerability, code compliance, and training to reduce damage and save lives. Local Emergency Capacity: Santo Domingo Este added a new 1,500-gallon firefighting unit to strengthen response for emergencies, structural and forest fires, and natural-disaster support. Tourism Trade & Supply Chains: Asonahores announced its 38th Trade Show (Sept 2–4, BlueMall Punta Cana) with 300+ exhibitors, highlighting tourism’s links to food, tech, energy solutions, and other local sectors.

Marine Conservation & Blue Economy: The DR and Haiti launched the Blue Hispaniola project, a three-year effort to protect marine ecosystems and support a cross-border “blue economy corridor” focused on sustainable fishing, coastal conservation, and better market access, including mangrove and coral reef protection. Coastal Cleanup & Plastic Reduction: Cabarete Butterfly Effect’s 18th edition drew a record 190 participants from seven countries and backed environmental action with the La Boca beach cleanup, collecting 693 kg of waste (including 361 kg of plastic). Disaster Readiness: Santo Domingo Este received a new 1,500-gallon firefighting unit to strengthen responses to structural, forest fires, rescues, and natural-disaster support. Earthquake Risk: INTEC hosted a forum urging stronger building safety standards and earthquake preparedness, emphasizing resilient infrastructure and compliance with building codes. Sustainable Tourism Development: Blu Terrenas broke ground on Almare Beach Resort (Curio Collection by Hilton) and advanced Blu Terrenas’ first phase, positioning the project as a “sustainable tropical city” with ecological space and major job creation. Public Health & Climate-Linked Resilience: DR and the U.S. agreed to expand cooperation on public health security and prevention, including surveillance and outbreak response capacity. Local Environment Awareness: DR’s 911 explored using Boston Dynamics robots to improve safety and efficiency in hazardous emergency response.