AGP Executive Report

Protected Areas Under Storm Pressure: A new ONE analysis says some Dominican protected areas have faced exposure to as many as 20 hurricanes or tropical storms since 1990, even in strict protection zones—raising alarms for conservation and risk-reduction planning. Water & Drought Management: COPRE says dam operations are being adjusted as forecasts point to a rainfall deficit from September through November, with priority flows for aqueducts and irrigation. Water Cooperation: The DR and Israel are deepening ties on irrigation and water management, focusing on technology, efficiency, and cutting losses in existing systems. Tourism With a Sustainability Twist: Tourism Minister David Collado argues the next tourism phase should raise hotel rates and tourist spending, while strengthening territorial planning in fast-growing destinations. Tourism Business Momentum: Asonahores’ 2026 trade expo closed with record participation—over 5,000 visitors and 85% company return—showing continued demand across the tourism value chain. Environmental Enforcement Push: The government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, promising tougher enforcement and prison terms for attacks on national parks and critical resources. Health Tourism Upgrade: Senate-approved legislation aims to make health tourism a national priority with quality standards, accreditation, and public-private coordination. AI Adoption in Business: ENAE 2025 data finds 35% of formal DR companies with internet access already use AI, led by mining and quarrying.

Water & diplomacy: The Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy was launched at World Water Week 2026, with the Dominican Republic among participating countries, aiming to push water investment and cross-border cooperation. Water security & drought planning: COPRE says dam operations are being adjusted as forecasts point to a rainfall deficit through November, with reservoir releases prioritized for aqueducts and irrigation. Environmental enforcement: The Dominican government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest under Decree 615-26, warning of tougher prosecution for attacks on national parks and protected areas. Tourism with sustainability goals: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a new tourism phase that raises hotel rates and visitor spending, tied to sustainability and territorial planning in fast-growing destinations. Water management cooperation: The Dominican Republic and Israel are strengthening ties on irrigation and water efficiency, including efforts to cut losses in existing systems. Health tourism policy: Senate-approved legislation moves health tourism toward a national priority, focusing on quality, accreditation, investment, and public-private coordination. Solid waste dispute outcome: The Dominican Republic won an international arbitration case over a solid-waste concession termination, avoiding a claim exceeding US$100 million. Climate risk context: While this week’s major rainfall alerts were reported for Luzon, the coverage highlights how monsoon-driven flooding risk is still shaping regional planning and emergency readiness.

Water & Irrigation: The Dominican Republic and Israel are stepping up cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, with Israel sharing know-how on cutting losses in irrigation systems and boosting efficiency as agriculture uses about 82% of water. Drought Planning: COPRE says it’s adjusting dam operations as forecasts point to a rainfall deficit from September through November, prioritizing water for aqueducts and irrigation. Environmental Security: The government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, aiming tougher enforcement and prison sentences for attacks on national parks and protected natural resources. Tourism & Sustainability: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a new tourism phase focused on higher hotel rates and greater tourist spending, tied to sustainability and territorial planning in fast-growing destinations. Tourism Business Pulse: Asonahores’ 2026 trade expo in Punta Cana closed with record figures—over 5,000 visitors and 85% company return—showing strong momentum in the tourism value chain. Health Tourism Policy: The DR advanced landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, targeting quality, accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination. Heritage & Climate Risk: The DR will host the 12th Ibero-American Meeting of Museums, with sessions on public policy, heritage, and protecting biocultural territories amid climate risks. Solid Waste Arbitration: The DR won an international arbitration case against French investor Yves Martine Garnier, dismissing claims tied to a solid-waste concession termination.

Water & Irrigation Tech: The Dominican Republic and Israel are boosting cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, with the TNR highlighting modernization efforts to cut losses and improve efficiency—key since agriculture uses about 82% of the country’s water. Drought Planning: COPRE says dam operations are being adjusted as forecasts point to a rainfall deficit from September through November, prioritizing aqueduct and irrigation supply. Environmental Security: The government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest via Decree 615-26, warning of tougher enforcement and prison terms for attacks on national parks and protected resources. Health Tourism Push: Senate-approved legislation aims to turn health tourism into a national priority, focusing on quality, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination. Flood Risk Watch: Weather advisories flag heavy rain impacts tied to a tropical wave and Dolly remnants, with risks of river flooding and urban flash floods. Protected Areas & Fires: Officials link recent forest fires in places like Sierra de Bahoruco to illegal activity that threatens ecosystems and water supplies.

Water & Irrigation Tech: The Dominican Republic and Israel are stepping up cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, with the TNR highlighting efforts to modernize systems, cut losses, and boost efficiency—especially as farming uses about 82% of the country’s water. Drought Planning: COPRE is adjusting dam and reservoir operations as forecasts point to below-normal rainfall from September through November, prioritizing supplies for aqueducts and irrigation. Flood Risk Alerts: With a tropical wave boosting humidity, the COE raised alerts (yellow in the National District and several provinces) as heavy downpours could trigger urban flooding and river overflow. Environmental Enforcement: The government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest via Decree 615-26, promising tougher prosecution for deliberate damage to protected areas. Agriculture Under Pressure: Organic banana exports fell sharply from 2022 to 2025, with producers citing costs, certification hurdles, pests, and weather impacts. Tourism & Health Policy: Senate-approved legislation aims to make health tourism a national priority, focusing on accreditation, investment, and patient safety.

Tropical Wave Flood Watch: The COE raised alerts as an active tropical wave linked to Dolly increases humidity, putting Santo Domingo, the National District, San Cristóbal and Monte Plata on yellow alert while keeping 10 provinces on green; authorities warned of downpours, possible river/stream overflow, and urged people not to cross swollen rivers or ravines. Water Crisis Reality Check: A local editorial highlights the DR’s “no water, then flooding” paradox—heavy rain doesn’t automatically refill dams and aquifers—calling for better storage, drainage, watershed protection, network loss reduction, wastewater reuse, and rainwater capture. Agriculture Under Pressure: Organic banana exports fell 22.6% since 2022 (to 158,510 tons) as producers face high costs, certification hurdles, low productivity, weather impacts, and phytosanitary threats like black Sigatoka and pests. Water Management Cooperation: The TNR met Israel’s new ambassador to boost technical irrigation and water management cooperation, focusing on modernizing irrigation systems and optimizing water use. Blue Economy Push: The DR launched an initiative to mobilize US$100 million for the blue economy, aiming to strengthen ocean-related development. Environmental Review Support: Unigold says local authorities and residents in Restauración, Dajabon have backed starting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Neita gold project.

Weather & Flood Risk: The COE raised alerts as a tropical wave linked to Dolly’s remnants boosts humidity, with yellow alert now covering the National District, Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal and Monte Plata, while 10 provinces stay on green; authorities warn of downpours, possible river/stream overflow, and urge people not to cross flooded rivers or ravines. Water Management Gap: Inapa director Wellington Arnaud warned the country still faces drought even as heavy rain triggers flooding, highlighting the need for better storage, aqueducts and drainage, watershed protection, and less water loss. Agriculture Under Pressure: Organic banana exports fell 22.6% since 2022, as producers face high costs, certification hurdles, weather impacts, and phytosanitary threats like black Sigatoka and pests. Sustainability & Investment: Puerto Plata’s Punta Bergantín project sold nearly US$30M in a weekend, with plans for 1,000+ hotel rooms and sustainability-focused development. Energy Transition Watch: The government is exploring nuclear technology options (including non-power uses) as electricity demand rises, while noting no decision has been made to build a plant.

Tropical Wave & Dolly Rain Risk: The Dominican Institute of Meteorology says a combined tropical wave and upper-level trough linked to Dolly is bringing moderate to heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across the DR from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, with the COE raising alerts as rivers and urban streets flood fast. COE Alert Update: Authorities increased yellow alert provinces to Santo Domingo, the National District, San Cristóbal, Monte Plata, and Peravia, while keeping 10 provinces on green; residents were urged not to cross swollen rivers, streams, or ravines and to avoid beaches. Water Management Warning: An op-ed highlights the DR’s “no water but flooding” paradox—heavy rain doesn’t automatically refill dams and aquifers—calling for better storage, aqueducts and drainage, watershed protection, network loss cuts, and reuse. Agriculture Under Pressure: Organic banana exports fell 22.6% (2022–2025) and revenue dropped 18.4%, blamed on high costs, certification hurdles, low productivity, weather impacts, pests, and competition. Energy Watch: The energy ministry says the DR is exploring nuclear technologies with U.S. cooperation, while noting no decision has been made to build a plant.

Tropical Wave & Dolly Rain Threat: The Dominican Republic is bracing for moderate to heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and possible wind gusts from Monday Aug. 31 through Wednesday Sept. 2, with the COE raising alerts as humidity builds and rivers and urban drains are at risk of overflow. COE Alert Updates: COE lifted yellow alert to four provinces plus the National District (Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, Monte Plata, Peravia) while keeping 10 provinces on green, urging people to avoid crossing rivers/streams and to prepare evacuation routes. Water Management Warning: A new commentary highlights the DR’s “no water but flooding” paradox—heavy rain doesn’t automatically refill dams and aquifers—calling for better storage, aqueducts and drainage, watershed protection, and reduced network losses. Organic Banana Exports Drop: Organic banana exports fell 22.6% from 2022 to 2025, with producers citing high costs, certification hurdles, weather impacts, pests, and stiff competition. Nuclear Energy Talks: The Energy and Mines minister says the DR is exploring nuclear technologies for long-term energy and other uses (medicine, agriculture, water management, monitoring), without committing to a plant. Community/Environment Projects: Unigold says local authorities and residents in Restauración, Dajabón have backed starting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Neita gold project.

Flood Risk Update (DR): The COE raised alert levels to yellow in Santo Domingo, the National District, San Cristóbal, and Monte Plata, while keeping 10 provinces on green, citing an active tropical wave linked to Dolly’s remnants and rising humidity. The agency warns of downpours, thunderstorms, possible wind gusts, urban and rural flooding, and overflowing rivers and creeks, urging people to avoid crossing fast-rising waterways and to prepare evacuation routes and emergency kits. Weather Watch (DR): Meteorologist Jean Suriel also warned of increased rainfall and flash-flood risk over the next 6–12 hours, with showers, gusts, and thunderstorms possible across the country, especially in vulnerable urban areas. Energy & Climate Resilience (DR): The Dominican Republic is exploring nuclear technology opportunities with U.S. cooperation as part of its long-term energy strategy, while emphasizing that solar and wind expansion still need grid upgrades and storage for a more resilient system. Blue Economy Research (DR): A new permanent research program will track the economic, social, and territorial impact of the Punta Bergantín tourism and real estate trust in Puerto Plata and nearby communities, linking the state, academia, and the private sector. Regional Environment (Caribbean): IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, to speed up financing and de-risking for solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, clean transport, and green industrialization.

Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: Dominican meteorologist Jean Suriel warns of increased rainfall and flash-flood risk over the next 6–12 hours, with thunderstorms and wind gusts possible across the country, especially in vulnerable urban areas. Gulf Weather Pressure: A separate Gulf disturbance (Invest 97L) is gaining odds of becoming a short-lived tropical depression or storm, with heavy rain expected for parts of Texas and Louisiana—another reminder that Caribbean weather remains highly changeable. Energy & Climate Resilience: The Dominican Republic is exploring nuclear technology opportunities with U.S. cooperation as part of its long-term energy strategy, while stressing that solar and wind growth must be backed by grid upgrades and storage for a more resilient system. Sustainable Cocoa: The EU-funded Cacao Trace project wrapped up in Monte Plata, training 740+ producers and pushing deforestation-free, traceable cocoa aligned with EU rules. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, to speed financing for solar, wind, clean transport, and green industry. Water & Tourism Research: A Punta Bergantín trust agreement will fund permanent research to track the project’s economic, social, and territorial impacts in Puerto Plata and nearby communities.

Tropical Storm Dolly Watch (DR impacts): The Dominican Institute of Meteorology says Dolly’s tropical-wave remnants are still being monitored, with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms expected Saturday across El Gran Santo Domingo and several provinces, plus afternoon cloud-and-rain increases in many northern and central areas; authorities note a small (under 10%) chance the system could redevelop, but the main near-term concern is heavy rain potential. Blue economy push: The Punta Bergantín tourism and real-estate trust will run a permanent research program to track the project’s economic, social, and territorial impact in Villa Montellano and nearby northern communities, linking the state, academia, and the private sector. Sustainable cocoa (EU deforestation-free): The Cacao Trace project wrapped up after training 740+ small cocoa producers in Monte Plata on sustainable practices, traceability, and EU Regulation 2023/1115 compliance, including a blockchain-based traceability platform and a national compliance protocol. Renewables financing call: IRENA opened a regional call for renewable energy proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Fisheries transparency (regional governance): The Mombasa Declaration on fisheries transparency gained broad endorsements including the Dominican Republic, aiming to curb illegal fishing through low-cost policy reforms focused on better public vessel and licensing information.

Tropical Storm Dolly Watch (DR impacts): Dominican meteorology says Dolly’s remnants and a tropical wave could bring scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms across El Gran Santo Domingo and several provinces, with hotter daytime highs and a low (under 10%) chance of the system redeveloping as a cyclone; forecasters stress monitoring as moisture may linger and raise flood risk in the northeast and north. Regional Weather Risk: The NHC notes Dolly has weakened into an open disturbance, but its moisture could still trigger heavy rain and localized flash flooding across the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola over the weekend into Monday. Tourism & Waterfront Development (Punta Bergantín): A new permanent research program will track the economic, social, and territorial effects of the Punta Bergantín tourism project in Puerto Plata and nearby communities, linking the tourism ministry, PUCMM, and the project trust. Renewables Financing (IRENA): IRENA is inviting renewable energy proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, to speed up clean power, e-mobility, and green industrial projects via its climate and transition financing platforms. Sustainable Cocoa (Cacao Trace): A EU-backed project in Monte Plata reports training 740+ small cocoa producers and building a traceability push aimed at deforestation-free, EU-compliant production. Tourism Safety & Sustainability (Puerto Plata): The “Tourism Close to You” program was launched to coordinate communities and businesses around safer, more sustainable destination management.

Tropical Storm Dolly Watch (DR): Even after downgrades, Dolly’s remnants are still expected to bring rain and hot conditions across the Dominican Republic, with Indomet forecasting scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms today, plus cloudier, wetter afternoons in many provinces. Storm Risk Update: International forecasts note the system could still regenerate later, but the main near-term concern is heavy rain and localized flooding risk as moisture moves through the northeastern Caribbean and Hispaniola. Blue Economy Funding (DR): The Dominican Republic launched an initiative to mobilize US$100 million for its blue economy, aiming to back ocean-related development. Renewables Push (Regional, incl. DR): IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, with potential access to financing and de-risking support. Sustainable Cocoa (DR): The EU-funded Cacao Trace Project wrapped up, training 740+ producers and advancing deforestation-free, traceable cocoa production aligned with EU rules. Tourism & Community (Puerto Plata): The “Tourism Close to You” program was launched to strengthen destination safety, sustainability, and organization with local stakeholders. Data for Policy (DR): ONE presented the National Statistical Plan 2025–2028 to close major data gaps and improve how public policies are guided by reliable statistics.

Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: Even after being downgraded, Dolly’s remnants are still bringing gusty winds and heavy rain to the northeastern Caribbean, with Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico likely to feel the moisture surge over the next days; Local Weather Alerts: Indomet says a tropical wave will trigger scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms this Saturday, with afternoon cloud and rain increases across many provinces, so residents should watch for flooding risk; Blue Economy Research: Punta Bergantín’s tourism and real estate trust is launching a permanent program with PUCMM and the Ministry of Tourism to measure the project’s economic, social, and territorial impact in Puerto Plata and nearby communities; Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across the Caribbean and Central America, including the Dominican Republic, to speed up decarbonization and unlock financing support; Sustainable Cocoa: The EU-funded Cacao Trace project in Monte Plata says it trained 740+ small cocoa producers and helped create a deforestation-free compliance protocol aligned with EU rules.

Blue Economy Finance: The Dominican Republic is moving to mobilize US$100 million for watershed restoration, sustainable water management, sanitation, climate resilience, and marine/coastal ecosystem conservation, with a Bluecar call for proposals aimed at structuring blue bonds. Disaster Readiness: The COE and UN World Food Programme signed an MoU to strengthen emergency preparedness, early warning, logistics, and damage assessments as the country stays exposed to hurricanes, floods, droughts, and fires. Heat Stress: Indomet reported extreme heat and humidity, with heat index values up to 47°C in Barahona and Santo Domingo, urging residents to hydrate and dress lightly. Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: Forecasts say Dolly will weaken before the Caribbean but its moisture could boost rainfall over the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico Sunday–Monday, with authorities monitoring closely. Cocoa Sustainability: The EU-funded Cacao Trace Project wrapped up, training 740+ small cocoa producers and building a traceability platform plus a national protocol to meet EU deforestation-free rules. Tourism & Sustainability: Puerto Plata launched “Tourism Close to You,” pushing destination safety and sustainability through community and stakeholder coordination.