Environmental crimes and enforcement in the Dominican RepublicCEFR A2
17 Nov 2025
Adapted from Carolina Pichardo, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Aldward Castillo, Unsplash
The Judicial Branch and several state bodies now work together to investigate and prosecute violations of Law 64-00. Article 175 defines offences such as cutting trees in protected areas, hunting protected species, using explosives or poisons, and pouring toxic substances into water or air.
SENPA reported activity from 2020 to mid-2025. Authorities listed 9,350 crimes for tree felling and 2,620 for makeshift dumps and water pollution. They seized 63,613 units of sand, 16,449 sacks of coal and 416,087 pieces of wood. In early 2025 officials seized 647 pounds of parrotfish and 40 pounds of other fish.
Green Line lets citizens report by app, phone, WhatsApp or in person. Initial site visits normally take 10–15 business days and reporters may remain anonymous.
Difficult words
- environment — The natural world around us.environmental
- crime — An act that breaks the law.crimes
- tree — A tall plant with a trunk and branches.trees
- water — A clear liquid essential for life.
- pollute — To make something dirty or harmful.polluting
- report — To give information about something.
- resource — Materials or supplies used for help.resources
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can people contribute to protecting the environment?
- What role do apps play in reporting crimes?
- Why is it important to report environmental violations?
Related articles
Chimpanzees split and kill former groupmates in Uganda
A long-term study at Ngogo in Kibale National Park found that one large chimpanzee group split into two. Members of the western group later attacked and killed many former groupmates, a result that raises questions about social behaviour.
Using Food to Teach Science to Preschoolers
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that food-based lessons for Head Start preschoolers helped children learn science and grow their vocabulary. The program used seed activities, simple recipes and teacher training in three counties.
Air pollution linked to higher post-surgery risks in Utah
A study of 49,615 non-emergency surgeries on Utah’s Wasatch Front found that higher PM2.5 in the week before surgery was associated with more post-surgical complications. The research appears in Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica.
