Environmental crimes and enforcement in the Dominican RepublicCEFR B1
17 Nov 2025
Adapted from Carolina Pichardo, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Aldward Castillo, Unsplash
As public awareness grows, environmental crimes are increasingly reported and the Judicial Branch coordinates with state bodies to prosecute offences under Law 64-00. Article 175 lists many crimes, including damage to protected areas, illegal tree cutting in fragile zones, hunting or killing protected species, use of explosives or poisons, and discharge of toxic substances into water or air. The Ministry of the Environment, SENPA and the Specialised Prosecutor’s Office cooperate in investigations.
SENPA reported operations from 2020 to mid-2025 that show the scale of the problem: 9,350 tree-felling crimes and 2,620 cases of makeshift dumps and water pollution. Between 2023 and mid-2025 authorities seized 63,613 units of sand, 16,449 sacks of coal and 416,087 pieces of wood. SENPA led at least 165,514 environmental operations in that period; 2024 accounted for 22 percent of the total.
In 2025 patrols and inspections continued: about 10,940 security and control patrols in the first six months, and 1,161 vehicles were seized. Confirmed violations go to the Directorate of Inspection as complex cases and sanctions are applied; sometimes a readjustment period is allowed before reinspection. Recent actions include inspections on July 7, September 3 and February 2025 that led to sanctions, stoppages and judicial referrals.
Difficult words
- crime — An act that breaks the law.crimes, offenses, violations
- pollution — The presence of harmful substances in the environment.
- environment — The natural world around us.environmental
- protection — The act of keeping something safe.
- participation — Taking part in an activity.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What impact do environmental crimes have on communities?
- How can technology help in environmental protection?
- What role do you think individuals play in preserving the environment?
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