Dominican Republic deputies approve National Environmental Defender Day

The Dominican Republic Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill in its first reading to establish June 6 as the National Environmental Defender Day. The legislation, proposed by Deputy Jacqueline Fernández of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), aims to honor individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the nation's natural resources.

Key provisions of the bill include the creation of the National Environmental Defender Recognition, an annual award managed by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. To address safety concerns, the bill mandates that the Ministry of Environment coordinate with the Ministry of Interior and Police and the Attorney General's Office to develop protection protocols for activists facing risks due to their work.

Additionally, the law requires the Ministry of Environment and the Ombudsman's Office to produce an annual report for Congress detailing the threats, aggressions, and criminalization faced by environmental defenders. The initiative also encourages public institutions, schools, and private companies to participate in environmental education and reforestation activities.