Dominican Republic faces tree cutting amid environmental debate

Tree cutting is increasing in the Dominican Republic, affecting both urban areas like the Distrito Nacional and rural regions such as Baní, where ancient oaks have been indiscriminately felled. This trend has reignited debate regarding Decree 615-26, issued by President Luis Abinader on September 2.

The decree aims to combat “environmental terrorism” by prioritizing strategic efforts against those damaging national parks. However, critics note that the decree does not establish a new crime, but rather defines environmental terrorism as acts that may fall under existing Law 267-08 on Terrorism, referring such aggressions to the Public Ministry.

While the government focuses its crackdown on national parks, concerns are rising regarding the lack of protection for urban green spaces. A study in the journal “Frontiers in Sustainable Cities” indicates that tree coverage in the Distrito Nacional is only 15.4 percent, with over 60 percent of the territory occupied by asphalt and buildings.