Dominican Republic Senate reviews coastal zone protection bill

The Senate's Natural Resources and Environment Commission in the Dominican Republic is reviewing legislative proposals to establish a regulatory framework for the country's maritime coastal zone. The goal is to balance economic development with the conservation of marine ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources.

One proposal, presented by Senator Antonio Marte, seeks to create mechanisms to organize coastal activities and ensure sustainable development. This includes measures to conserve, restore, and manage coastal and marine ecosystems, while preventing pollution, habitat destruction, and resource overexploitation.

A second initiative, introduced by Senator Félix Bautista, focuses on establishing instruments for the sustainable administration and use of public maritime-terrestrial domain goods. This proposal aims to protect biological and abiotic components, including species, landscapes, and genetic resources within coastal spaces.