I would like to second HB's solid suggestions.
I never wanted that Protected Areas Law in first place -- always figured it to be a scam, since the Env. Law did all that was necessary, and could be implemented through regulation, not law -- law was needed to water it down, not implement it!
I too have long advocated something similar to Costa Rica's ecotourism, including hunting & fishing fees & park use fees. I would also call in Asonahores and all the tourist spot groups and read them the riot act about what they need to do to go green and gain cache and bucks by doing so. Other destinations in the Caribbean are doing so successfully -- why not in the DR?
The brutally strict enforcement point is key. I remember well how much traffic cops cleaned up their act in 1996 when Leonel announced that he would fire any caught asking for bribes. Made a big difference in my lifestyle in SD!
I also would start doing something concrete and visible regarding the things the average citizen sees & hears, so people start to feel like change is really coming. For example, some fines & enforcement for litter, noise law violations, etc. Publicly fine government-owned firms & installations for pollution violations. And visibly bust the guys still mining the bottom of riverbeds in flagrant violation of law!
I think Chiri is right about doing something regarding energy. Make a big deal about alternative sources, re-refining used oil, getting more fuel efficiency, increasing energy efficiency of transmission lines and of electro-electronics utilizing power. And start charging people for what they actually use from the grid, for god's sake, not what they were supposed to get. Make the big users pay for inefficient use, little users rewarded for being energy frugal.
Just a few of my own rants...