The Ministry of Environment announced the approval of over 500 environmental permit requests in the first 30 days of Minister Paíno Henríquez’s administration. The minister says these kickstart economic activities, with an estimated over RD$108 billion cleared for investments across sectors such as tourism, construction, real estate, renewable energy, free zones, and agroindustry.
According to records from the Vice Ministry of Environmental Management, 613 cases concluded their environmental evaluation process, resulting in RD$108,164,770,920 in investments. The ministry also issued 49 Terms of Reference (ToR) for projects with a projected investment cost of RD$47,289,128,758. ToRs are written requirements that establish the scope and minimum content required in environmental studies.
Minister Paíno Henríquez highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting private sector investments in tourism, energy, industry, commerce, and agriculture, emphasizing the path towards a more robust economy and sustainable society. He further stated that the ministry is committed to becoming the most modern institution in the country, optimizing existing processes and focusing on better protection of natural resources and the environment.
The minister also announced a “zero-tolerance” policy against environmental crimes, with increased operations against those who violate environmental laws. Lenin Bueno, Vice Minister of Environmental Management, explained that the permit process begins with an online registration, followed by the submission of required documents. He also mentioned plans to launch a new environmental policy regulation to simplify procedures and strengthen the ministry’s technical capabilities.
Read more in Spanish:
Presidency
7 October 2024