República Dominicana
Presidential Decree No. 043-DR
Issued by: Future DR President Candidate
Subject: Coastal Protection and Beach Access Act – Preserving Our Natural Heritage for the People and Future Generations
Effective Immediately
To protect the natural beauty, ecological integrity, and cultural significance of the Dominican Republic’s beaches and coastlines, this decree establishes strict limits on beachfront development, safeguards marine ecosystems, and guarantees public access to all beaches.
Article 1. Beachfront Construction Limits
— Effective immediately, all new hotel resorts, commercial developments, and private properties must be built no closer than 100 meters from the high tide line of any beach in the Dominican Republic.
— Existing structures within this zone shall be reviewed by the Ministry of Environment and subject to environmental compliance audits.
— No construction permits shall be issued for any development that violates this minimum setback distance.
Article 2. Environmental Protection and Marine Conservation
— All coastal developments must undergo a mandatory environmental impact assessment (EIA), with specific focus on the preservation of marine wildlife, coral reefs, mangroves, and sand dune ecosystems.
— Wastewater discharge, plastic waste, and other pollutants from beachfront properties shall be strictly monitored and penalized if found to harm the ocean or coastal environment.
Article 3. Public Access to Beaches
— All beaches within the Dominican Republic are hereby declared public property and must remain fully accessible to the public.
— No private entity may restrict access, charge fees, or claim ownership over any portion of the beach or coastal waters.
— The government shall establish clearly marked public access points and maintain public pathways to ensure free and safe entry to all beaches.
Article 4. Local Community Engagement and Oversight
— The Ministry of Environment shall create a Coastal Protection Task Force, including community representatives, environmental experts, and local leaders, to oversee implementation and enforcement of this decree.
— The Task Force shall conduct annual reviews and issue reports on coastal health, development compliance, and public access.
Article 5. Enforcement and Penalties
— Any violation of this decree, including unauthorized construction within the restricted zone, illegal blockage of beach access, or environmental harm, shall result in fines, permit revocations, and potential criminal charges.
— Repeat offenders may face property seizure and restoration orders to reverse environmental damage.
Signed in the name of the Dominican Republic and its people.
For the protection of our beaches, our heritage, and the rights of all Dominicans.