Public Beach Protection & Coastal Fairness Act – Beaches Belong to the People

Republica Dominicana
Presidential Decree No. 026-DR
Issued by: Future DR President Candidate

Subject: Public Beach Protection & Coastal Fairness Act – Beaches Belong to the People

Effective Immediately

To ensure equal access to the natural heritage of the Dominican Republic and end decades of private encroachment, this decree restores full, unrestricted, and free access to all public beaches — permanently and without exception.

Article 1 – Beaches Are Public Property

  1. All coastal beaches, regardless of location or proximity to resorts, are declared public and untouchable national territory.
  2. No person, corporation, hotel, or entity may deny access to:
    • Citizens
    • Tourists
    • Fishermen or vendors
    • Any person seeking peaceful recreational use

Article 2 – Free Access, No Fees

  1. All public beaches must remain completely free of entry charges or mandatory resort usage fees.
  2. Any individual or business caught:
    • Charging to access sand or shoreline
    • Blocking walkways
    • Installing unauthorized gates or fences
      Will be fined RD$5 million pesos and face criminal prosecution.

Article 3 – Demolition of Unauthorized Coastal Construction

  1. Any unauthorized structure directly built on or blocking beach access shall be:
    • Marked for removal
    • Demolished within 90 days
    • Replaced with public infrastructure if necessary
  2. This includes:
    • Restaurants
    • Resort walls or fences
    • Private decks or stages

Article 4 – National Beach Boardwalk & License System

  1. Every commercial zone adjacent to public beaches must transition to a licensed boardwalk zone built with:
    • Public safety design standards
    • Accessible paths and restrooms
    • Night lighting and surveillance cameras
  2. Vendors, restaurants, and tour operators must apply for an official coastal business license, which:
    • Limits density
    • Enforces fair pricing
    • Requires recycling and trash collection systems

Article 5 – Coastal Safety & Lifeguard Network

  1. All public beaches must be staffed with:
    • Certified lifeguards
    • First aid stations
    • Beach patrol units
  2. Local municipalities will be held responsible for daily safety reports and rapid emergency response coordination.

Article 6 – National Campaign: “La Playa Es del Pueblo”

  1. A government campaign will inform all Dominicans and visitors:
    • You have the right to access any public beach
    • You cannot be charged or denied
    • You can report violations via a mobile app or hotline

The beaches of the Dominican Republic belong to its people. Not to resorts. Not to developers. Not to greed. This land is your land — and from today forward, no one will take that away.

Signed,
Future DR President Candidate
President of the Dominican Republic
Date: Day One, Term One