Puerto Rico Environmental Conservation

By the mid-20th century, in the aftermath of the commonwealth’s agricultural and industrial boom, just 1% of Puerto Rico’s precious virgin rainforest still stood. Underwater habitats such as coral reefs and shoreline mangroves also suffered as a result of industrial pollution and unsustainable development. Over the last 30 years, grassroots movements and activists such as Alexis Massol González—who was awarded the 2002 Goldman Environmental prize, the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for environmentalists—have started to reverse this trend. Reforestation efforts have yielded encouraging results. The island now faces the challenge of promoting economic development while simultaneously preserving its unique natural habitats. Volunteers are able to spend time working in Puerto Rico’s beautiful outdoor environments with the goal of preserving them for generations to come.

Las Casas de la Selva, Rte. 184 Km 17.6, (☎839-7318; www.eyeontherainforest.org), in Reserva Forestal Carite , outside of Patillas, 00723. This 1000-acre project is dedicated to the idea that rainforest can be preserved even as some of its resources are used for profit. Owned by the nonprofit Tropic Ventures and monitored by the Department of Natural Resources, the organization welcomes groups and individual volunteers to stay a weekend or as long as several months to help with its projects, which range from planting trees to researching reforestation to building retaining walls. Rustic accommodations are available for a small, negotiable fee. Food is available at additional cost. For more information, see Constructive Conservation, .
Casa Pueblo, C. Rodulfo González 30, Adjuntas, 00601 (☎829-4842; www.casapueblo.org). Founded in 1980 to campaign against environmentally destructive mining (see In the People’s House), this local nonprofit runs projects in environmental education, research, and advocacy. Volunteers are accepted on a case-by-case basis and must provide their own accommodations and food.
Universidad de Puerto Rico Río Piedras Jardín Botánico, intersection of Hwy. 1 and Hwy. 3, Río Piedras, San Juan, 00917 (☎765-1845). Short-term volunteers work as tour guides, gardeners, or teachers. No housing offered.
Earthwatch Institute, 3 Clock Tower Place, Ste. 100, P.O. Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754, USA (☎800-776-0188; www.earthwatch.org). An international nonprofit organization that promotes the conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage around the world. Offers 1- to 2-week expeditions to Puerto Rico primarily dealing in flora and fauna preservation. Expeditions about $1000 per week. Membership $35 per year.