By Scott Edwards, Waterkeeper Alliance
One of the last remaining pristine coastal areas of Puerto Rico, the Northeastern Ecological Corridor, is threatened by the proposed development of mega-resorts and residential complexes. Waterkeeper Alliance, Puerto Rico Coastkeeper and the many other supporters of a prosperous Puerto Rico want this area protected for wildlife, the citizens of Puerto Rico and eco-tourism.
On August 8, Waterkeeper Alliance ran a full-page ad on page A11 of The New York Times, placing our call to action in front of a million readers and bringing this issue to the full attention of the hotel chains and the Puerto Rico Legislature.
Puerto Rico’s Northeastern Ecological Corridor (NEC), located along the northeastern coast is home to 40 native and rare, and several threatened and endangered species of plants and animals. Its beaches are one of the most important nesting sites for leatherback sea turtles in the United States. Its 3,200 acres include forests, wetlands, beaches, coral reefs, a bioluminescent lagoon and one of the most popular surfing spots in Puerto Rico.
The NEC is the target for development of two industrial-sized resorts, a high-density residential development and three golf courses. The hotels are proposed even though Puerto Rico now faces a drop in hotel occupancy rates. The reason? Developers use the special status they receive from the government for tourism development to build high-profit residential buildings. Hotels in Puerto Rico often close after a few years as developers recoup their investment. Destroyed habitat is lost forever.
The construction of these projects will place an immense strain on the limited local drinking water supplies of nearly 25,000 people. Tourists, who flock to Puerto Rico to enjoy its cultural and natural resources will have one less reason to visit the island. This is a critical choice for Puerto Rico at a time when eco-tourism is the fastest growing segment of the world tourism market.
The Puerto Rico Legislature is considering a bill that will declare the NEC a nature reserve and promote the development of eco-resorts, camping grounds and numerous tourism and recreational amenities. The development of these eco-resorts will diversify the tourist industry of Puerto Rico and allow the unique natural and ecological attributes of the NEC to be developed sustainably and responsibly. Puerto Rico’s legislature will consider the legislation this fall. With decisive action, Puerto Rico can permanently protect the NEC and look forward to tapping into the growing, sustainable eco-tourism market. W
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