Carl Kruse: Support Land Conservation in

Puerto Rico
January 27, 2017 / 2 Comments

Support of Land Conservation in Puerto Rico

By Carl Kruse

I am delighted to share with you news from my friend Maria Celeste Arraras who is involved in
preserving the natural and historic charms of Puerto Rico, and in promoting sustainable development
and ecotourism on the Island. Maris efforts focus on an organization called Para la Naturaleza, a
dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation and historic preservation.

Para la Naturaleza seeks to transform the future development of Puerto Rico by insuring that 33% of
the islands most valuable lands are protected by 2033. For almost five decades, the Para la Naturaleza
team has worked tirelessly on behalf of the environment of the Islands of Puerto Rico and, thanks to
their hard work 31,000 acres of precious, ecologically valuable lands are now protected; conservation
has risen from a 8% to 16% over the last few years, getting closer to the 33% goal in 2033; more than
80,000 people young and old actively participate annually in its educational and citizen scientist
programs; and, over 16,000 volunteers work hand in hand to keep Puerto Ricos environment healthy.
Moreover, the first land-use plan in the history of Puerto Rico, long promoted by Para la Naturaleza,
was adopted in 2015.

In addition to its invaluable environmental work, Para la Naturaleza has restored and made available to
the public six sites, from the 18th and 19th centuries, rich with Island history and culture.

Mari recently visited one of these sites, Hacienda La Esperanza, in the town of Manat, a former sugar
plantation and now a 2,137-acre natural protected area, one of more than 40 natural areas, managed by
this organization throughout Puerto Rico, which combines the environmental, the historical and
cultural. The ruins and restored manor house at La Esperanza, brings to light the roles that sugar and
slavery played in the Puerto Ricos history and economy. La Esperanza is also home to the worlds
only remaining, working, steam sugar mill.

Mari has joined her efforts with the recently created Group 33 a group that brings together people
committed to helping Puerto Rico reach the goal of 33% of protected lands by 2033. This group
believes in the conservation of cultural identity, through historic preservation and ecological
conservation.

As part of Maris commitment to and support of Para la Naturaleza, she will be hosting a reception and
silent auction at her home to raise funds for Para La Naturaleza on Thursday, February 9, 2017. For
further details please see:
Thank you for your support.

Carl Kruse