INTRO:
Located on the foothills of the only tropical rain forest managed
by the US Forest Service, lies one of the Caribbean's last unprotected
areas: the Northeastern Ecological Corridor (NEC). The NEC harbors an
extraordinary array of ecosystems that include sandy beaches, freshwater
marshes, mangrove swamps and other coastal forests; all of this within
a limited area of only 3,240 acres in the main island of Puerto Rico.
As a result of this natural mosaic, the NEC has become a refuge for over
40 rare and threatened species, some endemic or unique to Puerto Rico,
such as the Puerto Rican Woodpecker (Melanerpes portoricensis),
as well as others designated as critically endangered by the World Conservation
Union, such as the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
All this natural richness provides the perfect background, and in fact
the name, for "La Selva" (the Jungle), one of the best surfing spots
in the eastern shoreline of Puerto Rico.
Unfortunately, the NEC is currently threatened by the construction of
several mega tourist-residential resorts. Up to 3,900 hotel and residential
units, 4 golf courses and other related structures, are been proposed
by various international hospitality corporations and the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico's government. In addition to the destruction of the NEC's
natural integrity, these projects would stress an already deteriorated
water supply system, leaving dry over 25,000 people in this region of
the Island. Some of the resorts would even be located on public lands
found within the NEC. Access to these lands would be impeded, affecting
their common enjoyment by local residents and other tourists alike.
Take part of the growing partnership in favor of the sustainable development
of our planet's resources. HELP PROTECT THE NORTHEASTERN ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR!
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Northeastern Ecological Corridor with El Yunque Rain Forest on the
background
Coastal forest
Puerto Rican woodpecker
Leatherback sea turtle returning to the ocean after laying her eggs in the NEC
Quality surf
Photo credits from top to bottom:
Photos #1,2, and 4: Puerto Rican Department of Natural and Environmental
Resources
Photo #3: IDS
Photo #5: Steve Fitzpatrick
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