En español

Print this page (pdf file)

Indeed, the Northeast Ecological Corridor on Puerto Rico's eastern shoreline represents the natural beauty that makes this United States territory such a popular destination. Its 3,200 acres include forests, wetlands, beaches, coral communities, a bioluminescent lagoon and one of the hottest surfing spots on Puerto Rico's east coast: "La Selva" (the jungle).

The corridor is home to 40 endemic and threatened species, and its beaches are one of the three most important nesting sites for the leatherback sea turtle in the U.S. But the wildlife and natural wonders share Puerto Rico's tight quarters with an extremely high population, droves of tourists and the pavement that accompanies them. Puerto Rico has a higher population density than all 50 U.S. states — 1,000 people per square mile — and one of the highest road densities in the world.

Puerto Rico is an island in peril, and the Northeast Ecological Corridor faces one of the most imminent threats. Local developers have their sights set on the corridor for two mega resorts, three golf courses and housing developments in the heart of the corridor. The resorts, to be run by Marriott and Four Seasons, would wreak havoc on this special natural treasure.

The local residents will not fare any better. The economic boom of tourism has historically bypassed local entrepreneurs and residents, as tourists are shuttled by the busload to and from mega-resorts and nearby mega-stores instead of patronizing local businesses in area towns, like Luquillo and Fajardo.

In addition, Puerto Rico is already suffering from an alarming lack of water; over 25,000 residents in this area alone face a 4-million-gallon daily deficit. The Puerto Rico Chapter of Sierra Club — established in 2005 — and a coalition of local community and environmental groups are calling for the permanent protection of the Northeast Ecological Corridor as a Nature Reserve, allowing access to surfers, fishermen, Puerto Ricans, tourists and small-scale ecotourism operations.

To join the efforts to rein in unchecked development and protect this amazing place, please contact: Luis Jorge Rivera-Herrera at 787.460.8315 or idspr@hotmail.com; Camilla Feibelman at 787.688.6214 or Camilla.feibelman@sierraclub.org.