Conservation nonprofit assumes custody of 388 acres in Vega Baja

Land within nature reserve contains valued archaeological site

By THE STAR STAFF

Vega Baja Mayor Marcos Cruz Molina welcomed Fernando Lloveras San Miguel, president of the conservation nonprofit Para la Naturaleza, after the organization assumed, through the Conservation Trust, the perpetual custody of the 388 acres (400 cuerdas) of land located in the Cibuco Nature Reserve.

“This important step guarantees the protection of a valuable natural and archaeological site in Vega Baja, ensuring its preservation for present and future generations,” the mayor said on Wednesday.

Separately, the mayor acknowledged the gesture of Puerto Rican investor Jorge Contreras Piedrahita, who decided not to continue with development plans in the area and instead donated the land to the Conservation Trust, valuing its archaeological and natural wealth.

Prominent archaeologist Miguel Rodríguez López, a former chancellor of the Center for Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, posted on social media that the donation of the acreage “is excellent news for Puerto Rican archaeology.” “Playa Hermosa contains the remains of a massive indigenous site known as Maisabel, belonging to the Huecoides, Saladoides, and Ostionoides cultures,” he said. “Numerous indigenous petroglyphs are also found on the beach rocks. It will now be protected from any further impact or destruction.”

The mayor noted that he also spoke with Lloveras San Miguel near the Puerto Nuevo Lagoon to discuss its restoration, as well as community initiatives, educational programs, and opportunities for sustainable development and ecotourism.

“We Vega Baja residents embrace the environmental initiative, and we will continue collaborating on initiatives that strengthen the conservation and responsible enjoyment of our natural spaces,” Cruz Molina said.