Green groups join forces for coastal conservation in northwest

An ambitious coastal reforestation project, which will last three years, has begun with the planting of 2,541 native and endemic trees, including in coastal areas in Quebradillas, Isabela and Aguadilla.

By The Star Staff

Nonprofit organizations Para la Naturaleza (PLN) and Conservación Costera Puerto Rico (COCO PR) have signed a collaborative agreement to strengthen coastal conservation in Quebradillas, Isabela and Aguadilla, the organizations said Wednesday.

With this agreement, an environmental interpretation program will be developed and coastal areas of the aforementioned towns will be reforested. As part of the initiative, seven COCO PR environmental interpreters will be certified through the National Association for Interpretation and offered training in first aid and the use of digital tools.

An ambitious coastal reforestation project, which will last three years, has begun with the planting of 2,541 native and endemic trees. Plantings have already been carried out in coastal areas in Quebradillas, Isabela and Aguadilla. In addition, COCO PR will have the technical support of PLN for the management of a nursery in Isabela.

“These actions have contributed significantly to the communities of the western region and the coastal environment,” said Carlos Torres, PLN’s western region superintendent, in a written statement.

COCO PR President Sigfredo Faría Vega highlighted the community integration in the project.

“About 1,330 plants have been incorporated into coastal areas,” he said. “1,211 propagules of red mangrove were collected and 1,211 native plants were planted.”