The recovery of the Rio Grande of Arecibo Watershed

The Rio Grande of Arecibo Restoration Initiative is an example of what public/private partnerships can achieve towards conservation. The initiative brings together Para la Naturaleza as a lead partner with the National Resources Conservation Service, Caribbean Office and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service together in a monumental effort to restore and enhance habitat on a regional scale.

The $2.5 million project will implement conservation actions within private forest and agricultural lands, including wetland and riparian habitats. Our goal is to plant 50,000 native trees on these lands, while engaging local farmers and communities in restoration and monitoring efforts that can further educate the public on the importance of strengthening our habitats.

Farm and forestlands will not be the only beneficiaries of this ambitious initiative; six listed species, including the Puerto Rican crested toad (sapo concho) and the Coquí llanero live on these habitats and will see the enhancement to their ecosystems. The Rio Grande of Arecibo watershed lies in the heart of Puerto Rico’s karst region and has great value for its aquatic and terrestrial resources that provide water for human uses, groundwater and surface reservoirs, forested areas, ecological corridors between private and public lands, aquatic connectivity and support traditional fisheries.