In Puerto Rico there are several localities that are protected areas due to great biodiversity and abundance of native or endemic species that are an essential part of the island's ecosystem. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) currently manages 59 zones, including forests, reserves and protected natural areas. Being state-protected areas, these areas are less likely to suffer disturbances caused by human actions. This provides several places throughout the country where local flora and fauna can grow and develop in their natural habitat and without human intervention. However, a large number of native and endemic plant species occur outside these protected areas. Being outside the protected jurisdiction complicates conservation and protection efforts, since there is not the same control and monitoring capacity. One proposal that could help with the monitoring and protection of these native plant species outside of protected areas is involving citizens, particularly in rural areas.

You can read the full story in the Spanish version of this post.