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.

Dr. Frances Colón has been appointed Senior Director for International Climate Affairs at the Center for American Progress (CAP), the most influential organization on issues related to the environment and climate change. Colón was Deputy Adviser for Science and Technology at the US Department of State, when John Kerry was the secretary during the presidency of Barack Obama.

Kerry is now President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate affairs.

The CAP noted that Colón coordinated the climate change policy for the Climate and Energy Alliance of the Americas announced by then-President Obama, and that he will now help develop strategies to strengthen the United States' partnerships with the international community to address change. climate.