Abstract

As an overseas territory, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has traditionally had limited access to multi-lateral agreements. In many instances, Puerto Rico’s political status has inhibited its ability to fully engage with neighboring Caribbean islands in regional conservation initiatives. Over the last two years, The Nature Conservancy has leveraged regional partnerships and relationships with Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) to ensure such conservation initiatives are amenable to the participation of overseas territories. Through the leadership of the DNER, Puerto Rico has demonstrated tremendous political will and alacrity to bolster regional conservation initiatives and enhance domestic marine protected area management. In 2012, Puerto Rico became a participating member of the Caribbe-an Challenge, a region-wide initiative targeting 20% protection of marine and coastal habitat by the year 2020. In addition, Puerto Rico recently joined the Caribbean Biological Corridor and formally established the Regional Ocean Partnership with the US Virgin Islands. The Nature Conservancy is collaborating with partners at the municipal, commonwealth, and federal levels in Puerto Rico to support the management and monitoring of new and existing marine protected areas for the restoration and stewardship of coral reef and fisheries resources. Apart from uniquely representing the US Caribbean, Puerto Rico is trailblazing for other overseas territories aspiring to participate in regional conservation initiatives and, with the support of The Nature Conservancy, showing leadership on ocean planning and marine protected area management in the Caribbean region.

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