The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Guancia
General Description
Situated in the south-west of
Puerto Rico, the Guanica Biosphere Reserve comprises coastal areas with several
mangrove cays as well as subtropical dry forest. The biosphere reserve is
managed as a multiple use area to achieve harmonious relationships between human
activities and the maintenance of the natural ecological integrity. Monitoring,
research, education and training activities are encouraged to support
sustainable development in this part of Puerto Rico.
The Guanica forest serves the recreation needs of tourists and people living in
eight near-by municipalities with a total population of over 330,000 people
(1982). Of conservation concern is the large increase of visitors in coastal
areas bringing developmental pressures such as residential and tourist housing
projects, the expansion of the municipal landfill and loss of biological
corridors. The intense use of coastal and marine ecosystems for recreation has
accelerated damage to coral reefs from anchorage, land erosion and related
sedimentation.
The challenge of the biosphere reserve is to educate the growing population to
appreciate and maintain Guanica’s biological diversity. Several community-based
projects were carried out with the involvement of different stakeholders in
order to develop strategies that will economically benefit the municipality of
Guanica and the region by means of sustainable development and conservation
projects.
Last updated: 06/27/2005