AT RISK! El Campito,
Urban Forest in the City of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
08/27/2012
The Movement “Salvemos El Campito” (Let’s save El Campito), led
by Attorney Ricardo Delestre, has been exposing the detrimental effects that
the destruction of this urban forest will have, should the local authorities
allow its current owners to destroy 50% of this forest to construct apartment
buildings.
Some of the effects of destroying El Campito:
· Over
1,000 trees plus other vegetation will be destroyed.
· The
loss of biosequestration of carbon dioxide (the most abundant greenhouse gas!)
resulting in an increase to the already huge problem of global warming
· Destruction
of natural habitat for many life species (loss of bio-diversity)
· Interruption
of natural flow of the Las Tunas/Mendoza Creek
· Increase
of flash floods that will affect residential areas and businesses
· Destruction
of a spring and several other bodies of water within this Urban Forest
· Air
and water pollution. Destruction of the “lungs” of the urban center of Cabo
Rojo
· Erosion
and climatic disruption
In the late 15th century, the island of Borikén
(Puerto Rico) was described by chroniclers as the island with the thickest
forest, from the very shores. It seemed impenetrable! Today, Puerto Rico is 54%
urbanized. The preservation rate is that of only 8% vs. the 25% standard in the
United States. Every year the islanders are experiencing hotter temperatures,
mudslides (some even mortal), and flash floods as they had never been seen
before.
El Campito is a 16 acre Urban Forest, considered the “lungs”
of the city’s urban center. It’s proximity to the Sports Complex Rebecca
Colberg, has made it an extension for sports, such as mountain biking, hiking,
etc.. Volunteers preserve the trails while respecting nature. Just recently,
neighbors alerted members of the “Salvemos El Campito” Movement, when they saw
heavy equipment go in. Sadly, they found many trees cut down, trails blocked
with some of the same trees they had cut down and bulldozed-widened trails.
According to Attorney Delestre, the permits were expired, and
the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources regulations
regarding reforestation had not been followed whatsoever.
The “Salvemos El Campito” Movement,, hasn’t been one to just
oppose, but one that has presented viable alternatives to the City of Cabo
Rojo, including the acquisition of El Campito, as part of the Sports Complex
Rebecca Colberg, promoting healthy lifestyles, ecotourism, agricultural
projects, a butterfly haven, while assuring that the Mendoza Creek is not
disturbed any more than it already has, for residents in its vicinity have
suffered flash floodings that have destroyed everything they owned, some having
to be rescued from their rooftops. Many small business owners faced losses as
well. The destruction of 50% of El Campito will have a detrimental effect for
Cabo Rojo that will be beyond repair. Trees and vegetation layer absorb and
serve as a water retention mechanism. Deforestation will almost guarantee a
menace of more flash floods. Flora and fauna life forms impacted would be irreplaceable.
We are well aware that deforestation is collaborating to: the
extinction of bio-diversity, climatic changes and a global unbalance overall.
Half of the forests of the world have been destroyed, most of them within the
last 50 years. At this time, it is understood that ANY act of deforestation is
frowned upon by the international community and environmentalists, REGARDLESS
of the size of the area at risk. The island of Puerto Rico has and is still
suffering the effects of reckless deforestation; trees have been sacrificed and
exchanged for cement.
This is our plea to you, so that you can join us in
preserving the natural beauty and important elements that made the island earn
the name of “The island of enchantment”!
Tai Pelli
Send your email, English or Spanish to the Mayor of Cabo Rojo, Hon. Perza Rodriguez, perzarodriguez@gmail.com
Let her know you oppose to more deforestation in Boriken, particularly, El Campito, the Urban Forest of Cabo Rojo, and that you urge her to proactively promote its preservation by pursuing its acquisition.
Send your email, English or Spanish to the Mayor of Cabo Rojo, Hon. Perza Rodriguez, perzarodriguez@gmail.com
Let her know you oppose to more deforestation in Boriken, particularly, El Campito, the Urban Forest of Cabo Rojo, and that you urge her to proactively promote its preservation by pursuing its acquisition.
