EPA/600/R-12/723
June 2012
Quantifying Sustainability in
Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Puerto Rico Convention Center
San Juan, Puerto Rico June 5-7, 2012
Final Report
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
rtr or Putsro Rteo
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD
-------
Proceedings of Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Edited by
Matthew E. Hopton
Matthew T. Heberling
EPA Number: EPA/600/R/12/723
This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not
constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
The document was prepared by BLH Technologies, Inc., an EPA contractor under contract No. EP-C-
08-032, and its' subcontractor, The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc., as a general record of
discussions during the workshop, "Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion "
held on June 5-7, 2012 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The document captures the main points and
highlights of the discussions and may include brief summaries of work group sessions. It is not a
complete record of all details discussed, nor does it interpret or elaborate upon matters that were
incomplete or unclear. Statements represent the individual views of the workshop participants; except
as specifically noted, none of the statements represent analyses by or positions of EPA.
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Puerto Rico Convention Center
Meeting Room 104A
100 Convention Boulevard
San Juan, PR
June 5-7, 2012
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and
Development's symposium/workshop entitled, "Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion," was to establish a dialogue between researchers and decision-makers and
facilitate research to be used in policy and decision-making. The symposium was designed to
discuss Sustainability; present ongoing research/work related to the identified issues; discuss what
researchers think policy-makers could do to move Puerto Rico toward Sustainability, relative to
their research; and discuss what was necessary to implement their research island-wide (e.g., data
description [spatial and temporal resolution], policy relevance). The subsequent workshop
provided participants an opportunity to present what they learned from the talks, how they could
use the information, and what was necessary to implement the research into decisions (i.e., what
research is needed to fill gaps). Participants included representatives from federal agencies, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, academic researchers, and nongovernmental organizations;
participants provided expertise from several disciplines.
The event provided a new perspective for Sustainability researchers. Participants learned that
scientists have different visions of Sustainability, and a cohesive collaborative effort in the
Sustainability community is lacking. The symposium created a missing forum for scientific
discussion and was a first step rather than the final answer. A number of recommendations were
put forth; the primary recommendation was the establishment of a task force with broad
representation and whose primary responsibility is Sustainability of Puerto Rico. The suggested
purpose of the task force is to establish a vision for Puerto Rico with a number of associated goals.
The task force must determine the current state of Sustainability in Puerto Rico and decide the
future path. It is important that all stakeholders are represented on the task force and Sustainability
must be addressed with short-, medium-, and long-term goals. In addition, the research community
must convert from discipline-based thinking to issue-based thinking.
Everyone agreed that it was important there be an incentive for decision-makers and that
representatives from the business sector are present at future symposia. Moreover, there was an
obvious need for this event and the effort to establish a Sustainability vision for Puerto Rico. The
symposium/workshop was a good first step, and the goal was to involve the appropriate
individuals to further the effort, regardless of government support.
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
MEETING SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Research and Development's (ORD)
symposium/workshop entitled, "Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion," was
held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from June 5-7, 2012. The symposium/workshop brought together
approximately 60 researchers from academia, nonprofit organizations, industry, and government to discuss
ongoing research to quantify Sustainability in Puerto Rico (Appendix A includes the participants list).
Specifically, the objectives of the symposium were to share research and identify how the research could be
used to aid municipio and island decision-making. The workshop objectives were to learn from decision-
makers what information they need and how the researchers' information can be made useful to them to
make better-informed decisions.
The meeting served as a stimulus to discuss issues pertinent to Sustainability in Puerto Rico, learn about
current Sustainability research projects in Puerto Rico and how the research could help decision-makers,
determine how EPA's ORD can collaborate with researchers, and plan a coordinated research agenda and
activities to increase Sustainability in Puerto Rico. Notes from the meeting follow.
JUNES, 2012
Welcome/Perspectives
Jose Font, EPA, Region 2, Director, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division; Matt Hopton,
EPA, ORD, National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL); Ernesto Diaz,
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (Department of Natural Resources and the
Environment)
Dr. Hopton called the meeting to order at 9:27 a.m. and welcomed the participants to the meeting and to
Puerto Rico. The purpose of the symposium was to determine how current knowledge and science could be
integrated into policies and decision-making to increase Sustainability in Puerto Rico. After describing
some logistical aspects of the meeting, he explained the presentations would be available on the website
after they have been made Section 508 compliant. He thanked the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality
Board (EQB) for its sponsorship of portions of the event.
Mr. Font welcomed the participants to Puerto Rico and thanked ORD and the local entities that took the
initiative to develop the symposium/workshop. He also thanked the academicians and environmental
groups that helped to ensure the event came to fruition, as Sustainability is an important topic. He noted the
impressive amount of knowledge among the participants, which he said would be significant as they
worked together to increase Sustainability in Puerto Rico. Sustainability is based on a simple principle:
Everything that is needed for survival depends on the natural environment. Sustainability creates and
maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can co-exist in productive harmony.
Sustainability is important to ensure that humanity continues to have the resources to protect human health
and the environment. It is important to discuss this topic and disseminate the knowledge to be able to have
and enjoy a better future. Although some believe that balancing a healthy environment and a healthy
economy is a "zero-sum game" (i.e., both cannot be attained), this is false. It is possible to maintain a
sustainable environment while developing a strong economy. To do so, it is necessary to support the best
ideas and technologies until they become common practice.
It is best to begin with simple, local projects that help the environment in multiple ways. For example,
recycling is important because it saves energy, conserves raw materials, reduces the amount of waste sent
to landfills, and decreases pollution. The waste disposal situation in Puerto Rico is dismal; all 29 waste
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
disposal facilities are out of compliance with environmental regulations. The recycling rate in Puerto Rico
is estimated to be between 8 and 12 percent, which is lower than in the mainland United States. EPA helped
to launch the Puerto Rico recycling initiative 2 years prior. The concept is that people will reduce, recycle,
and compost. The small amount of solid waste that is generated will be sent to a lined, environmentally
compliant landfill. This cost-effective initiative created scores of new jobs. Another method to increase
Sustainability is to increase use of public transportation. Puerto Rico has one of the highest car ownership
rates in the world, and has the highest asthma rate among U.S. states and territories. Issues such as storm
water management and urban sprawl would be mitigated if more people used public transport. It is
necessary to develop sources of clean, renewable energy, which will reduce the cost of health care, reduce
the amount of resources used, and increase jobs. Many more jobs are created by renewable energy as
compared to coal-fired power plants. The future lies in green energy; there is a market for energy that is
sustainable and does not increase the burden on society.
Puerto Rico is working with the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate the feasibility of developing
renewable energy production at landfills and Superfund and Brownfield sites. The project brings together
many experts from a variety of sectors to explore the unique opportunity to generate renewable energy at
landfills. The project has received a commitment from four municipios to install photovoltaic cells to
generate and distribute energy. Sites are authorized to transfer 5 megawatts of energy to nearby facilities in
need of energy. If the photovoltaic cells can be manufactured in Puerto Rico, this will bring additional jobs
to the island. Training personnel on the island to install and maintain the cells also will create jobs.
Recently, $1 million was provided to a cooperative formed by four municipios on the southern coast that is
determining how to make the best use of that area. By training and working together, this group was
selected to move forward with the initiative. Many municipios rely on more than 300 small, private water
systems that have many issues (e.g., bacteriological, compliance). Another pilot project focuses on use of
portable technology to address these problems. Although the challenge is enormous, solutions are available,
and science and technology will provide additional solutions. It is necessary to increase awareness of the
importance of Sustainability; focusing on small projects will help in this effort.
Dr. Hopton explained that he and Dr. Matt Heberling were co-leading the research on Sustainability metrics
in Puerto Rico and that Sustainability has become a focus of ORD research. The objectives of the meeting
were to: (1) discuss issues pertinent to Sustainability in Puerto Rico (e.g., biodiversity, water quantity and
quality, habitat loss); (2) discover what researchers in many disciplines currently are studying in Puerto
Rico related to Sustainability and how that research can affect or help decision-makers; (3) learn how
EPA's ORD research goals can be enhanced and applied in collaboration with the research described
above; and (4) plan a coordinated research program and implementation of integrated activities to move
Puerto Rico toward a more sustainable future.
ORD is a scientific research organization that focuses on addressing research questions with basic and
applied research, which may aid decisions or regulations. The office provides the science and information
to help inform credible decisions for its customers, which include EPA regions and program offices and the
American public. The Sustainability research group within ORD has focused on multidisciplinary,
integrated research for years. In recent years, EPA moved toward this trend until ORD Assistant
Administrator Paul Anastas determined in 2010 that it was necessary to take this a step further and
established the goal of Sustainability as the "true north" for ORD. All problems are addressed in terms of
Sustainability, and the solutions are examined for unforeseen consequences in a systematic approach. To be
truly sustainable, it is necessary to look far into the future. The first EPA Administrator also spoke of
Sustainability without a name when he noted that EPA's mission transcends dealing with the usual mix of
social problems.
To meet the goal of Sustainability, ORD has realigned its research into six programs that have Sustainability
research at their core. Each program has research projects, which are further divided into tasks. Within the
Sustainable and Healthy Communities Research Program (SHCRP), EPA researchers, their partners, and
The Office of Research and Development 4
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
stakeholders are working together to form a deeper understanding of the balance between the three pillars
of Sustainabilityenvironment, society, and economyso that individual needs are met. This
transdisciplinary work will provide the decision tools and data that communities need to make proactive,
strategic decisions aimed at a prosperous, more environmentally sustainable future. SHCRP research
focuses on developing comprehensive approaches to help communities become more sustainable;
developing decision-support tools, models and metrics that can be used to improve sustainable community
practices; and meeting EPA's regulatory requirements. The SHCRP research in Puerto Rico began in 2009
and includes coral reef management in the Guanica Bay Watershed and Sustainability metrics research. The
goals of the metrics research are to develop decision-support tools and data for examining system
Sustainability and to identify trends in moving toward or away from Sustainability. Dr. Hopton's
PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix B.
Mr. Diaz said that he would place into context what Sustainability means to Puerto Rico. The world is
facing many challenges in mapping a course toward Sustainability. All current crises (e.g., energy, global
recession, and climate) are interconnected, and the only manner by which to address them effectively is to
implement integrated solutions. Puerto Rico can be compared to small island nations, and the vulnerability
of its ecosystems arises from the interplay of several factors (e.g., size, geographic dispersion, limited
resilience, unique biodiversity). Small island nations pay high costs for energy, infrastructure, transport,
and communications.
Agriculture and food security are important for Puerto Rico. The food crisis has highlighted the increasing
importance of agriculture to develop a safe and sustainable food supply. Less than 10 percent of the food
consumed on Puerto Rico is produced on the island, implying that the island's food supply is not secure. It
is necessary to address development and natural system needs through integrated water resources planning
and management. Use of water has increased six-fold during the last decade, and pressure on water
resources will increase as the population increases. Although Puerto Rico has had a slight decline in
population, water supply and sanitary infrastructure issues remain. In terms of biodiversity, most of Puerto
Rico and its outlying islands are covered by tropical forests; approximately 9 percent of the land has been
designated as federally protected, whereas 25 percent of the island's water environments have received this
designation. Natural disasters are a factor because more than 10 percent of the population lives in flood-
prone areas. Mr. Diaz's organization has been working with 140 scientists, planners, economists, architects
and communicators for the past 2 years to gather the best knowledge regarding climate change in Puerto
Rico. Working groups have identified information and use the information to reduce and/or eliminate
potential effects and impacts. The results of this effort will be presented at the end of June 2012, and the
report is expected to be released in the fall of 2012. Future climate change adaptation priorities also have
been identified.
Mr. Diaz's goal for the symposium was to discuss the shared vision of what Sustainability means to Puerto
Rico. He characterized the agenda as interesting and informative. Another goal was to promote partnerships
between stakeholder initiatives aimed at fostering and implementing Sustainability development initiatives
to complement governmental action. He noted that new indicators of health and well-being need to be
developed, and a challenge in carrying forward a Sustainability strategy in Puerto Rico would be to
establish a shared vision, coordinate partnerships among various agencies and organizations, and translate
the developed framework into coordinated action.
Discussion
A participant asked what interaction EPA has had with communities in Puerto Rico. Many communities are
active in Sustainability, and local students need to be educated. Dr. Hopton agreed. ORD would like to
establish collaborations with academia, as local researchers have a great deal of expertise from which EPA
researchers would benefit. The problem with working with individual researchers prior to this event is the
perception they have an advantage. Everyone is invited to share in this dialogue, and Dr. Hopton is hopeful
The Office of Research and Development *
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
that this will be the beginning of a rich partnership. The participant noted that transparency in dialogue is a
tenet of sustainability and must be accomplished if true sustainability is to be achieved. Dr. Hopton agreed
and reiterated that he was hopeful that this symposium would result in a partnership between EPA and its
stakeholders in Puerto Rico. A participant added that ORD has been sponsoring workshops, and academia
has been invited to participate. EPA researchers in Cincinnati, Ohio, are working with the Puerto Rico
Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. Dr. Hopton reiterated that a dialogue has been initiated, and researchers
should contact ORD to continue the dialogue.
A participant noted that ORD is examining trends, but sustainability needs goals, which in turn depend on
visions; different stakeholders have different visions. In examining trends, how will ORD go about
determining the consensus of the goals and involve the stakeholders when determining whether Puerto Rico
is moving from or toward sustainability? Dr. Hopton said that ORD has spoken with key people in agencies
and academia in Puerto Rico and developed a framework for sustainability, but other tools may be
necessary. Recently, ORD has initiated place-based studies. In addition to government and academia,
community members are being approached for their input via community outreach.
A participant suggested that ORD should expand the academic disciplines with which it is consulting;
many fields are involved in sustainability research. For example, she is a sociologist performing
sustainability research, but she only heard about this conference from an engineering colleague. Dr. Hopton
said that ORD identified academic members based on those who had published in the literature about
sustainability within the past 5 to 7 years. Unforeseen circumstances shortened the planning time for this
event; ideally, the organizers would have had more time to research potential participants. He asked the
participants to disseminate information to their colleagues; the goal is to be as inclusive, integrative, and
collaborative as possible.
A participant remarked that sustainability has become a buzzword and expressed hope that the effort
toward it would be serious. Will this collaboration deal with real issues? Will government decision-makers
take into account any metrics identified during the symposium? Dr. Hopton said that this was the goal of
the workshop.
A participant noted that policy analysts and decision-makers needed to be present at the workshop.
Decisions are made by values and visions rather than empirical data. Dr. Hopton responded that goal was to
connect with sustainability researchers, determine what ongoing research is being conducted, and then
begin a dialogue with the decision-makers to determine how this research can be effective in decision-
making. Decision-makers can explain to the researchers what they need, and the researchers can explain
why their information should be important to decision-makers. Once researchers understand what
information is needed, they can incorporate this into their research to provide useful information that will
inform decision-making. This event is a starting point.
Another participant commented on the importance of considering Puerto Rico as an island nation; U.S.
federal regulations are not always applicable to the island. A participant noted there are three main
principles that guide the achievement of sustainability in Puerto Rico: guidance for public and private
development in coastal areas, support for active management of coastal marine resources, and active
research that fosters public participation. Social, political, and economic issues have an impact on the
decision-making process. It is necessary to deal with reality and consider the sustainability one is trying to
achieve. Several overlapping processes are ongoing (e.g., climate change, fish, and wildlife), and it is
necessary to combine these efforts to find synergies. This is a great opportunity to contribute to an effort
that attempts to develop a baseline and then perform future monitoring. The group must collectively draft a
vision of sustainability for Puerto Rico.
Dr. Hopton noted that from a research perspective, there are not enough data, which need to be collected
and made readily available for researchers to use to quantify sustainability in Puerto Rico.
The Office of Research and Development 6
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant expressed hope that the interaction between researchers and EPA would not be framed on a
basis of mistrust because of the legacy of mistrust. The role of EPA in Puerto Rico needs to be revised and
reconceptualized because of the uniqueness of the island and its needs for capacity building. Trust must be
built. He does not want the event to become a public hearing. EPA needs to structure meetings so they
foster collaboration and reduce suspicions. It is necessary to move toward a collaborative partnership; Dr.
Hopton agreed.
Dr. Heberling said that ORD is guided by research questions and moves forward by addressing these
questions. Feedback from local researchers and communities is useful in advancing ORD's research in
Puerto Rico, because ORD scientists are not the local experts. The scientists, however, are experts on
metrics. It is necessary to work together to determine whether the metrics can be applied to decision-
making in Puerto Rico.
A participant commented the exchange of information causes a redistribution of power. Information and
ideas about paradigms and processes can be shared back and forth; processes and flow of information
capture the attention of decision-makers better than data. "Soft" science needs to be intertwined with
"hard" science to achieve policy change.
Puerto Rico Sustainability Metrics Project
Matthew Heberling, EPA, ORD, NRMRL
The PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix C. Dr. Heberling provided the most often cited
definition for Sustainability, noting that it includes economic, social, and environmental pillars. The concept
of Sustainability is very broad, complicated, and challenging, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary
approach is needed to quantify it. A single metric or index will not capture all aspects of a system. The
federal government must integrate economic, social, and environmental policies to achieve Sustainability;
therefore, EPA and its partners are developing integrative decision-support tools and supporting analyses
that will help decision-makers choose sustainable development. The goal is for local decision-makers to use
the developed tools and analyses as part of their future environmental management decisions.
The specific goal of ORD's Sustainability metrics project is to produce a straightforward, inexpensive
methodology to measure and monitor the prosperity and environmental quality of a regional system. ORD
tested the approach in the San Luis Basin (SLB) of Colorado. ORD's definition of Sustainability is that
economic, social, and supporting environmental systems must work in concert to maintain a desired level
of functioning indefinitely; if any single component is not sustainable, the entire system is not sustainable.
An indicator measures one characteristic of a system, whereas a metric combines many indicators through
aggregation to measure Sustainability. The ORD team emphasizes metrics above indicators to capture and
quantify system dynamics. Although some metrics can identify a system as sustainable, the team thought
that it was more informative to identify where a system is heading because Sustainability is a moving target.
The multidimensional problem of Sustainability requires multiple metrics (e.g., ecological footprint analysis
[EFA], green net regional product, emergy analysis [EmA] and Fisher information [FI]).
As a result of the work in the SLB, the ORD team developed eight recommendations that it will apply to
future projects. The team learned to involve stakeholders and decision-makers early in the process, and
there is no "one-size-fits-all" metric; tools must be tailored to fit the region. For its follow-on project, the
team chose a second site that is completely different from the SLB, using the whole island of Puerto Rico.
Knowledge gained from the SLB project informs the Puerto Rico project. This scientific symposium was
planned as a 2012 outcome with the goal of leveraging the knowledge of local experts. The process for the
metric research was formalized based on the Global Environmental Management Initiative's Metrics
Navigator, using four relevant metrics from the SLB project as a starting point. The objectives of the
project are to: (1) determine applicability of using existing datasets to estimate metrics on a regional scale,
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
(2) calculate metrics through time from 1960 to the present, and (3) compare and contrast the results to
determine whether the region is moving toward or away from sustainability.
Dr. Heberling described the four metrics being used for the Puerto Rico sustainability project: (1) EFA,
which captures the supply and demand of biologically productive land; (2) green net national product,
(GNNP), which captures the welfare of the system; (3) EmA, which captures the flow of energy through
the system; and (4) FI, which captures the dynamic changes in the condition of a system. EFA and EmA are
measures of strong sustainability, and FI and GNNP are measures of weak sustainability. The team also is
interested in environmental justice. In December 2009, the team met with stakeholders and decision-
makersincluding the Office of the Governor, the EQB, the Departamento de Recursos Naturales y
Ambientales (Department of Natural and Environmental Resources; DNER), and the Puerto Rico Solid
Waste Authorityto identify relevant issues. The stakeholders were asked what issues matter to Puerto
Rico and sustainability to supplement the literature search performed by the team, which indicated that
some relevant issues appeared to be soil erosion, land and habitat loss and transformation, population
growth and density, coral reefs and fisheries, and water quality and quantity. In addition to these issues, the
stakeholders further identified invasive species, energy use, air quality, and trash and solid waste as issues.
The stakeholders were asked the following questions: Who are the relevant decision-makers for island
metrics? What current research activities are planned or ongoing at government agencies or universities
related to sustainability metrics or decision support? What are the data needs? Who are the best people with
whom to discuss data and availability?
Dr. Heberling discussed the current status of the project, noting that data collection is concluding, but the
progress on preliminary calculations depends on the metric. He chose the economic metric of GNNP to
highlight the progress, explaining that although gross domestic product measures market transactions, it
was never intended to measure welfare and ignores leisure and nature's contribution to welfare. Augmented
GNNP, however, captures the welfare of the system. GNNP also can be used as a one-sided test of
unsustainability to determine whether a system is moving away from sustainability. Dr. Heberling showed
a graph highlighting the preliminary estimate of GNNP, which has risen since 1993. The next steps of the
project are to develop: (1) a proceedings from this meeting to identify existing research and potential
collaborations, (2) a written protocol for identifying and calculating the metrics in Puerto Rico, (3) a
scientifically sound strategy for sustainable environmental management in Puerto Rico, and (4) journal
articles presenting the metrics and results.
Discussion
A participant asked Dr. Heberling to define the term "stakeholder." He responded that it is a difficult term
to define; the team took a broad view to be as inclusive as possible, but this approach still could be
improved because the team members were limited by their personal knowledge. In this case, stakeholders
were considered those who deal with, have knowledge of the issues, and could inform the work. A
participant noted the public was not considered a stakeholder in this case and asked for confirmation that
EPA generally considers the public. Dr. Heberling confirmed that EPA often seeks public comment. Dr.
Hopton added that during the SLB project, the local universities obtained public input; this approach could
be used in Puerto Rico. The ORD team is working closely with Region 2 and its Caribbean Environmental
Protection Division to involve as many people as possible. The goal is to include a broad array of
representatives so that everyone's voice is heard.
A participant asked about nature's contribution to welfare and thought that perhaps some other elements
were being undervalued. Dr. Heberling agreed there were underestimations because of data availability,
and the team has not determined how to include those variables (e.g., coral reefs, fish stocks) in the GNNP
in a theoretical manner; recreation is partially included.
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant was concerned about using FI, which applies a linear approach to a system that behaves
nonlinearly. A straightforward approach would be to use Google Maps and examine those activities that are
not supposed to be occurring (e.g., building of resorts in banned locations). Changes in regulations (e.g.,
more flexible zoning and environmental regulations) are straightforward indicators the government of
Puerto Rico is moving away from sustainability. These types of indicators should be added to the indicator
matrix, which will provide valuable information. Dr. Heberling said that FI has been tested in
environmental data to examine known changes in a system but recognized there is concern about using
environmental data in FI. It would be interesting to examine past decisions in relationship to the indicators.
A participant stated that inclusion of social sustainability indicators is absolutely necessary. Quantification
is needed to ensure transparency in decision-making. In terms of literature searches, the University of
Puerto Rico has a particular method of promoting its publications, which must be published in Spanish in
Latin American forums. An English literature search likely will miss many peer-reviewed articles about
Puerto Rico research. Dr. Hopton explained that this was why the team attempted to be as inclusive as
possible because team members recognized they were coming from outside of the culture. For this reason,
the team asked the stakeholders in 2009 to identify issues in addition to those the team had found in the
literature.
A participant asked what ORD was going to do for Puerto Rico. Dr. Heberling responded that ORD
researchers wanted to work together with Puerto Rico researchers and stakeholders to provide tools to
allow Puerto Rico to move toward sustainability. The goal is to establish a dialogue with Puerto Rico
researchers, decision-makers, and agencies.
A participant asked how scale issues were incorporated into the analysis. Dr. Heberling responded the work
was being performed on the island-level. Some data from municipios may need to be scaled up, but the
analysis focuses on the island.
A participant suggested the ORD team examine the quality of data, determine how the calculations were
made, and examine the margin of error. Dr. Hopton said the team would appreciate help with this.
Legacies of Sodoeconomic Transitions on the Structure and Function of a Tropical Drainage Basin:
Resilience and Sustainability Implications
Carla Restrepo, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
The PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix D. Dr. Restrepo showed several photographs that
highlighted the common theme of abandoned structures and cars, nonrunning rivers, invasive species cover
and overgrown coffee plantations. The Rio Grande de Arecibo Watershed (RGAW) experienced high
levels of rainfall from 1899 to 1909, and a 1902 paper details several waterfalls to be used for the
development of power. In 1909, the uneven distribution of rainfall on the island was noted; although sugar
cane was grown in the south, the north experienced higher levels of rainfall. An irrigation scheme was
developed that would remedy the irregular and insufficient rainfall in the south. Dr. Restrepo displayed a
timeline that highlighted major events in the development of the water supply in Puerto Rico, including
legislation at the U.S. and island levels and the addition of major infrastructure in the watershed. The most
recent activity was the development of a super water aqueduct that connects the eastern portion of the
island to the watershed. As a result, the majority of the island is connected to the watershed.
Water has multiple uses, is a valuable resource that can be moved via technology and infrastructure
development, and is a commodity that connects people across great distances. Infrastructure development
occurs in cycles; when one cycle ends, the old infrastructure becomes a nuisance. Can the function of the
watershed be maintained with the entire built infrastructure? Stream network and water quality and quantity
are used to assess the watershed, and these variables change across time. Eco-hydro-geomorphic and
socioeconomic processes can affect the health of the watershed.
The Office of Research and Development 9
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Sustainability is about the intersection of social, environmental, and economic factors, and sustainable
development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. Ecological resilience is the amount of disturbance (e.g., water
withdrawal, water management) that a system can absorb without changing its state or structure and still
function. As such, the researchers developed three questions: What are the relationships between stream
and infrastructure networks and patterns of human occupation in the RGAW? How do socioeconomic
conditions and water quality indicators vary across the RGAW? Is there a relationship between
socioeconomic and water quality variables?
The main towns in the watershed have been established on the river; therefore, there is a relationship
between humans and stream network. The researchers chose four variables to determine the variability of
the watershed. The researchers examined whether there was an association between water quality and
socioeconomic status and determined there was; the lowest water quality is found in the lowest
socioeconomic areas. In terms of stream network and socioeconomic indices, headwaters are in areas of
high concern. When the researchers added information regarding public infrastructure network and
socioeconomic indices, they determined that large infrastructure projects have negative impacts on the
citizens of Puerto Rico. Based on their data, the researchers concluded that stream networks are key
elements in the organization of human settlements, and public infrastructure networks have impacted
human populations. Socioeconomic indices are spatially heterogeneous and may suggest regime shifts;
socioeconomic and water quality indices were correlated in one instance. Finally, areas of socioeconomic
concern appear to be associated with areas in which public infrastructure projects have been developed.
Discussion
A participant commented the watershed is located in a highly calcified area, which affects water quality, so
perhaps this is a contributing factor. Dr. Restrepo responded the water quality data were obtained from the
upper portion of the watershed. She noted the need for agricultural water explains why infrastructure was
built in unsuitable areas (e.g., those prone to landslides).
A participant thought that data might say more about how society has changed from agricultural to
industrial rather than about water use. Dr. Restrepo said there had been competition for water, water is
needed for energy production, and mountain agriculture required water, which created large amounts of
sediment. Many efforts have been focused on dealing with this sedimentation.
A participant noted that from a political standpoint the historical view is fascinating. The regional level of
analysis is important to examine policy regimes regarding the development of infrastructure. There has
been no change in regime: the centralized nature of decision-making still exists. Local knowledge is not
used in the development of infrastructure. Examining the various layers could provide a better picture of
the Sustainability (or unsustainability) of an area across time. Dr. Restrepo agreed that it is important to
learn from past mistakes to improve the future.
Resident Perception and Valuation of Green Areas and Riverbank Hypothetical Improvements in a
Tropical Urban Watershed
Luis E. Santiago, University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Planning
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix E. Dr. Santiago described the San Juan Urban
Long-Term Research Area (ULTRA) project. The study attempted to increase understanding of the
perceptions of residents toward green areas and bodies of water and provide an estimation of the valuation
attributed by residents to them. San Juan is located in the Rio Piedras Watershed, in which more water
flows through potable water and sewer pipes than its rivers and tributaries. The land-use change since the
1930s, which Dr. Santiago illustrated with satellite images, has been dramatic and has led to many changes
in ecosystem services. Green infrastructure contributes to the socioecological system in terms of flood
The Office of Research and Development 10
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
control, temperature regulation, pollution control, soil conservation, aesthetic and recreational value, and
planting of fruits and vegetables.
To explore the watershed, the researchers developed the integrated socioecological sampling network to
examine houses within defined sampling circles. The researchers conducted 441 20-minute, in-person
interviews between January and August 2011 to obtain a representative sample of watershed residents.
Housing sales data from 2005 to 2009 were obtained, and property addresses were used to geocode the
georeferenced points of these sales. The researchers defined a viewshed representing visible green areas
from a property and estimated residential housing distance to public green areas, rivers, streams and
shopping malls. The researchers found there has been a progressive isolation from the river because of
human intervention (e.g., channelization). Residents who had visited the river were on average older than
those who had not. Two-thirds of the residents who knew the location of the river had never visited it.
Based on interviews, there appears to be a gap between a stated preference for trees in properties and the
reduction in public and private green areas in the watershed.
The hedonic method was used to estimate the value of green areas. The hedonic method is an indirect
valuation method that infers consumer values from observable market transactions, in this case the housing
market. Factors considered when purchasing a home include its physical characteristics and distance to
other amenities. The researchers investigated approximately 1,000 housing sales using linear regression,
with housing purchase as the dependent variable versus six independent variables. The preliminary results
indicate there is no statistically significant relationship between the purchase price of properties and
distance to large public urban green areas within the Rio Piedras watershed; however, a positive and
statistically significant relationship was found between green area visibility and property purchase price.
Next, a contingent valuation exercise of stream and riparian environmental services was conducted, with
the intent of assessing the feasibility of a voluntary contribution (willingness to pay [WTP]) for
collaborative management funding. Participants were shown two pictures of two different river scenarios:
dirty and clean. None of the variables that explained resident connection to nearest stream were statistically
significant. Median WTP was estimated at $155.48 per household per year, and expected median revenue is
$4.8 million per year. The next steps are to continue characterizing green areas and bodies of water in the
watershed, identify Sustainability indicators in consultation with stakeholders, and quantify and value
important ecosystem services in the watershed. Further information can be found at the San Juan ULTRA
website (http:// www.sanjuanultra.com).
Discussion
A participant asked whether Dr. Santiago thought the housing market crash may have influenced the
results. Dr. Santiago replied that this variable would be introduced into the analysis in the next phase.
A participant asked whether river use was dependent on the area of the study. Dr. Santiago responded the
area of the study included the six sampling sites, and the researchers analyzed by study area and by
individual sampling site. The sampling method may be influenced by age, as the older population tends to
be home during sampling. Anecdotal evidence indicated that people are not using the river because
obstacles to doing so have been introduced.
A participant asked whether the researchers planned to analyze the difference between condominiums and
single-family homes. Dr. Santiago explained that although there were condominiums within one sampling
site, the majority of the residences visited were single-family homes. There did not appear to be a
significant difference between the two housing types in terms of preferences for green areas.
A participant asked who was considered a stakeholder in the study, and Dr. Santiago replied the community
and the local government were considered stakeholders. A participant involved in the research project
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
added the research questions were developed using stakeholder input from the beginning of the project;
scientists, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), community leaders, and the government guided the
research in terms of what was most relevant.
In response to a question from a participant, Dr. Santiago explained the researchers asked community
members if they knew the location of the river; most knew but had not visited it.
Green Area Loss in San Juan's Urban Neighborhoods: Estimation Methods, Environmental
Consequences, and Preliminary Identification of Precipitating Factors and Processes
Luis Enrique Ramos, University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Planning
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix F. Mr. Ramos explained there were several reasons
to study suburban green areas. (1) Urban and suburban private and public residential green areas are
considered beneficial for the natural environment and societal well-being. (2) They provide significant
health, economic and ecological benefits. (3) Their continuous detriment and/or loss are considered
problematic. (4) Suburban residential areas constitute the majority of San Juan's metropolitan footprint. (5)
Green areas are an intrinsic element of the suburban landscape, and their loss represents the erosion of a
Utopian vision that sought a healthier and closer relationship between man and nature.
In this research, socioeconomic, physical/spatial and land-use trends, and technological and regulatory
characteristics as they evolve in time, are documented and analyzed. The study also attempts to quantify the
loss of environmental services and identify the socioeconomic and technological factors and processes that
are associated with suburban green area loss. The objectives of the research are to: (1) design and apply
methodologies for suburban green area loss/gain estimation; (2) use quantitative and qualitative techniques
for socioecological analysis; (3) understand the link between socioeconomic trends, technological
conditions and cultural/legal factors that influence green/grey area dynamics in suburban neighborhoods;
and (4) expand the discussion on Neighborhood Decline Cycle Theory by incorporating explicit
environmental issues. The researchers performed green area loss quantification for three neighborhoods in
Rio Piedras. Green cover loss quantification via aerial photography was in process at the time of this
meeting.
The results indicated the Puerto Nuevo neighborhood had a 209 percent increase in its building footprint
between 1948 and 1968, resulting in a green area loss of 25.83 acres. Caparra Terrace experienced a 135
percent increase in its building footprint between 1956 and 2008 with a green area loss of 25.35 acres.
University Gardens, the most affluent neighborhood, lost only 14.57 acres of green area, with a 63 percent
increase in the building footprint between 1965 and 2008. This green area loss results in a loss of
environmental services, including increased storm-water runoff and sedimentation, diminished carbon-
absorption capacity, degraded aesthetic qualities, loss of habitat for flora and fauna species, loss of noise-
absorption capacity, and loss of spiritual and psychological well-being.
Additionally, socioeconomic and housing data were compiled for each of the three neighborhoods using
U.S. Census data from 1960 through 2000. University Gardens residents' median income was considerably
higher and the poverty rate lower compared to the other two neighborhoods; the population density of all
three was similar, although the housing density of University Gardens was considerably lower. Increases in
auto ownership in the Caparra Terrace and Puerto Nuevo neighborhoods resulted in an increased number of
carports. Preliminary findings indicate that loss of green areas occurred in each of the three private
residential areas, with the exception of most condominium properties. In older working-class
neighborhoods, green area loss is significantly larger. Factors associated with green area loss include
conversion from residential to commercial land use, increases in automobile ownership, and increases in
low-rent housing units and density. The environmental and socioeconomic trends identified by this study in
older neighborhoods present an unsustainable process of neighborhood decline, with negative
consequences for the local and surrounding socioecological system. These areas need to be addressed by
The Office of Research and Development 12
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
the government in a proactive and comprehensive manner. The opportunity is present to enable these
neighborhoods to evolve into more sustainable human settlements through simultaneous physical
redevelopment and socioeconomic revitalization programs in which lost green areas and environmental
services are recuperated.
The next steps are to increase the sampling of neighborhoods with diverse socioeconomic and
morphological-typological characteristics to conduct statistically significant studies, quantify loss of
environmental services resulting from suburban green area loss, and perform statistical regression analyses
between socioeconomic variables and green area loss ratios. Finally, Mr. Ramos highlighted a proposal to
improve Sustainability in via a long-term urban vision for one of the neighborhood units in Puerto Nuevo.
Discussion
A participant suggested collecting data regarding urban flash floods to determine whether the loss of green
areas results in increased flash flooding.
A participant noted the relationship of socioeconomic status and the number of trees has been well
documented; one explanation is that those in higher socioeconomic classes view nature as recreational,
whereas those in lower classes view it as their working environment. This research fits very well into this
paradigm. Mr. Ramos said that perhaps the working class values housing over green areas.
A participant commented that more decision processes are being based on consensus rather than individual
propensity to invest. Is there a limit to economic tools (e.g., WTP) compared to sociological tools?
Mr. Ramos responded that a possible source of error is that WTP measures the response to a hypothetical
situation rather than an actual experience.
A participant asked whether the researchers were going to experiment with other methodologies.
Mr. Ramos explained the obstacle to achieving Sustainability is financial, and many subsidies are needed.
The research attempted to define a unit of growth so that Sustainability could be achieved block by block.
Redevelopment ideally would happen if the residents are owners of the area and establish a land trust. The
government's role is to educate and help establish such a trust. Self-collective ownership allows for
negotiation of profit sharing, thereby improving the economic situation of the resident owners, creating
green areas and establishing a legal framework to protect these areas. Based on the government's past
record, a participant warned about including it as a third party.
A participant asked where the residents would live while their housing was being redeveloped. Mr. Ramos
responded the current proposal requires 20 to 22 houses; people would be relocated temporarily to the base
housing of a nearby-realigned Army base, which as a Base Realignment and Closure Act base can be used
under an economic development conveyance. All levels of complexity must be addressed to advance
Sustainability block by block.
Dr. Hopton expanded the discussion to include questions and comments for Drs. Restrepo and Santiago in
addition to Mr. Ramos.
A participant asked the three speakers to comment on the value of quantifying Sustainability to achieve
target goals. What is an appropriate metric to quantify conditions in the watershed needed to achieve the
Sustainability goals at the watershed level? Dr. Restrepo responded that a watershed is a producer, so
quality can be an indicator for the sustainable management of a watershed. The question is: Sustainable for
whom? There are trade-offs between local and regional Sustainability. Dr. Santiago added that it is
necessary to manage institutional factors before implementing the indicators process. Stakeholder input is
important to ensure the selection of the appropriate indicators.
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant asked Mr. Ramos whether the arterial avenues were considered detrimental to the long-term
planning strategy of the urban vision. Mr. Ramos said the neighborhood did not plan for the tertiary sector
of the economy, and this lack of planning is a problem because it was not designed for or optimal; it may
have occurred because of a lack of governance. Planning provides an opportunity to develop a sustainable
community. It is necessary to predict and adapt in a sustainable manner.
A participant asked Dr. Santiago whether it was possible the people in his survey did not visit the river
because of water quality. He responded that garbage in the river and safety issues were cited as reasons for
not visiting.
Integrated Management as an Essential Component of Sustaining Coral Reefs and Associated Fisheries
Richard S. Appeldoorn, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix G. Dr. Appeldoorn explained that coral reef
ecosystems are complex, nonlinear socioeconomic and environmental systems. Impacts to coral and the
fish that interact with the coral affect the entire system. Controlling land-based pollution is where humans
can have an impact, but whether the system will respond or if it is possible for coral reefs to recover is
unknown. Coral cover and overall fish and herbivore abundance decline with turbidity. There has been a
steady decline in water transparency since 2000; 40 centimeters of light penetration are lost per year, for a
total of 4 meters (m) during the past decade. This is a direct result of the land environment; to manage the
marine environment, it is necessary to manage the land environment.
Connectivity across the seascape enhances productivity. Dr. Appeldoorn highlighted this concept by
showing graphs of the habitats of early juveniles, juveniles, and adults of several fish species, noting
differences and similarities among the habitats. Scientists can use a combination of locations and habitats to
determine the essential fish habitat; it is necessary to think at a much larger scale about what is going to
maximize or maintain the connectivity that is important to all of the species combined. It is necessary to
consider ecosystem function (e.g., settlement, recruitment, nursery habitats, connectivity, spawning sites)
and how it affects ecosystem services (e.g., commercial and recreational fisheries, shoreline protection,
scientific research, bioactive compounds). It is possible to link subsections of habitats to function; dividing
habitats into much finer segments in terms of fish habitats and their functions allows conservation of the
most critical areas needed to maintain function. Marxan, software designed to aid conservation planning,
was used to identify critical habitat and target areas of high protection. Important criteria in this
determination include shoreline-to-shelf edge inclusion, larval connectivity based on a 40-kilometer
distance between areas, and replication of targets.
Resilience also requires "first principles" for fisheries management, such as maintenance of ecosystem
integrity (i.e., conservation of biodiversity) and function, rigorous protection of habitat and water quality,
maintenance of monitoring reference points, and production limits and extraction control. Management
tactics include protection of herbivores, predators, spawners, and habitat; establishment of marine reserves
to protect spawning stocks and trophic structures; controlled fishing and reduced overfishing; adjustment of
water quality standards to match ecosystem needs; and more rigorous coastal construction permitting
decisions. The goal is that with integrated watershed approaches, erosion control, marine reserves, and
coastal and marine spatial planning, the coral reefs will recover.
Discussion
A participant asked whether the researchers had identified an increase in turbidity. Dr. Appeldoorn
responded there was not a straightforward answer to this question, but Dr. Ernesto Weil would address this
during his presentation.
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant asked what is included in the model. Dr. Appeldoorn replied that a map of habitat was used;
how habitat is defined impacts the output and whether it is related to ecological function. Marxan was
designed to identify areas prioritized for development of a marine protected area; it is a cost-minimization
program. Five factors are examined, and a spatial map with various costs is generated.
An Interdisciplinary Erosion Mitigation Approach for Coral Reef ProtectionA Case Study From the
Eastern Caribbean
Juan Amador-Gutierrez, Greg L. Morris Engineering-COOP
The PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix H. Mr. Amador-Gutierrez provided background
about the location of the project, Culebra, which is an island 19 miles east of Puerto Rico, which supports
coral reef ecosystems that are characteristic of northeastern Caribbean marine biodiversity and represent
highly valuable sources of fishing, tourism, and recreational activities. Coral reefs near Puerto Rico are
among the most highly threatened reefs of the Caribbean as a result of the combined effects of climate
change, coral bleaching, increased incidence of disease, overfishing and the delivery of inland pollutants; a
reduction of 50 to 80 percent in coral coverage in the Cayo Luis Pena Natural Reserve near Culebra has
been observed since 1997.
The objective of the project is to describe an innovative framework by which technical knowledge gathered
by marine ecologists, watershed scientists, and civil and environmental engineers can be best employed in
the development of an erosion-mitigation strategy that best uses available funds to reduce impacts. To
achieve this, the researchers used a multistep approach. The first step included collecting basic information
to describe coral reef abundance and condition, estimating watershed-scale sediment loading rates, and
evaluating the feasibility of onsite installation of erosion control measures. The second step was to
formalize an approach to select the watersheds and associated marine habitats that merit a preferred status
for the implementation of erosion-control activities. The third step is to choosing the specific sites (i.e.,
sediment sources) and methods (i.e., best management practices [BMPs]) to be implemented within the
priority areas by invoking a sediment-reduction cost-effectiveness analysis. Mr. Amador-Gutierrez
displayed a flowchart highlighting the general scope of the proposed interdisciplinary erosion mitigation
strategy.
The researchers assessed the abundance of coral reef habitats based on aerial coverage and pre-existing
benthic habitat maps. Data on structure and condition were obtained at depths of 3 to 7 m and included
percent cover of benthic components. The researchers investigated eight watersheds on Culebra, and, in
terms of watershed assessment, Culebra's unpaved road network is considered the island's most important
anthropogenic source of sediment. Erosion and sediment-yield assessments relied on application of the St.
John Erosion Model (STJ-EROS), which estimates erosion rates from natural and anthropogenic sources of
sediment based on empirical equations developed from data collected on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, an
island with a similar physical setting as Culebra. Unpaved roads on Culebra were found to be similar to
those from which the STJ-EROS road-erosion algorithms were developed in terms of substrate, road prism
geometry, and range of slopes.
Developing BMPs is limited by an existing and thus mostly immovable road network layout, a
characteristically rugged topography, and a lack of locally available specialized materials and equipment
that significantly increases costs; these limitations reduce the number of BMPs that otherwise would be
considered feasible. Three main types of BMPs were evaluated: (1) methods that improve the resistance to
erosion processes by preventing the direct contact of rain and runoff with the soil surface, (2) methods that
minimize the amount of flow on the unpaved road surface and thus reduce its erosive energy, and
(3) methods that attempt to capture as much sediment as possible while runoff is transported through or
discharged from the road prism. BMP selection in most cases is site specific, and a combination of
individual BMPs usually is the most effective alternative. Therefore, the researchers developed three
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
general road designs or treatments, each incorporating a different subset of BMPs, resulting in different
costs and erosion rates.
Coral reef condition assessments are based on a one-time observation, and erosion analyses explicitly lack
the capacity to understand sediment dynamics and effects once delivered to the marine environment. The
combined watershed and marine habitat evaluation procedure is based on three criteria: (1) abundance of
the marine resource, (2) marine resource condition, and (3) stress level. Each criterion being considered for
analyses can be graphically portrayed as one axis of a three-dimensional cube. The cube also serves to map
the justification or goal of erosion-control activities being implemented. Implementation of erosion-
mitigation strategies for coral reef protection can be justified because of three main motivespreservation,
prevention, and remediation. In conducting the coral reef condition assessment, the same analysis was
performed for all of the parameters (e.g., percent cover of total algae, macroalgae, algal turf, crustose
coralline algae, and cyanobacteria cover; coral-to-macroalgae ratio) relative to sediment loading rates.
Results indicated the two watersheds that merit additional analysis are Ensenada Fulladosa and Cayo
Dakiti; erosion control in the Ensenada Fulladosa Watershed could be justified based on the argument that
marine systems are interconnected through complex ecological functionalities so that benefits to a
submersed aquatic vegetation-dominated area could improve conditions in nearby reef areas. The Puerto
Del Manglar Watershed was chosen as the target area for conducting cost-effectiveness analyses because of
its high sediment yield rates, its relatively extensive unpaved road network, and the poor-to-moderate
condition of its adjacent marine resources. The results indicated the BMPs depend on the amount of
funding available.
The researchers concluded the strategy serves in part to choose priority target watersheds for erosion
control based on the intentions of the mitigation efforts. The cost-effectiveness analyses aid in choosing
specific sites and erosion-control methods to maximize the net reductions in sediment loads while
minimizing costs (e.g., "the biggest bang for the buck"). Finally, application of this cost-effectiveness
analysis to one watershed in Culebra suggests the choice of most effective erosion-control method varies
according to the amount of funds available for implementation.
Discussion
Because of time constraints, Dr. Hopton asked the participants to save their questions for Mr. Amador-
Gutierrez until after the final coral reef speaker had presented.
Coral Reef Decline in Puerto Rico: Link to Global Warming, Potential Social Impact and
"Sustainability"
Ernesto Weil, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix I. Dr. Weil explained that coral reefs are more than
400 million years old, widely distributed and have survived four major extinction events in Earth's
evolutionary history. Their fine tissue layer provides benefits by influencing the chemical balances of the
ocean, fixing/absorbing 700 billion kilograms of carbon dioxide per year, protecting coasts, aiding in
formation of other important communities, and serving as a reservoir of biodiversity and high productivity.
Humans additionally benefit because coral reefs are a source of protein and economic support for millions
of families and provide pharmaceuticals, education, recreation, and ecotourism (i.e., source of income).
Reports from the last 20 years, however, indicate there has been a significant degradation of coral reefs
worldwide, resulting in a loss of live coral cover, productivity, fecundity, biodiversity, and the capacity to
absorb carbon dioxide and fix calcium carbonate. The major threat to coral reefs and their Sustainability is
humans.
Dr. Weil reiterated the three pillars of Sustainability (economic, societal, and environmental) always are
included in definitions of Sustainability. Degradation of coral reefs because of anthropogenic factors, global
The Office of Research and Development 16
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
climate change, and natural hazards offers no sustainability. Coral reefs can recover from natural hazards,
but the synergy of anthropogenic factors, which increase carbon dioxide, hurricanes, and so forth, decreases
the coral reefs' capacity to recover and induce mass mortalities, reduce reproduction and calcification, and
increase bioerosion.
Dr. Weil described a case study of the village of La Parguera on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico,
which has experienced sustained but not sustainable development since the 1930s. There has been no
erosion control, which has increased sediment runoff across the southern coast to the city of Ponce. There
has been a significant decline in water transparency in La Parguera over time, which is correlated with the
sedimentation. Furthermore, winter mean surface sea water temperatures have been above average for 5
years in a row, which is correlated with a shift from seasonal to chronic infectious diseases in coral reefs.
Two major bleaching events correlated with above-average temperatures and were accompanied by
increased disease outbreaks with high coral mortality. These bleaching events affected 52 coral species, and
the 11 biotic diseases affected 42 coral species; the significant mortalities of corals and other important
members of the coral reef community resulted in the loss of habitat and productivity and had epizootic
consequences. There was a mean coral cover loss of 53 percent in La Parguera between 1994 and 2010.
Sustainable coastal growth in Puerto Rico is desired, but coastal growth has been unsustainable in practice.
It is not possible to reach sustainability until local and global environmental deterioration is controlled,
which in itself is not possible unless all stakeholders are involved in the process and human population
growth is controlled. Coral reefs are slow growing and take many generations to recover. To foster this
recovery, it is necessary to improve environmental conditions, protect genetically diverse populations of the
main reef-building species by increasing the number and area of Marine Protected Areas, involve all
stakeholders, and reduce human population growth.
Discussion
Dr. Hopton opened the discussion to include questions for the three coral reef speakers: Dr. Appeldoorn,
Mr. Amador-Gutierrez, and Dr. Weil.
A participant asked Mr. Amador-Gutierrez whether any traffic analysis had been performed. Mr. Amador-
Gutierrez responded that it had not been. The participant asked whether Mr. Amador-Gutierrez was aware
of technology for percolated road surface. Mr. Amador-Gutierrez replied that he was aware of the
technology, but the researchers avoided this approach because of the cost of importing materials and
equipment. The focus was on solutions that could be implemented easily on the island, without the need for
expensive importation. The goal is to teach the machine operators not just how to retrofit a technology but
also how to implement sustainable future planning. In response to a question from the participant,
Mr. Amador-Gutierrez explained the area was a low-traffic area.
A participant asked who pays for the strategies and who had paid for the roads to be built. Mr. Amador-
Gutierrez responded that it was the responsibility of the private landowners or the municipio. A regulatory
framework is supposed to be in place to control road construction, but it is not enforced. There has been no
planning, and those involved are ignorant of BMPs. A participant commented that this indicates the best
investment of money is in education of the local residents. Mr. Amador-Gutierrez agreed and explained the
next project is to develop a workshop for local decision-makers and the community to provide education so
they have the knowledge of how to make on-the-spot decisions about the proper routing and creation of
roads; BMPs regarding how to manage stormwater will be included as well. A participant noted that it was
important to educate citizens so they know how to choose leaders who will take the desires of constituents
into consideration when making decisions.
A participant noted that Culebrans no longer can afford land on Culebra. Enforcement officers at the local,
island and federal levels ignore environmental complaints from residents. Another participant commented
The Office of Research and Development 17
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
the DNER is not responsible for enforcement. It sought to be deputized, but the EQB refused, citing the
additional work that this would cause. In response to a question by this participant, Mr. Amador-Gutierrez
explained the analysis was cost-adjusted for Culebra construction costs.
The participant commented that 80 percent of Puerto Rico's land cover was lost between 1830 and 1950,
which increased sedimentation, and asked Dr. Appeldoorn how synergistic effects could be occurring now
when there has been a 50 percent increase in land cover. Dr. Appeldoorn responded that approximately
one-half of the sediment from the earlier deforestation still is in the river systems; the legacy of
deforestation is ongoing. Dr. Weil added the significant increase in rainfall during the previous decade has
contributed, as the rainfall pushes more sediment from the rivers. Enrichment of nutrients produces organic
particulate as well.
A participant asked whether algae were having any positive effects on the marine environment. Dr. Weil
said that if they could be harvested, algae would be an excellent source of biofuel. Black sea urchins are
returning, and algae are a food source for this species; this could allow recovery of coral and fish. It is
difficult to determine what benefits may be derived from an algae-dominated habitat.
A participant from EPA commented that, in terms of enforcement, Vieques and Culebra are challenges for
Region 2. The Agency currently is involved in several enforcement actions on these islands and will
continue to be involved as long as EPA maintains jurisdiction. Currently, the Agency only has stormwater
jurisdiction on property greater than 1 acre. If EPA has not engaged in enforcement, then it does not have
jurisdiction. Mr. Amador-Gutierrez added the EQB is comprised of political appointees who need to
perform their jobs because the locals do not have the technical knowledge to do so. The goal is to educate
the local population. A participant noted that to change the current culture it is necessary to educate citizens
so they have the power to pursue politicians and hold them accountable. Mr. Amador-Gutierrez explained
the goal of his project is to help residents properly and responsibly develop their properties in favor of the
environment.
A participant commented that coral reef environmental Sustainability is one area in which there is a great
deal of scientific information regarding causes of decline and scientific monitoring. The gap is not lack of
scientific data but rather institutional. There are questions about the boundary of the marine-terrestrial zone
and who is responsible for what actions, which in turn affects the flow of information. Who is accountable?
Someone must take responsibility, and EPA is in a unique position to tell the government what actions need
to be taken to build Sustainability and improve coral reef condition. Mr. Amador-Gutierrez thought that it
was a matter of consolidating and enforcing the current laws rather than developing new laws. His next
planned project has been delayed because officials still are trying to decipher the new permitting laws.
A participant commented the paradox is the major government plan in the 1960s was to develop the coastal
areas, which probably resulted in many of the current problems. The shift from a mountain population to a
coastal population has had significant impacts. Mr. Amador-Gutierrez commented the core of the problem
could be observed in the room; the decision-makers are not present and they do not consider Sustainability
when making decisions. It is necessary to educate them so they do consider Sustainability. He has been
trying to integrate Sustainability into the engineering and execution of his projects, but it has been a
challenge because of the considerable pushback that he has received. The Sustainability message must be
disseminated everywhere.
A participant stated that if EPA is searching for metrics, it is necessary to look at the priorities of Puerto
Rico. There are "loaded" questions regarding implementation, and policy is key. To move forward, it is
necessary to educate decision-makers and communities and re-educate those who were not educated
correctly.
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant commented on the historical importance of what is occurring currently. A cultural
transformation began 60 years prior; Puerto Rico has assimilated U.S. consumption patterns, which has led
to the current situation. This is a cultural problem and must be contextualized within the social framework
in which each decision is made. Another participant agreed that it is necessary to speak to the island's
cultural heritage and educate island residents about the effects their actions have on the coral reefs. A
participant commented that it is difficult to establish a link between people's actions and ecosystem
services; for example, most of the fish consumed by Puerto Ricans is imported. There is an intersection
between the environment, society, and economy. Researchers have an idea about impacts in the
environmental and economic sectors, but society is limiting sustainability, and that needs to be addressed.
Additionally, the current political structure is limiting, but short-term actions can help the long-term
situation.
A participant thought the metrics should include the fact the majority of the members of Puerto Rico's
government appear overly concerned about their political careers to the exclusion of all else.
A participant commented that land ownership drives decision-making in the absence of clear zoning laws;
poor decisions made on a case-by-case basis have built up to the massive problems in existence now.
Mr. Amador-Gutierrez agreed that it is a complex problem, and the goal of his project was to illustrate what
could be accomplished with various amounts of funding.
Day 1 Wrap-Up
Dr. Hopton thanked the speakers for generating such engaging discussion. His goal is to continue the
dialogue with the participants even after the event has been completed. He hopes that more decision-
makers will be present during the remainder of the event. He thanked the participants and recessed the
meeting at 5:42 p.m.
JUNES, 2012
Welcome
Matt Hopton, EPA, ORD, NRMRL
Dr. Hopton called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. He hoped the discussion would be as interesting and as
informative as the discussions had been the prior day. After reviewing some logistics for the
symposium/workshop, he said that it was necessary for the participants to consider how, as a group, they
could present to the decision-makers, ensuring the key points from the discussion are presented to them.
The purpose of the symposium/workshop was to share research, identify how the research should be used
to aid municipio and island decision-making, and learn from decision-makers what information they need
and how the researchers' information can be made useful to them.
"Achiev ability" vs. "Sustainability": Including Community Acceptance Consideration in the
Implementation of Renewable Energy Projects in Puerto Rico
Maria Perez-Ortiz, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix J. Dr. Perez-Ortiz explained there had been a
paradigm shift when considering renewable energy; the terms "green," renewable" and "sustainable" are
used interchangeably, but they are not truly interchangeable. Green indicates that something is less harmful
than petroleum-based alternatives. Sustainable processes are renewable but are implemented in a different
manner. The term renewable indicates the resources can renew themselves. A key aspect of sustainability is
transparency, and if this is not present, then renewable energy projects can be unsustainable. Social
acceptance is a set of sociopolitical, community, and market characteristics that determine the social
sustainability of renewable energy projects. Achievability does not imply that a plan is acceptable or
The Office of Research and Development 19
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
sustainable; social acceptance is based on public perception. Empirical research shows that 30 percent of
nonfinalized wind farm projects in Europe are stopped by lawsuits and public resistance. Community
ownership models have a positive effect on local acceptance, which is not related to knowledge or attitudes
toward renewable energy technologies. Siting issues include distrust and environmental justice.
Investigations indicate that community acceptance of wind power schemes is not explained by the
egotistical motives of local residents (i.e., the "not in my backyard" [NIMBY] syndrome) and indicate
locals' commitment to equity issues and fairness of decision-making.
The researchers developed a survey to systematically and randomly sample 409 residents older than age 18
in three communities (Vieques, Catano, and Camuy) previously targeted for the siting of a wind energy
project. The residents of Catano were surveyed before and after the wind, turbines were constructed.
Stakeholders were identified and analyzed; the stakeholders were complex with varying motives and
perceptions; there was some conflict when the stakeholders were considering the best course of action. In
terms of general knowledge, the most recognized renewable energy sources are wind and solar. There is a
positive bias toward solar energy. Survey respondents think the sun is the least expensive, safest, and least
polluting energy source. Solar energy is perceived as the most viable for development in Puerto Rico as
well in their community.
In terms of procedural justice, the developer is responsible for informing the community via community
meetings rather than public hearings. Community participation is very important, particularly at the early
stages of project development. The community should be involved in the project's approval and in
selecting the project's location. The community needs to have access to independent experts for a neutral
perspective on the technology and the project. In terms of distributional justice, the community should be
compensated if the project is approved against its will, although most communities tend to sacrifice their
well-being for the good of Puerto Rico. Fair compensation schemes include discounts on electric bills,
provision of electricity to a local school or hospital, or another activity that brings collective well-being.
The communities have issues with trust. The majority of community members voted in the general
elections, but this has had little impact on the community's well-being. Community members distrust
current decision-making processes and doubt the government and the private sector have the community's
interests and needs in mind when proposing new infrastructure projects.
In examining the pre- and post-surveys in the community of Catano, the researchers found there was a
significant increase in community members who thought that wind and natural gas are renewable sources
of energy. There was an increase of those community members who thought the community should
sacrifice for the good of all of Puerto Rico. Presurveys indicated that 78.5 percent of respondents thought
that politicians cared about citizens' opinions, whereas post-surveys indicated that only 20.9 percent
thought this way. Successful implementation of renewable energy projects in Puerto Rico will need to
consider aspects of social acceptance in addition to technical achievability. The researchers proposed a
Community Acceptance Index for Renewable Energy Projects (CAIREP) at the community level to move
Puerto Rico toward sustainability. CAIREP will include collection of data on communities near identified
renewable energy resources, which will allow integration of social acceptance information with renewable
resources availability data into a map that identifies communities that exhibit high achievability and
acceptability of renewable energy technologies. Another goal is to develop a policy toolbox for the
successful implementation of renewable energy projects in Puerto Rico.
The research questions for the project include: How do communities located where renewable resources
can be extracted perceive current decision-making processes? How is the distribution of costs and benefits
associated with renewable energy projects perceived? What are the perceived economic, environmental,
and aesthetic consequences of a renewable energy project in the targeted community? These three
questions address justice, equity, and impact, respectively. There are similar governmental initiatives
designed to ascertain community acceptance in countries around the world; the European Union leads in
terms of this kind of research. To implement the research on social acceptance in Puerto Rico, it is
The Office of Research and Development 20
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
necessary to ask the following questions: Can sustainability be truly defined? Can Puerto Rico move
toward sustainability? Can researchers speak to the policy relevance of their research? Can researchers say
what is necessary to implement their research island-wide that has not been said already? Sustainability is
defined in very different ways, and the social dimension of sustainability is based on conflict; these
conflicts must be addressed. The key to the achievement of sustainable development is broad public
participation in decision-making.
Discussion
Because of time constraints, Dr. Heberling asked that discussion be saved for later in the session.
Renewable Energy Self-Sufficiency Roadmap of Puerto Rico
Jose Colucci, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix K. Dr. Colucci explained that various studies have
shown that Puerto Rico has the resources necessary for energy self-sufficiency, but the question is
implementation. In March 2011, the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status released a report
indicating that renewable energy was beneficial to Puerto Rico to move toward sustainability. The basic
premise of the work is that Puerto Rico has agreed, as a society, to achieve self-sufficiency in producing all
of the island's electricity while keeping electricity prices at 2010 levels or lower. The study also assumes
that future political will and public policies will be aligned with the goal of energy self-sufficiency. The
goal is not to abandon the grid but rather to update it, incorporating renewable and sustainable tenets.
Biofuels, preferably produced on the island, will run the grid instead of fossil fuels. The transition will
include replacing fossil fuels with variable energy resources. To accomplish this, load reduction and
identification of variables sources will be necessary. Once this is complete, the next step will be to explore
baseload options, including biomass and nonrecyclable waste gasification, landfill energy, anaerobic
digestion, algae oils and ocean-thermal sources. Storage and frequency control will provide stability to the
grid.
A net 17 percent reduction in energy load requirements was projected as technically and economically
feasible given past experience in commercial, residential, and industrial settings. Air conditioning must be
considered; Puerto Rican market acceptance leans toward energy-efficient air conditioners versus other
appliances. Offshore wind represents the largest single potential source of renewable energy for Puerto
Rico. The proposed effective capacity would be approximately 300 megawatts, which is enough to supply
10 percent of projected Puerto Rico electrical energy demand; this proposed capacity is very conservative,
and 10 times the capacity is possible. In terms of strategic crops and biomass, all crops must have multiple
uses to be successful. Pumped water storage provides stability to the system by providing energy when the
wind does not. This type of technology already is being used and must be brought to Puerto Rico. The
various facilities will be placed throughout the island, so it will be important to move past the NIMBY
syndrome. The total investment will be billions of dollars, which will need to be a joint investment between
the government and the people. Once this investment is complete, the cost will be $1 billion annually,
versus the current $2 billion annual investment for petroleum. A constitutional amendment may be needed
to accomplish this.
A key benefit of the implementation of this roadmap will be the creation of direct and indirect jobs, which
can range from 2,000 and 50,000, depending on the percentage of savings that is used for salaries and cash-
flow circulation of the savings. It is important to keep the funds and jobs local. Dr. Colucci highlighted the
example of the inclusion of photovoltaic panels for local energy needs in terms of workforce development
and expansion of local industries. Additionally, income from biofuels could be as much as $5 million to $1
billion annually. To achieve this, a 15- to 20-year commitment is needed. The government needs to move
beyond its comfort zone and examine the areas that are most likely to succeed.
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Discussion
A participant commented that a finance scheme via taxes potentially could work, but trust must be
included. The taxpayers need to know these funds are being used for their intended purposes and not for
political gain. A more transparent government is needed. Dr. Colucci responded that community members
would see the results in their houses or communities (e.g., presence of photovoltaic panels). A direct joint
investment will cost $1 billion annually, and it is necessary to determine from where these funds will come.
A participant asked whether the analysis included the environmental cost of each strategy. For example,
biofuels require intense agriculture. It is necessary to perform a preliminary analysis because this question
will be raised by multiple stakeholders. Dr. Colucci said that it was necessary first to agree to eliminate
fossil fuels. Once this is accomplished, then the components of the plan can be determined. There is no
point in moving forward unless there is an agreement to eliminate fossil fuels.
A participant noted that 50 percent of the roofs on the island could provide 100 percent of Puerto Rico's
electricity needs. Dr. Colucci agreed and stated the importance of being self-sufficient but not necessarily
independent ofthe grid.
A participant mentioned that an agreement to switch to natural gas would involve an agreement to a
transitional process. Dr. Colucci said that natural gas is at the core of a degrading situation because
individuals on both sides of the issue use only their own agendas to drive the discussion and focus on
passing blame. Transitioning to natural gas is the best way to move toward renewable energy, although
natural gas itself is not a renewable energy.
Large-Scale Spread of Vines and Sustainability
Diana L. Delgado, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix L. Ms. Delgado explained that her research was
inspired by her observation of the increasing amount of vine patches over the landscape of Puerto Rico; she
was driven to attempt to understand this occurrence. The vine patches are comprised of multiple species,
both native and exotic. Vines are a functional group of plants represented in more than 80 families and can
be woody or herbaceous. A common characteristic among the species is the need for other structures to
support them. They are important for the economy (e.g., agricultural and ornamental uses) and, until recent
years, generally had been ignored in the literature. Vine invasions are common in other parts of the world,
including the southeastern United States, Australia, and Hawaii.
Many factors favor vine success, including their ability to grow rapidly and make rapid use of available
resources; their life strategy allows them to invest less resources on their own support. Vines are able to
take advantage of human-built infrastructure (e.g., poles and lines of utility networks); this infrastructure
works as corridors that help vines to overcome physical barriers in the landscape. Vine spread alters the
landscape configuration, which in turn can alter the function of the landscape and the services that it
provides, thereby decreasing Sustainability. Additionally, vines increase infrastructure vulnerability.
Because this new, vine-invaded state is very resilient, the vine invasion process makes the state of the
system vulnerable to a shift toward a vine-invaded landscape.
Examining connectivity on a large scale can be challenging, but networks that model invasions can be used
to represent and measure connectivity. Spatially explicit networks provide information about the
configuration of the network in the landscape, including the identification of important clusters or groups.
Networks are a tool used for management and conservation and provide information about the resilience of
the network. Modeling was applied to a central portion of the island along the RGAW. The study area
contains a complex mosaic of environmental conditions (e.g., subtropical forest, mountains, dry forest) and
diverse land uses (e.g., rural, urban, agricultural). This area once was the center of agriculture on the island,
The Office of Research and Development 22
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
but the shift of the population to the coast resulted in many abandoned coffee plantations. The researchers
used image processing of high-resolution satellite imagery to classify the land, followed by an accuracy
assessment. Next, network analysis was performed to determine the probable dispersal of vines among the
existing patches. It is possible to detect the importance of certain patches in terms of connectivity. The
thought is that perhaps if these patches can be eradicated, it will be easier to eradicate the overall system.
Ms. Delgado described the location and size of the vine patches in the study area and the vine network node
degree distribution. Only 16 of 780 found vine patches were highly connected. In terms of infrastructure,
58 percent of poles and 30 percent of lines observed showed vine growth; power company workers
continually clean the lines, which may explain the lower percentage. Among the vines found growing on
the poles, the dominant species was found to be a native woody vine (Cissus verticillata), followed by
Ipomoea species, some of which are exotic. The average length of these vines was llm, but some were
measured at 41 m and crossed streets, hills and small rivers. The researchers concluded the landscape is
dominated by small vine patches. The majority of vine patches cover crop lands, and these patches are
larger than those found in other land uses. In addition, the majority of vine patches have a small number of
connections. The few highly connected vine patches as well as the large clusters of vine patches are found
within 150 m of the road network of secondary and tertiary roads.
Discussion
A participant asked how many individual vines constitute a patch. Ms. Delgado responded the number of
vines is difficult to determine because of the density and tangling. A patch on a satellite image is
100 m2; patches must be dense to be seen on satellite. The participant asked whether the researchers
performed ground-truthing. Ms. Delgado explained that this was part of the accuracy assessment.
A participant asked about the connectivity. Ms. Delgado explained that dispersal was considered. The plan
is to create several networks to allow for minimum and maximum distribution to observe how the
distribution of patches changes.
A participant noted that once invasive species impact local species they become important. There is a
disconnect between reality and people's perceptions of exotic species. What can be done to close this gap
and move biodiversity conservation forward? Ms. Delgado said that this was a good point and added that
most species are noted in the literature after they become a problem. Most people do not understand the
connection, so education is one method of closing the gap. It is important to maintain human well-being,
and many do not understand that ecosystem services are important to this well-being. People need to be
educated to understand this connection.
A participant said that from a policy standpoint, it would be beneficial to examine the different views at the
different levels of analysis; different generations have different views. Use of network analysis is excellent,
and the researchers should go one step further and use social science regarding political views.
A participant asked about the impacts of the vines on the entire canopy, including coverage of species
considered part of sustainability (e.g., fruit). Ms. Delgado responded that part of the problem is that it is
very difficult to restore an area that has been totally invaded to its original state because of the investment,
time, and labor required. This makes the vine-invaded state very resilient, even on active plantations.
Because the vines are extremely fast-growing, intense labor and significant amounts of time are spent
clearing the plantations because they are surrounded by an abundance of vines.
Dr. Heberling opened the discussion to include questions for the three speakers: Drs. Perez-Ortiz and
Colucci and Ms. Delgado.
The Office of Research and Development 23
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
In response to a question from a participant, Dr. Colucci said that it might be possible to use the vines as
biofuel. A participant noted the vines grew into a problem in response to policy; they were used to decrease
erosion. This is an example of an unforeseen circumstance, and it is important to learn from the past.
A participant asked Dr. Perez-Ortiz whether a difference between social acceptance and rejection has been
seen historically. Dr. Perez-Ortiz responded that she did not think so. Some land uses have clear-cut
opposition in any backyard, but wind farms are not clear cut. People tend to agree about their benefits, but
the process can create opposition, and Internet social networks allow for quick organization of opposition.
Another participant added that it is necessary to consider environmental justice. There also have been
arguments among green groups about projects that supposedly are environmentally friendly; people believe
in different levels of environmentalism, which creates a schism. The process of implementation is
important for environmentally sound projects to be sustainable. A participant stated that governance is
another issue that compounds the problems of process.
A participant noted that agriculture is an important stakeholder that was missing from the discussion; this
important sector needs to be included.
In response to a question, Dr. Perez-Ortiz said the perception of the Catano residents that natural gas was a
renewable energy source during the post-survey could have been a result of the massive marketing
campaign for the Via Verde natural gas pipeline. This determination was outside the scope of the research.
She noted that stakeholders have a certain vocabulary, and it is necessary to understand this vocabulary so
the message is not "lost in translation."
Tropical Coastal Sustainability 101: Lessons Learned From the Slippery Road Toward Sustainable
Practices in Puerto Rico Under a Climate of Change
Edwin A. Hernandez-Delgado, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix M. Before providing his recommendations,
Dr. Hernandez-Delgado highlighted a series of lessons learned:
Lesson #1: Caribbean hurricane frequency, and in some areas severity, have increased. It is necessary
to examine Sustainability when developing coastal areas, as they are susceptible to sea level rise
and flooding from hurricanes.
Lesson #2: The sea surface temperatures near Puerto Rico and Culebra have increased. Spring
temperatures are behaving like summer temperatures, creating an extended summer; winter
temperatures also have increased.
Lesson #3: There has been a nonsustainable increase in coastal urban development during the
previous six decades. Per each square kilometer of land in Puerto Rico, there are 3 kilometers of
road; much of this infrastructure is poorly maintained.
Lesson #4: The frequency of localized extreme rainfall events has increased.
Lesson #5: There are indicators of nonsustainability in the socioeconomic development of Puerto
Rico. These indicators include: decreased public participation in governance; permanent negative
done to the environment "for the sake of progress"; continued socioeconomic degradation (e.g.,
increased crime, decreased quality of life); lax regulations (e.g., zoning, environmental); decision-
making processes conducted with significant conflicts of interests and corruption; revenue leakage
(i.e., leaves the island); and lack of recognition that climate change impacts constitute a significant
threat.
The Office of Research and Development 24
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Lesson #6: Large-scale development along watersheds and the coast have resulted in a chronic,
dramatic decline in coastal water quality. This is highlighted by the fact the Great Northeastern
"Reserve" has been abused and is in a permanent state of turbidity.
Lesson #7: Increasing water turbidity has been accompanied by a significant increase in fecal
pollution.
Lesson #8: Chronic fecal pollution, turbidity, and eutrophication kill corals.
Lesson #9: GIS-based modeling shows impacts at the subwatershed level can significantly influence
sewage pollution gradients.
Lesson #10: The major coral reef decline during the previous decades has been accelerated by
unprecedented massive bleaching and coral mortality. There has been a significant loss of reef-
building coral species, causing a collapse in population as well as community structure phase
shifts.
Lesson #11: The richness of coral species has been declining across the Great Northeastern Reserve.
Lesson #12: Coral reefs are on a "road to slime. " There has been an 80 percent loss in coral cover.
Lesson #13: Increasing Fajardo River flow has been accompanied by a significant long-term decline
in Montastraea annularis (boulder star coral) growth and calcification rates.
Lesson #14: Demographic models of recurrent massive bleaching and mass mortalities in M. annularis
suggest rapid extinction.
Lesson #15: A significant fish biomass decline (i.e., loss offish) occurred between 1997 and 2007.
Nontarget fish decline following the loss of coral and other fish is important because overall
decline across different trophic groups suggests significant nonsustainable impacts across large
spatial and temporal scales as a result of fishing impacts and environmental degradation. In
addition, large-scale coral mortality has resulted from climate change-related impacts.
Lesson #16: Coral farming aimed at multispecies reef rehabilitation may be successful. Community-
based rehabilitation is an opportunity to transform behavior in a positive manner.
Dr. Hernandez-Delgado next provided his recommendations for a sustainable Puerto Rico:
Integrate the community into all aspects of the Sustainability process, including discussion of
problems, planning, decision-making, implementation, adaptation, and revision.
Acknowledge that scientists have the responsibility to translate technical knowledge into "normal,"
lay language.
Foster a sustainable development model in Puerto Rico by immediately adopting adaptation
policies to climate change impacts, along with initiatives to reduce the vulnerability of natural and
human systems along the coast to expected climate change effects and improve food security
through appropriate agricultural and fisheries planning and management.
Immediately adopt adaptation policies to climate change impacts with initiatives to: improve water
quality and availability through appropriate water resources management, improve support of
planning and operations in the public health sector, improve disaster risk management, prioritize
capacity building, and ensure greater availability of and access to ecosystem services.
The Office of Research and Development 25
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Review and modify existing international policies of institutions (e.g., World Bank, United Nations
Environment Programme, and U.S. Agency for International Development) so that Puerto Rico is
not in the same category as the United States and, thus, considered a developed nation. This
erroneous classification excludes the island from significant funding and resources directed toward
capacity building.
Provide a moratorium on the Puerto Rico government policy of fostering nonsustainable tourism
and urban development across the coastal zone until an environmentally and socioeconomically
sustainable strategy is implemented through a reviewed, sound land-use plan; a climate change
adaptation strategy; the reincorporation of community-based participatory processes; and
community-based integration into all aspects of the process, including discussion of problems,
planning, decision-making, implementation adaptation and revision.
Reanalyze all permit applications under consideration by commonwealth and federal government
agencies under stricter parameters to ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful community-
based participation.
Eliminate the standard EPA policy of fostering Clean Water Act Section 301(h) waivers to Puerto
Rico regional sewage treatment facilities.
Establish a long-term coastal water quality monitoring program.
Modify existing coastal water quality microbiological standards in Puerto Rico.
Establish nitrogen and phosphorus standards.
Rehabilitate coral reef ecological functions and ecosystem values via community-based coral
farming and reef-restoration initiatives. These successful initiatives have resulted in important
hands-on educational experiences that have fostered a paramount transformation in behaviors.
Expand the current scale of community-based reef management efforts by improving funding to
foster improved capacity building, training and education, and new projects across different
localities in Puerto Rico.
Capitalize on the existing opportunity to ensure that today's investment in coastal tourism and
urban development will not compromise the availability and quality of resources for future
generations.
Use a precautionary approach in investing in coastal development to minimize the risk of and
vulnerability to projected climate change-related impacts.
Transform from the current nonsustainable model to a sustainable alternative.
Discussion
Dr. Heberling held off discussion until after the final speaker of the morning.
The Office of Research and Development 26
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Community-Based Efforts for Sustainable Conservation and Management of Coral Reefs at Vega Baja
and Manati, Puerto Rico
Ricardo Laureano, Vegabajenos Impulsando Desarrollo Ambiental Sustentable (VIDAS) (Vegabajenos
Promoting Sustainable Environmental Development)
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix N. Mr. Laureano stated that Acroporid coral
populations have largely declined across the Atlantic during the last four decades as a result of a
combination of natural and human factors, including climate change. The north shore reefs of Puerto Rico
also have seen this decline. Coral reefs across the high-energy but poorly studied northern coast of Puerto
Rico still support impressively large thickets of threatened Elkhorn coral; fringing reefs off Vega Baja and
Manati have very high densities of this species. If the government continues the practice of using the
maritime terrestrial zone as a site for permanent structures, the whole archipelago will be destroyed without
the protection of the natural coastal barriers and the food source the reefs represent; enforcement also is an
issue. Growing the coral reef to stabilize the breakers is the way to manage the water level rise associated
with climate change.
Without permits, a private company contracted by the municipio of Vega Baja affected the ecosystems.
Since 2004, the company has been required to follow an EPA order to minimize impacts within the water
bodies. This construction, however, increased chronic turbidity, coral mortality and illegal raw sewage
spills. The mayor of Vega Baja has been convicted of sponsoring illegal activities on the shore. In another
instance, a private company was hired by the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority to
construct state road 686. The company was informed about the importance of the coral reef and the
measures necessary to minimize impacts but ignored them, which resulted in coral mortality. Because the
Elkhorn coral is a threatened species, an Endangered Species Act 4(d) rule was put in place in Vega Baja,
but the rule has not been enforced. There is a nearby landfill that was supposed to close and whose
administrator was involved in the extortion case against the convicted former mayor of Vega Baja, but the
leachate from this landfill still is draining into the river, which in turn drains into the sea and affects the
coral, local fish population and consumers of these fish. Nutrient levels are very high in the water near
Vega Baja, and the water treatment plant does not cover the actual capacity of the municipio. A proposed
zoning change near Manati will allow hotel construction in the buffer zone of the Laguna Tortuguero
Natural Reserve; VIDAS has publicly testified about the need to protect this area and demanded a signed
commitment from the mayor of Manati to oppose the zoning change. This commitment is important
because even in the protected zone, construction disrupted a turtle nesting ground and destroyed many
turtle eggs. Despite rules and orders from agencies, there is no enforcement, even in protected zones. To
rectify this, it is necessary to combine efforts; VIDAS is working with the scientific community and agency
members.
Mr. Laureano described low-tech conservation efforts, including nursery units to develop coral fragments.
Cleaning and maintenance of coral nurseries is the main focus of coral farming projects. Direct coral
planting is the fastest method of promoting living reef coverage. VIDAS proposes to: (1) develop an
ecofriendly runoff management plan that will function as a model for other communities with similar
issues, (2) formerly designate the Los Jardines Submarine de Vega Baja-Manati Natural Reserve and
include the communities in the development of the management plan, (3) develop an educational program
about sustainable use and respect of nature, and (4) foster communities with ecotourism projects for the
cultural benefits of Puerto Rico's coastal villages.
Discussion
Dr. Heberling held off discussion until after the final speaker of the morning.
The Office of Research and Development 27
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Fostering Employment-Linked Training Opportunities in Coastal Research and Restoration as a Vehicle
for Change Toward Implementing Long-Term Ecologically Sustainable Behaviors: Case Studies From
Culebra Island, Puerto Rico
Mary Ann Lucking, CORALations
The PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix O. Ms. Lucking explained the mission of
CORALations is to conserve, nurture, and educate. In its efforts to conserve, CORALations is a coastal
clean water advocate and obtained a court ruling that requires EPA to upgrade Puerto Rico's water quality
standards and implement an antidegradation policy. CORALations' "watchdogs" chronic illegal and/or
unsustainable coastal development and carries some of these actions through the courts. To nurture,
CORALations has been a Reef Ball artificial reef systems distributor since 1997 and engages in
community coral farming and transplanting with local scientists and the University of Puerto Rico. To
educate, the organization has established an ocean studies classroom at Culebra's Eco-School to teach
visiting groups via an after-school program and summer camps.
Flamenco Beach on Culebra previously was used by the U.S. military and North Atlantic Treaty
Organization for military target practice and is littered with unexploded ordinance. Although cleanup is
underway, no bombs have been removed despite the $11 million that has been spent on the effort; this is a
result of poor management. The roads on Culebra are constructed with no planning and often are placed in
dry river beds. Illegal clearing occurs, and the reporting of such acts often actually fosters them. EPA
enforcement frequently is a lengthy process; in one situation, the violation was issued by the Agency
9 months after its initial site visit, which allowed for significant deforestation during the delay. The Costa
Bonita Resort was built despite local opposition. Although Culebra enjoys possibly the strictest
environmental legal protections in the Caribbean, including protective low-density zoning laws and a civil
code criminalizing environmental harm, all Agency oversight depends on citizen reports, and the most
meaningful actions by EPA depend on citizen suits. Citizens have been threatened after reporting. Although
the perception is that Culebrans are not aware of the importance of environmental conservation, this is not
true. The local commercial fishermen's association proposed a no-take reserve in the waters of Puerto Rico
in 1981. As a result, the first no-take marine reserve in Puerto Rico was designated as such in 1999.
Current environmental education in Puerto Rico is undertaken apart from researchers and focuses on future
stakeholders; however, many individuals leave the island, so the education is lost. In addition,
implementing environmentally sustainable behavioral changes requires more than awareness, so a new
approach that uses economic incentives to maximize limited resources and facilitate more sustainable
behaviors is needed. CORALations has initiated a case study that engages local youth in a coral farming
and transplanting project by providing them with their dive certifications in exchange for work. Another
case study employs three local youths in a fish health study; these three jobs make a great deal of
difference. To educate about erosion control, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) has committed $70,000 for 3 years to train local heavy equipment operators; however,
enforcement is needed to ensure the contractors use the BMPs they have learned.
CORALations has developed a list of 14 recommendations:
1. Remove policy gaps to prevent lobbying of nondiscretionary duties of oversight between agencies
in terms of land clearing.
2. Restore enforcement and meaningful response time.
3. Maximize limited financial, human, and temporal resources by making local employment a
requirement in Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
4. Maximize limited financial, human, and temporal resources by relying on local scientists.
The Office of Research and Development 28
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
5. Use GIS aerial data to monitor coastal impacts, and provide these resources free to watchdogs.
6. Provide ethics seminars for employees so they understand the amount of money a violator
possesses should not influence enforcement actions.
7. Abandon mitigation deals.
8. Appoint a district attorney who is educated in and devoted only to environmental crimes.
9. Abandon complex balanced fishery management legislation and work from the bottom up to create
small marine-protected areas within local communities.
10. Abandon top-down approaches (e.g., requiring local organizations to partner with large
nongovernmental organization competitors).
11. Implement "connected contractor" oversight so that RFP focus is dictated by science rather than
connected contractors.
12. Listen to economists and social scientists to encourage behavioral changes.
13. Reward fishermen when they "step up and do the right thing."
14. Consider management alternatives in unexploded ordinance cleanup for Vieques and Culebra and
implement no-anchor zones as a safety measure.
Discussion
Dr. Heberling opened the discussion for questions to all three speakers: Dr. Hernandez-Delgado,
Mr. Laureano, and Ms. Lucking.
A participant commented that regulatory agencies cannot be expected to perform ministerial duties.
Citizens should sue perpetrators who violate environmental acts and laws; these lawsuits hurt the
perpetrators financially. Ms. Lucking said that planning must occur; these suits happen after damage
already has occurred, so oversight must be a priority. Federal funding for coastal zone management should
be used for planning; Culebra has benefited from this approach. A participant added that a doctrine that he
learned in graduate school was that only strict oversight can control human behavior until an environmental
activist then came along who encouraged everyone to examine institutional arrangements that may curb
human behavior and to look at others as collaborators rather than negatively. Top-down "command and
control" does not work.
Ms. Lucking said that from a nonregulatory standpoint it is challenging to deal with the government
because of the policy structure. Agencies can alter how the money is distributed by modifying RFPs so they
require local participation.
A participant asked what actions academicians could take. What is desired of stakeholders? Ms. Lucking
replied that multidisciplinary alliances and partnerships are beneficial. Dr. Hernandez-Delgado added that
working with the people in communities also is desirable. For example, VIDAS educated and trained
locals, and now they can act on their own. Sociologists and individuals from other disciplines are needed.
Regarding funding, some agencies have serious limitations. NOAA is limited to focusing on specific
geographic areas, and those of greater priority are ignored. Short-term vision is preventing the ability to
accomplish things.
The Office of Research and Development 29
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant provided a caution about partnerships, which can romanticize the role of locals who have
jobs, families, church, and so forth as priorities. EPA personnel are paid; the locals are not. Ms. Lucking
said that a goal was to pay the locals as well (i.e., use funding to engage fisherman rather than print
brochures). Another participant said that what the locals accomplish already should not be overlooked. A
participant thought the funding issue was part of the command-and-control philosophy. Ms. Lucking noted
that matching nonfederal funds could be problematic. Those with funds may not be as effective as the
community, which does not have funds. Mr. Laureano said that his group is submitting numerous proposals
to obtain funding. Dr. Hernandez-Delgado stated there is a conflict of interest in terms of some RFPs in that
those administering the grants also are competing for them.
The Automated Remote Biodiversity Monitoring Network (ARBIMON)
T. Mitchell Aide, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
The PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix P. Dr. Aide explained the research, management,
and conservation communities need better long-term data for fauna. Automated data collection is more
advantageous than typical data collection because real-time data can be collected across many sites 24
hours per day, 365 days per year. There is no observer bias, and a permanent, verifiable, open-access record
of the data is available. The automated portion of ARBIMON uses wireless Internet technology to collect
real-time images and sound. Its remote capability allows solar-powered data collection in areas that are
difficult to access. The network provides frequent, long-term information about diverse bird, amphibian,
insect, bat, fish, and marine animal species. ARBIMON is user-driven, global and utilizes cloud computing.
Images and sounds the microphones and cameras record in the field are accessed in real-time via a website,
and machine learning allows for automated species identification. Currently, the website offers more than 1
million recordings.
The current permanent stations are located in El Verde, Puerto Rico; Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico; La Selva,
Costa Rica; and Hawaii. The Sabana Seca site was chosen because previously unknown coqui species were
identified in the area. Portable, iPod touch-based recorders can be placed in temporary sites and their data
uploaded to the laboratory. The heart of the system is the dynamic website that is open to everyone. The
system also includes web-based visualization software and tools, and an algorithm is capable of identifying
regions of interest. The information is used to create species-specific models for species detection,
identification, and monitoring. The researchers also have used the system to analyze the effects of
anthropogenic noise on Anuran and bird communities in Puerto Rico, finding that high road noise has a
negative effect on bird diversity. In addition, the bird songs were found to overlap with low-frequency
traffic noise. Another advantage of the network is the ability to monitor rare species, such as the Costa
Rican tink frog and the Puerto Rican crested toad. A traditional census generally produces 26 observations
of the tink frog per year, whereas ARBIMON recorded 10,605 observations. This allows researchers to
reduce field technician travel expenses by facilitating targeted travel. The goal is to expand ARBIMON to
many sites across Puerto Rico.
Discussion
Dr. Hopton observed the equipment must have some bias and asked whether it could be corrected by
ground-truthing by field personnel. Dr. Aide stated that field biologists never would be eliminated. Bias is
reduced because the data collected by multiple investigators may not be comparable.
A participant asked whether the researchers were concerned about safety issues and the integrity of the
equipment. Dr. Aide conceded the permanent stations have solar panels that attract human visitors. The
iPod Touches are buried underground to reduce theft; every one that was placed in the field was recovered
1 year later.
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant asked about equipment cost and the image data. Dr. Aide explained the cameras send images
in real-time via the Internet, which allows the information to be more useful. Most of the cost comes from
personnel. The portable stations cost approximately $500 to $600, and the permanent stations cost $4,000
to $5,000.
A participant asked whether there were any problems with automated species identification in noise-rich
environments. Dr. Aide responded that one site in Brazil was home to more than 300 birds and there were
12 to 15 different calls per minute; this was challenging. The sites in Puerto Rico have not been a
challenge. Additionally, the algorithms can be improved to improve species identification.
A participant asked whether call frequency was found to be correlated with species density. Dr. Aide
replied that this analysis had not been carried out but could be performed in the future. Currently, the
researchers are examining presence and absence data, but they are interested in converting it to abundance
data.
The Distribution of Pollution and Environmental Justice in Puerto Rico: A Quantitative Analysis
Shanshan Wu, EPA, ORD, NRMRL
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix Q. Dr. Wu explained that this study attempted to
understand environmental inequalities and health in Puerto Rico, examining two related issuespollution
distribution and environmental justice. To measure pollution distribution, the researchers used an
environmental Gini coefficient, which is an inequality measure used mostly for income distribution.
According to environmental justice literature, pollution is related to socioeconomic and demographic
indicators. Regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship. EPA's Toxic Releases Inventory
(TRI) provided data for the study, and the researchers examined releases into all media, particularly air,
from 2000 to 2008; this timeframe allowed the use of a stable data set. The municipio was the spatial unit;
release data are available for 50 municipios. The results indicated that releases to all media and to air have
significantly decreased over time.
The next step was to investigate distribution of releases to determine whether different municipios
experience the same amount of releases. An environmental Gini coefficient can quantify the distribution of
toxic releases. Gini is bounded within the interval (0, 1); zero indicates perfect equality, and one indicates
perfect inequality. The calculation of this coefficient indicated that it increased slightly for air and all media
releases and that releases are unequally distributed across municipios in Puerto Rico. This unequal
distribution of releases implies that people in different municipios may be suffering different levels of
releases, which contradicts the principle of environmental justice. Therefore, the next step was to
investigate environmental justice in Puerto Rico.
According to EPA, environmental justice is achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection
from environmental hazards. Based on environmental justice literature, the researchers selected several
socioeconomic and demographic indicators (race, population density, poverty, education, housing rental
status, age, unemployment, and car ownership) that may be related to releases. A quantile regression
approach was used to estimate the regression model, and because this is not commonly applied in
environmental economics, ordinary least squares and Tobit approaches also were used. Results indicated
the strongest relationship was between indicators and all-media releases in municipios with the fewest
releases (lowest quintile) and most releases (highest quintile). Poverty level had no strong relationship with
releases, and education had strong relationships with releases; municipios with a high percentage of poorly
educated individuals were more likely to experience releases. An interesting finding that needs more study
is the percentage of renter-occupied housing was negatively related to releases in the most polluted
municipios. In terms of air releases, the relationship between indicators and releases was similar; however,
poverty was a significant estimate in the most-released municipios. Income variables were used in a
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
sensitivity analysis, and results indicated that income differentials were not strongly related to releases in
Puerto Rico.
Dr. Wu summarized the large estimates of the environmental Gini coefficient imply that toxic releases are
unequally distributed in Puerto Rico, but inequality did not increase between 2000 and 2008. Indicators of
nonwhite population, population density, education, age, unemployment and car ownership have clear and
significant relationships with toxic releases. To policy makers, a focus on education and unemployment is
important because both indicators are clearly and strongly related to toxic releases.
Discussion
In response to a question from a participant, Dr. Wu explained that TRI is a data inventory that was
developed and has been used by EPA since 1988. Facilities are required to file their release information
with the Agency annually. A participant from the EQB added the EQB cooperates with EPA in this regard,
requiring all municipios to report their release information.
In response to a comment from a participant, Dr. Wu noted the coefficient of determination value was large
enough to perform the regression analysis.
A participant asked how releases in Puerto Rico sites compared to U.S. sites per capita. Dr. Wu responded
that this comparison had not been performed; comparative analysis is planned for the future.
A participant asked whether the reason for the decrease in releases occurred because of plant closings or
because plants were taking environmentally protective measures. Dr. Wu said that TRI data affect the share
price of companies on the stock market, so there is a financial incentive to reduce releases. A participant
said that in the 1990s, the major polluters were the pharmaceutical companies; now the largest polluter in
Puerto Rico is the government. He would be interested in examining individual polluters, including
pharmaceutical companies and electricity producers. Another participant noted that different data could be
reported over time.
A participant asked about the inclusion of Asian as a race in the study. Dr. Wu responded that she had not
completed a summary of Asians living in Puerto Rico.
Comprehensive Disaster Reduction: A Social Vulnerability Index for Puerto Rico
Jenniffer M. Santos-Hernandez, University of Delaware
This PowerPoint presentation can be found in Appendix R. Ms. Santos-Hernandez explained that Puerto
Rico's topography, climate and geographic location make extreme weather events very probable. Changing
weather patterns have been observed, and weather events often have led to disasters. Demographic and
economic research shows the development policies implemented in Puerto Rico have not or only partially
succeeded. The industrial sector has declined, and it is argued that Puerto Rico has transitioned into a
service economy. Employment opportunities in the emerging sector are different and often less profitable
than previously. To absorb the increasing unemployment, the public sector became the largest employer.
Additionally, Puerto Rico has been a laboratory for many social policies, and many benefits and problems
have been the result.
Inadequate planning and zoning have led to a large increase in the number of persons living in areas
susceptible to storm surge, tsunami, and flooding. Governmental policy also has contributed to increasing
physical vulnerability by allowing high-rise construction projects along coastal areas and by locating
critical infrastructure in known at-risk areas. It is important to study development because it often leads to
vulnerability. Disasters are social processes, and framing vulnerability as an issue of capital accumulation
affords an opportunity to understand the differential impact and consequences of disasters. Comprehensive
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
vulnerability management can be defined as "holistic integrated activities directed toward the reduction of
emergencies and disasters by diminishing risk and susceptibility and building of resistance and resilience."
The challenge of creating a vulnerability index is that it is a static view of a population and is limited in its
ability to monitor changes. It is difficult to determine what is occurring from a social aspect; it is necessary
to examine each community to determine the root of the problem.
Ms. Santos-Hernandez's graduate work examined social vulnerability to coastal hazards; the accumulation
of disadvantage was used to develop a social vulnerability score. Results indicated that although the
population residing in exposed areas increased from 1990 to 2000, there has been an observed decline in
most vulnerability indicators. This finding may raise questions about the use of demographic indicators
only to assess social vulnerability. High vulnerability is characteristic of deindustrialized areas, and there is
a need to develop emergency preparedness and response plans that address the needs of a changing
population with relatively high levels of vulnerability. It also is necessary to prepare proactively to meet the
needs of those with disabilities and an increasingly older population residing in areas exposed to hazards.
Despite the decline in vulnerability indicators (e.g., poverty, low education), they remain quite high,
particularly in comparison to the United States. The researchers developed a Disaster Decision Support
Tool with various layers that are of use to emergency managers, who were trained to use these data in a
useful manner.
Ms. Santos-Hernandez's current doctoral work focuses on how the governance of disasters and
emergencies is shared in Puerto Rico, and she has completed in-depth interviews with emergency managers
and National Weather Service personnel. The research highlights important differences in terms of the role
of emergency managers, levels of training, access, preferences and use of information sources compared to
the organizational features of the Agenda Estatal Para el Manejo de Emergencias (State Agency for
Emergency and Disaster Management). Preliminary findings indicate that shared conventions, expectations,
and cultural concerns are brought to bear when making decisions; the culture of Puerto Rico mediates how
the agencies work. Upper-level managers are concerned about job security of their employees because there
often is a cycle of increased hiring preceding an election and firing following an election. The researchers
are focusing on case studies of the municipios of Dorado and Catano to understand how social
vulnerabilities play out in communities, in addition to examining the evolution of risks in Catano and the
role of the municipio in Puerto Rico's development. Preliminary findings indicate a variety of themes (e.g.,
changes in transportation, land use, energy, soil; drugs and violence; community resistance to government
intervention), and there are conflicts among community organizations on various issues. The Caribbean
Petroleum Corporation explosion in Catano illustrates the pre-existing vulnerability in the region.
Ms. Santos- Hernandez reiterated that her research suggests the need to develop emergency preparedness
and response plans that attend the needs of a changing population with relatively high levels of
vulnerability. The majority of disaster scholars, however, are not expert in bringing about massive cultural
change. It is necessary to prepare to meet the needs of the elderly and those with disabilities and to develop
and implement programs that increase awareness and mitigation of hazards that more frequently affect
communities. Finally, there is a need to review emergency management and disaster policies to better
prepare for such events.
Discussion
Dr. Heberling invited discussion for all three speakers: Drs. Aide and Wu and Ms. Santos-Hernandez.
A participant asked Dr. Wu whether EPA considers all communities in Puerto Rico as environmental
justice communities. Dr. Wu responded the research was performed across the entire island, and she is
unsure how to define an environmental justice community. Dr. Heberling added that this was completely
outside the scope of the research and the role of ORD. The Region 2 Environmental Justice Coordinator
would be able to answer that question.
The Office of Research and Development 33
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant asked how a stakeholder could access TRI data (e.g., National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System [NPDES] permitting violations). Dr. Wu explained that TRI data are publicly available
on the TRI website. A participant from the EQB explained the EQB did not have jurisdiction over NPDES.
A participant asked whether water quality data for Puerto Rico are available online. Dr. Wu said that TRI
data on water releases are available.
A participant stated that President Clinton had signed a bill regarding the monitoring of coastal waters with
recreational use. The EQB was provided with $300,000 to monitor the coasts, but he has been unable to
determine how the funds are being used. The participant from the EQB said that public notice had been
given on the matter; 19 beaches are monitored on a continuous basis, and the rest are monitored every 1 to
2 weeks.
Facilitated SessionFeedback From Participants
Dr. Hopton remarked there is a need for the scientific community to determine how to affect decision-
making so that decisions are made based on sound science rather than on financial incentives or lobbying.
Puerto Rico decision-makers are interested in this type of decision-making, and it is necessary to begin
collaboration between researchers and decision-makers to ensure that sustainability research is useful for
decision-making and, if it is not, how it can be made useful. He explained that ORD has clients; anyone can
contact the office for assistance. Although EPA is regulatory, ORD is not. The sustainability work in the
SLB led the Puerto Rico government and Region 2 to contact the research team to discuss its metrics
research. The governor's office appointed a contact person so that Puerto Rico agencies remain involved in
the research, and the governor of Puerto Rico sent EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson a letter thanking her for
EPA research in Puerto Rico. Dr. Hopton reiterated the Puerto Rico government has expressed interest in
using sustainability research in its decision-making. Finally, it is necessary to address problems at a smaller
scale to effect global change. ORD would like to provide communities with the tools to do so, recognizing
there are trade-offs (e.g., Puerto Rico may benefit even if a specific community does not).
A participant noted there is a clear lack of knowledge about what research academicians in Puerto Rico are
performing. What has ORD staff learned during the past 2 days? Dr. Hopton thought that a lesson learned
was that it is necessary for all stakeholders and researchers to reach out to work with others. Because ORD
researchers do not have access to the Spanish literature, utilizing those who do would broaden the available
expertise for inclusion in the effort.
A participant asked what information presented during the symposium ORD staff members had found
relevant for their research. Dr. Hopton replied that all of the presentations and discussions had been
relevant. ORD researchers have expertise with four metrics. These four metrics capture sustainability, but
are they useful? Is this information that Puerto Rico cares about? Metrics provide a snapshot of the system.
It is beneficial to examine the general system, but issues important to the island must be monitored and
quantified. ORD ecologists, lawyers, economists and so forth can focus on Puerto Rico, but they do not
have local expertise. The goal is for ORD metrics research in Puerto Rico to be as inclusive as possible and
focus on important island issues.
A participant stated there are different methods to achieve sustainability (e.g., habitat, water) and asked
whether ORD staff members have a template for sustainability strategies. Dr. Hopton replied they had not
developed such a template because Puerto Rico stakeholders must be included in identifying the island's
important issues for concern. One single project will not satisfy all of the issues. Dr. Heberling asked the
participants whether they had developed a strategy for sustainability. ORD brought metrics and now would
like to know what Puerto Rico finds useful and what the Puerto Rico researchers think is a good template.
A participant thought there were so many possible frameworks that sustainability might be unobtainable
under a strict timeline.
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Dr. Hopton commented that sometimes it is necessary to identify just one or a few important issues for a
system; as a group, the participants could reach a consensus on these items. Once there is a general idea of
where Puerto Rico wants to go, then the researchers can determine how to get there. Sustainability is a
moving target as a result of changes in technology, population, demand for resources and so forth; it is
necessary to adapt and change with the system.
A participant stated that, according to the literature, energy is a key component of Sustainability at all
levels. A philosophy for Puerto Rico's sustainable energy future must be developed, and a serious strategy
regarding energy and vulnerability must be established.
A participant remarked that pollution is a significant issue, and if the island relies on nonrenewable sources
of energy, Puerto Rico never will be a sustainable society. A participant said that recognition that a true
shared governance process must exist is needed; another participant strongly agreed. This process must
include full accountability, transparency and a genuine desire for true participation. Another participant
noted that human behavior must be studied in addition to the natural sciences and technology. If the wrong
practices are in place, Puerto Rico never will reach Sustainability. Research in all areas is needed to ensure
that this does not happen.
Dr. Hopton wondered whether the steps of the process should be completed simultaneously or in an ordered
fashion. A participant thought they needed to be concurrent because they feed into each other. Another
participant said the process needs a facilitator. Dr. Hopton stated that ORD recognizes this need, and the
staff members hoped their Puerto Rico colleagues could provide a facilitator.
A participant stated that Sustainability is not decided independently. There is a process that needs to include
everyone and possess a good flow of information. Every energy source has environmental impacts;
decisions must include knowledge about the choices and the pros and cons of each choice. Although
different stakeholders have different interests, it is necessary to reach a consensus. A great deal of
information in the natural sciences, particularly marine science, already exists, but the social and political
landscape must be included as drivers. Behavior, which is variable and has many effects, must be included
in the Sustainability indicators. The social component of Sustainability must be included.
A participant said that researchers have been compiling information, but what do they want to achieve?
Goals and policy must be determined because that will determine the possible scenarios. Is the current plan
to replace manufacturing on the island with tourism sustainable? This plan will affect coastal resilience. It
is necessary to establish a baseline of current conditions and then monitor changes. A shared vision of
future directions is needed, and stakeholders must be included in developing this vision.
A participant remarked that Sustainability is a scenario. It is necessary to include multiple disciplines so
there is common information and knowledge; each discipline manages different types of information, so
compiling all of this information would be beneficial to create a different dynamic. It would be helpful to
determine how trends (e.g., oil imports, murder, deforestation) have changed during the past 10 years.
Trends are incredibly valuable so that everyone has common information. A document including graphs of
the 100 most important variables would be beneficial so that trends during the past 10 to 20 years could be
examined. A participant said the Federal Emergency Management Agency performed a hazardous risk
communication study in Culebra that measured 16 parameters (e.g., land use, high risk areas) and released
the results as a GIS map overlay.
A participant noted there are many opinions in Puerto Rico; the federal government, however, can be
objective, and that objectivity is needed. There are data that all agree are valid, but objectivity in assessing
these data still would be helpful. Dr. Hopton remarked that participants had mentioned several times that
more data are not needed; however, data are needed for decision-making, and the current data will be
questioned in terms of quality. The four metrics that ORD selected are data intensive; three are infinite in
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
their data needs. As much data as possible is needed because not all data are at the appropriate spatial scale.
How are data obtained? If the data have been collected, why are they difficult to obtain? Data collected
with public funds need to be available, so it is necessary to determine where data can be found. Another
data topic is generalizability. The United States aggregates the local data that it collects to obtain a
generalizable average, but different portions of the population will behave differently.
A participant suggested that Puerto Rico graduate students could collect data; this would allow collection of
data while training new scientists. Another participant said that before data are compiled, it is necessary to
determine what research others are performing. The benefit of this symposium is the ability to network.
How can the data be compiled if others do not know data exist? ORD should become a "bulletin board" for
Puerto Rico to publicize data that feed into the measures of sustainability. Dr. Hopton thought the data
should be kept locally. Although the University of Puerto Rico is a government entity, it is perceived
differently than a government agency, so this could be one option for a data repository. A participant said
that EPA initiated this effort and is interested and asked why it could not provide an outlet for the data and
information created daily. A common repository for Puerto Rico sustainability data is needed. Another
participant thought that it was a good idea to have a common repository for data but had strong reservations
about sharing data through the ORD website because it becomes the property of the federal government.
Dr. Hopton suggested that it was better to find a local repository because ORD's Puerto Rico project may
not have funding in 2013 or future years.
A participant remarked that collaboration could hinder the collection of data. Is it better to have more data
or better to have the best variables? Dr. Hopton asked what variables are needed. Inexpensive, simple, and
less-precise data may be more beneficial than expensive, more-accurate data. A participant said that most
of the variables are supposed to be collected by the government. Establishing a database/platform within
the local governments to share and collect data may be a better approach. Another participant noted that a
good deal of geophysical and chemical research has been compiled, and more than 150 peer-reviewed
papers are available.
A participant thought the group was discussing two different issues. As a group, it is necessary to address
the issues in an orderly manner. Another participant said that it was necessary to develop a blueprint for
sustainability to ensure the research in Puerto Rico is useful to establish a baseline. The system will change
(e.g., elections), and many variables (e.g., gasification, landfills) must be taken into account. It is beneficial
to collaborate to discuss expectations. A participant did not think that it mattered where the platform was
established; the many data at different levels cannot be integrated. Another participant said that if the
repository is placed at the federal level, it could be used as a national security tool.
A participant noted the driver of any political system is participation. Another participant commented that
decision-making in Puerto Rico is dominated by a certain group; the public never is consulted about its
vision for Puerto Rico. The citizens benefit from science, particularly when it is used for decision-making.
A participant stated that some entities with funding to collect data influence the results. Researchers are not
trained with the political process in mind nor how to broker information for decision-makers. There are
"honest brokers" and "entrepreneurs." How can scientists become more entrepreneurial when making their
research more policy relevant? Researchers have not studied methods to organize themselves to better
move research through the policy process. Scientists can examine behavior and determine how to be better
entrepreneurs of their data in certain situations, even though this goes against their training.
A participant remembered the first time that he heard the term "sustainability" in 1975; the word invokes
freedom and democracy. It must be framed in terms of both.
A participant thought that usability must include a scale of action, and planning implies scales of action. It
is necessary to identify what data are available on what scales so that data can be organized and better
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
utilized. How can a project be funded to achieve sustainable goals? Short-, medium- and long-term goals
are needed. Deciding how and when to act is a temporal issue.
A participant noted that because of the Autonomous Municipalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Act, the government does not have power over municipios; therefore, it is difficult to institute goals.
Dr. Hopton reiterated that it is necessary to find a balance within the overlap among the three pillars; there
must be environmental, economic, and social benefits while recognizing there will be trade-offs. Once the
benefits have been demonstrated, others will buy in. It is necessary to ensure that decision-makers have the
tools they need from a scientific perspective.
A participant asked for clarification that EPA is seeking from this group "a" vision for sustainability in
Puerto Rico rather than "the" vision. Dr. Hopton agreed that this is a starting point. One lesson learned
during the symposium is that inclusion and representation must be increased. ORD scientists needed to
choose a place to begin, so those researchers found through a literature search were invited to participate.
The expectation was the symposium would initiate a dialogue so that researchers could provide input about
what actions need to be taken to ensure a sustainable Puerto Rico. The goal was for the decision-makers to
be present for the discussion so they could indicate why they are not using the data the researchers make
available. In turn, the researchers could incorporate this information into their research plan and improve
their research so that it is used for decision-making.
A participant stated that it was difficult to develop a list of actions to promote sustainability in Puerto Rico
following 2 days of presentations. Another participant asked about ORD vision of outputs. His vision is to
change the mindset of individuals. Achieving a new state of consciousness regarding sustainability would
be a great contribution to sustainability in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Hopton explained that ORD had invited the heads of every Puerto Rico agency. Local researchers also
were invited because the office wanted to reach out to the wider scientific community working on
sustainability in Puerto Rico to collaborate; the ORD researchers recognized they do not have the toolset to
help Puerto Rico best. The goal was to bring everyone together to determine what collaborations and
actions are needed to move the island toward a path of sustainability. The collaborators could develop a
research plan and work together with the common goal of improving the system. A participant said that if
this was the goal, the format of the meeting should have been a roundtable discussion rather than a
workshop. Dr. Hopton replied the original intention was to have breakout sessions, working groups, a
budget, more staff and a facilitator, but unforeseen circumstances forced a decision between the current
format and canceling the effort completely. The ORD staff is comprised of three members trying to reach
out to the local community to obtain the expertise and knowledge to be a success. This staff will continue
to attempt to initiate a dialogue with decision-makers and discuss the conversations and presentations at
this meeting.
A participant said that visions would be different for different individuals. Working at the local level may
be feasible, but scaling the effort up to the island level may be difficult. Another participant thought the
main issue was that Puerto Rico has many scientists who can provide expert advice, but the decision-
makers do not care to hear it. The question is how to allow scientists to provide data to decision-makers and
the public so that it is understandable and can be used to provide a vision of sustainability for Puerto Rico.
This vision must be based on scientific information and not on a top-down approach. A participant noted
that sustainability initiatives foster job growth, so the economic benefits will resonate with decision-makers
and the public.
A participant noted that it is important to communicate to the decision-makers there is economic benefit in
"doing the right thing." The media should be aware of this discussion to further incentivize decision-
makers; a reporter from Caribbean Business should have been invited. A participant thought that it was
The Office of Research and Development 37
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
important the data are publicly available so the public can make a decision and pursue action from their
policy-makers. A participant explained that part of "Policy Analysis 101" is that politicians do not go to the
public unless they know the outcome. It is necessary to know in advance, what is desired of the decision-
makers and then make them accountable. Dr. Hopton explained that decision-makers have told EPA that if
ORD provides the tools, they will use them. The researchers must develop these tools. Many countries have
realized the importance of sustainability and are incorporating it into their plans; these can be models for
decision-makers in Puerto Rico. It is important to be inclusive and work with the decision-makers to
develop tools for sustainable decisions.
A participant stated there are contacts who can tell whether government data is of good or poor quality; it is
necessary to evaluate the data, compare data from different sources, and use this information to make
decisions. Key people need to receive these data. What entity should collect it? A task force should be
established to explore sustainable choices; some visions are not sustainable. Instead of business as usual,
sustainable alternatives must be sought and implemented.
A participant said that development has been highlighted in the media. The current development model
must be reconceptualized. If the sustainable vision is aligned with items in the current agenda, then the
resulting actions can be undertaken quickly and easily. The first three objectives should be given to the task
force with a deadline.
Dr. Hopton said that ORD researchers would like to develop a collaborative research project with sustain-
ability experts and tailor it so that decision-makers can use it to improve the future of Puerto Rico. The
collaboration would use government funds to reach out to academia and NGOs, taking into account what
the decision-makers need. Dr. Heberling added the metrics have been presented to the Puerto Rico
government, but metrics cannot be used as goals.
A participant noted the first tenet of sustainability is the community and the public must be engaged.
Another participant agreed with the creation of a task force to move forward with the sustainability effort.
There needs to be a commitment from this group to continue compiling information and promoting the
sustainability effort. It would be beneficial to create a document that expresses the needs (i.e., What
knowledge is needed to move forward?). A participant thought that it was important to summarize the
recommendations from the presenters at this symposium and present them to the decision-makers. A
participant remarked that decision-makers are fluid entities.
Dr. Hopton asked whether the first duty of the task force should be to meet regularly. The participants
agreed that regular meetings of the task force were important. A participant thought the task force should
be comprised of sustainability researchers. The heads of the universities were suggested as stakeholders
who should be included, but another participant thought their main concern would be the capacity building
of students rather than sustainability.
Dr. Hopton said that if the task force presents accomplishments, even small ones, the effort will be seen as
positive, and it will grow. The government must agree that sustainability is important, and then a vision can
be formulated. A participant thought that indicators of attitude, knowledge, and self-reported behaviors
were needed. Another participant said that it was necessary to engage the decision-makers so they did not
just "listen and smile." A participant noted the decision-makers of today might not be the decision-makers
of tomorrow. All parties should be approached, and the task force should transcend parties so that it
continues no matter which party is in office. If the task force is seen as something belonging to the current
government, it may be discarded when there is a new government. Dr. Hopton agreed and said the original
goal was to have accomplishments established by the time of the election so that it would be a large enough
effort to guarantee that it would go forward during the next administration. A participant noted there must
be wider dissemination of information to encourage adoption of sustainability practices; if all six of the
The Office of Research and Development
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
political parties include Sustainability in their platforms, the effort will have a basis for continuing. Another
participant agreed that a release of information could change government efforts.
A participant reiterated the need for an official clearinghouse for data and information. Data must undergo
quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and researchers and decision-makers must be careful regarding
the comparability of data. Dr. Hopton said that ORD could provide its data to those who request it. It is
available on EPA's Environmental Science Connector, which requires registration with the Agency before
it can be accessed.
Day 2 Wrap-Up
Dr. Hopton highlighted the plan for the following day and recessed the meeting at 6:46 p.m.
JUNE 7,2012
Discussion Regarding Lessons Learned, Identification of Target Questions for Decision-Makers and
Plans for a Coordinated Research Agenda
Dr. Hopton called the meeting to order at 9:51 a.m. He explained the original goal for the day was to
include discussion with decision-makers. With those present, the new goal was to develop a document that
will compel decision-makers to acknowledge the problem of unsustainable development on Puerto Rico
and that it needs to be addressed in an inclusive manner; they must take action to make Puerto Rico
sustainable. The objectives remained the same as described on Day 1, except a new goal was added to
initiate a dialogue between researchers working on the Puerto Rico system, recognizing that ORD needs to
include experts on Puerto Rico.
The lessons learned from the symposium are as follows:
Scientists have different visions, perspectives, research, and information regarding Sustainability in
Puerto Rico.
It is recognized that data are missing, and there is a need to emphasize critical data gaps.
Data need to be centralized, categorized in terms of quality, and made more readily available.
Representation must be increased to ensure that all interested parties have a voice.
Based on participation, Sustainability research is well established in Puerto Rico; only a very small
subset was represented at the symposium.
Communication about Sustainability research in Puerto Rico, on and off the island, is lacking.
A cohesive collaborative effort in the Sustainability community is lacking.
There are many frameworks for studying Sustainability, but which one(s) is the right one for Puerto
Rico?
The social science perspective on Sustainability in Puerto Rico is lacking.
Participants think that Puerto Rico needs a clear vision of Sustainability for the long term. It is
necessary to determine the current state of Sustainability on the island and then decide the future
direction.
The Office of Research and Development 39
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Opportunities for data sharing and collaboration became obvious during the symposium.
The symposium created a missing forum for scientific discussion.
Organized discussions among scientists need to continue.
This symposium/workshop is a first step, rather than a final answer.
Scientists need to translate information to make it accessible to everyone (e.g., policy-makers, other
disciplines, the public, communities).
ORD's research will provide a tool to show whether Puerto Rico is moving toward or away from
sustainability. Given the limitations and decision-maker needs, research opportunities need to be
identified to enhance decision-making.
The messages to decision-makers identified during the workshop are as follows:
It is necessary to establish a vision for Puerto Rico with associated goals. What does Puerto Rico
want to achieve? Can scenarios reveal how to accomplish this? Goals must include social, eco-
nomic, and environmental aspects.
The approach instituted must be from the bottom up; everyone needs to participate.
Data issues need to be addressed (e.g., QA/QC to ensure that available data are of the highest
quality).
Collaborative efforts, partnerships and alliances are needed to leverage dwindling resources and
enhance the knowledge base. A transdisciplinary approach must be employed that includes
nonacademics, nonresearchers, decision-makers and the public, in addition to multidisciplinary
researchers. There are existing opportunities that can be explored.
The research community must be better organized.
Sustainability must be addressed with short-, medium- and long-term goals.
Commitment is needed at all levels of government.
The recommendation and request to decision-makers resulting from the lessons learned and the developed
messages is that a task force be formed to address the issues related to sustainability in Puerto Rico. The
task force can be operated at the municipio or island level. Dr. Hopton opened the discussion at this point.
A participant thought that in terms of the research community being better organized, researchers are
organized but perhaps not in the most effective manner. It may be necessary to change this statement to,
"The research community must change the way in which it is organized." Currently, it is too fragmented,
and consensus is needed.
A participant remarked that a hierarchy of ideas is needed. Several items are being discussed: Is Puerto
Rico on a sustainable path? What components are needed to get the island to sustainability? Will this effort
be based on a research agenda for sustainability? If so, education is the first step; everyone must be
educated before beginning to develop a strategy. Research and education can be linked.
The participants discussed the fact the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras has established the Center
for Renewable Energy and Sustainability with support from the U.S. Departments of Defense and
The Office of Research and Development 40
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Education. The campus also has a sustainability initiative. The campus at Mayagiiez has a sustainability
component as well. Education and capacity building allows decision-makers to see the vision; there must
be research and political thrusts. Another participant noted that she has proposed a new class on her campus
that focuses on the will toward sustainability. A participant commented that many actions regarding
sustainability occur on the island in addition to those at the universities. What is the message that
researchers want to convey to the decision-makers? The message must include clarity about the
components: education, research and others. Sustainability is broader than setting indicators for the
government; it is about people making better, educated, informed choices.
A participant noted the need to establish achievable goals; the capacity to educate the public is limited. It
may be more beneficial for the group to focus on research. Another participant commented the pillars of
sustainability tie all of these components together. The components are about the environment, economy,
and society and help people to understand where they are coming from and where they want to go.
A participant said that it would be helpful to examine countries that already are following a sustainable
pathway. In addition, political will is needed to reach sustainability goals and deadlines. Funding also is
needed because the research agenda is dictated by available funding. Priorities also drive the research
agenda, and it is necessary to align sustainability with government priorities. Many scattered issues impact
decision-making and, therefore, sustainability.
A participant thought that perhaps an academic model should not be followed. Subdividing the issues into
thrusts, as was proposed earlier, is an excellent idea to organize scattered issues. Best practices also must be
investigated. The participant reiterated the need for education, research, and capacity building.
A participant had a different point of view and did not see research as a pillar. The effort must be science-
and data-based. A decision already has been made that this is of value. The process, models and changes
cannot be compared and contrasted without scientific evidence. Target audiences that need to be reached
for education or to start facilitating behavioral changes may not see the same value.
A participant remarked that sustainability deals with social and economic issues in addition to the
environment. Sustainability is based on conflict. Puerto Rico has many problems with population loss
resulting from increased unemployment and crime rates. These issues need to be addressed via research so
the resulting information can be used to confront the problems. There are other aspects of sustainability that
must be included in the discussion (e.g., loss of farmland, drug addiction, crime, lack of public
transportation, the number of cars on the island, unemployment). Social issues affect the capacity of Puerto
Rico to hold its population. The sustainability discussion must be expanded to include a transdisciplinary
approach with a focus on social issues. Another participant agreed the legacy of social sustainability tends
to be less prominent in the sustainability literature. There is a recognized need to focus on social research
so that it is brought on par with research in the natural sciences. Dr. Hopton said that ORD recognized the
need to include social science in its research. Dr. Heberling added that ORD is attempting to integrate
social science into its research while recognizing EPA's mission. The researchers realized that it was only
weakly included in the Puerto Rico research and recognized that it needed to be integrated belter.
A participant commented that pollution is a problem across the globe and not just in Puerto Rico.
Everything is interconnected, and it is necessary to understand why building occurs in the manner that it
does to understand its effects on the environment and social issues. Another participant agreed the vision of
sustainability must include research within environmental, economic, and social parameters. Additionally,
the research goals must include useful information for all stakeholders. Another participant remarked on the
need for decision-makers to follow the plan for sustainability, which must be based on research. Dr. Hopton
summarized the government must state that it has a clear goal that it wants to achieve and then institute a
mechanism to achieve its vision and goals that includes researchers, NGOs and stakeholders. The goal is
for the effort to become self-sustaining and adapt as the system changes, which is inevitable.
The Office of Research and Development 41
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
A participant noted that no one has developed a specific strategy for sustainability in Puerto Rico. NOAA
and the Nature Conservancy have been providing instruction to the Puerto Rico Department of Natural
Resources and the Environment. Local and island managers need to work in a manner consistent with
Puerto Rico culture but are forced to follow NOAA's agenda.
A participant remarked on the need for a baseline. For example, increased tourism creates a different
scenario for the island. Current groups are working in a fragmented manner, with each having its own
agenda. It is necessary to prioritize actions for funding. If decision-makers do not consider all of the
information, then important sectors may not be funded. Decisions irreversibly affect coastal regions when
they are not prioritized. Dr. Heberling noted the task force members would bring their own agendas; it is
not up to the workshop participants to determine the action items for the task force. Much more discussion
is needed.
In response to a question from a participant, Dr. Heberling said that it was up to the task force to determine
the role of researchers. A participant added creating a task force will help build policies to advance
research. The task force will be instrumental in accomplishing these tasks.
A participant said that decisions should be made based on the scientific information available. The science
will be proven in future extreme events that scientists have been warning about; as more stakeholders
engage in the process, the political will to deal with these issues will increase. A participant noted the task
force will be a policy instrument of the governor and is needed to move toward a vision of sustainability for
Puerto Rico. Research must be a component of this instrument.
A participant suggested a sustainability website and white paper as tools to increase information exchange.
Sustainability is complex and requires the engagement of communities, experts and various sectors to
develop a sustainability vision that will be adopted by policy-making bodies. Another participant thought
the website and/or white paper should include available graphics of indicators overtime. Puerto Ricans are
visual people, and this will help them understand what has been happening. A participant agreed the graphs
might show where change is needed; the 2012 condition should be a baseline for moving forward. Models
can be used to show trends and scenarios; the resulting questions will trigger additional research.
Commitment is needed at all levels of society in addition to the government. A participant noted that
society affects change in Puerto Rico rather than the government; the government often is an obstacle to
change. In addition, the target audience for this effort needs to be better defined. Dr. Hopton noted the
government can add stability, but everyone needs a voice within the bottom-up effort.
A participant noted that civilians lack enforcement support from agencies regarding environmental and
social issues. Even though they do not understand the process, civilians must perform their own
enforcement.
The participants discussed information flow, noting that universal access to data and information is needed;
agencies and information generators must commit to posting information on a "cloud" repository. If the
information is available, then researchers, decision-makers, NGOs, communities, and so forth can access it.
Community outreach is needed to publicize the information is available. Government agencies should
provide training on request regarding what information is available, how to access it, and how it can be
used. There is no public information law in Puerto Rico, which results in a lack of transparency. In addition
to dissemination, it is necessary to package information in a useful manner. Some entities charge for each
page of information accessed, which can become cost prohibitive. Puerto Rico must pass a law that is
similar to the U.S. Freedom of Information Act. Finally, information can "go viral" on social networks.
At this point in the discussion, the participants used the lessons learned, messages and recommendations
that Dr. Hopton had presented as a template for modifying them and expressing their points of view. The
The Office of Research and Development 42
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
resulting PowerPoint presentation developed by the participants can be found in Appendix S. The new
observations were as follows:
Lessons Learned Regarding the Vision of a Path Toward Sustainability
Participants think that Puerto Rico needs a clear vision of Sustainability for the long term. It is
necessary to determine the current state of Sustainability on the island and then decide the future
direction.
There are many frameworks for studying Sustainability, but which one(s) is the right one for Puerto
Rico?
There is an opportunity for developing collaborative partnerships in the Sustainability community.
Stakeholder participation must be increased.
Lessons Learned Regarding Research
Scientists have different visions, perspectives, research and information.
Many issues relate to data:
o It is recognized that data are missing, and there is a need to emphasize critical data gaps.
o Data need to be centralized, categorized in terms of quality, and made more readily available.
o Opportunities for data sharing and collaboration became obvious during the symposium and
workshop.
o Information is lacking regarding available public data.
Based on participation, Sustainability research is well established in Puerto Rico; only a very small
subset was represented at the symposium.
There is a lack of communication about Sustainability research in Puerto Rico among researchers,
as well as between researchers and policy-makers on and off the island.
The social science perspective on Sustainability in Puerto Rico is lacking.
The symposium created a missing forum for scientific discussion.
Organized discussions among scientists need to continue.
This symposium/workshop is a first step rather than a final answer.
Scientists need to translate information to make it accessible to everyone (e.g., policy-makers, other
disciplines, the public, communities).
ORD's research will provide a tool to show whether Puerto Rico is moving toward or away from
Sustainability. Given the limitations and decision-maker needs, research opportunities need to be
identified to enhance decision-making.
The Office of Research and Development 43
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Messages Regarding the Vision of a Path Toward Sustainability
It is necessary to establish a Sustainability vision for Puerto Rico with associated goals. What does
Puerto Rico want to achieve? Can scenarios reveal how to accomplish this? Goals must include
social, economic, and environmental aspects.
The approach instituted must be from the bottom up; everyone needs to participate.
Data issues need to be addressed (e.g., QA/QC to ensure available data are of the highest quality).
Organized discussions must continue.
Collaborative efforts, partnerships, and alliances are needed to leverage dwindling resources and
enhance the knowledgebase. A transdisciplinary approach must be employed that includes
nonacademics, nonresearchers, decision-makers and the public in addition to multidisciplinary
researchers. There are existing opportunities that can be explored.
Sustainability must be addressed with short-, medium- and long-term goals
Commitment is needed at all levels of society.
Government agencies and researchers should support data collection and make data available to
diverse users in a user-friendly manner.
Message Regarding Research
The research community must convert to issue-based thinking rather than discipline-based
thinking.
The participants next discussed the recommendation to create a task force. Dr. Hopton said that it was
important to ensure broad representation on the task force. NGOs know how to perform public outreach,
and it is important the task force include members who know how to do this. The task force may be
established at the federal, island or municipio level, depending on the goals of the effort.
A participant noted the need for media coverage and public education about the task force effort; the
process must be transparent so that Puerto Ricans will trust it. The media should be used as a tool. There
should be media coverage about this symposium/workshop and its outcomes, focusing on the fact that
researchers were present and stated that broader participation is needed. This should come from EPA.
Drs. Hopton and Heberling promised to follow up with Region 2 about a press release regarding this
symposium/workshop. Another participant said that he had spoken to Caribbean Business about including
information on the symposium to reach members of the business community and investors.
A participant stated that it is necessary to explore the unequal power distribution regarding who will be able
to attend task force meetings; there may be individuals who are very interested in participating but do not
have the capacity to attend as a result of a variety of reasons (e.g., lack of child care).
Dr. Hopton said that once the vision and goals are established, the task force could determine its tasks. The
government must be included because it can institute the process and compel action. The task force will be
responsible for achieving the vision with its associated goals (e.g., increased agriculture, decreased
mortality). The task force will engage experts related to the goals who can address the problems at the
appropriate scale. It is necessary to meet the needs of stakeholders, which can be accomplished by
including them in the process. The task force should remain in place no matter which party is in power and
continue working through regime changes.
The Office of Research and Development 44
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Recommendation To Establish a Task Force
The participants recommend that a task force be established to explore sustainability in Puerto Rico. The
task force should:
Establish tangible action items, with timelines and finite deadlines.
Organize future meetings similar to this symposium/workshop.
Identify key stakeholders.
o Employ a transdisciplinary approach that ensures that members possess a range of knowledge,
expertise, and communication skills (e.g., developing a common language).
o Examine all sectors, including academia, NGOs, unions, business, religious, community,
industry, government, tourism, and so forth.
Determine additional action items.
o Consult citizens (who bring knowledge) and technical advisory groups (that bring expertise) to
support the capacity building (e.g., training) of task force members.
o Establish a vision-building process.
o Determine what institutional framework already exists for sustainability for Puerto Rico.
Be held accountable.
Ensure adaptability.
Promote media relations.
Support participation (e.g., of community groups, mothers with children).
Consider sector the task force belongs (e.g., academia, government).
The participants discussed potential questions for decision-makers, including a discussion about Puerto
Rico Sustainability Law #267, which is the responsibility of nine commissioners housed within the EQB.
This law may need to be reviewed and revised. The infrastructure of this law could be used as the basis for
the task force.
A participant noted that academia is the only sector remaining in Puerto Rico in which citizens have some
trust, although it would be ideal to house the task force within the governor's office. Another participant
remarked that if placed within the governor's office, the task force would not receive funding. A previous
environmental task force within the office never received a budget, and its members paid their own
expenses. Everyone agreed on the need for federal and local financial commitment. Dr. Hopton said that it
would be difficult to obtain such a commitment; the more costly the task force, the less likely that it will be
established.
A participant noted that a self-sustaining task force would be a challenge to establish and asked what other
resources could be used to support the task force. Another participant said there would be a meeting with
the Puerto Rico DNER on June 29, 2012. The agencies and sectors present may be able to provide input
and knowledge. This should be a starting point. There will be a presentation from the working groups that
The Office of Research and Development 45
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Scientific Discussion
have been exploring critical climate change indicators and scenarios, and this will provide the opportunity
to explore synergies between the climate change and sustainability efforts. A participant thought the
questions should be addressed to a broader audience than decision-makers because multiple disciplines will
be involved in the answers.
Questions for Decision-Makers
Does it make sense to establish a task force?
Should a committee be appointed to review and revise the Puerto Rico Sustainability Law #267?
Can the government commit to a task force and make it self-sustaining?
Is a task force the best way to support and grow this type of collaborative effort?
Does the government agree with the action items identified for the task force? What other action
items should be listed for the task force?
Who should be represented on the task force?
Who should take the lead?
Day 3 Wrap-Up
The participants discussed the next steps. Everyone agreed that it is important there be an incentive for
decision-makers to participate in the next symposium; media coverage may provide this. The participants
identified the following next steps:
Publish proceedings of the symposium/workshop.
Solidify collaborations.
Broaden questions for decision-makers (create an approach).
Establish a portal for researchers working in Puerto Rico.
Develop a scientifically sound strategy for sustainable environmental management in Puerto Rico.
Make easily understood information available for use by decision-makers and the public.
Ensure that decision-makers and representatives from the business sector are present at the next
meeting; media coverage could provide this incentive.
Dr. Hopton closed the meeting by stating there had been an obvious need for this event and the effort to
establish a sustainability vision for Puerto Rico. The symposium/workshop was a good first step, and the
goal is to involve the appropriate individuals to further the effort, regardless of government support. It is
possible to proceed in the right direction, and the fact the governor's office sent a representative is a good
sign. Dr. Hopton adjourned the meeting at 2:43 p.m.
The Office of Research and Development 46
-------
Appendix A
-------
Quantifying
Sustainanility
in Puerto Rico:
A Scientific Discussion
Puerto Rico Convention Center
San Juan, Puerto Rico June 5-7, 2012
Participant List
Mitchell Aide, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
Juan Amador, B.S.
GLM Engineering-COOP
Richard Appeldoorn, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
Myrna Aponte
Puerto Rico Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources
Alberto Archilla
V.I.D.A.S.
Ada Caballero, B.S.
Municipality of Caguas
Alecxy Cintron
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
Aissa M. Colon Cruz
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
Jose Colucci, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
Carmen Concepcion, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
David N. Cuevas
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Damanis Delgado
Puerto Rico Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources
Ricardo de Soto, B.A.
Programa GuardaMar, Inc.
Diana Delgado, B.S.
University of Puerto Rico
Nicole Diaz
University of Puerto Rico
Doira Diaz, J.D.
Office of the Governor
Ernesto Diaz, M.S.
Puerto Rico Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources
Pedro Diaz
U.S. Geological Survey, Caribbean Water
Science Center
Luis Diaz Perez, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico Center for Applied
Tropical Ecology and Conservation Coral Reef
Research Group
Rafael R. Diaz Vazquez
Puerto Rico Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources
Jose Dumas, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix A
Raimunde Espinoza
The Nature Conservancy
Jose C. Font
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Graciela Garcia-Moliner
Caribbean Fisheries Management Control
Pedro F. Guevara
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
Blanche Gonzalez Hodge
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
Matthew Heberling, Ph.D.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Edwin Hernandez, Ph.D., M.S., B.S.
University of Puerto Rico
Matt Hopton, Ph.D.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Juan Jimenez, M.S.
Puerto Rico Planning Board
Ricardo Laureano, B.S.
V.I.D.A.S.
Kristen LeBaron
The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc.
Mary Ann Lucking, B.S.
CORALations
Efrain Maldonado, J.D.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development
Elvia Melendez-Ackerman, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
Miguel A. Nieves
Puerto Rico Department of Environmental and
Natural Resources
Cecilio Ortiz, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Wilfredo Ortiz
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development
Justin Orozco
Go Green
Carlos Paniagua, M.S.
Puerto Rico Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources
Isabel Pares
University of Puerto Rico
Maria Perez, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
Luis Enrique Ramos
University of Puerto Rico
Antares Ramos Alvarez
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Carla Restrepo, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
Jose W. Rivera Cach
Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration
Erika Rivera Felicie
Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration
Veronica Reyes
BLH Technologies, Inc.
Jesus Rodriguez, M.S.
U.S. Geological Survey
Lisbeth San Miguel
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
Luis Santiago, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A Appendix A
Scientific Discussion
Jenniffer Santos-Hernandez, M.A.
University of Delaware
Madeline Sepulveda
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
Alejandro S. Luciano
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Susan Silander, M.S.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Hector L. Velez Cruz
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ernesto Velez Gandia, M.B.A.
University of Puerto Rico Center for Applied
Tropical Ecology and Conservation Coral Reef
Research Group
Rosa Vazquez Rivera
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
Ernesto Weil, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico
Shanshan Wu, Ph.D.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
-------
Appendix B
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix B
Objectives
Discuss issues pertinent to sustainability in PR
Discover what researchers are currently studying in
PR related to sustainability and how that research can
affect or help decision makers
Learn how EPA ORD research goals can be enhanced
and applied in collaboration with research described
above
Plan coordinated research program and
implementation of activities to move Puerto Rico
towards a more sustainable future
Office of Research and Development
We are a scientific research organization
Our research may aid decisions or regulations
-We provide the science and information to help
inform credible decisions
Our "customers" include
-Regions
-Program Offices
-American public
The Path Forward, circa 2010
"... important to move ahead with several key
elements of the Transformation Initiative - integrated
multidisciplinary research, focus on problems of broad
national interest, and a closer interaction with our
program and regional partners - this alone is not
sufficient to elevate our work to the next level if we are
to truly address the complex environmental problems
of the 21st century."
The True North
"... the future of ORD includes a recognition that the
goal of sustainability is our "true north," that scientific
and technological innovation is essential to the
success of our mission, that we need to couple our
excellence in problem assessment with an equal
excellence in solving problems, and that we must act
with a sense of urgency."
Sustainability
"Attaining a society that can meet its needs while
preserving the ability of future generations to meet
their needs is our primary goal. Our solution to a
problem must not only solve the problem at hand, but
it also must not create a new problem as a result. As
stated earlier, sustainability must be our true north."
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix B
Sustainability without a name
"EPA was not created to deal with the usual mix of
social problems whether they be poverty, jobs,
housing, education, crime .... In a real sense, EPA's
mission transcends all of these. That mission is the
preservation of life itself."
Administrator William D. Ruckelshaus
May 18th, 1983
Research Priorities
Air, Climate, and Energy
Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Homeland Security
Human Health Risk Assessment
Sustainable and Healthy Communities
EPA researchers and their partners and stakeholders
are working together to form a deeper understanding
of the balance between the three pillars of
Sustainabilityenvironment, society, and economy.
Their transdisciplinary work will provide the decision
tools and data that communities need to make
proactive, strategic decisions aimed at a prosperous,
more environmentally sustainable future.
Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Three Focus Areas
1. Develop comprehensive approaches to help
communities become more sustainable
2. Develop decision support tools, models and
metrics that can be used to improve sustainable
community practices
3. Meet EPA's regulatory requirements
Research in Puerto Rico
~40 team members
-Coral reef management in the Guanica Bay
watershed (Bill Fisher, Task lead)
-Sustainability metrics research
Sustainability Metrics Goals
Develop decision support tools and data for examining
system Sustainability
Identify trends in moving toward or away from
Sustainability
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix B
Acknowledge Collaborators
Office of the Governor
(Luis Fortune)
-Doira Diaz
Environmental Quality
Board
Planning Board
Energy Affairs
Administration
Solid Waste Authority
Department of Natural
and Environmental
Resources
EPA Region 2
-CEPD
USDA-FS, IITF
USAGE
USGS
NOAA
-------
Appendix C
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix C
Outline
Sustainability
San Luis Basin Sustainability project
-Lessons from the SLB Project
Puerto Rico Sustainability project
Economic metric results
Next Steps
Sustainability
"... development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs." WCED (1987: 43)
Three pillars: associated economic, social, and
supporting environmental systems must work in
concert to maintain desired level of functioning (UN
2002)
Sustainability
Very broad, complicated, and challenging; it can lead
to different interpretations (Prugh et al. 1999):
-Political: social justice and equity of wealth distribution
-Economic: well-being rises over the long term
-Ecological: conservation of ecosystem processes
-Engineer: efficiency of energy and material use
A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach is necessary
-Ecologists, Economists, Engineers, Geographers, Policy and
law, Outreach specialists
A single metric or index will not capture everything
Motivation
Federal government must integrate economic, social
and environmental policies to achieve Sustainability
Therefore, EPA and its partners
-"will develop integrating decision support tools... and supporting
data and analysis that will guide decision makers toward
environmental Sustainability and sustainable development."
Our hope is for local decision makers to use these tools
and analysis as a part of future environmental
management decisions.
Goal
Produce a straightforward, inexpensive methodology
-Used to measure and monitor the prosperity and environmental
quality of a regional system
Pilot tested approach in San Luis Basin (SLB),
Colorado
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix C
Our sustainability definition
Economic, social, and supporting environmental
systems must work in concert to maintain a desired
level of functioning
-Must persist "indefinitely"
Any single component not "sustainable" means the
system is not "sustainable"
Metrics versus indicators
Indicator - measures one characteristic of a system
(Mayer 2008)
-CO2 emissions
-Biological diversity
Metric - combines many indicators through
aggregation to measure sustainability
-Ecological footprint
We emphasize metrics over indicators to
capture/quantify system dynamics
-Indicators have value
Metric response
Some metrics can identify a system as sustainable
-We thought it more informative to identify where a system is
heading
Sustainability is a moving target
-What is considered sustainable today may not be tomorrow
Identify trends through time
-Do not focus on absolute values
-Identify direction system is moving
Metrics of Sustainability
Multidimensional problem requires multiple metrics
-Consumption of resources by humans impacts environment
Ecological Footprint Analysis (EFA)
-Sustainability is anthropocentric and human well-being can
influence environmental interest
Green Net Regional Product (GNRP)
-Energy is required to maintain system order and function
Emergy Analysis (EmA)
-Systems have an inherent order
Fisher Information (Fl)
AEFft
Recommendations from SLB
Examine past decisions and
how the metrics changed
Continue calculating the
metrics for subsequent years
Determine if other metrics
may better assess
sustainability
Develop trend analyses
and/or approaches for
estimating confidence
intervals
Develop models of alternative
future scenarios
Test these multiple metrics in
other regions
Examine correlation among
metrics to determine whether
certain metrics could be
dropped
Consider use of other
scientific approaches for
holistic results
Lessons learned
Involve stakeholders early
Involve decision makers early
- Include tools that address specific issues
No "one-size fits all" metric
- Tailor the tools to fit the region
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix C
Q.CD&
\*CrH
Puerto Rico Sustainability Metrics Project
Antipodal case study compared to San Luis Basin
Knowledge gained from the SLB Project informs
Puerto Rico Project.
- More interactive process to identify issues and additional
indicators that address specific policy needs
- Develop approach for using metrics as decision support
Outcomes for 2012:
- 2012 Scientific Symposium/Workshop
Identify and collaborate with researchers working on
Sustainability issues in Puerto Rico
Organize efforts to holistically address those issues and
extend beyond USEPA expertise
Fotrtuivil Ltna CMvoura
Process for metric research
Formalized (based on GEMI The Metrics Navigator)
-Knowledge of the system: Issues, goals, and decision makers
Encourage collaboration and public participation
-Choose relevant metrics that match knowledge
-Determine data availability for each metric: Collect and create
data
-Calculate metrics and interpret, evaluate results
-Communicate to public and decision makers
-Publish publicly-available and easily understood report for use
by decision makers and public
Four metrics as a starting point
Propose 4 metrics from SLB
-Four metrics are still relevant
Basic knowledge of environmental systems
Solid, well-established metrics
Peer-reviewed methodology
Test methodology in industrialized region
Make methodology more useful to decision makers
-Incorporate or supplement with indicators that capture issues of
known importance
Objectives
1 Determine applicability of using existing datasets to
estimate metrics at a regional scale
2 Calculate metrics through time (1960-present)
3 Compare and contrast results to determine if region
is moving toward or away from Sustainability
Ecological Footprint Analysis (EFA)
Captures the supply and demand of biologically
productive land
- EF Balance = (supply) - (demand)
Simplified methodology
- 35 versus -150 variables
USEPA Lead: Matthew Hopton (hopton.matthew@epa.gov)
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix C
V>tt"r\
Green Net National Product (GNNP)
Captures the welfare of the system
-GNNP = (real value of consumption) + (real value of net
investments)
Net investment includes the stocks of environmental
resources, man-made, and foreign capital
-e.g., solid waste, air pollution, mangroves, value of time
Environmental Justice
Measures pollution distribution to determine if
environmental inequality exists
USEPA Leads: Matthew Heberling (heberling.matt@epa.gov)
and Shanshan Wu (wu.shanshan@epa.gov)
-
Emergy Analysis (EmA)
Energy memory or embodied energy
Captures the flow of energy through the system
- sum of all kinds of available energy used up, directly and
indirectly, to make an item, solar emjoules (Odum 1996)
Two indices:
-Total emergy used
- Fraction of renewable to total emergy
Data collection ongoing
-USEPALead: Cissy Ma (ma.cissy@epa.gov)
Fisher Information (Fl)
Well functioning systems exist in well ordered dynamic
regimes where dynamic order does not change with
time
- Captures the dynamic changes in the condition of a system
Uses data that characterize the state of system
- Production, consumption, environmental, etc.
USEPA Leads: Heriberto Cabezas (cabezas.heriberto@epa.gov) and
Leisha Vance (Vance.Leisha@epa.gov)
Criteria (away from sustainability)
Measures of strong sustainability
-EFA-ecological balance decreasing
- EmA - fraction of renewable to total emergy moving away from
1
Measures of weak sustainability
-Fl - steadily decreasing overtime
-GNNP - decreasing through time
AEFft
Differing systems
Ecological Footprint
-Different consumption patterns, land use, population
GNNP
-Different components of natural capital depreciation
Emergy
-Different goods, services, and energy uses
Fisher Information
-Depends on time series data, specific to the system under
study
Stakeholder meeting December 2009
Met with stakeholders and decision makers to identify
issues
US EPA Region 2, CEPD
NOAA-NWS
NOAA-CFMC
USDA-FS
USGS
USAGE
University Researchers
Office of the Governor
Planning Board
Environmental Quality Board
Energy Affairs Administration
Solid Waste Authority
Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix C
Relevant questions for stakeholders
What issues matter to Puerto Rico and sustainability?
-Shiels et al. 2008
Soil erosion
Mass-wasting process (slope movement)
-Martinuzzietal. 2009
Land/habitat loss/transformation
population growth/density
Relevant questions for stakeholders
What issues matter to Puerto Rico and sustainability?
-Aultetal. 2008
Coral reef fisheries
-Caribbean Water Science Center Science Plan 1999
Water quantity (and quality)
S PPA
Ou r\
Important issues
Our list
-Soil erosion / mass wasting
-Habitat loss
-Land use
-Population growth
-Coral reef/fisheries
-Water quality
-Water quantity
Stakeholder list
-Soil erosion / mass wasting
-Habitat loss
-Land use
-Population growth
-Coral reef / fisheries
-Water quality
-Water quantity
-Invasive species
-Trash / solid waste
-Energy use
-Air quality
Relevant questions for stakeholders
Who are the relevant decision-makers for island
metrics?
What current research activities are planned or
ongoing at government agencies or universities related
to sustainability metrics or decision support?
-Avoid duplication of ongoing efforts
-Supplement local efforts
Coordinate to make cohesive effort for sustainability
Review literature
Symposium/workshop brings researchers together
AEFft
Relevant questions for stakeholders
What are the data needs?
-What data are available?
Time period and frequency
Resolution
-Municipios
-Puerto Rico
-Who are the best people to talk about data and
availability?
Current Status
Data collection and preliminary calculations are
wrapping up
Identifying collaborations to broaden the research
effort and supplement the core metrics
-Stakeholder list not addressed: Soil erosion/mass wasting,
habitat loss, coral reef/fisheries, water quantity, invasive
species
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix C
Economic metric of sustainability
Economists: Will utility (satisfaction) of future
generations be lower than current generation?
-Define sustainability as non-decreasing utility (future utility
does not decrease below current level)
-Consumption including all commodities (market, environmental,
home produced, etc.) and amenities influences utility
GDP/GNP
Measures market transactions
- Market prices for aggregate value of economy's output
- Never intended to measure welfare (function of utility)
- Ignores
Leisure
Taking care of ones own kids, housework, etc.
Nature's contribution to welfare
- Need to account for the loss of value of capital (i.e.,
depreciation)
Capital: physical assets that are used in association with
labor and other inputs to produce goods and services
Augmented GNNP
Captures the welfare of the system (Pezzey et al.
2006; Motaetal. 2010)
-Augmented because time is included as a stock that causes
changes in production (exogenous technological change)
Augmented GNNP
GNNP"(f) = NNP(f) -eE+bM-J + (QR-fp)S + Q'
- Net National Product: GNP has been adjusted for the depreciation of
physical capital (e.g., machinery)
- eE is the damage cost of emissions
- bM-J is net benefit from mangroves
- (QR ~ /R )^ is value of rents from crushed stone depletion
-Value of time, Q1
Pezzey (2004) developed one-sided test of
unsustainability
GNNP"(i) < 0
-Interpret as decreasing utility in the future
' -Cannot say whether economy is sustainable
AEFft
Preliminary Estimate of GNNP (1993-2009)
Next Steps
Proceedings identifying existing research and potential
collaborations
Written protocol for identifying and calculating the
metrics in Puerto Rico
Scientifically-sound strategy for sustainable
environmental management in Puerto Rico
Journal articles presenting the metrics and results
-------
Appendix D
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix D
Legacies of Socio-economic Transitions on the
Structure and Function of a Tropical Drainage Basin:
Resilience and Sustainability
Implications
Carla Restrepo1
Johanna Colon1
Jenitza Melendez1
Jan Sendzimir2
Department of Biology, UPR-RP1
NASA2
The Beginning of a Beginning
Passing 1909
Porto Rico mean annual rainfall 1899-1909
The Beginning of a Beginning
Alexander 1902
As above intimated, there exist in Porto Rico some interesting and
seemingly valuable waterfalls. Among the best known and perhaps the most
important, we may mention the following, viz;
Salto de Rio de La Plata, near Comerio; Salto Rio Blanco, Salto Morones,
in Arecibo River, near Utuado; Salto Maldonado, in Arecibo River; Salto
Sanches, in Arecibo River; Salto Palmieri, in Arecibo river; and Salto Paso
Palma, in Yayuya.
A franchise has just been granted for the development of the first-
mentioned fall, the object being to utilize its power to operate a railroad from
Catano to Ponce. Promoters are also investigating some of the other falls
with a view to their development for electrical plants and other purposes.
We hope soon to be able to present some details as to the size of the above-
mentioned falls, their available power, and other information relative there to
of value to engineers and agriculturalists.
The Beginning of a Beginning
Passing 1909
The rainfall of the north side of the island differs from that of the south side
not only in being greater in quantity but also in being more certain to fall in
amounts sufficient for all the needs of plant growth at all seasons of the year.
On the south side periods of 4 or 5 weeks with little or no rain are of frequent
occurrence, while penods of 2 to 3 months with less than an inch of rainfall are
not uncommon.
The scheme of irrigation now being provided for along the south coast will,
in great measure remedy the evils of an irregular and insufficient rainfall. In the
mountains, but a few miles distant, there is an abundant water supply, available
at all seasons of the year, which can be carried to the cane fields at
comparatively small cost. At the present time it is costing the planters from $25
to $50 per acre per year to pump ground water for irrigating their cane fields.
IMG (3H1 1980 499D
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix D
Water multiple uses
Water a valuable resource
Water a resource that can
be moved around by
means of technology /
infrastructure development
Water a commodity that
connects people far away
The Beginning of a Beginning
Sustainability of a Tropical Drainage Basin
Conclusions
Sustainability of a Tropical
Drainage Basin
Stream network SN0
Water quality WQI0
Water quantity WQt0
Stream network SN^
Water quality WQI,
Water quantity WQt,
Sustainability
Population and Human Resources
Human settlements (urban)
Food security
Species and ecosystems
Energy
Industry (material; commodities)
EEE's
Social -Equfty
B s E
Environment Ecor
omic
Aesthetics
Ethics
Sustainable development, development that meets the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs
Resilience
Water withdrawal for
consumption, irrigation,
and industrial processes
Water for waste dilution
Water management to
gain land and/or prevent
flooding
'
'
vv
SN0
WQI0
WQt0
SN,
WQI,
Ecological resilience is the amount of disturbance a system
can absorb without changing its state or structure and function
Questions
What are the relationships between stream and
infrastructure networks and patterns of human
occupation in the Rio Grande de Arecibo Watershed
(RGAW)
How do socioeconomic conditions and water quality
indicators vary across the RGAW?
Is there a relationship between socioeconomic and
water quality variables?
Regime shifts in socioeconomic and water quality variables
in the Rio Grande de Arecibo Watershed (RGAW)
2
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix D
Rio Grande de Arecibo Watershed
Municipalities of Arecibo,
Utuado, Jayuya, and
Adjuntas
33,170 ha
188 people knr2
0
Puerto Rico's "Superaqueduct"
Methods
Historic data
Infrastructure
Population size
Water quality (USGS, PRQB, PRHD)
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Total conforms
Fecal coliforms
Socioeconomic (US Census Bureau)
Population
Housing
Income
Literacy
SS
Methods
Ordination techniques to
Reduce data dimensionality
Create socioeconomic and
water quality indices
Examine relationships
between socioeconomic and
water quality at sub watershed
scales
Density
Stream Network and
Human Occupation
-
tr
«>
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix D
Public Infrastructure Network
and Human Occupation
-.
Stream Network and
Population Dynamics
Public Infrastructure and
Population Dynamics
4 v* :4
*iv'1fe- .
Ordination socio-economic data
ss
PC1
Density
Median Aqe
Urban
Rural
Occupied 0.37
Median Year Built Structure
No Plumbinq
Unemployed 0.31
Social Security 0.30
Public Assistance 0.30
Salary Income
Self-employment Income
Social Security Income
Public Assistance Income
Retirement Income
Other Income
No School
Elemental School 0.31
Intermediate School 0.32
High School 0.33
College 1
College 2
PC 2
0.31
-0.30
0.33
0.27
-0.29
0.35
0.37
LS
PC 1
0.31
0.34
0.28
0.32
0.26
0.29
0.31
0.30
PC 2
0.33
0.32
-0.34
-0.30
0.36
Ordination socio-economic data
Ordination water quality data
PC1
Nitrogen
Phosphorous
Total Coliform
Fecal Coliform
Fecal Streptococcis
0.31
0.42
0.50
0.51
0.47
PC 2
-0.76
-0.43
0.28
0.26
0.30
4
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix D
Ordination water
ss
SEPC1 SEPC2
WQPC1 0.098 0.511
WQPC2 0.494 0.104
quality data
LS
SEPC1 SEPC2
0.290 0.110
0.225 -0.058
Stream Network and
Socioeconomic Indices
Public Infrastructure Network and
Socioeconomic Indices
s '^ ..,
Jir :
The Beginning of a Beginning
Sustainability of a Tropical Drainage Basin
Conclusions
Conclusions
Stream networks are key elements in the organization
of human settlements
Public infrastructure networks have impacted human
populations
Socio-economic indices are spatially
heterogeneous and may suggest regime shifts
Socio-economic and water quality indices were
correlated in one instance
Areas of socio-economic concern seem to be associated
with areas where public infrastructure projects have been
develop
Acknowledgements
Programa de Ciencias Ambientales UPR-RP
Sr. Angel Melendez (PREQB)
Sra. Rosa Vazquez (PREQB)
Sra. Madeline Sepulveda (PREQB),
Sra. Amarilis Rodriguez (PWSSP)
Mr. Senen Guzman (USGS)
Sra. Marta Rivera (AAA)
DEGI
Jose Juan Terrasa
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix D
6
-------
Appendix E
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix E
Resident Perceptions and Valuation of Green Areas and
Riverbank Hypothetical Improvements in a Tropical Urban
Watershed
San iu3n Luis Santiago, Julio Verdejo and Raul Santiago
I -I v|-k . EPA Quantifying Sustainability in PR Symposium, San Juan, PR
ULTRA Junes,2012
Our Interdisciplinary Research Team
Luis Ramos, Doctoral Student, Florida State University
Raul Santiago, Masters Student, Graduate School of Planning, UPR
Julio Verdejo, UPR
Luis Villanueva, Department of Environmental Sciences, UPR
Elvia Melendez, Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences,
UPR
Diana Garcia, Department of Environmental Sciences, UPR
Ariel E. Lugo, PI, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, US
Forest Service
Intensive Studies: Research Questions
The following presentation will discuss:
An understanding of the perceptions of residents
towards green areas and bodies of water
An estimation of the valuation attributed by
residents to green areas and bodies of water
San Juan and the Rio Piedras River Watershed
(RPRW)
A watershed
where more
water flows
through potable
water and sewer
pipes than its
rivers and
tributaries.
Map: Raul Santiago
Urban System Change and Social-Ecological Vulnerabilities
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix E
SOIL TYPES
STREETS AND ROADS
SWJUIH
'ULTRA
Green Infrastructure and
Ecosystem Services
The contribution of green infrastructure to the
socio-ecological system:
- Flood control - soil permeability
- Temperature regulation - green cover
- Pollution control-green cover
- Soil conservation - green cover
-Aesthetic and recreational value-green cover
- Planting fruits and vegetables-green land cover
Sampling: In-Person Interviews
441 in-person interviews Representative sample
- 30 students participated in
the sampling efforts
Sampling period: January
to August, 2011
Interview Duration: 20
minutes
Stratified and convenience
sample (Seguinotand
Hernandez, unpublished)
Sampling: Housing Sales Data
2005-2009 housing sales data was obtained from
a local real estate firm (Luis Abreu & Associates)
Property addresses (number, street names and
zip codes) were used to geocode the geo-
referenced points of housing sales.
We defined a viewshed representing visible
green areas from a property
We also estimated residential housing distance to
public green areas, rivers, streams and shopping
malls.
2
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix E
Resident Perceptions: Relationship
with the River
Progressive isolation from the river due to human
intervention, such as channelization
Residents who visited the river are, on average, older than
those who have not visited it
- Average Ages: 54.0 vs. 48.7
Two out of every three residents who know the river's
location have never visited the river
Resident Perceptions: Preference for
Trees
There seems to be a gap between a stated preference for trees in
properties and the reduction in public and private green areas
in the watershed
' Groups who stated preference for trees in their property:
- 87% of men
73% of women
85% of residents in single housing units
~ 91% of residents in apartments
83% of property owners
92% of those renting housing units
However, 76% of residents who identified trees in their property
as a problem, do not recognizethem as a problem in their
neighborhood
Estimation of Green Area Valuation
Hedonic Valuation of
Access to public parks
- Views of green areas from residences
Contingent valuation of riverbank restoration
The Hedonic Method and Factors that
Influence the Sales Price
The Hedonic method is an "indirect" valuation method
in which we do not observe the value consumers have
for the characteristics directly, but infer it from
observable market transactions (Champ, Boyle & Brown
2003)
Factors considered (directly or indirectly) when
purchasing a home
Physical characteristics
Its distance to other amenities
Hedonic Method:
Linear regression
Dependent Variable:
Housing purchase price
Independent variables:
Physical housing
characteristics
Socioeconomic data
Distance to
rivers and streams
shopping centers with
more than 46,450 m2
of retail space
public green areas
greater than 3,930m2
Visible green areas from a
housing unit
- =- *'~ -«inr"
- ,»^MI».
Preliminary
Results
There is no statistically
significant relationship
between the purchase
price of properties and
distance to large public
urban green areas within
the Rio Piedras
watershed.
We found a positive and
statistically significant
relationship between
green area visibility and
property purchase price.
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix E
Contingent Valuation Method of
Watershed Restoration Efforts
A Contingent valuation exercise of stream and
riparian environmental services was
conducted with the intent of assessing
feasibility of a voluntary contribution (WTP)
for collaborative management funding.
Contingent Valuation Method:
Comparison of Scenarios
Si
Contingent Valuation Method Results
None of the variables explaining resident
connection to nearest stream were statistically
significant.
Median WTP was estimated at $155.48 per
household per year.
Expected median revenue is $4.8 million per
year.
Beyond San Juan ULTRA-EX: In-Depth
Work
Continue characterization of green areas and
bodies of water in the watershed
Identify sustainability indicators in
consultation with stakeholders.
Quantify and value important ecosystem
services in the watershed
www. sanjuanuitra. com
Acknowledgements
University of Puerto Rico
National Science Foundation
US Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical
Forestry
Fundacion Puertorriquena de Conservacion
4
-------
Appendix F
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix F
Green Area Loss in San Juan's Suburban Neighborhoods:
Estimation Methods, Environmental Consequences, and Preliminary
Identification of Precipitating Factors and Processes
sanjuan
ULTRA
Luis Enrique Ramos, LuisVillanueva and LuisSantiago
EPA Quantifying Sustainability in PR Symposium.
Why study suburban green areas?
Urban and suburban private and public residential green
areas are considered beneficial for the natural environment
and for society's well-being.
These provide significant health, economic, and ecological
benefits (James et al. 2009).
Their continuous detriment and/or loss are considered
problematic.
Suburban residential areas constitute the majority of San
Juan's metropolitan footprint.
Green areas are an intrinsic element of the suburban
landscape; their loss represents the erosion of an Utopian
vision that sought a healthier and closer relationship
between man and nature.
Research
Socioeconomic, physical/spatial, and land-use
trends, as well as technological and regulatory
characteristics, as they evolve in time, are
documented and analyzed.
The study also attempts to quantify the loss of
environmental services and seeks to identify the
socioeconomic and technological factors and
processes associated with suburban green area
loss.
Objectives
Design and apply methodologies for suburban
green area loss/gain estimation.
Use of quantitative and qualitative techniques for
socio-ecological analysis.
Understand the link between socio-economic
trends, technological conditions, and
cultural/legal factors that influence green/grey
area dynamics in suburban neighborhoods.
Expand the discussion on Neighborhood Decline
Cycle Theory by incorporating explicit
environmental issues.
Methodology 1
Green Area Loss Quantification
Original green/gray area scenario is reconstructed in digital
AutoCAD format for each neighborhood. Historic aerial and ground
level photographs, architectural plans, site plan, and cadastral maps
among other sources were used to define initial residential
structures footprint.
Tabulated buildings footprint area from the year of construction for
each neighborhood is subtracted from year 2008 updated buildings
footprint area from San Juan's cadastral map GIS data system.
The difference constitutes a proxy for green area loss due to
increase in building footprint. Since this methodology does not
accounts for green area loss due to paving, street planting strip loss,
or swimming pool construction, it constitutes a minimum threshold
for green area loss in the neighborhood.
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix F
r~f
Methodology 2
Green Cover Loss Quantification
(in process)
Year 2010 infrared orthorectified aerial imagery for each neighborhood is
compared to orthorectified historical aerial photographs close to the year
of construction for each neighborhood.
Change in green area coverage is quantified.
Puerto Nuevo
Caparra Terrace
University Gardens
"Wi
Private Residential Green Area Loss
Ratios
Puerto Nuevo
Caparra Terrace
1956-200S
University Gardens
1960-.-200S
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix F
Environmental Services Affected by
Suburban Green Area Loss
Augmentation of Heat Island Effect
Waterproofing of ground surface and obstruction of
groundwater hydrologic cycle
Increase of storm water runoff and increase in
sedimentation in governing body of water
Diminished carbon absorption capacity
Degraded aesthetic qualities and hindrance of suburban
landscape functionality and benefits
Loss of habitat for both local and foreign flora and fauna
species (Biodiversity)
Loss of noise absorption capacity
Loss of spiritual/psychological well-being (Biophilia)
Socioeconomics
In addition socio-economic and housing data
was compiled using US Censuses for the years
I960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010 for
each neighborhood.
GRAPHS
Median Income:
Three Census Tracts (1960-2010)
GRAPHS
GRAPHS
Population:
Three Census Tracts (1960-2010)
GRAPHS
Density (Housing Units per Acre):
Three Census Tracts (1960-2010)
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix F
GRAPHS
GRAPHS
CAPARRA TERRACE (1960-2010)
\
GRAPHS
UNIVERSITY GARDENS (1960-2010)
z
Preliminary Findings
Loss of green areas has occurred in all three private residential areas, with the exception of
In older working-class neighborhoods green area loss is significantly larger.
Endogenous and exogenous factors have also been associated with green area loss in
residential areas:
1. Residential-to-commercial land-use conversion along suburban arterial avenues; rapid
contributed in fostering a burgeoning tertiary sector of the economy that
accommodated along these busy corridors.
2. Increase in automobile ownership; as result, ample planting strips and residential patios
rapidly succumbed to driveway and carport constructions, on-street and sidewalk
parking. Communities originally geared for working class families, with smaller lot size
and narrower local streets, were especially vulnerable to green area loss due to the
emergent transportation technology.
3. Increase in low-rent housing units and density; as result, an increase in building
footprint. Population succession, higher rental percentage, lower income levels,
absentee owners, and higher poverty ratios in the older inner-ring neighborhoods
indicate trends associated with neighborhood decline cycle.
4. Cultural preferences also explain part of the explanatory variables associated to building
footprint increase: new balconies, larger kitchens, larger bedrooms, new walk-in closets,
ire some of the alterations to original
V,t\i; m.
observ
eighborhoi
^ K. in"-ir-.-r;
5 *>~*&i.f'J*i*« -'
i^fW>-''t?:'C
I commercial
| institutiona
= residential
Typical hyper-
commercialized arterial
avenue
Typical local internal
residential street
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix F
Preliminary Findings
The environmental and socio-economic trends identified by this study in older
inner-ring neighborhoods present an unsustainable process of neighborhood
decline with negative consequences to the local and surrounding socio-ecological
system.
From a public policy standpoint, these areas need to be addressed by government
in a proactive and comprehensive way as they represent substantial areas of the
built environment in San Juan City and the Rio Piedras watershed.
The strategic central location of older inner-ring suburbs within the metropolitan
area, their adjacency to the main arterial avenues and transport networks, their
proximity to central commercial/work/institutional destinations, their inherent
and latent urban design attributes (Ramos 2008), and the current decelerating real
estate valuation not only reveals the socio-economic underperformance of these
neighborhoods, but also the opportunity and their potential for evolving into more
sustainable human settlements through simultaneous physical redevelopment and
socio-economic revitalization programs in which lost green areas and
environmental services can be recuperated.
Beyond San Juan ULTRA-EX:
In-Depth Work
Increase the sampling of neighborhoods with
diverse socioeconomic and morphological-
typological characteristics so as to conduct
statistically significant studies.
Quantify loss of environmental services due to
suburban green area loss.
Perform statistical regression analysis
between socioeconomic variables and green
area loss ratios.
Neighborhood Unit
"Sector 74"
( Historic & Proposed Evolution]
I
. -
I
IMftlMH
Existing Subdivision
Acknowledgements
- National Science Foundation
- US Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry
- Fundacion Puertorriquena de Conservacion
- University of Puerto Rico
- Municipio de San Juan
- Centre de Recaudacion de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM)
- Centra Para Puerto Rico, Fundacion Sila M. Calderon
- IGERT, Universidad de Puerto Rico
- US Geological Survey
- Archive General de Puerto Rico (AGPR)
- Archive de Arquitectura y Construccion de Puerto Rico (AACPR)
-------
Appendix G
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix G
integrated ivianagemen
Essential Component of
Sustaining Coral Reefs and
Associated Fisheries
Richard S. Appeldoorn
Department of Marine Sciences
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
isn ana neroivore Aounaance
40
35 -
t 30-
| 25 -
| 20 -
I 15 -
i_
a 10 -
Decline with Turbidity
0.05 0.10
Trends in Turbidity
WT(m) = 811.74 - 0.4003*Year
r2 = .9725
1993 1995
1999 2991 2993 2995 2997 2999 2911
Year
Enhances Productivity
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix G
llilfhlllliilihilll
iUill h!
iliiih infill I
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix G
Ecosystem
Function
Settlement/Recruitment
Nursery Habitats
Connectivity
Nutrient/Biomass Flows
Feeding Migrations
Ontogenetic Migrations
Planktiovry
Herbivory
Production
Spawning sites
Ecosyst
Servic<
Commercial Fisheries
Recreational Fisheries
Snorkeling/Diving
Beach Sand Production
Shoreline Prote
Education
Scientific Research
Bio-active Compounds
Passive Values
Hereditary V
Future Use
Existential V'
Biodiversity
Identify Critical Habita
Frequency of Selection within MARXAN
Important Criteria
Shoreline tc
40km between selected areas for larval
connectivity
Replication of targets
Kesinence Kequires hirst principles
for Fisheries Management
Maintain Ecosystem Integrity
- (Biodiversity conservation)
Maintain ecosystem function
Rigorously proieci habitat
Protect water quality
Precautionary approach
Maintain reference points for monitoring
Are limits to production
ppeldoom (2008)
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Management Tactics
control areas (reference points for monitoring)
protect spawning stocks, trophic structures, EFH
control fishing effort
herbivores (no entangling nets),
predators (no spear guns),
spawners (large mesh),
habitat (no trawling)
(large mesh, traps with escape panels)
itar Coral Wai
Episode IV- A New Hope
'"'"^ershed Approaches
- Jobos Bay
- Guanica Bay
>sion Control
Biocriteria
Marine Reserves
Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning
Appendix G
match ecosystem needs (corals, seagrass)
use spatial zoning as appropriate
improve Environmental Impact Assessments (ElAs)
Set rigid guidelines for exemptions & variances
Management Tactics
-------
Appendix H
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix H
AN INTERDISCIPLINARY ERO
MITIGATION APPROACH FOR C(
REEF PROTECT!
A CASE STUDY FROM THE EAS
CARIBI
Agenda
a Project Background
a Objectives
Methods
Results, discussion and recommendations
Conclusions
a Future projects
Project Background
Culebra is an island
located approximately
1 9 miles east of the
main island of Puerto
Rico
: It supports coral reef
ecosystems
characteristic of
northeastern Caribbean
marine biodiversity, and
they represent highly
valuable sources of
fishing, tourism and
recreational activities
Project Background
a Coral reefs in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
(PR) are among the most highly threatened reefs of
the entire Caribbean as a consequence of the
combined effects of climate change, coral
bleaching, increased incidence of disease,
overfishing, and the delivery of inland pollutants
Reduction in 50 to 80% coral coverage since 1 997
in Luis Pena Natural Reserve has been observed
Objectives
a To describe an innovative framework by which
technical knowledge gathered by marine ecologists,
watershed scientists, and civil/environmental
engineers can be best employed in the
development of an erosion mitigation strategy.
Methods
a Multi-Step Approach
Step 1
collecting the basic information to describe coral reef
abundance and condition,
estimating watershed-scale sediment loading rates, and
evaluating the feasibility of on-site installation of erosion
control measures
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix H
Methods
Multi-Step Approach (cont.)
n Step 2
formalize an approach to select the watersheds and
associated marine habitats that merit a preferred status for
ithe implementation of erosion control activities
Considerations for assessing need for mitigation/protection
(1) resource abundance- the amount of surface prone for coral
reef growth and/or the abundance of particular coral species of
concern;
(2) resource condition- the observed condition of the coral reef
ecosystem; and
(3) stress level- sedimentation stress defined by annual sediment
yields
Methods
a Multi-Step Approach
Step 3
choosing the specific sites (i.e., sediment sources) and
methods to be implemented within the priority areas by
invoking a sediment reduction cost-effectiveness analysis
Methods
Flowchart displaying
the general scope of
the proposed,
interdisciplinary
erosion mitigation
strategy described
here
Coral Reef Assessment
Abundance of Coral Reef Habitats
Based on its areal coverage, and relied upon pre-
existing benthic habitat maps (NOAA-NOS)
Sea bottom classified by the Habitat attribute (3rd tier):
Coral reef and colonized hard-bottom
Submerged aquatic vegetation
Unconsolidated Sediments
Others
Coral Reef Assessment
Structure and Condition
Modified Rogers et al. Protocol (1994)
Data was obtained at depths typically ranging from 3
to 7 m
Data used for this study included percent cover of
benthic components:
live coral, macroalgae, algal turf, crustose coralline algae
(CCA), and cyanobacteria
These also allowed calculations of live coral to algal ratios
as well as coral to cyanobaterial ratios
Watershed Assessment
a The unpaved road network in Culebra is considered
to be overall the island's most important
anthropogenic source of sediment
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix H
Watershed Assessment
a Erosion and sediment yield assessments relied upon
application of the STJ-EROS model
a STJ-EROS estimates erosion rates from both natural and
anthropogenic sources of sediment based on empirical
equations developed from data collected on St. John
(USVI), an island with a similar physical setting as
Culebra
Unpaved roads on Culebra were found to be similar to
those from which the STJ-EROS road erosion algorithms
were developed in terms of substrate, road prism
geometry, and range of slopes.
Watershed Assessment
The eight watersheds of interest covered a total area of 6.8 km2 or about a
quarter of the total landmass of Culebra. Individual watersheds ranged in drainage
areas from 9.1 ha at Punta Soldado (PSO) to 274 ha at Puerto Del Manglar (PDM)
E af AIM of Anawilh
with High Moderate !
SUKfM SDKfM
Punla boldado [J50)
Lnswtuda Malcna
(EMA)
Cayo OakiB (CD A)
Bahia Mosquito
(BMO)
(ERJ)
hierto Wt MflitRlar
(I'DM)
Ptava Larga jl'LA)
Flaw Ham (1*20)
Best Management Practices
"...a variety of site planning, design, and construction
activities to minimize the production and transport of
sediments"
General limitations:
D an already existing and thus mostly immovable road
network layout;
D a characteristically rugged topography, and
a lack of locally available specialized materials and
equipment that significantly increases costs and therefore
reduces the number of BMPs that would otherwise be
considered feasible
Best Management Practices
a Three main types of BMPs evaluated
those methods that improve the resistance to erosion
processes by preventing the direct contact of rain and
runoff with the soil surface (Type I)
minimize the amount of flow on the unpaved road
surface and thus reduce its erosive energy
Those that attempt to capture as much sediment as
possible while runoff is transported through or
discharged from the road prism (Type III)
Best Management Practices
BMP selection in most cases is site specific and a combination
of these individual BMPs is usually the most effective
alternative. Therefore, we developed three general road
designs or treatments, each incorporating a different sub-set
of BMPs
ld, v^^M C»«J. EnOMt
tefc 4-.fr -i. Or*
Prioritization Strategy
a Limitations
coral reef condition assessments are based on a single,
one-time observation
erosion analyses explicitly lacks the capacity to
understand sediment dynamics and effects once
delivered to the marine environmentSite and BMP
Selection
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix H
Prioritization Strategy
a Watershed Selection
The combined watershed and marine habitat evaluation
procedure presented here is based on three criteria:
(1) abundance of the marine resource,
(2) marine resource condition, and
(3) stress level
Each of the three criterion being considered for
analyses can be graphically portrayed as the axis of a
three-dimensional cube
Prioritization Strategy
Sediment stress level is displayed along
the x-horizontal axis from low to high
(left to right).
B
Resource abundance is graphed in the y- c
vertical axis from low upwards to high "^
abundance. 3
,Q
Resource condition lies along the z-depth
axis from good to poor (foreground to
background).
Sediment stress level
Prioritization Strategy
a Watershed Selection
The cube also serves to map the justification or goal of
erosion control activities being implemented.
Implementation of erosion mitigation strategies for coral
reef protection can be justified on the basis of three
main motives:
(1) Preservation,
(2) Prevention, and
(3) Remediation
Prioritization Strategy
Site & BMP Selection and Cost-Effectiveness
Analysis
cost-effectiveness may be defined by the total amount
of funds spent installing BMPs relative to the amount of
sediment that will no longer reach coastal waters (i.e.,
sediment 'savings') as a result of their implementation
cost-effectiveness for the case in Culebra will be
described in terms U.S. Dollars spent on BMPs per ton
of sediment 'saved' ($ ton"1)
Results, Discussion and
Recommendations
Results, Discussion and
Recommendations
Coral Reef Condition
Mean coral reef benthic
parameter values for the
eight study sites in Culebra.
From top: A) Percent coral
cover of four of the most
sensitive Scleractinian coral
species (M. annulahs, M.
faveolata, A. palmata, A.
cerv/corn/s); B) Percent cover
of the four most important
algal functional groups:
macroalgae (Mac), turf,
crustose coralline algae
(CCA), and cyanobacteria
(Cya).
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix H
Results, Discussion and
Recommendations
a Coral Reef Condition
'Cora/: algal' ratios and
'crusfose coralline algae
(CCA) : algal' ratios across
the eight study sites in
Culebra
Results, Discussion and
Recommendations
Watershed Assessment
Results, Discussion and
Recommendations
a
1*
]-
Watershed-Marine Habitat Selection
MM
5gj
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix H
Results, Discussion and
Recommendations
aSite and BMPs Selection
The RDM watershed was chosen as the target area for conducting cost-
effectiveness analyses because of its high sediment yield rates, its
relatively extensive unpaved road network, and the poor to moderate
condition of its adjacent marine resources.
Watershed Description:
9.4 km of unpaved roads, sub-divided into 104 individual road
segments which in total deliver 1 1 2 tons of sediment every year into
the receiving coastal waters
The average road segment has a length of 90 m and a slope of 7%
with individual values ranging between 1 2 - 390 m and from 0% to
25%, respectively
Twenty-seven road segments individually contribute more than 0.82
tons yr1, which is the estimated background sediment yield level for
this watershed
Results, Discussion and
Recommendations
a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Results, Discussion and
Recommendations
Conclusions
a The strategy serves in part to choose priority target
watersheds for erosion control on the basis of the
intentions of the mitigation efforts
a The cost-effectiveness analyses aids in choosing specific
sites and erosion control methods to maximize the net
reductions in sediment loads while minimizing costs
a Application of this cost-effectiveness analysis to one
watershed in Culebra suggests that the choice of most
effective erosion control method varies according to the
amount of funds available for implementation
6
-------
Appendix I
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix
Coral reefs
supported by a stable, BIOGEN1C calcium- carbonate framework
mainly produced by scleractinian
Very old and widely distribute.
Survived four, major extinction events in Earth s
evolutionary history (400 MY= resilient)
Fine tissue layer makes a World
of difference:
> Coral reefs form 1/3 of the tropical coasts
Deposit up to 2000 ton/ha/year ofCaCOS
' Influences chemical balance of oceans
% of calcium entering oceans is fixed in coral reefs
700 billions kg of carbon (CO2) are fixed/absorbed every
year-Aid in sea water pH balance
> Coastal protection and aid in formation of other important
communities: seagrasses - mangrove - sandy bottoms, etc.
> Biodiversity reservoir
> High productivity
> Generation of local changes in coastal profiles and habitats
Coastal protection-development of human setlements
Source of protein and economic support for millions of
families (9.000.000 ton/year in fisheries).
Stabilization of social structures (family activities around
reefs)
Building materials
Pharmaceutical - medicine products
Education and recreation
Ecotourism -commercial and
family income
BUT..
,.: ., (lam Up ;!ildberget?I.(1999); n
M2 100! :~-:!;Carpenter etgl. (2008)
* su'S >" ''<: - '.' I '
What are we loosing:
Capacity
Capacityto fix
Productivity
Fecundity
Biodiversity
Artisanal fisheries
Natural products ;'
». ,i* Family support and social structure-^
" -Coastalprotectioq,
il balance moving awav fro
SUSTAirJABILITY " " > ,-
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix
What is going on???
What are the major threats to coral r
and reef sustainability? - 14
t gg^
' / : VJ.JK V1 . :
>i: -\ ' ;
' « * , *? T:' "
fCommon denominator to environmental problems
Sustainability" or Sustainable development
While preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the
The ability to meet the needs of the present while contributing to the future
generations' needs" . (Michael Thomas Needham)
Sustainable development ties together concern for the carrying capacity of natural
systems with the social challenges faced by humanity.
Economic sustainability
-*; Sociopolitical Sustainability
" Environmental sustainability
Increased [CO2]
Global Climate Change
ng
jc^agcvuutrients)
Anchoring Groundings .JjBMiR^^^fc^-
Agriculture (pesticides)
Coral extraction" f -t^M
Ofl chemical spills
» DEGRADATION O|G
*= NO SUSTAIN,
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix
LOCAL CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Water turbidity - Sedimentation - over time
Significant Decline in water transparency (m) in La Parguera, Puerto Rico over time.
O 30-
Reef mean monthly sea-surface temperature - La Parguera
IIII. .1T
Winter mean surface sea water temperatures
,O
ff
] = 26'5J
s
WARMER WINTERS
...L 1 1,,,
Year
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Months/years
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix
Temporal change in mean cover of corals, algae, sponge, and octocorals in
La Parguerafrom 1994-2010
Year (Weil Caricomp data-unpublished)
Impact of bleaching and diseases:
- Two intensive bleaching events affected 52 coral
species, 22 octocorals, 3 hydrocorals, 2 zoanthids and
3 sponges.
- Eleven biotic diseases affected 42 coral species, 5
octocorals, 2 hydrocorals, 3 zoanthids, 2 sponges and
at least 3 crustose coralline algae (CCA).
- Significant mortalities of corals and other important
members of the coral reef community. Loss of
habitat and productivity.
Epizootic consequenc
Changes in coral community structure -function
Replacement of dominant species - spp composition
Change in abundances and distribution
Reduction in live cover/biomass
Reduction in Biodiversity
Reduction in spatial heterogeneity/ habitats
* Reduction in productivity
Reduction in reproductive output - fitness
Evolutionary consequences ?
Social consequences?
Moving away from Sustainability
IN THEORY
Not possible to reach Sustainability until local and global environmental
deterioration is controlled. Not possible to control these unless we involve ALL
STAKEHOLDERS in the process and control human population growth.
Reefs for the future? How? Where?
Final Remarks
1 Improve environmental conditions
Reduce stress factors, sedimentation, pollution,
fisheries
Reduce CO2 emissions, temperature stress
Protect genetically diverse population
buildingspecies = increase # and arel
-w *"-»
-
t arid involvement of all stakeholders?
\f. . *i. in,,.. - *»".--'
We have exceeded our capacity to feed, clothe and provide
jobs and a decent standard of living for ourselves and future
uture global climate change can not be avoided and we can
not predict the timing of those changes.
New technologies are not the only answer, since they will
always lag behind population growth. Future technology will
be more important to our adaptation to climatic change-
not to its prevention
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix
We are all guilty as charg
consuming.
g a live and
These are our problems and for sustainable
development we all need to take responsibility
-DO YOUR PART! * -
-------
Appendix J
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix J
"ACHIEVABILITY" vs "SUSTAINABILITY":
Including Community Acceptance Consideration in
the Implementation of Renewable Energy Projects
in Puerto Rico.
Maria Perez-Ortiz, PhD
Cecilio Ortiz Garcia, PhD
Department of Social Sciences,
ITEAS (Tropical Institute of Energy, Environment & Society)
University of Puerto Rico-Mayagiiez
Objectives
1. What is "social acceptance" to renewable
energy projects?
2. What are some of the most important findings
of our research?
3. What is it's policy relevance?
4. What can policy makers do to move Puerto Rico
towards sustainability, relative to my research?
5. What is necessary to implement my research
island-wide?
WHAT IS "SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE" TO
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS?
The Paradigm Shift of Renewable
Energy
Green vs. renewable vs.
sustainable
Smaller scale and lower
energy density
Below the surface vs.
above surface resource
extraction
More visibility of
projects
"Soft" factors, not
technical, become
decisive in sitting
decisions.
What is Social Acceptance?
It is a set of
socio-political,
community
and market
characteristics
that determine
the social
sustainability
of renewable
energy
projects.
/ \
Wiistenhagen etal. 2007
Achievabable does NOT mean
Acceptable... or Sustainable
Parameters for achievability: Parameters for acceptability:
- Estimated availability and variability
-The state ofthe technologiesused to
harvest their energy
- Perception of procedural justice in the
decision-making process
- Perception of equity in the distribution
of costs and benefits associated with
the project.
- Perceived economic, environmental
and aesthetic consequences
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix J
Empirical research shows...
30% of non-finalized wind farm projects in Europe
are stopped due to lawsuits and public resistance
(Azau, 2011)
Community ownership models have a positive effect
On the local acceptance (Fabian David Musall* and Onno Kuik. 2011)
It is NOT related to knowledge or attitudes towards
renewable energy technologies in the abstract.
Sitting issues...
Distrust - "Public trust (especially in the facility developer), early and
continuous public involvement in the facility siting process, and an
adaptive strategy that involves incorporating citizens' concerns into
siting and operation decisions are associated with a higher likelihood of
Siting success." (Ibitayo and Pijawka, 1998)
Environmental Justice "Latent feelings of inequity in the
community can be heightened by a previous contamination incidents.
The incidents can amplify perceptions of environmental risk and
reinforce perceptions of distributional, procedural, and process
inequities We need to strengthen planning processes to involve
environmental equity considerations." (Pijawka, 1998)
It is NOT NIMBY...
"Regarding community acceptance of wind power schemes,
the visual evaluation of the impact of wind power on the
values of the landscape is by far the most dominant factor in
explaining opposition or support." (Wolsink, 2006).
"Local opposition cannot be explained by the egotistical
motives of local residents. When the inclination to behave
according to (supposed) backyard motives is investigated, the
scale to measure this phenomenon appears to indicate
commitment to equity issues and fairness of decision-
making" (Wolsink, 2006).
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST
IMPORTANT FINDINGS OF OUR
RESEARCH?
Our Methodology
Survey to a sistematic random sample of 409
residents older than 18, in 3 communities
previously targeted for the sitting of a wind
energy project.
- Vieques (n=157),
- Catano tl (n=81), Catano t2 (n=97)
- and Camuy (n=74).
Puwto Rico and U S Virflin Islands - 50 rn Wind Power
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix J
Stakeholder identification and analysis
Knowledge and Attitudes
The most recognized renewable energy
sources are wind and solar.
There is a positive bias towards solar
energy. Participants think that the sun is
the cheaper energy source, that is safer
and the least polluting. It is perceived as
the most viable for development in the
Island as well in their community.
Procedural Justice
The developer is responsible for informing the
community. The communication should be structured in
the form of community meetings, not public hearings.
Community participation is very important, mostly at the
early stages of project development.
The community should be involved in the project's
approval and in selecting the project's location.
The community needs to have access to independent
experts for a neutral perspective on the technology and
the project.
Distributional justice
The community should be compensated if
the project is approved against their will.
Fair compensation schemes include:
- discounts in the electric bill,
- providing electricity to a local school or hospital,
- or an activity that brings collective wellbeing.
Trust
The majority voted in the general elections, but it
has little impact on the community's wellbeing.
Distrust in the current decision making processes,
Doubt that the government and the private
sector have the community's interests and needs
in mind when proposing new infrastructure
projects.
CATANO AS A REAL LIFE EXPERIMENT
(IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE...)
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix J
Knowledge about what kinds of energy
sources are renewable.
Source
Solar
Hydro
Wind
Biofiids
Geothermal
Hidrogen
Waves
Coal
Natural Gas
Petroleum
Nuclear
Before
82.5%
68.4%
64.9%
29.8%
22.8%
17.5%
15.8%
10.5%
10.5%
8.8%
3-5%
After
79.2%
73-3%
81.5%
30.3%
9-4%
6.7%
9-4%
6.7%
54-5%
6.5%
10%
Change
+
+ (Sig .03)
+
-
-
-
-
+ (Sig. 00)
-
+
The community should sacrifice for the good of
all Puerto Rico
Sig .01
Perception about current decision-
making process
Politicians care about what
people like me think
Mi community always
participate in the
government's decisions
that affect us directly
Public hearings have an
impact of government's
desicions
The opinion of my
community is taken into
account when deciding
where to locate
infraestructure projects.
20.9%*'
31.6%*
WHAT IS THE POLICY RELEVANCE OF
THE RESEARCH ON SOCIAL
ACCEPTANCE?
If we want SUCCESS...
SOCIAL ACCEPTABILITY
TECHNICAL
" ACHIEVABILITY
NON
FEASIBILITY
WHAT CAN POLICY
MAKERS DO TO
MOVE PUERTO RICO
TOWARDS
SUSTAINABILITY,
RELATIVE TO MY
RESEARCH ON
SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE
OF WIND TURBINES?
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix J
We propose...
A Community Acceptance Index for Renewable
Energy Projects at the community level (CAIREP).
Collect data on communities near identified
renewable energy resources.
- To integrate social acceptance information with
renewable resources availability data into a map that
identifies communities that exhibit high achievability
and acceptability of renewable energy technologies.
- To develop a policy "toolbox" for the successful
implementation of renewable energy projects in
Puerto Rico.
Research Questions
- Justice = How communities located where
renewable resources can be extracted perceive
current decision-making processes?
- Equity = How is the distribution of costs and
benefits associated to renewable energy projects
perceived?
- Impact = What are the perceived economic,
environmental and aesthetic consequences of a
renewable energy project in the targeted
community?
Similar government initiatives to
understand community acceptance:
Projects, agencies and organizations
1. "Beyond Nimbyism: a multidisciplinary investigation of public engagement
with renewable energy technologies" by the UK Government's Economic
and Social Research Council at The University of Manchester.
2. "Create Acceptance" (Cultural influences on Renewable Energy Acceptance
and Tools for the development of communication strategies to promote
acceptance among key actor groups) by the European Union at the Energy
Research Centre of the Netherlands.
3. European Wind Energy Association
4. The International Energy Agency Implementing Agreement for Cooperation
in the Research, Development, and Deployment of Wind EnergSistems.
Similar government initiatives to
understand community acceptance:
Conferences and publications
1. 54th Topical Expert Meeting on Social Acceptance of Wind Energy Projects,
May 2007 at Luzerne, Switzerland
2. llth World Wind Energy Conference & WWEC 2012 Fair "Community Power-
Citizen's Power"
3. "Living with a wind farm The public acceptance issue", Wind Directionsm Sept.
2-11, Vol. 30/no. 4
4. IEA Wind Task 28 Technical Report, 2010
WHAT IS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT
THE RESEARCH ON SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE
ISLAND-WIDE?
But first, we have to ask ourselves...
Can we really define "sustainability"?
Can Puerto Rico "move" towards
sustainability?
Been non-policy experts, can we really talk
about the policy relevance of OUR research?
Can we really say what is necessary to
implement our research island-wide that we
haven't said already?
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Sustainability
"Sustainable development is a term
that everyone likes, but nobody is
sure of what it means" (Daly, 1996).
The key is broad participation!
"One of the fundamental prerequisites for the achievement of
sustainable development is broad public participation in
decision-making. Furthermore, in the more specific context of
environment and development, the need for new forms of
participation has emerged. This includes the need of
individuals, groups and organizations to participate in
environmental impact assessment procedures and to know
about and participate in decisions, particularly those which
potentially affect the communities in which they live and work.
Individuals, groups and organizations should have access to
information relevant to environment and development held by
national authorities, including information on products and
activities that have or are likely to have a significant impact on
the environment, and information on environmental protection
measures."
Chapter 23, Section III of the Agenda 21 ,1992 in Rio de Janeiro
Appendix J
The Social Dimension of Sustainability
the property
conflict
\IM
development
/vrefltafcl* mil fair1 %
(luilalnable dvunlnpmlnIT) ^^
conflict
(lie resource
conflict
Dr. Cecilio Ortiz Garcia, PhD
Cecilio.ortiz@upr.edu
Dr. Maria Perez-Lugo, PhD
Marla.perez@upr.edu
Department of Social Sciences
University of Puerto Rico -Mayagiiez
lteas.uprm.edu
-------
Appendix K
-------
Previous Work
Puerto Rico, Renewable Energy
Self-Sufficiency Roadmap
White Paper Presentation
Puerto Rico Renewable Energy Self Sufficiency Committee
August, 2011
Various studies has shown that Puerto Rico has the resources necessary for energy self sufficiency. One of the
most significant studies is the Puerto Rico Achievable Renewable Energy Targets (ARET), by the College of
Engineering of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagiiez Campus. ARET was sponsored by the Puerto Rico Energy
Affairs Administration.
As a society we have agreed in achieving, in 20 years
- The production of all our electricity with local renewable resources.,
- Maintain the price paid for electricity at the level of 2010 or lower.
- Dramatically improve the Puerto Rico economy
- Create thousands of new well-paid jobs.
The basic premise of this work is that Puerto Rico has agreed, as a society, in achieving self sufficiency in the
resources necessary to produce all our electricity needs, while keeping the price paid for electricity at 2010 levels or
lower. This study also assumes that future political will and public policies will be aligned with the goal of energy
self-sufficiency.
The location of the fossil fuel plants and the interconnection grid, was considered for sizing and placement of the
renewable energy systems proposed. The energy storage and grid stabilization capabilities of the present fossil fuel
burning facilities are assets in the implementation of large scale renewable energy systems.
Fossil Fuel Plants
Renewable Energy Transition
Today
Algae Oil Seed Oil
17MMkWhr per Year
With Fossil Fuels
17MMkWhr per Year
With Biofuels and
Renewable Sources
The present fossil fuel plants will be used as baseload power producers using diminishing amounts of fossil fuels as
the efficiency and energy production systems are put in place. Longer term, the oil burning plants will be
conditioned to burn 100% biofuels produced within the development area of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and the
Dominican Republic.
-------
Renewable Energy Sources Considered
The total number of types of renewable energy sources considered is of 21 different types. Not considered were
geothermal, tide and large scale hydro. The reason for this, was the lack of verifiable information in the actual
amount of geothermal and tide resources, and space limitations associated with new large scale hydro facilities.
Hydroelectric facilities were considered to be used mostly for frecuency control due to limitations in water availability.
A net 17% reduction in energy load requirements was projected as technically and economically feasible given the
experience with commercial, residential and industrial settings where energy efficiency improvements of over 25%
have been easily achieved. Energy efficiency replaces baseload energy production through lighting replacement, air
conditioning systems replacement and climatization of buildings and residences. An average energy efficiency
improvement of 17% is equivalent to the electricity that produces a 500MW facility.
Offshore Wind
Puerto Rico Renewable Energy Portfolio
Strategic Crops and Biomass
Offshore wind represents the largest single potential source of renewable energy for Puerto Rico. Even when the
potential energy production capability at the shallow waters at the east coast of Puerto Rico is in the thousands of
MW of effective capacity, the proposed effective capacity would be of approximately 300MW, enough to supply 10%
of the projected Puerto Rico electrical energy demand. Given the offshore capacity factor of 30% this represents
wind farms of about 900MW of installed capacity. This can be easily installed in just the Aguirre Offhore site.
The single largest source of energy will be from biomass harvesting and its use through biorefineries. A total of 400
MW of effective power, equivalent to 14% of the electrical energy requirement will be produced through biorefineries
that also produce electrical energy. The biorefineries will be able to produce electricity only or a combination of
biofuels or other byproducts.
Puerto Rico Renewabte Eowgy Portfolio
Pumped Water Storage Facilities
Puerto Rico Renewable Energy Portfolio
Resources and Facilities Map
There are 8 pumped water storage facilities planned as part of the roadmap. These are of different kinds and are
also part of an emergency water storage infrastructure. Pumped water storage systems store energy by pumping
water to an elevated reservoir. When needed, the water in the reservoir is allowed to flow through a hydraulic
turbine. These systems add capacity in an intermittent way by storing excess energy produced by other sources. It
adds up to instant capacity as required.
The combination of all the renewable systems add up to 2,925MW of effective power with a total production of
17,000 million of kWhr per year, this represents 100% of the electrical energy requirements projected, every year, for
the next 20 years.
-------
Emerging Commercial/Workforce Development Sectors
Potential Employments SuERo;
Base - $2.ODD MM Annual savings, $50.ooo/employment
40,000 50.000
30,000 40,000
.20,000 3Q,ooo
10.000-?O.OOO
0-10,000
The investment required for all the renewable systems necessary for self sufficiency add up to S21,990 million.
Variable energy production systems has the largest share of the investment with 63%, or S13.738 million, of all the
investment required. The highest cost of the systems based in sun. wind and water is compensated by the fact that
these systems do not need fuels for operation.
A key benefit from SuERo's implementation is the creation of both direct and indirect jobs.
These can range between 2,000 to 50,000 depending on the % of the savings that is used for
salaries and cash flow circulation of the savings. The latter will depend on the establishment of
supporting renewable energy industries on the island. See next transparencies.
Expanded Local Industries/Workforce Development:
Photovoltaic Panels
Biorefinery Based Industry, Strategic Crops (6F)
700 million pounds
high value
products/year
$1/W
The assembly of photovoltaic panels for local electricity consumption takes as a
calculation basis 100 MW per year (the government guarantees purchasing 50
MW/yr for the first five years @ breakeven costs). The unit price is $1/W. The
projected annual sales are approximately $100 million dollars.
Respuesta de Representante de la Camara
jNos queda
grande Colucci!
Acknowledgements
This work was supported in part by the U.S.
Department of Education under grant
84.031S and University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez campus. Also we would like to
acknowledge the participation at several
workshops of representatives from the
commercial, academic, NGO and government
sectors.
» o/vra.
-------
Appendix L
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix L
Large-scale spread of vines and
Sustainability
Diana L. Delgado1
Carlo Res+repo1
Rafael Arce
'Department of Biology
University of Puerto Rico-Rfo Piedras
Vine invasions around the World
i
-
Rubber vine (C. grand/flora) in Australia
Kudzu (P. montana) in
Southeastern USA
Trumpet vine
'a)\n Hawaii
Increase in abundance of lianas in
tropical forests
A Tree Hugger. with « Twist
LAMJ. r»n»r» MCtan b
What is so special about vines?
Functional group of plants
represented in > 80 families
Can be woody (lianas) or
herbaceous
Common characteristic: need
of other structures for
support
Important for agricultural and
ornamental uses
Until recent years, vines had been mostly ignored in the
literature
Vine invasions
Factors favoring vine success
Rapid growth
Life strategy: structural
parasites
Greater dispersal ability
Consequences
Alter landscape
configuration
Possible loss of
function and services
Infrastructure
vulnerability
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix L
Vine invaded landscapes and Sustainability
Vine invaded landscapes can
be seen as a new state of the
system
Conversion to this new state
can affect the delivery of
certain ecosystem services,
thus decreasing Sustainability
This new state can be very
resilient
Capacity to meet present needs without compromising the capacity of
future generations to meet their own needs
Mapping vine patches:
image processing and classification
Land cover map
2002 Satellite images
(IKONOS)
Accuracy assessment
Networks modeling invasions
Networks can be used to represent
and measure connectivity
Spatially explicit networks provide
information about the configuration
of the network in the landscape
Tool use for management and
conservation
Provides information about the
resilience of the network
'
^
I
ll. 2009
Nodes- represent a vine
£ ~ C uster
patch >100m2
Edge- represent dispersal ,
(100m) among patches
Network analysis
Vine patch network
Network Structure
Node degree - number of vine patches connecting a
target node
Clusters - groups of connected vine patches
Study Area
Complex mosaic of
environmental conditions
' Diverse land uses
Dominated by second
growth interspersed
with old growth
forests, agriculture,
and urban areas
Location and size of vine patches
780 vine patches
Vine patches cover 14 km2
(8.2%)
Land use under vine cover
49% in croplands
38% in forest
12% in pastures
Larger patches on croplands fc/
2
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix L
Vine network node degree distribution
289 isolated patches
456 with 1-2 neighbors
16 highly connected
patches (4-6 connections)
Conclusions
The landscape is dominated by small vine patches
The majority of vine patches are over crop lands and
these patches are larger than those in other landuses
The majority of vine patches has a small number of
connections
The landscape is dominated by clusters of vine
patches of a small size
Small number of vine species dominate in the use
utility networks and can spread up to 41m.
Vine network cluster size distribution
534 clusters
1 Range of cluster size:
- 1 - 10 patches
Acknowledgements
Puerto Rico Louis Stokes Alliance for minority
participation (PRLSAMP)
David Manages
Josimar Figueroa
Juan Carlos Ortega
Vines presence on poles
1 Vines present:
113 poles (58%)
101 lines (30%)
1 Vine species included
Cissusverticilata(6\.%} . f.
Ipomoeaspp. (39%)
Vine extend on average llm ^"^*"^
(0.6m-41m, min-max)
-------
Appendix M
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix M
Tropical Coastal Sustainabilitv 101
Lessons learned from the slippery road towards
sustainable practices in PR under a climate of change
CATEC
Edwin A. Hernandez-Delgado
'S':-', Cii-'^.- i.j: Aiiplic-r! Iro.T^v ;.;;.> 1:1;-; & ~, ;.o"..e a.'.e-i.Cc-ra: we*
1=0 Box 233&CJ, San njan, PR OU931-^3^0
coralj;iac@yahoo.com
Objectives
Sustainable coastal ecosystems in
PR: To be or not to be?
Case studies from the Great
Northeastern Reserve, PR.
A sustainable community-based
alternative for coral reef ecosystem
management.
Recommendations.
Lesson #1: Caribbean hurricane/storm frequency trends
Period: 1851 - 2010
Copyright © 2011 Caribbean Hurricane Network. AH Rights Reserved
Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and
Lesson #2: Changes in mean annual SST in Culebra (2003-2010)
Changes in mean annual SST in PR (1980-2010)
Lesson #3: Non-sustainable increase coastal
urban development over the last six decades
http://upr.academia.edu/EdwinHernandez
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix M
Lesson#4: Increased frequency of localized extreme
rainfall events (i.e., March 29, 2012 - 20" rainfall/25 hr)
Lesson #5: Potential indicators of non-sustainability in
socio-economic development in PR
Old-style, non-participatory, top-down
approaches.
Significant permanent negative
environmental impacts "for the sake of
progress".
Continued socio-economic degradation.
Lax regulations.
Non-sustainable operations.
Lesson #5: Indicators of non-sustainability in
socio-economic development in PR
Decision-making processes with
significant conflicts of interests
and corruption.
Revenue leakage.
Construction is often envisioned
as the solution to economic
constriction.
Climate change impacts are not
yet recognized as a major
threat.
Lesson #6: Dramatic chronic coastal water quality
decline as a result of large scale development along
watersheds and along the coast
Great Northeastern Reserve? Really???
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix M
Lesson #7: Significant increase in fecal pollution
with increasing water turbidity
Lesson #8: Chronic fecal pollution, turbidity and
eutrophication kill corals!
z D-l=ad !. :.'. i;.'i'. }
http://upr.academia.edu/EdwinHernandez
Lesson #9: GIS-based modeling shows impacts at sub-
watershed level can significantly influence sewage
pollution gradients
Lesson #10: Major coral reef
decline over the last decades
accelerated by unprecedented
massive bleaching and coral
mortality
Significant loss of reef-
building coral species
Community structure phase shifts
SiteTime
PCR2005
f PFL2005
CBT2005
^ DIA2005
PLM2005
j- PLT2005
PCR2010
PFL2010
CBT2010
DIA2010
D PLT2010
PLM2010
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix M
Lesson #11: Declining coral species richness
across GNER
ic-Of Lu,:; !.. Luci Or CSJ
HED PFL-c PFL
GNER: Declining % living coral cover
SA*,"
a
.,1,1,
i
i i,
i
Pic-ln Pic-Of Luq-ln Luq-Of CSJ IRA HED PFL-C PPL PCR
Site
Lesson #12: Coral reefs in a road to slime?
Lesson #13: Significant long-term decline in M. annularis
growth rates with increasing Fajardo River flow
Annual streamflow (cm)
Significant long-term decline in M. annularis
calcification rates with increasing Fajardo River flow
Lesson #14: Demographic models of recurrent massive bleaching and
mass mortalities in Montastraea annularis suggest rapid extinction
ECOSPHERE
1/10 yr
1/5 yr
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix M
Lesson #15: Significant fish biomass decline
(1997-2007)
n
1
Groupers (Serranidae)
Non-target fish biomass loss (1997-2007)
i
j 20°
nil
[Li
ai
,..
2007
,11 m
Conservation
What does changes in fish communities mean?
Overall decline across different
trophic groups suggest significant
non-sustainable impacts across
large spatial and temporal scales
due to:
Fishing impacts.
Environmental degradation.
Large-scale coral mortality as a
result of climate change-related
impacts.
An alternate community-based sustainable approach to
coral reef rehabilitation
Sociedad Ambiente Marino, Coralations, Vegabajenos Impulsando Desarrollo
Ambiental Sustentable (VIDAS), UPR/CATEC
Lesson #16: Coral farming aimed at multi-
species reef rehabilitation
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix M
Community-based reef rehabilitation 101
in a climate of change
Restoration criteria Benefits of community-based coral farming and ree
rehabilitation in face of climate chan
Propagation and reintroduction of largely depleted coral species.
Increased coral density to foster the recovery of coral
reproduction at local scales and buffer the impact of reproductive
isolation (Allee effects).
Foster reef bio-construction by propagating and outplanting
rapid-growing ecosystem engineer coral species.
Help local coral reefs to increase accretion rates and adapt to
projected rapid sea level rise.
Rehabilitate benthic habitat structural complexity, which provides
| shelter to a myriad of reef demersal species.
Hhlelp replenish coral reef-associated biodiversity.
Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and
Habitat structural
complexity
Biodiversity
Community-based reef rehabilitation 101
in a climate of change
Restoration Benefits of community-based coral farming and reef rehabili
criteria in face of climate change
Ecological Rehabilitate coral functional redundancy as fish nursery grounds by
functions improving benthic habitat complexity.
Climate change Rearing and propagation of high-temperature resistant, highly
adaptation resilient, coral genetic clones with a higher ability to resist and
recoverfrom massive bleaching events will help improve overall reef
ecosystem's resilience to future bleaching events.
Reconstruction Fosterthe seascape-level reconstruction of bomb-crate red,
of physically physically demolished, and coral-depleted reefs, with the aim of
destroyed reef fostering the rapid recovery of coral reef functions.
Naturalness
Dependency
Community-based reef rehabilitation 101
in a climate of change
Benefits of community-based coral farming and reef rehabilitation
in face of climate change
Whether a restored area is "one of a kind" (i.e., habitats of
endangered or rare species).
Significance across local, national and regional scales because of its
unique biological features, ecological functions and improved
con nect ivity va I ue.
Degree to which the restored area helps in the recovery of reef's
naturalness or lack of disturbance or degradation.
Degree to which a species or a group of species depend on a
restored area. Degree to which an ecosystem depends on ecological
processes occurring within the restored area. Enhanced ecological
functions on local scales will benefit overall reef ecosystem
functions.
Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and
Community-based reef rehabilitation 101
in a climate of change
Benefits of community-based coral farming and reef rehabilitation
Degree to which a restored area represents a habitat type,
ecological process, biological community, geological feature or
other natural characteristic, including the role as refuge for
Jthreatened or rare species.
Degree to which a restored area is a functional unit or an effective,
self-sustaining ecological entity or is functioning as a biological
corridor between adjacent reefs.
Degree to which the productive processes within a restored area
contribute benefits to adjacent reefs (i.e., fostering coral larval
recruitment, fish spillover effects), to other reef species (i.e.,
enhancing recruitment, shelter and/or feeding habitat), or to
humans.
Community-based reef rehabilitation 101
in a climate of change
ration Benefits of community-based coral farming and reef rehabilitation
ia in face of climate change
Degree to which a restored area is physically connected to other
areas or degree of connectivity between colonies of any given
species at other areas via surface currents. The rehabilitation of
critically-located coral reefs will foster increased gamete and larval
production of replenished coral species fostering potential higher
recolonization of "downstream" reefs.
Degree to which the restored area represents a restored
characteristic of the region or the degree to which the restored area
fills a gap in a network of protected areas from the regional or sub-
regional perspective.
Community-based reef rehabilitation 101
in a climate of change
criteria
Services
Benefits of community-based coral farming and reef rehab Nit a
in face of climate change
Increased coral densities will help to improve reef's greenhouse
gases buffering role, it's natural breakwaterfunction, particularly
during storm and hurricane swells, its natural pharmacy function
(source of natural products of bio-medical significance), and will
improve reef-based fisheries productivity. If reef rehabilitation is
carried out within a no-take reserve, it will further foster larger
fisheries productivity and a spillover effect favoring fisheries
productivity across adjacent habitats open to fishing.
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix M
Community-based reef rehabilitation 101
in a climate of change
Restoration Benefits of community-based coral farming and reef rehabilitation
criteria in face of climate change
Socio-economic Degree to which certain commercially-important species depend on
benefits a restored area. Degree to which a restored area plays an important
link to adjacent fisheries. Degree to which reef restoration will
impact the local economy in the longterm and improve existing or
potential value of an area to tourism activities. Degree to which reef
restoration fosters the recovery of reef-based fisheries, improving
catches on adjacent reefs, benefiting local artisanal fishers, and
improvingtheir livelihoods.
Reef rehabilitation provides a useful hands-on, transformative
outreach educational tool aimed at empowering local base-communities to
^1 manage their coral reefs and carry out coral farming and reef
rehabilitation in face of projected climate change impacts.
Final recommendations
Community-based integration into
all aspects of the process:
- Discussion of problems.
Planning.
- Decision-making.
Implementation.
- Adaptation and revision.
Scientists have the responsibility of
translating technical knowledge
into "normal" layman language.
Final recommendations
To foster a sustainable
development model in PR there
is still a need for the immediate
adoption of adaptation policies
to climate change impacts, with
initiatives to:
Reduce the vulnerability of coastal
natural and human systems against
expected climate change effects.
Improve food security through
appropriate agricultural and
fisheries planning and
management.
Final recommendations
There is a need for the
immediate adoption of
adaptation policies to climate
change impacts, with initiatives
to:
Improve water quality and
availability through appropriate
water resources management.
Improve support to planning and
operations in the public health
sector (i.e. environmental
monitoring, epidemiological
studies, early warning systems).
. i ,i.-.,i
e*pr«jwt»n "jdu i laaiili trim I
*""* 'ColeonSloti cam
ffcCM
mn
Final recommendations
There is a need for the immediate
adoption of adaptation policies to
climate change impacts, with initiatives
to:
Improve disaster risk management (i.e.,
siting of critical infrastructure, preparedness
and response to extreme events).
Prioritize capacity building of government
institutions, private sectors, and academia.
Ensure greater availability of, access to, and
use of climate services.
Final recommendations
Review and modify existing international
policies of institutions such as World Bank,
UNEP, USAID, EU, etc. of considering PR as
a "developed nation", therefore excluding
the island of significant funding and other
resources directed towards capacity
building on:
- Environmental and socio-economic
sustainability.
- Biodiversity conservation and management.
Agriculture and fisheries development and
management.
Climate change adaptation.
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix M
Final recommendations
A moratorium in the PR
government policy of fostering
non-sustainable tourism and urban
development across the coastal
zone until an environmentally- and
socio-economically sustainable
strategy is implemented through:
A reviewed sound land use plan.
- A climate change adaptation
st rategy.
- The reincorporation of community-
based participatory processes.
Final recommendations
All permit applications still
under consideration by
Commonwealth and Federal
government agencies,
should be reanalyzed under
more strict parameters to
ensure long-term
Sustainability, as well as
meaningful community-
based participation.
Final recommendations
There is also a need to:
- E/im/notethe standard USEPA
policy of fostering 301h waivers to
PR regional sewage treatment
facilities.
- Establish a long-term coastal
water quality monitoring
program.
Modify existing coastal WQ
microbiological standards in PR.
Establish N and Pstandards.
Final recommendations
Community-based coral farming and reef
restoration initiatives have resulted highly
successful on local scales to rehabilitate coral
ree/ecological functions and ecosystem
values.
They have also resulted in important hands-on
educational experiences that have fostered
paramount transformation on behaviors.
There is a need to expand the current scale of
community-based reef management efforts
by improvingfunding to foster improved
capacity building, training and education, and
new projects across different localities in PR.
|
Final recommendations
There \sstillan opportunity to
ensure that today's investment in
coastal tourism and urban
development will not compromise
the availability and quality of
resources for future generations.
We still have a chance to use a
precautionary approach in our
investment in coastal development to
minimize the risk and vulnerability
against projected climate change-
related impacts.
But we need to switch from the
current non-sustainable model to a
sustainable alternative.
8
-------
Appendix N
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix N
Community-based efforts for the sustainable
conservation and management of coral reefs
t Vega Baja and Manati Puerto Rico
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix N
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix N
If we have all this papers, rules and orders from th~
What happens with the enforcement???
took them to Washington Depa
about the
possibly the biggest A p alma fa reef in t
The thing is that the only way to find real results is combining
efforts.
' ' vith the academy, the scientific
community and some agency members that believes in solidarity.
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix N
-------
Appendix O
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix O
CORALATIONS
conserve nurture educate
conservar cuidar educar
www.coralations.org
Founded in Puerto Rico as non profit in 1995
Registered 501(c)3
TO CONSERVE
COASTAL CLEAN WATER ADVOCATES
CORAUtlou n. EPA: obtained court rullig ipgnd* Puc-rto Rico's «t«r q»l!«y
liidwds and forced I(i« impleBtitntioi of u utldtfragttloi policy.
CORALations watchdogs chronic illegal and / or unsustainable coastal development
- and carries some of these actions through the courts.
[e.g. Vista Bahia, Posada del Coronel, Playa Clara and Proyecto Villa Mi Terruno )
isia ae uuieora
Puerto Rico Sustainability Microcosm?
7 X 3.5 with growing population
CWOOE LUIS PBW
J
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix O
Posada del Coronel - builds road
in river bed...
EPA site visit: January 11, 2007
NPDES violation issued September 11, 2007
Costa Bonita Resort: Day of Grand Opening Regatta
Bienvenidos a la Reserva Natural
R^v-Canal de Luis Pena
FIRST NO TAKE RESERVE DESIGNATED IN WATERS OF
PUERTO RICO
PROPOSED BY LOCAL FISH ASSOCIATION IN 1981 -
DESIGNATED 1999
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix O
Current Environmental Education Tracks
-apart from researchers
-focused on future stakehol
-brochures, posters,
-requires t
LommrmsCDKAUUoiH /oil
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix O
rt uji .tMhum m i| treailve commons 2011
2) FISH HEALTH STUDY
CURRENTLY EMPLOYING
THREE LOCALYOUTH
3} NOAA Committed $70K for three
years to train local heavy
equipment O
IMMENDA
1) Land Clearing - remove policy gaps to prevent Jobbing of non-
discretional duties of oversight between agencies, (e.g. EQB
controls CES when DRNA issues land clearing permits.
2) Restore enforcement and meaningful response time - (e.g. v--
federal agencies have only one or two,enforcement officers to
cSVer eitice-US territory) - '«_/ " _~
3) Maximize limited financial, human ana temporal resources by
making local employment a requirement in RFPs.
4) Maximize limited financial, human and temporal resources by
relying on your local scientists.
5) Use GIS areal data to monitor coastal impacts. Provide these
resources free to watchdogs. cnm,am*xiucoRt±a*>
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
8) PR needs to appoint a DA schoole.
devoted only to environmental crime
only.
9) Abandon complex balanced fishery
management legislation and work bottor
up to create small MPAs with local
communities.
Appendix O
10) Abandon top down
approaches - (e.g. forcing
local orgs to partner with big
NGO competitors)
11) Implement "Connected
Contractor Oversight Today
the science Is not dictating
RFP focus, connected
contractors are.
12) Listen to your economists
and social scientists this Is
about behavioral changes...
13) Reward don't Ignore
your fishermen when they step
up.
14) Consider management
alternatives In UXO clean up
for Vieaues and Culebra.
-------
Appendix P
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix P
The Automated Remote Biodiversity
Monitoring Network
utomate Remote
Biodiversity Monitoring
Network
T. Mitchell Aide (Biology) and Carlos J. Corrada Bravo (Computer Science)
University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras
Quantifying sustainability in Puerto Rico
Research, management, and conservation communities need
better long-term data for fauna How?
Typical
Lots of field biologists?
24 hours per day?
365 days per year?
Observer bias
No permanent record
Automated data collection
Many sites
24 hours per day
365 days per year
No observer bias
Real-time
Open access
Permanent (verifiable) record
TEAM -
Automated
Technology
Wireless
Remote * ' Network
Biodiversity Monitoring
letwt
Solar energy
Difficult access
Birds
Amphibians
Bats
Fish
\
Frequent
Long-term
Many sites
Permanent record
Global
Cloud computing
Machine
learning
Automated species
identification
Permanent stations
El Verde, PR
La Selva,
Costa Rica
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix P
Software - Dynamic Web page
Access to the recording archive
Web based visualizer + tools
Algorithm produces regions of interest (ROIs)
Automated species identification:
species detection
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix P
Species identification - results
THE EFFECT OF ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE ON
ANURANS AND BIRDS COMMUNITIES
IN PUERTO RICO
Maria Isabel Herrera Monies
Noise level
Songs overlap with low frequency traffic noise
Karst forest
BIRD SPECIES RICHNESS
p=0.013 p< 0.00
1*^1
Daily activity patterns
Traffic noise Birds
Anurans
Monitoring rare species
Tink frog in Costa Rica Puerto Rican Crested Toad
Diasporus diastema Bufo (Peltophryne) lemur
Traditional census: 26 observations Real-time species identification to
ARBMON: 10,605 observations reduce field technician travel expense
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix P
Quantifying sustainability in
Puerto Rico
Questions?
sfa
p>vHS\UON
Automated Remote
Biodiversity Monitoring
Network
4
-------
Appendix Q
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix Q
The Distribution of Pollution and
Environmental Justice in Puerto Rico
Introduction
This study attempts to understand environmental inequalities
and health in Puerto Rico. We examine two related issues:
> Pollution distribution
Environmental Gini Coefficient (Millimet and Slottje 2000)
> Environmental justice (Maguire and Sheriff 2011)
Visual displays (e.g., GIS)
Summary statistics
Regression analysis
To investigate a relationship between toxic releases and several
socioeconomic and demographic indicators;
Data Description
>Toxic Releases Inventory (TRI)
Releases to all media (air, land, water, underground)
Releases to air
Time: 2000-2008
Number of municipios (50)
>Socioeconomic and demographic indicators
Data source: US Census website; American
Community Survey
Time: 2005-2008
Number of municipios (50)
20000000
18000000
3
| 8000000
Toxic Releases
2000-2008
-^releases to all media -^releases to air
Jv
x^
m
m ft
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Distribution of Toxic Releases in Puerto
Rico
Environmental Gini Coefficient (Millimet and Slottje 2000)
2cov(E,F)
Lr =
E'. per capita releases
F: cumulative distribution of per capita releases
p: mean value of per capita releases of all municipios
Cov. covariance
Gini is bounded within the interval (0,1); zero indicates perfect
equality and one indicates perfect inequality.
Environmental Gini Coefficient
2000-2008
--Gini-releases to all media -"Gini-releases to air
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix Q
Environmental Justice in Puerto Rico
>USEPA: EJ is achieved when everyone enjoys the same
degree of protection from environmental hazards and equal
access to the decision-making process to have a healthy
environment in which to live, learn, and work.
http://www.epa.aov/environmentaliustice/index.html
: 'Summary of Socio-Demographic Indicators
Indicator
Race
Measurement
% of population which is white,
black, Asian and other Pacific, and
other Hispanic(non-Puerto Rican
such as Mexican, Cuban and other
Hispanic and Latino)
Population Total population divided by the size Positive
density of each municipio
Poverty
Expected sign
% of nonwhite are
expected to be positive
% of population which lives below Positive
an acceptable poverty level
Education % °f population which is a high % of high school graduate
school graduate or has a bachelor's is expected to be
degree or higher positive; % of bachelor's
degree is expected to be
negative
Indicator Measurement Expected sign
Housing rental % of total housing units which is Positive
status renter occupied
Age
% of population which is under Both percents are
14 or over 65 expected to be negative
Unemployment % of civilian labor force which is Positive
unemployed
Car ownership % of workers over 16 driving Negative
alone to work
Model
ln(l + el) = fil + fl2wkite! + fl3black! + fiAasiani + fiCjotherhispanici + J36 popden;
+ fi-jpovertyi + fi^schoo^ + fl9college! + fiwrenti + fillunder\4i + fiuover65i
+ Pl3unemployedi + plAvehiclei + St + s!
> Data: 2005-2008, 50 municipios
> Econometric methodology
Quantile regression approach
Ordinary least squares (OLS); Tobit
> Main results (quantile regression results)
Releases to all media (per
capita)
White (%)
Black (%)
Asian or other Pacific (%)
Other Hispanic or Latino (%)
Population density
Poverty
School
College
Rent
Under14
OveroS
Unemployed
Vehicle
Pseudo R2
^ F-test (Equality)
Number of Obs.
0.2 quintile
0.193
-0.323
14.932
10.360
-0.0002
-0.874
2.206*
-2.812"
0.661
-6.341"
-8.257"
0.600
-0.683
0.06
0.4 quintile
0.848
-0.565
52.113*
10.388"
-0.0002
-1 .053
4.348*
-3.863
1.401
-7.571
-11.299*
1.252
-0.865
0.12
0.6 quintile
1.504
0.924
48.189
4.343
-0.0002
1.657
8.999
-4.995
1.511
-18.152
-16.486
3.589
-0.865
0.17
0.8 quintile
-1.920
-3.272*
36.230
26.244
-0.0006
5.443
19.988"
-16.952
-9.767*
-50.239
-27.475*
7.546"
-13.102
0.38
1 .81 (0.005)
166
Releases to air (per capita)
White (%)
Black (%)
Asian or other Pacific (%)
Other Hispanic or Latino (%)
Population density
Poverty
School
College
Rent
Under! 4
Over65
Unemployed
Vehicle
Pseudo R2
| F-test (Equality)
Number of Obs.
0.2 quintile
0.063
-0.115
5.244
4.045
-0.00007
-0.409
0.845
-1.151
0.307
-2.901
-3.027
0.082
-0.267
0.04
0.4 quintile
0.453
-0.198
23.543
9.476"
-0.0002*
-0.812
3.038
-3.091
1.264
-6.587
-8.735*
1.211
0.265
0.09
0.6 quintile
-0.149
1.242
47.994
3.344
-0.00008
1.463
6.160
-3.954
1.505
-19.745*
-16.900
3.298*
2.000
0.15
0.8 quintile
-1.133
-0.421
44.033
11.238
-0.0005"
8.040"
20.176"
-10.356*
-5.189
-42.847
-26.830*
4.695
-10.364"
0.35
1.56(0.03)
168
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix Q
Sensitivity analysis
> Income variables:
per capita income, average weekly wage
> Results:
Income differentials are not strongly related to
releases in Puerto Rico (Carruthers 2008).
Summary
>l_arge estimates of Environmental Gini coefficient (close to 1)
imply that toxic releases are unequally distributed in Puerto
Rico, but inequality is not getting larger over 2000-2008.
indicators of non-white population, population density,
education, age, unemployment and car-ownership all have
clear and significant relationships with toxic releases.
>To policy makers, a focus on education and unemployment is
important because both indicators are clearly and strongly
related to toxic releases.
-
References
Carruthers, D. 2008. Environmental Justice in Latin America: Problems,
Promise, and Practice. Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Cambridge, MA.
Maguire, K., and G. Sheriff. 2011. Comparing Distributions of
Environmental Outcomes for Regulatory Environmental Justice Analysis.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
2011-8: 1707-1726.
Millimet, D.L. and D. Slottje. 2000. The Distribution of Pollution in the US:
An Environmental Gini Approach. Southern Methodist University,
Department of Economics Working Papers No. 002
-------
Appendix R
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix R
Research
Comprehensive Vulnerability
Management: Understanding Social
Vulnerability to Disasters in Puerto Rico
Jenniffer M. Santos Hernandez, MA, PhD Candidate
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
niversity of Delaware
Main Research Projects
Graduate Research Fellowship
What is particular about the
context of Puerto Rico?
Because of Puerto Rico's topography, climatology, and geographic location,
weather events are very probable. In addition, changing weather patterns
have been observed. Those event have often led to disasters.
Demographic and economic research shows that the development policies
implemented in Puerto Rico did not or partially succeed (Rivera-Batiz&
Santiago, 1996; Dietz, 2004)
The industrial sector is declined and is argued that Puerto Rico has
transitioned into a service economy. However, employment opportunities in
the emerging sector are different and often less profitable than the ones
vanishing (AFameda, 2000).
To absorb the increasing unemployment, the public sector became the
largest employer.
All in all, Puerto Rico has been a laboratory for many social policies.
Physical Vulnerability
Physical Vulnerability in Puerto Rico
Inadequate planning and zoning has lead to a large increase in the number
of persons living in areas susceptible to storm surge, tsunami and flooding.
Over a million people in Puerto Rico reside in areas susceptible to flooding
Governmental policy has also contributed to increasing physical
vulnerability by allowing high-rise construction projects along coastal
areas and by locating critical infrastructure in known at risk areas.
Afiasco, 1996
Afiasco, 2000
Why study Development?
P:
fr<
?nartya Sen (1999):
evelopment is... a process that enables
eedom (1999:36)."
Development often leads to vulnerability
(Lewis, 1999)
Sustainable Development and Disasters
the capacity to tolerate and overcome
damage, diminished productivity, and
reduced quality oflife, from an extreme
everit without significant outside assistance
(Miletti, 1999:4)
Disasters are social proces: ,
,..,-. ;i .,.,.« '-""-img vylnerajDility as an issue
'differential
38) and frami
:apital accumulation afford^ a
'liver-Smith,
opportunity to understanc
impact and consequences
Why Comprehensive Management?
Comprehensive Vulnerability Management can
be defined as "holistic integrated activities
directed toward the reduction of emergencies
and disasters by diminishing risk and
susceptibility and building of resistance and
resilience" (McEntire, Fuller, Johnston, and
Weber, 2002).
Continual assessment to reduce all types of disaster
vulnerability
A focus on how emergency management
organizations reduce liabilities and increase capacities
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix R
Why focus on vulnerability?
Disasters are "processes involving the combination of a potentially
destructive agent(s) from the natural, modified, and/or
constructed environment and a population in a socially and
economically produced condition of vulnerability, resulting in a
perceived disruption of the customary relative satisfaction of
individual and social needs for physical survival, social order, and
meaning." (Oliver-Smith, 1998)
Vulnerability is often defined as "the characteristics of agroup and
their situation that influence their capacity to anticipate, cope with,
resist, and recover from the impact of a natural hazard; an extreme
natural event or process. "(Wisneretal., 2004:11)
"vulnerability... involves the totality of relationships in a given
social situation producing a set of conditions that render a society
unable to absorb the impacts of natural or social agents without
significant disruption of its capacity to fulfill the basic needs of its
members." (Oliver-Smith, 2009)
MA Work:
Social Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards
"A basic need in responding to disasters is to know the characteristics of the population
Research Questions 2 resM>"9 '" affected areas-"'
How has vulnerability to disasters in Puerto Rico changed from 1990 to 2000?
What geographic areas present a higher level of social vulnerability?
Methodology: Additive Model
% VAR X= ((X*XPopulaflon) x 1,00)
Recode % VAR X (RVAR) j = : BE i
Social Vulnerability Index = RVAR, + RVAR2
+RVAR3 + RVAR4 + RVAR5 + RVAR6 + RVAR7 +
RVAR8 + RVAR9 + RVAR10 + RVAR,,
Variables examined 1990-2000:
Social Vulnerability Research
Overview of the Findings:
While populatic
?siding in
;xposed areas increased from 1990 to zc
ojlnerability indicators is observed.This
about izwi, a decline in most vulnerability indicators is observed. I his
finding may also raise Questions on the use of demographic indicators only
to assess social vulnerability.
High vulnerability is characteristic of deindustrialized areas.
This research suggest the need to develop emergency preparedness and
response plans that attend the needs of a changing population with
relatively high levels of vulnerability.
Our research also reveals the need to plan ahead and prepare to meet the
needs of those with disabilities and of an increasingly elder population
residing in areas exposed to hazards such as storm surge and tsunamis
(e.g. evacuation and shelter).
Despite the decline invulnerability indicators, such as poverty and low
education, they remain quite high, particularly in comparison to the United
States.
Findings: Population Estimates for
Tsunami Prone Areas
Puerto Rico's West Coast
Percentage of Population Potentially Endangered
Vteighted by Proportion of the Block at Risk
Puerto Rico's West Coast: Average Social
Vulnerability Indicators for Block Groups Exposed to
Storm Surge Flooding from 1990 to 2000
WEST COAST
Social Vulnerability Indicators
Population i-e!,-- P verty
Renter Occupied Housing Units
Populations Lo^h-JucjLi.n
Female Headed Households w/ Children
'.-.-.-,., ,,-!
Populates under If
Population abo^ 65
Population -./Disabilities
HUw/novehide
1 iU :><-.., phone
--.o.j, '".-0. -,.'... ;;.
Exposed
1990
61.0%
33.3%
34.4%
19.0%
22.1%
29.8%
12.8%
24.9%
34.3%
37.2%
22.6
Not Exposed
1990
67.3%
31.9%
t>u. r/o
16.8%
23.0%
33.0%
9.7%
26.1%
35.1%
44.6%
23.6
Exposed
2000
52.6%
35.0%
43. Z"/o
19.8%
23.8%
25.5%
14.2%
31.8%
33.2%
27.1%
21.4
Not Exposed 1
ZOOO
56.2% |
27,o/.
4y.zyo
18.8%
24.4%
28.2%
11.3%
31.5%
30.0%
27.5%
21.2
2
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix R
Disaster Decision Support Tool (DDST)
www.udel.edu/DRC/DDST
"Geospatial data and tools should be an essential part of all aspects of
emergency management."'
.«_^.^_^^^_ Spatial Information includes:
Vector Layers
Objectives
Disseminate maps and
research findings to the
end-user community
Develop a scalable risk and
disaster-related geographic
information platform
Provide end users with no
GIS training or access to GIS
software with geographic
information products that
they can consume and
incorporate into their
decision-making in a no cost
and considerably easier
online application.
PhD Work: Emergency
Management and Disaster Policy
Topic: Disaster Policy and Emergency Management in Puerto Rico
Theoretical Approach: Max Weber-The emergence of bureaucracy
and increasing rationalization
Research Questions
How is the governance of disasters and emergencies shared in Puerto
Rico?
What are the legal mechanisms supporting emergency management in Puerto
Rico and how they emerged?
What is the structure of the emergency management organization in Puerto
Rico?
How does the current organizational structure of Puerto Rico's shape
preparedness efforts?
What disaster reduction policies are in place and what are some of the
challenges they confront?
Howthe existing organizational features affect social vulnerability to disasters?
Emergency Management and
Disaster Policy
In-depth interviews with emergency
managers at all levels and NWS
personnel.
Our research highlights important
differences in terms of the role of
emergency managers, the levels of
training, access, preferences, use of
information sources, and in the
organizational features of the State
Emergency Management Agency
(AEMEAD).
Preliminary Findings
Shared conventions, expectations, and
cultural concerns are brought to bear
when making decisions (Douglas,
1992)
Origen de Recursos, 2002
Origen de Recursos, 2010
Case Study: Dorado, Puerto Rico
Dorado, Puerto Rico
Precipitation Event -
May 31, 2010
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico: A Scientific Discussion
Appendix R
Preliminary Findings
Themes:
Transportation systems and changes in land
Changes in energy production, storage, and
distribution
Soil changes
Concluding Remarks
Community adaptations
Drugs and violence
Long standing history of environmental and
health issues (e.g. air and waterways pollutior
respiratory, skin, and cancer prevalence,
among others)
Concerns about unknown risks
Multiple leaders and conflicting messages
The CAPECO explosion illustrates the pre-
existing vulnerability in the region.
Questions
4
-------
Appendix S
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix S
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto
Rico - A Scientific Discussion
Workshop
7 June 2012
Outline
Recap: 2-day Symposium
Recap: Facilitated Session
Questions for decision makers
Coordinated Research Agenda
Recap: 2-day Symposium
Objectives
- Discuss issues pertinent to Sustainability in Puerto Rico
Discover what researchers are currently studying in Puerto Rico
related to Sustainability and how that research can affect or help
decision makers
Initiate a dialogue between researchers working on the Puerto
Rico System
- Learn how EPAORD research goals can be enhanced and applied in
collaboration with research described above
Plan coordinated research program and implementation of activities
to move Puerto Rico towards a more sustainable future
What did we learn?
Scientists had different visions, perspectives, research, and
information
Recognize data are missing, but need to emphasize critical
data gaps
Data need to be centralized, categorized in terms of quality,
and made more readily available
Need to increase representation: all interested parties need a
voice
Based on participation, Sustainability research is well
established in Puerto Rico: only a very small subset was
represented here
Lack of communication about Sustainability research in Puerto
Rico both on and off island
What did we learn?
Lack of cohesive collaborative effort in the Sustainability
community
Many frameworks for studying Sustainability: which one(s) is
the right one for Puerto Rico?
Lack of social scientist perspective
Participants think Puerto Rico needs a clear vision for the
long-term
- Need to figure out where we a re in terms of Sustainability and then
determine where we want to go
Opportunities for data sharing and collaboration became
obvious
What did we learn?
Symposium created a missing forum for scientific discussion
Organized discussions need to continue
This symposium/workshop is a first step, not a final answer
Scientists need to translate information to make it accessible
to everyone (policy makers, others disciplines, public,
communities, etc.)
ORD's research will provide a tool to show if Puerto Rico is
moving toward or away from Sustainability
- Given limitations and decision maker needs, research opportunities
need to be identified to enhance decision making
-------
Quantifying Sustainability in Puerto Rico: A
Scientific Discussion
Appendix S
Messages
Need to come up with a vision for Puerto Rico and establish
goals
e.g., what does Puerto Rico want to achieve, can scenarios reveal how
to get there
Must include social, economic, and environmental goals
Has to be a bottom-up approach (everyone needs to
participate)
Data issues need to be addressed
Messages
Collaborative efforts, partnerships, and alliances are needed
(opportunities exist)
Leverage dwindling resources
- Enhance knowledge base
Transdisciplinary approach
Research community needs to start thinking issue-based
rather than discipline based
Need to be better organized as a research community
Sustainability needs to be addressed with short, medium, and
long term goals
Commitment needed at all levels of government
Request
Task force
- Establish tangible action items with timelines
Organize future similar events
- Identify key participants
Ensure transdisciplinary approach
- Other action items to be determined
Must be held accountable
Questions for decision makers
Does it make sense to establish a task force and is it
compatible with Law 267 2004?
Can you commit to a task force and is it possible to make it
self-sustaining?
Is a task force the best way to support and grow this type of
collaborative effort?
Do you agree with the task force action items listed? What
other action items should be part of the task force?
Who should be represented on the task force?
Who should take the lead?
Questions for decision makers
Does Puerto Rico have a stated vision for its Sustainability?
If not, is one under consideration? Should the vision building process
be external to the research effort?
If so, is there a reevaluation process?
A research agenda needs to be established in collaboration
with decision makers
- What information do you need to consider to move forward with such
an agenda?
What do researchers need to knowto have a successful collaborative
effort with decision makers?
Next Steps
Proceedings of the symposium/workshop
Solidify collaborations
Establish a portal for researchers working in Puerto Rico
Scientifically-sound strategy for sustainable environmental
management in Puerto Rico
Publish publicly-available and easily understood information
for use by decision makers and public
------- |