This document prepared for the Department of Natural and Environmental resources (DNER), describes the pressure of urbanization and development currently threatening the Guanica Public Forest .The most comprehensive way to address these pressures is to design a management region regulating human and societal interactions within the biosphere. The current DNER management procedures is analyzed based on factors needed for an efficient ecosystem management region, including biodiversity, urbanization, pollution and tourism. We located such pressure points in the Guanica region, including the surrounding municipalities of Yauco, Guayanilla, Sabana Grande, and Lajas. The Commonwealth is pushing for these municipalities for an increase in urbanization and tourism, which will require careful management. The forest is placed under immense pressure from the Yauco Municipal and Industrial landfill located on the Outskirts of the Guanica Forest. We have recommendations to the DNER that will hopefully aid in the preservation of the Guanica Biosphere Reserve and prevent future destruction arising from unmanaged urban and industrial development.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Pearson, Todd Marc
• Lerch, Jeremy Nathaniel
• Salemme, Nathan Andrew
• Patel, Prity Kirit

Subject

• Environment
• Industry
• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 04E015I

Keyword

• Habitat conservation
• Open spaces
• Sustainable development--Environmental aspects
• Sustainability

Advisor

• El-Korchi, Tahar
• Addison, W. A. Bland

Year

• 2004

Center

• San Juan, Puerto Rico Project Center - IQP

Date created

• 2004-01-01

Location

• San Juan

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-01-27