COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND CONSERVATION ATTITUDES ON THE ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A HERITAGE RIVER IN PUERTO RICO

A questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge of the ecological importance of Río Lapa, located within the Planadas-Yeyesa Natural Reserve between the municipalities of Salinas and Cayey, Puerto Rico. Río Lapa was designated as a Heritage River of Puerto Rico, recognizing its ecological, cultural, and historical significance. This designation, part of the Puerto Rico Heritage Rivers Program administered by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), aims to preserve and protect rivers of high ecological and cultural value across the island.

The questionnaire aims to evaluate the level of awareness among communities surrounding Río Lapa about the river’s ecological role and to assess their attitudes toward its protection and conservation. The survey includes questions on the river’s contributions to biodiversity, water resource management, cultural heritage, and community knowledge of threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change impacts.

The questionnaire will be administered to residents of the communities neighboring the river in early 2025. The results will help identify knowledge gaps and areas of concern, informing the development of educational campaigns to raise awareness and encourage active community participation in the protection and sustainable management of Río Lapa. These initiatives will contribute to the long-term conservation of this vital waterway, ensuring its ecological and cultural significance is preserved for future generations.