120 Perspectivas en Asuntos Ambientales
volumen 1 – 2012
increase in sedimentation and contaminants, loss of water quality due to inland activities along the watershed and removal of essential coral reef species due to over fishing. These are similar to conditions found elsewhere in the tropics (Wilkinson, 2008). The alternatives presented by the stakeholders to address these issues, are also very similar to those recommended by the global coral reef conservation organizations. Alternatives such as: increase of marine protected areas; better enforcement of laws and regulations to reduce impacts from tourism, marine recreation and fishing activities; application of best practices in agriculture and used water treatments to reduce erosion and sediment transport to the coral reef; implementation of best management practices in the marine protected areas and more efficient outreach, education and environmental communication programs to all citizens are all present in the projects presented by the stakeholders in all four-priority areas LAS workshops. Results from the four LAS workshops were delivered to the DNER. Limitations The only limitation encountered in this project was the extremely limited time to convene the workshops. With more time, it would have been possible to reach a more extended community to produce the LAS. Conclusions Participation in the LAS workshops, despite the short time, showed that there is a genuine interest for community participation in the conservation and protection of coral reefs in Puerto Rico. This is a good source for volunteer work in monitoring and other strategies proposed. Immediate or direct stakeholders have knowledge of the problems faced by the coral reefs, but there is a need to spread the outreach and education program inland to the watersheds that impact the coral reef. The collaboration between DNER and UMET for the development of the Puerto Rico’s LAS 2011 opened new windows for community action in future conservation and protection strategies. The DNER must select among all the projects proposed, those that will make a longer impact for the conservation and protection of the coral reefs. Acknowledgements We thank the DNER personnel, specially for the constant collaboration of Ms. Damaris Delgado, Director Reserves and Refuges Division, Mr. Ernesto Díaz, Director Coastal Zone Management Program and Aileen Velazco, Coral reef specialist. Thanks to the School of Environmental Affairs/Metropolitan University