Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will make Esencia a model of environmental stewardship in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Because Esencia values the unique attributes and beauty of its location, it is fully committed to developing a sensible community that balances human needs with the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage, our vision and proposed plan incorporates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to become a model of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable economic growth in Cabo Rojo and the southwest coast of Puerto Rico.
NO POVERTY
Alleviate poverty in Cabo Rojo where 47.3% of the population live below the poverty level
Esencia would generate significant economic activity as well as career development and employment opportunities in Cabo Rojo; therefore, encouraging local jobs, income, and prosperity
GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Promote outdoor physical activity and healthy relationships with the natural environment.
Designed as a wellness-focused community, Esencia would provide access to preserved natural habitats, trails, and open green spaces for residents, guests, and local people; therefore, promoting outdoor activity, mental and physical health, as well as environmental awareness and harmonious relationships with natural habitats.
QAULITY EDUCATION
Provide education and skill training opportunities in Cabo Rojo where 36% of the population do not have a college degree.
The development envisions the establishment of a K-12 bilingual school that will offer a topnotch college preparatory program in addition to a hospitality school that will promote the development of a highly skilled workforce; therefore, giving the people of Cabo Rojo and western Puerto Rico the opportunity to develop new skills and benefit from the career opportunities at Esencia.
CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
New water treatment plant
With the installation of advanced water systems to treat wastewater and manage rainwater, the community would be promoting self-sufficient access to a safe and clean water supply for residents, guests, and visitors, while supporting healthy ecosystems for land and marine life and environmental sustainability
AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
Emphasis on self-sufficient renewable energy
Esencia aims to become a model for renewable energy usage in Puerto Rico by implementing modern technology with sufficient capacity to eventually become a community fully energized by solar power; meanwhile, excess power generation could be made available to feed the public utility.
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Alleviate Cabo Rojo unemployment rate of 13.7% by inducing the creation of 17,000 jobs.
With a $2 billion investment, the development of Esencia is expected to create significant economic activity and provide needed employment opportunities for professionals and skilled workers in careers that are productive, fair and secure, leading to individual economic growth and prosperity Esencia is committed to furthering people’s access to opportunities by establishing a hospitality training school that will prepare a new generation of skilled tourism workers able to maximize the potential of working for globally renowned luxury tourism brands
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Promote local economic development with sustainable practices
Esencia is envisioned as a low-density, low-impact coastal community located on land that is currently vacant and mostly intended for tourism It would drive sustainable population growth, while generating economic activity and employment; building potable water facilities and ecologically friendly rain and waste water management, offering access to renewable energy; having trails for pedestrians and bikes; providing public entrances to the beach and sanitary and parking facilities; implementing waste recycling and composting programs; and establishing sustainable practices that would encourage resiliency, safety and ecological balance in Cabo Rojo and neighboring municipalities.
CLIMATE ACTION
Support the environment and the community through sustainable and restorative practices
Esencia’ s vision and plan reflect a solid committed to providing the proposed community with the necessary means to generate sufficient renewable energy, manage rain and wastewater, combat coastal erosion, protect ecosystems, minimize impermeable surfaces, enhance dunes and establish conservation areas that will preserve and improve vulnerable natural landscapes; therefore, supporting with real actions the fight against climate change.
LIFE ON LAND
Comply with environmental standards and beyond.
Esencia’s proposed action plan to protect wetlands, and mangroves, improve sand dunes and designate 75% of the land as green areas for recreation or preservation, go beyond requirements This approach will set a new model in safeguarding biodiversity and natural habitats; therefore, promoting suitable conditions for life on land to thrive
LIFE BELOW WATER
Implement storm water and waste management strategies
To reduce coastal sedimentation and aquatic trash, Esencia proposes the implementation of strategies to effectively manage run-off water and reduce erosion, as well as recycling programs and responsible waste management practices throughout the community This will contribute to thriving ecosystems and life below water.
