Puerto Rico Re_Start - West Coast Report

International Project & Research Workshop

Puerto Rico Re_Start 2 Š

The West Coast Hidding Potential at the Edge

A reflection for the Atlantic - West shore line and its communities

Edited by Prof. Martha Kohen Workshop Director

Dr. Silvia Aloisio Lab Director

Maria E. Barrios Workshop Coord.

Workshop Directors: Dr. Carlos Betancourt - Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Prof. Martha Kohen - University of Florida

Workshop Coordinators: Dr. Omayra Rivera - Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Maria E. Barrios - University of Florida

Report by: Dr. Silvia Aloisio - University of La Sapienza Maria E. Barrios - University of Florida

The West Coast

A reflection for the Atlantic - West shore line and its communities

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The West Coast, our toughts Exploring the west coast have been very useful for understanding the other side of the island. It is a complete different picture from the busy and congested metropolitan are of the North, San Juan.

The main characteristic is the existence of a continuous settlement with very low density in reference to the various urban centers that are located slightly further inland, halfway up the hill. This area leaving from Ponce up to Aguada have beautiful prestine beaches and landscapes sometimes dentified by buildings and resorts for tourism purposes, but which still manage to maintain their integrity unexploited by mega resorts and hotels. But there is so much potential, against an almost non-existent offer of facilities and infrastructure. It is a tourism that we would call self-sufficient, because it is absolutely not assisted or supported in any way. We belive that the hospitality industry should be done and managed by locals.

Part of the charm of these places is their authenticity that reflects the beauty of a remote location, but that does not mean that we cannot work to improve their network already present in the territory to promote economy and employment.

The concept of constellation, used for mountain and hill centers from Lab 3, can also work along the coast. Indeed the various constellations of Resilient Cities located in some strategic points may overlap, expanding the tourist offer, from the coast to the mountains region, closing a complete circle of tourism for locals and international visitors.

These small towns, which we visited, currently they do not have the ability to retain tourists more than a day or two, because they lack the minimum facilities such as main square, waterfront access, restaurants, bars and conveniece stores. These businesses are conditioned to work Thursday to Sunday, but they could work better if a system of tourism is set, creating routes, new infrastructure, thematic and natural attractions, and new facilities that will keep them together in a network of activities.

Another interesting characteristic is the recurring housing type in these areas: the “high� one, using pilotis which leaves the ground floor free for external patios and garages. These areas are used to receive water and have adapted to do so in a resilient way.Still, there are many properties located by the water edge that need protection. Existing and future businesses will also benefit from it, being able to recover faster from natural disasters while helping the economy.

There is a big attraction towards sufring, and many other water sports that need to be exploited, while preserving the health of coral reefs and beaches. The fishing industry has a great potential for commercial and recreational purposes. Mobile homes have become the paradise for campers, but they lack the beauty that could attract other kind of tourism.

The opportunities are endless!

Source: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/271380284/puerto-rico-west-coast-historical-map

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Existing Conditions West Coast, PR

The west coast of Puerto Rico attracts travelers who desire to experience a more authentic and casual island feel. Real estate is still very affordable on the west coast, many residents of the United States are buying properties and making the west coast of Puerto Rico their second home.

The west coast has an airport in Aguadilla making getting here convenient from cities on the east coast of the United States.

The jewels in the crown of this area are the offshore islands Mona and Desecheo.

The beach towns of Rincon and Isabela offer wonderful beaches for surfers. The towns of Cabo Rojo and Guanica are the most popular beach towns on the southern coast with miles of beaches to enjoy under the sun.

The town of Lajas is a fisherman’s village, home to La Parguera Nature Reserve where you can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive and experience the magic of the bioluminescent bay. The towns of San German and Mayaguez are two very important historic towns where you can admire Spanish Colonial architecture with various historical points of interest. The west coast is a popular religious destination attracting devout catholics.

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Source: https://islandsofpuertorico.com/west-coast-porta-del-sol/ | http://www. caribdiveguide.com/Puerto_Rico.htm

Boqueron Beach Cabo Rojo

Seaside scene in Rincon, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Marie showing damage to businesses

Joyuda Beach Cabo Rojo

Crash Boat Beach Aguadilla Pedestrian Road to Lighthouse Los Morrillos Cabo Rojo Existing Real Estate at risk, Rincon Source: https://www.westonsolutions.com/news/weston-announces-major-milestone-in-the-repair-of-thepower-grid-for-puerto-rico/ | https://www.realestaterinconpr.com/Rincon/Puerto_Rico/Homes/Stella/Agent/ Listing_306796054.html | https://www.airbnb.com/things-to-do/places/185048 | https://www.tripadvisor. co.za/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g664838-d151957-i126419338-Hotel_Parador_Joyuda_Beach-Cabo_Rojo_ Puerto_Rico.html

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Existing Conditions West Coast, PR

Bahia Sucia, Cabo Rojo

From Lajas to Cabo Rojo, PR-303 8

El Combate Beach Resort, Cabo Rojo

Rincon

Aguada

Roads in Sandy Beach, Rincon

Selected Areas West Coast, PR

Within the west coast region are the fun-loving surf towns of Isabela, Rincón, and Aguadilla; the colonial cities of Mayagüez and San Germán; the fishing village of Boquerón; the bioluminescent bay in La Parguera; and the salt flats of Cabo Rojo. In addition to being a major destination for surfing and diving, the west coast has one of the island’s loveliest public beaches, Balneario de Boquerón.

Source: https://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/region.shtmlxx | https://www.moon.com/maps/caribbean/puerto-rico/

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Existing Attractions West Coast, PR

Lighthouse Los Morrillos, Cabo Rojo

Playuela, Cabo Rojo 10

Cliffs, Cabo Rojo

Steps Beach, Rincon

Lighthouse Punta Higuera, Rincon

Domes Beach, Rincon

Existing Attractions West Coast, PR

Sandy Beach, Rincon

Sandy Beach, Rincon

Pozo Teodoro, Isabela

Salineras, Cabo Rojo 11

Existing Attractions West Coast, PR

Guanica

Bioluminicent Bay, Lajas 12

San German

Gilligan’s Island, Guanica

Existing Attractions West Coast, PR

Aguadilla

Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo, Mayaguez

Mayaguez

Guajataca Tunnel, Guajataca 13

Activities of the Region West Coast, PR

Fishing

Snorkeling

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Surf

Horseback Rides

Tropical Agricultural Research Station, UPR

Source: Dr. Federico Cintrรณn-Moscoso, UPR | https://www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2013/04/08/fruit-fanatic-hunting-for-rare-trees-in-puerto-rico/ |

Examples of Existing Infrastructure West Coast, PR

Villa Taina, Cabo Rojo

Villa Taina, Cabo Rojo

Royal Isabela, Isabela

Vacational Center, Boqueron

Combate Beach Resort, Cabo Rojo

Casa Verde, Rincon

There are over 250 small to medium size hotels in the region.

Source: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/103-Caguax-103-Villa-Taina-Boqueron-00622-Pr_Cabo-Rojo_PR_00622_M40331-39991| https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/combate-beach-resort/2054 | https://www.golftrips.com/articles/article.cfm?ID=25681

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Ten Principles for Coastal Development West Coast, PR

Enhance Value by Protecting and Conserving Natural Systems Identify Natural Hazards and Reduce Vulnerability Apply Comprehensive Assessments to the Region and Site Lower Risk by Exceeding Standards for Siting and Construction Adopt Successful Practices from Dynamic Coastal Conditions Use Market-Based Incentives to Encourage Appropriate Development Address Social and Economic Equity Concerns Balance the Public’s Right of Access and Use with Private Property Rights Protect Fragile Water Resources on the Coast Commit to Stewardship That Will Sustain Coastal Areas

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Source: https://uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/Ten-Principles-for-Coastal-Development.pdf

The Blue Economy West Coast, PR

Marine and coastal tourism as one of the largest segments of the maritime economy sector, as well as the largest component of the tourism industry, often leads to controversy over environmental impact and compatibility with other human activities. The application of economic and tourism concepts that are oriented towards environmental conservation and natural resources is one option to overcome the problem. The Blue Economy concept offers an economic concept based on ecosystem principles, where the development will not only generate economic growth but also ensure ecological and social sustainability. In addition, the concept of ecotourism also offers a tourism activity that prioritizes aspects of nature conservation and improving the welfare of the community.

However, with the development of marine tourism and coastal areas also cause problems of environmental damage, due to construction of buildings and tourism activities. So it needs to be found a step problem solving to support sustainable tourism.

The Blue Economy concept can be applied to support sustainable development one of them in marine and coastal tourism. Blue Economy is an economic system based on environmental conservation and natural resources. It’s according to sustainable tourism development.

Blue Economy is an economic development paradigm based on ecosystem principles. The Blue Economy conceptualises oceans as “Development Spaces” where spatial planning integrates conservation, sustainable use, oil and mineral wealth extraction, bioprospecting, sustainable energy production and marine transport.

Principles:

1. Natural resources efficiency.

2. Zero waste: leave nothing to waste – waste for one is a food for another – waste from one process isresource of energy for

the other.

3. Social inclusiveness: self-sufficiency for all – social equity-more job, more opportunities for the poor.

4. Cyclic systems of production: endless generation to regeneration, balancing production and consumption.

5. Open-ended innovation and adaptation: the principles of the law of physics andcontinuous natural adaptation.

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324195158_Development_of_Marine_and_Coastal_Tourism_Based_on_Blue_Economy

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Case Studies 19

Case Study: Cataño New Waterfront Dorado, Toa Baja and Cataño Proposal

Projects from PRRS_2 in the Municipalities of Cataño, Toa Baja and Dorado can work as examples for some of the municipalities on the West Coast, creating new paths for tourism, bike lanes, ecological hubs, boardwalks and public spaces for local residents and visitors.

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Bike Path

Dorado, Toa Baja and CataĂąo Proposal

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Existing Conditions

Dorado, Toa Baja and CataĂąo Proposal

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Future Conditions

Dorado, Toa Baja and CataĂąo Proposal

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Levittown

Existing Housing Typologies

Projects from PRRS_2 in the Municipalities of Toa Baja can work as examples for new housing typologies along the coast that we have ecounter mainly in Cabo Rojo.

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New Housing Typologies Levittown Proposal Existing Typology

Proposed Typology

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New Housing Typologies Levittown Proposal

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Housing Typologies Examples in Cabo Rojo

New construction and existing housing in risk prone areas should implement this type of typology 27

Case Study: Jarealito New Waterfront Arecibo Proposal

Projects from PRRS_2 in the Municipality of Arecibo can work as examples for sand dune restoration, re naturalization and harbor re-development.

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Jarealito Relocation and Re-naturalization FEMA Flood Zoning of Jarealito

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Jarealito Relocation and Re-naturalization Proposal

Arecibo Lighthouse

Arecibo Harbor

Abandoned Power Plant Future Re-naturalization Zone

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Breakwater & Coral Reef Habitat

Sand Dune Restoration

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Jarealito Relocation and Re-naturalization Sand Dune Restoration

Before

After 32

Jarealito Relocation and Re-naturalization Arecibo Harbor

Coastal Cliff Outlooks

Bishop’s Arecibo Lighthouse Pond

Wetlands Garden

Sand Dune Restoration

Breakwater Pier Outlook

Open Air Structure

Rest Hub

Site for Civic / Community Amenity

Deployable Floating Stage & Pools

Marina Wetlands

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Jarealito Relocation and Re-naturalization Arecibo Harbor

Breakwater Pier Outlook Open Air Structure Wetlands Garden Deployable Floating Stage & Pools Arecibo Lighthouse Rest Hub Coastal Cliff Outlooks

Civic / Community Amenity

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Bishop’s Pond

Jarealito Relocation and Re-naturalization Coastal Cliff Outlooks

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Case Study: Haiti Proposal

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Case Study: Haiti Proposal

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Case Study: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION Proposal

The modular principals within this project are: ALTER ECO (Alternative tourist strategies to enhance the local sustainable development of tourism by promoting Mediterranean Identity) BLUEISLANDS (Seasonal variation of waste as effect of tourism) BLUEMED (Plan/test/coordinate Underwater Museums, Diving Parks and Knowledge Awareness Centres to support sustainable and responsible tourism development and promote Blue growth in coastal areas and islands of the Mediterranean) CASTWATER (Coastal areas sustainable tourism water management in the Mediterranean) CO-EVOLVE (Promoting the co-evolution of human activities and natural systems for the development of sustainable coastal and maritime tourism) CONSUME-LESS (Consume Less in Mediterranean Touristic Communities) DestiMED (Mediterranean Ecotourism Destination: joint planning, monitoring, management and promotion for a governance system in Mediterranean protected areas) EMbleMatiC (Emblematic Mediterranean Mountains as Coastal destinations of excellence) MEDCYCLETOUR (MEDiterranean CYcle route for sustainable coastal TOURism) MEDFEST (MED Culinary heritage experiences: how to create sustainable tourist destinations) MITOMED+ (Models of Integrated Tourism in the MEDiterranean Plus), ShapeTourism (New shape and drives for the tourism sector: supporting decisions, integrating plans and ensuring sustainability) SIROCCO (Sustainable InterRegional cOastal & Cruise maritime tourism through Cooperation and joint planning) TOURISMED (Fishing Tourism in the Mediterranean region for sustainable development).

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