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    Puerto Rico: Enjoy the less-developed side of this Caribbean destination 


    Rincon, Puerto Rico

    From: Mother Nature Network

    Puerto Rico is one of the most accessible Caribbean islands. Because it is a U.S. territory, Americans from any one of the 50 states can visit without a passport or concern about unfavorable currency exchange rates. Although Spanish is the dominant language of Puerto Rico, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. These features, along with the tropical beaches that ring the island, make Puerto Rico a popular destination for U.S.-based snowbirds.

    Those who ignore the resort scene can find a respectable menu of eco-tourism attractions in the island’s less developed areas. The territory boasts mountains, inland forests, sections of undeveloped coastline, protected islands, and even arid, desert-like landscapes. Nature-themed activities abound, especially in El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico's eco-tourism headliner. Additional state forests and other protected areas make this a surprisingly exciting destination for a tropical, eco-themed vacation.

    The town of Rincon, on the west coast of Puerto Rico, features diving and boating opportunities. The town is also home to tour companies that lead whale-watching cruises during humpback whale season, which takes place during the Northern Hemisphere's winter.

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    The Battle Over Beaches In Puerto Rico 


    In Puerto Rico, it is illegal for developers to create projects that close off public access to the ocean. Yet, well-connected developers are still able to do just this. The Edge of the Sea is a 26-minute documentary that explores the issues of how privatization of public marine areas affect the social and environmental fabric of Puerto Rico. Focusing in on a 61-year-old fisherman from a small village that has experienced massive coastal development at the cost of fishermen and the marine life, the documentary explores the battle over beach-front property.



    Erosion of the beaches is a primary effect of development, and residents of Rincón, the fishing village highlighted in the film, have seen their beaches erode by 1 to 3 meters a year. The film follows the fisherman - Pauco - in his 8-year battle against a local developer who is planning mega condo project on one of Rincón's most popular public beaches.

    Fortunately, in this instance, the ruling in the court case was in favor of the village, giving precedent for future lawsuits against developers.