One example of how political pressure can hurt ecotourism

Last week, a huge blow came down on environmental efforts in Puerto Rico. A future nature preserve, a full 3,240 acres, was taken off the agenda by the commonwealth’s governor – sparking fears in many that the land will be used for hotel resorts and other detrimental human activity.

With natural fauna and other wildlife quickly becoming depleted throughout and within the world’s most beautiful tourist destinations, it is crucial that nature preserves become established in order to protect and ensure the survival of entire ecosystems, including endangered species.

However, politics tend to often stand in the way of progress.

Last week, a slated preserve creation in northeast Puerto Rico – plans for which were put in place back in 2007 as the new Northeast Ecological Corridor – was officially canceled. The 3,240 acres of coastline nestled alongside tropical forest is a prime nesting ground for endangered leatherback sea turtles.

While the government had been trying to secure the preserve’s future by buying up public lands that intersected with the planned preserve, ultimately political pressure determined its fate.

According to the governor’s office, the cancellation was based on political pressure and job creation. The establishment of a nature preserve in the area would not bolster the region’s economy as well as, say, rows of resorts and tourism attractions.

Obviously, this scares most environmentalists, as resort areas tend to negatively impact and disrupt the natural ecosystems of the surrounding areas. Construction, debris, waste and toxic materials as well as human foot-traffic all lend a hand in destroying the native environment.

On the brighter side, the governor has called for the environmental authorities to determine what of the 3,240 acres is the most sensitive in the hopes that these areas will still remain protected. However, most are concerned that, even if set aside as a smaller-scale preserve, the area will still be harmed due to human interaction.

With each new positive step toward natural and ecological preservation, the environment gains “a win”. Yet, it is often hard to sidestep the bureaucracy of political agenda. Even seemingly big wins can end in disappointment.