A pioneering initiative has taken root in Puerto Rico, where a select group of resorts near the beloved El Yunque National Forest is joining forces to safeguard the 29,000-acre protected area. Starting from November 1 of this year, guests checking into these resorts have the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of El Yunque by including a voluntary $1 nightly donation in their room rate, as reported by Bloomberg.
The collected funds from this unique initiative are channeled to the highly-respected local non-profit organization, Fundación Amigos del Yunque. This organization plays a pivotal role in executing conservation and community development programs within the rainforest.
The initiative was initially launched by two local resorts, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar and the Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort. Later, two more properties, Dos Aquas and the Rainforest Inn, joined the cause, with the Rainforest Inn pledging to match every donation made by its guests.
Furthermore, the positive momentum continues to grow, as three additional hotels are poised to participate in this noble funding effort.
Though currently involving only a handful of hotels, the potential impact is substantial. Amadeo Zarzosa, general manager of the two Wyndham resorts, estimates that the initiative could generate up to $350,000 in 2024. If more hotels across Puerto Rico embrace this cause, the cumulative effect could be even more significant, given that there are approximately 130 hotels in the region.
Carmen Portela, the executive director of Fundación Amigos del Yunque, emphasized the importance of traveler participation, stating, “You’re letting the traveler decide if they want to contribute—and more often than not, they will say yes,” in an interview with Bloomberg.
El Yunque rainforest is a vital natural resource for Puerto Rico, serving as the source of 20 percent of the island’s water and offering protection against the impact of major storms. Additionally, the rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating climate conditions, which benefits the area’s sensitive coral reefs, susceptible to changes in sea temperature.
The donations made to Amigos del Yunque will be instrumental in establishing year-round conservation programs for local school children. Furthermore, the funds will support training initiatives for neighboring communities involved in the management and preservation of the rainforest.
This collaborative effort by Puerto Rican hotels is a heartwarming example of the tourism industry actively contributing to the conservation and sustainability of the natural treasures that make the island a cherished destination.
