Caribbean Newsletter Spring 2025
From Ridge to Reef: Enhancing Water Security in La Plata Watershed
Our latest updates from across the Caribbean.
Watersheds—the lands surrounding rivers, lakes and streams—provide critical habitat for imperiled freshwater and terrestrial species and supply reliable, clean water to millions of people. Unfortunately, deforestation, poorly planned development and unsustainable farming practices are pushing watersheds to the brink, threatening their ability to serve as carbon sinks and homes for freshwater species and to provide water security.
Last year TNC began a water replenishment project in La Plata watershed, which is Puerto Rico’s third- largest watershed and responsible for supplying water to over 350,000 people and vital to their economy.
This project is part of a larger TNC approach to water conservation and management known as “Del Monte al Mar,” or “From Ridge to Reef.” This strategy acknowledges the importance of natural connections, and that what happens in the mountains also has an impact in the coast, especially in small islands like Puerto Rico. These efforts are encompassed in the TNC Caribbean Climate Adaptation Strategy aiming to contribute to TNC’s 2030 Goals.
As a first step in this water replenishment project, sponsored by Bacardí, TNC’s Caribbean science team conducted spatial analysis to characterize land uses in this watershed. The team categorized ten land uses through this analysis, and these were applied to areas where direct and indirect interventions could improve the watershed replenishment capacity. The recommended interventions include forest conservation, reforestation and the integration of sustainable agricultural and farming practices, among others.
TNC also conducted two community meetings where 23 farmers and landowners from La Plata watershed learned about the opportunities to support the improvement of its replenishment capacity. Presenters included representatives from the University of Puerto Rico Limnology Program, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and local organizations including the Soil and Water Conservation District and Protectores de Cuencas.
These entities presented their programs to support participants in implementing sustainable land-use practices and promote water security in La Plata watershed.
We Can’t Save Nature Without You
Sign up to receive monthly conservation news and updates from the Caribbean.
Related Articles
“Tech for Nature” friend-raiser a success
The event, themed “Tech for Nature,” took place as part of the final in-person board meeting for 2024. Board members invited people from their pr
New Jersey raises funds for Caribbean conservation
Last September, TNC’s team in New Jersey held a special event for donors with a dedicated paddle raise for projects in the Caribbean.
TNC Participates in U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting
Our teams in Puerto Rico and the USVI convened in beautiful St. Croix for the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting to discuss priorities for coral conservation.