Puerto Rico Model Forest Conservation and Sustainable Development Fund awards $20,000 in grants to local projects
San Juan, Puerto Rico | The Fund for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Puerto Rico Model Forest, administered by the Puerto Rico Community Foundation (PRCF), announced the awarding of two grants of $10,000 each as part of its 2024 solicitation. The organizations receiving these funds are: Alelí Environmental y the Peace for You Center of the Coordinadora Paz para la Mujer. This social investment seeks to foster innovative projects that promote an authentic and sustainable green economy within the footprint of the Model Forest, as established in Law No. 182-2014.
The call for proposals was made by invitation to more than 50 non-profit organizations, members of the Puerto Rico Model Forest Multisectoral Roundtable, all committed to the development of initiatives aligned with the principles of conservation, environmental sustainability, circularity, and green economic development. After a two-stage evaluation process, two proposals were selected.
“The evaluation looked not only at the viability of each proposal, but also at the degree to which they actually embodied the principles of a green economy. These initiatives not only meet those principles, but also model how the local economy can be transformed from sustainability and equity,” he said. Evelina Henríquez Ramírez, FCPR Philanthropic Services Officer.
The evaluation committee -composed of representatives of the Model Forest Trust, the Multisectoral Roundtable and the FCPR- recommended the allocation of funds to Alelí Environmental, Inc. and its “Food without Footprint” project. They propose to strengthen a circular economy in the gastronomic sector of Guánica by accompanying eight restaurants in the reduction of single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives. In addition, they will impact two schools with an environmental curriculum and will continue with the characterization of waste in Ballena Beach. It is estimated to have a direct impact on more than 1,700 people.
On the other hand, the donation to the Peace for You Center of Coordinadora Paz Para La Mujer, Inc. is focused on supporting the “Green Businesswomen” project. This project supports women entrepreneurs in the mountains who manufacture products using sustainable practices and materials. It includes the creation of a directory, an educational campaign and the strengthening of the Mercado de las Mujeres Empresarias de la Montaña as a space for solidarity economy and economic justice.
With a total investment of $20,000 this year, the Fund reaffirms its commitment to initiatives that integrate environmental conservation, community action and sustainable economic development within the Puerto Rico Model Forest.
“The Model Forest is a community-based approach to integrated natural resource management. The Trust, together with the Community Foundation, is the custodian of the Model Forest Fund, which guarantees the investment of resources in projects that promote sustainable development. The Mesa Multisectorial brings together the organizations within the forest footprint and establishes priorities for action and investment of resources, such as this Fund. We encourage the various social sectors within the Forest footprint (academic, community, business, environmental, agricultural, public, among others) to participate in the Mesa Multisectorial General Assembly this June, and learn more about the benefits of being part of the Forest, he said. Katia Avilés-Vázquez, The Model Forest Board of Trustees, chairwoman of the Model Forest Board of Trustees.
For its part, the Dr. Nelson I. Colón Tarrats, We are excited to be part of this initiative because we believe in its ability to drive a sustainable future,“ said FCPR's president and chief executive officer. Each green economy project that community organizations develop is another step towards the harmony between development and conservation, and we are committed to their success.
FCPR currently manages more than 97 philanthropic funds established by donors who support, with donations or grants, a variety of social causes. For philanthropic advice and fund establishment, please write to fcpr@fcpr.org or call 787-721-1037. FCPR also administers several programs focused on water access, renewable energy, economic activation, and racial and gender equity.
Model Forest Trust of PR :: Model Forest Trust of PR The Puerto Rico Model Forest Trust is a non-profit organization that administers and is the fiduciary agent of the endowment fund for public purposes created by public deed in March 2016. The Trust is irrevocable and has its own independent legal personality. It was created in perpetuity to support the development, operation and sustainable benefit of the central and western areas of Puerto Rico, which make up the footprint of the Puerto Rico Model Forest.
