With the force of more than 19,000 volunteers and the collaboration network that has developed, the Bay Alma Foundation has managed to remove more than 53,000 pounds from solid waste in bodies of water between San Juan, Loíza and Rio Grande Since 2008.
“They are 17 years without stopping, neither the Covid-19 pandemic, nor the Hurricane Maria, nor did he stop that we could do that job”highlighted the executive director of the Foundation, Marcela Cañón Escobar.
In an interview with The new dayattributed success to volunteers who support the four programs that the entity manages: conservation of natural resources and wildlife, environmental education, community work and animal rescue.
“Volunteers are the engine and heart of non -profit organizations typically,” said Escobar Canyon, and added that, without volunteers, it would have been impossible to achieve the work they brew.
Volunteers contribute from administrative work to house the domesticated animals that rescue under the Sato and Gato Rescue programresponsible for having achieved home to 800 dogs and 500 cats.
He also mentioned that the collaboration network between non -profit organizations, private companies, the academy and the government is essential to achieve the sustainable development of the country, through a vision that considers long -term environmental and social aspects.
“Among organizations, we are volunteers”he said, to highlight direct collaboration with the organization Scuba Dogs Societythat provides equipment and shares work efforts.
The executive director said that the work of the foundation related to the cleaning of beaches and the Holy Spirit rivers, in Rio Grande, and Herrera, in Loíza, have benefited the habitats of Puerto Rican biodiversity and contributed to the creation of the “Law to prohibit the sale and use of single -use plastics”, Through the detailed identification of the polluting material they collect, which demonstrated a significant presence in bodies of water.
As recent as Sunday, April 6, the Foundation removed 2,500 pounds of garbage and debris at the Herrera River beach, in the Loíza and Rio Grande collidefigure that does not count many more pounds of wood that were also taken.
Other areas that the entity works are the beach in front of the La Concha hotel, in County; Punta Las Marías, in Santurce; Beach of the Holy Spirit, in Rio Grande; and the beach in front of Bahía Beach Resort, also in Rio Grande.
The Alma de Bahía Foundation arises precisely from a collaboration with Beach Resort Bayin which they learned about the importance of environmental education, both with the local and tourist population.
“The collaboration with the private company, I think it is fundamental, work on the connection of the public-private and make a country together … contribute for not only environmental improvement, but sustainable,” he said.
He said that, with the support of the public sector, the private investment and the vision of the non -governmental organized community, Puerto Rico has the ability to create a different consona economy with the environment.