SUCCESS STORY
PLN and NASA present a risk assessment study
Para la Naturaleza, through a Collaborative Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, received $50,000 in federal funding to develop a study about the vulnerability and risks level of municipalities in southwestern Puerto Rico.
This project was completed in October 2021, and its initial results prove promising in building preparedness and resiliency at the community level. The study, titled “High Resolution Analysis of natural risks in southwestern Puerto Rico”, analyzed data pertaining to the seismic activity occurring during 2019-2020 in the southwestern region of the island.
Data was reviewed for eleven municipalities: Adjuntas, Guánica, Guayanilla, Jayuya, Lajas, Sabana Grande, San Germán, Peñuelas, Ponce, Utuado and Yauco. The information gathered has four objectives:
- identify areas of high risk and vulnerability through high resolution analysis
- understand the interconnectivity between infrastructure and high risk areas
- provide information critical for decision-making and establishing priorities
- allow for the inclusion of nature-based solutions in minimizing risks
The information collected in the study will help Para la Naturaleza educate communities and help them identify solutions that can address their particular needs in relation to the various risk levels. The study divided threats in three categories: climate crisis, seismic events, and natural threats (e.g. floods, sea-level rise, tsunami). The study and related information can be found at Para la Naturaleza’s website.
