P.R. Laws tit. 12, § 5082
It is hereby declared that the purpose of this chapter is to ensure that the management of natural resources remains within the framework of the principle of conservation and preservation, in agreement with a financially sustainable development. It is imperative to direct the planning process toward the achievement of an integrated sustainable development, to ensure the wise utilization of land resources. It is also our purpose to identify, preserve and conserve the lands of high natural, ecological, cultural and agricultural value that are a part of the Indio River’s surrounding land.
The designation as natural reserve under the powers conferred upon this Legislature by Article XIX of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico intends to protect areas with important natural resources of high ecological value that may be subject to current and future utilization. Thus, the necessary steps shall be taken to substantially preserve and conserve these areas in their natural state.
The designation of public and private areas that are an integral part of the Indio River as a Natural Reserve allows for the establishment of structures to enable the development of proposed educational, cultural, ecotourism, and scientific research activities so that the ecological and economic integrity of the designated area is not affected.
History —Sept. 23, 2004, No. 471, § 2, retroactive to July 1, 2004.