Leaders of the Green Path: Protecting Nature & History

Puerto Rico’s natural beauty is more than just mesmerizing landscapes—it’s a vibrant Island filled with ecosystems that communities work tirelessly to protect. In Morovis, Proyecto Cabachuelas, also known as Cabacoop, stands as a powerful example of community-driven conservation. This local organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, historical, and cultural treasures of the Las Cabachuelas Natural Reserve. At the heart of this effort is Myriam Rivera, a dedicated environmental educator and advocate who has spent decades, since the 1980s, fostering a deep connection between people and nature. Born in Morovis in 1956 and with a background in biology, her journey has taken her from classrooms to research labs, environmental policy initiatives, and now, to CabaCoop, where she serves as a certified guide and customer service lead. 

Rivera’s work plays a vital role in protecting Puerto Rico’s northern karst region—one of the Island’s three main geomorphologic provinces, known for its limestone formations and covering nearly 20% of Puerto Rico’s land area. The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as the Island’s most important underground aquifers. It has also been identified by federal and commonwealth agencies as a conservation priority, supporting high levels of biodiversity and representing some of the least disturbed karst habitats in the Caribbean.

In this conversation, Rivera shares her definition of sustainability and how it is reflected in community-led ecotourism in Puerto Rico, the challenges of preserving one of the Island’s unique karst geological wonders, and her role—along with six fellow moroveños (residents of Morovis)—in securing Las Cabachuelas and promoting its sustainable future.  

How do you define green travel, and what does it mean for Las Cabachuelas? 

Sustainability is about turning thought into action. It means ensuring that future generations can access natural resources in a well-preserved state. Through our efforts, we must guarantee that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from these spaces. Sustainability is a complex process that involves multiple elements, but at its core, it’s our responsibility to protect and manage these resources wisely. At the Las Cabachuelas project, we embrace this responsibility by engaging with the community and prioritizing education. We believe that a comprehensive and well-structured educational system is essential for reinforcing the values and practices that will shape the future of this natural reserve, which will provide an ecotourism experience filled with natural and cultural diversity and economic activity for the nearby residents.  

Can you tell us about the community involvement and the impact of your eco tours in Puerto Rico? 

Our ecotourism tours provide the funding we need to invest in the community, and we actively involve residents in various ways. For example, we helped build a bathroom in a local home near the reserve. In exchange, the homeowner receives a monthly stipend, and we ensure visitors have access to proper amenities. Similarly, if a group needs to have lunch, one neighbor prepares homemade meals, while another sells fresh juices. Through these efforts, we have gradually empowered and engaged the community. We’ve also stayed connected through a community chat, meetings, shared activities, and we even started a small community garden. Our goal is to reinvest ecotourism funds into both community development and education, and step by step, we’re making progress. 

How can visitors enjoy Las Cabachuelas and our Island’s natural environment in a more sustainable and respectful way? 

First, always remember the value of our natural resources and the importance of sharing them with others. I often recall a quote from an African conservationist: "We will only conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand, and we will only understand what we are taught." That sums it all up. I would also recommend booking a tour with us; you’ll explore safely and responsibly, equipped with proper gear and accompanied by certified guides who speak both English and Spanish. We have insurance coverage in case of accidents, ensuring a secure and enriching experience, and most importantly, visiting with our team guarantees a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem and supports community-led sustainability efforts. Every tour helps fund local conservation, education, and economic initiatives. The best way to experience Las Cabachuelas is by learning, respecting, and giving back to the community that protects it.

What are the main challenges you face when promoting sustainability at the natural reserve? 

CabaCoop is a community-based worker cooperative that supports heritage interpretation and environmental management in the reserve. Since 2018, it has been part of the Network of Incubated Cooperatives, fostering collaboration and sustainable development. Our team includes certified environmental interpreters, educators, geographers, agroecology promoters, and a community social worker, all working to preserve and promote the natural and cultural richness of Las Cabachuelas while creating sustainable economic opportunities for Morovis.

I’ve been involved with Las Cabachuelas since the 1980s, working alongside archaeologist Dr. Roberto Martínez. When we first arrived, there was strong resistance from the local community, who saw us as outsiders. Over time, through education and engagement, we built trust (with the community). In 2010, my son drafted a proposal that gained legislative support, and by 2012, Las Cabachuelas was officially designated as a nature reserve.

It wasn’t until 2016 that a group of Morovis residents and the local cultural center worked on management strategies, leading to CabaCoop, which was officially founded in 2019.

Of course, there are challenges related to people who don’t understand that the reserve has rules, such as wearing safety gear like helmets and closed-toe shoes. We also struggle with environmental issues such as illegal dumping, which we tackle little by little with the help of scientific collaborations and public awareness initiatives. Another challenge is visibility. There are only six of us running this project, and five have full-time jobs. Since we don’t have the structure to support full-time staff, they dedicate their free time to the reserve. I’m the only one who can commit fully because I’m retired.

However, despite these obstacles, we continue working toward our vision of a sustainable, community-led future for Las Cabachuelas.

What advice would you give to other leaders or organizations looking to adopt and advance sustainable practices in green travel?

My advice is to be consistent and persistent. Engage with the community, stay organized, and never lose sight of the people around you. For example, the cooperative model is an excellent approach for managing natural reserves because it fosters collaboration and shared responsibility. Always keep the community at the center of your efforts because lasting change happens when people come together with a shared vision.