Ciudadanos Del Karso – CDK – is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, incorporated in 1994 under the laws of Puerto Rico, dedicated to educate for the protection and conservation primarily of the Puerto Rican karso.
Scientific Research
Scientific research in the field of speleology gave way to the creation of CDK as an organization being one of the important pillars for educational training and to manage the conservation of this vital natural system for the country.
Education
We have given hundreds of presentations and lectures, created videos, posters, documents and distributed them to schools, universities, community groups, government agencies and industries among others.
Land conservation
CDK acquires land in the karst for the conservation of the natural system to the extent that financial resources are available. We accept farm donations and conservation easements.
We collaborate on a voluntary basis
CDK in its scientific information service has voluntarily collaborated with PR and US government agencies, communities and private entities.
Mission
Research, educate, and conserve natural systems, particularly karst systems.
Vision
We protect nature, particularly the karst systems of Puerto Rico, by promoting the sustainable use of the soil and its resources through education and scientific research.
History and Recognition
The concern of different people about the destruction of karst in the 90’s and the lack of knowledge of governments about these systems were the seed for the creation of CDK.
For its work over the past 25 years CDK has received multiple awards from universities, foundations, private and professional entities and institutions.
- 1999: Cooperative agreement with the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico for the conservation and management of the Mata de Plátano Natural Reserve.
- 1998: Caño Tiburones is declared a Natural Reserve.
- 1998: Support in the drafting of bills that became laws:
– Act 241 – New Puerto Rico Wildlife Act (August 15)
– Act 291 for the Protection and Conservation of the Karst Physiography (August 21) - 1999: Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program for the conservation of 2,800 acres in the northern karst region. Creation of conservation easements.
- 1999: Production of the video “The Roots of Water”, on the importance of the karst region and the importance of aquifers.
- 1999: Karso of Puerto Rico selected by the Water Karst Institute of the University of Virginia as one of the regions in danger of destruction.
- 2001: Puerto Rican Karst – A Vital Resource is published in English.
- 2004: Co-authored and translated Puerto Rican Karst – A Vital Resource, a compendium of research conducted by scientists on various scientific topics for the same natural region.
Team
Individuals on the Board of Directors, in addition to their fiduciary responsibilities, make donations of labor and money. Their work is entirely voluntary and no member of the Board of Directors may be hired by CDK.
Board of Directors
- Abel Vale Nieves, President
- Miguel Babilonia, Treasurer
- Vilma Rivera Gallagher, Secretary
- José A. Colón, Founding Member
- Teresa C. Ramírez, Member
- Armando Rodríguez Duran, Member
Annual Report
Annual Report 2024-2025
Annual Report 2023-2024
Spanish
Previous Annual Reports
2021-22