About Us

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 karst.

Scientific Research

Scientific research in the field of speleology led to the creation of CDK, this field being one of the important pillars of our educational formation enabling us to a achieve the conservation of this vital natural system of our island.

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 natural systems to the extent that financial resources are available. We accept donations of land and conservation easements.

We collaborate on a voluntary basis

Applying its scientific knowledge, CDK has voluntarily collaborated with PR and US government agencies, communities, and private entities.

Mission

Carry out scientific 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 land and its resources through education and scientific research.

History and Recognition

Deep concern about the destruction of the karst region in the 1990’s and the lack of knowledge of governments about these systems sowed 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 other institutions.

1998: Caño Tiburones is declared a Nature 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 Roots of Water”, a video about the importance of the karst region and the importance of aquifers.
1999: Puerto Rican karst is selected by the Water Karst Institute of the University of Virginia as one of the regions in danger of destruction.
1999: Cooperative agreement with the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico for the conservation and management of the Mata de Plátano Natural Reserve.
2001: Puerto Rican Karst- A Vital Resource is published in English.
2004: Co-authorship and translation of Puerto Rican Karst – A Vital Resource, a compendium of research conducted by scientists on various scientific topics related to the karst region.

Team

The members of the Board of Directors, in addition to their fiduciary responsibilities, contribute of their time to carry out the required work required for our organization. Their work is entirely voluntary and no member of the Board of Directors may be employed by CDK.

Board of Directors

Abel Vale Nieves President
Gilberto Guevara Vicepresident
Miguel Babilonia Treasurer
Vilma Rivera Gallagher Secretary
José A. Colón Founding Member
Alejandra N. Núñez Vocal
Roxanne M. Almodóvar Vocal
Teresa C. Ramírez Vocal