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 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 Karso 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 has collaborated voluntarily with PR and US government agencies, communities and private entities in its scientific information service.

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 the Karso 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: Karst a Vital Resources 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 in the same natural region.

Team

The members of 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 Vice President and Treasurer
Rebeca Palacios Secretary
José A. Colón Founding Member
Frances Lausell Communications
Nélida Agosto Founding Member
María Concepción Vocal
Vilma Rivera Gallagher Vocal