Ana G. Méndez University, Puerto Rico, United States
Abstract: We performed a cross-sectional study to explore the knowledge and perception of the ecosystem services of the Lapa River inside and downstream the Planadas-Yeyesa Nature Reserve by its nearby community located in in the municipalities of Cayey and Salinas in Puerto Rico. Our objectives were: (1) to identify the sociodemographic and economic profile of the residents living near to the Lapa River; and (2) to evaluate associations between the sociodemographic and economic profiles of the residents and their knowledge and perceptions of the river in terms of tourism, river use, preservation, and conservation. We surveyed 235 residents near the Lapa River. Residents who most visited the river with their families were females (61.5%), people aged 40-49 (76.2%), people with a high school degree (75.4%), people that earned over $10,000 (60.6%), and three-person households (66.7%). Participants with incomes below $10,000 (44.7%) and two-person households (44.6%) indicated that the river was the reason they visited the Planadas-Yeyesa Nature Reserve. College students (48.1%) and three-person households (41.3%) were most in agreement with providing recreation, ecotourism, and contemplation services. Finally, university students (79.0%) and three-person households (76.2%) reported that they participate in or manage some activity for the care of the natural space. We recommend the design of strategies that include the community to contribute to the protection, preservation, and conservation of this river.
