Dear petitioners, Tough times are approaching as the Government of Puerto Rico just approved new legislation to further streamline permit issuing and reduce multi sector participation of land use planning. Furthermore, new legislation established criminal penalties for those who try to stop illegal construction projects while streamlining the permitting approval process with fewer requirements to show the benefits and need of new urbanization projects. It seems everything is being aligned to a desesperate attempt to increase construction projects in name of short-term economic benefit instead of developing sustainable economies. Nevertheless, our constitutional right of freedom of expression is the only tool we have to make our voice resonate among diverse stakeholders without losing control! Last April 6th, the Aguadilla District Court failed in favor of the developers (Caribbean Management Group, Inc.), arguing the court does not have Primary Concurrent Jurisdiction to evaluate the evidence compiled by lawyers of La Liga Ecológica Puertorriqueña del Noroeste. After attempting to present evidence at various agencies, there is just no authority willing to review the evidence of poor planning practices and the potential environmental impacts not contemplated in the 20-year old Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)! Recent efforts in the area have shown the presence of approx. 250 species not mentioned in the 1998 Final EIS to witch permits are conditioned. Marine habitats are influenced by land activities through underground aquifers not even mentioned in the EIS. To designate a Natural Reserve and stimulate ecotourism in the region, the Northwest Puerto Rican Ecological League and its partners submitted a proposal to the National Geographic Society. Even though the proposal was not recommended for funding, we will requested comments to resubmit. The proposal is a funding request for initiating the designation of the Puerto Rico Northwest Ecological Corridor through research, outreach, and a multisectoral planning process. Also, a proposal is being developed for the Waitt Foundation with a fiscal sponsor (Institute for Socio-Ecological Research, Inc.) to finish a strong documentary that will capture socio-ecological dynamics as a communication vehicle for increasing public awareness and engagement. To date, public support is just beginning to engage government agencies into this conservation effort. We need your continuous support for this to Reserve to happen! For a copy of the proposals you can contact miguel.figuerola@upr.edu Now more than ever we need to make our voice heard and demand respect of our constitutional rights to protect our island natural patrimony! Our lawyers have submitted the case to the Appellative Court! We will show in the Appellative Court all we have done so far to present arguments explaining why the EIS must be updated and the project discussed in new public hearings. We are not stepping back and we have your support to keep moving forward! Other updates on the effort include: A) The Resistance Camp has been on the site for more than 7 months now! Our most sincere respect to the brave people who have been continuously educating visitors and the local community through many activities like trash clean ups, workshops, and other services. B) The Caribbean Bird Festival and Bioblitz events where done and more than 150 new marine species where documented! The diversity of fish and invertebrates in these accessible reefs is amazing! C) The proposal to the World Surfing Reserves is almost done. Some surfing figures are trying to establish a dialogue with the developers to scale back the project as much as possible and/or instead of a hotel, develop a natural reserve Eco touristic park. D) Anthony Bourdain from CNN went down to Playuela to cover the situation for a report. E) The EPA and USFWS are waiting for information from developers regarding missing information in their permits. F) THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WAS STOPPED FORT 100 DAYS AND JUST STARTED AGAIN YESTERDAY (JUNE 8, 2017)! We have a reaction plan to demand agencies to implement their authority in evaluating the available evidence/proof to show the project is being planned without compliance to several planning and environmental regulations. Once we get to 30,000 signatures we will approach decision makers with all signatures and let them know we are demanding renewal of public hearings, evaluation of evidence, and support for Natural Reserve designation. This act will deliver the voice of this international community united in favor of the Natural Reserve in Playuela and northwest Puerto Rico! We need less than 1,000 signatures to get to the 25,000 mark! HELP US GET TO 30,000 SIGNATURES TO BE DELIVERED TO THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION AND OTHER DECISION MAKERS! Visit the FB webpage of the Campamento Rescate Playuela and La Liga for updates on activities and learn how you can get involved. Also, check Saveplayuela.org for more activities, articles, and other news as they are posted. Thank you all for your fundamental support! Sincerely, La Liga Ecológica Puertorriqueña del Noroeste