This project aims to create a Center for Coastal Resilience in the island of Culebra in Puerto Rico. We engaged in community interactions and studied many aspects of the coast to which we propose a space for education and recreation alongside policies that aim to protect the coast of Culebra.

The physical project is a site plan design for Cayo Pirata, a small island in the main harbor of Culebra. El Centro de Resiliencia Costera is a proposal for the revitalization of Cayo Pirata. It will house a marine biology lab; coral reef, mangroves and seagrass nurseries; as well as recreation and educational gazebos. El Centro de Resiliencia Costera will be conducted by SAM (Sociedad Ambiente Marino), a local organization that works on restoration of the island’s coastal ecosystems.

The proposal for El Centro de Resiliencia Costera is accompanied by policies to address issues of privatization and incentivizes the use of coastal land for public benefit; as well as the establishment of zoning and land-use regulations, the enforcement of strict environmental review processes for all development, and the implementation of Coastal Area Permits to ensure compliance.