Coastal Forest Campaign Plan: Protecting Isla Verde’s Public Beach

On June 17, 2014, members of the Playas pal' Pueblo Coalition came together to draft an ambitious plan to protect one of Puerto Rico’s most valuable natural treasures: the Coastal Forest of Isla Verde, Carolina Public Beach.

The plan was prepared by lawyer Ariel Hernández and environmentalist Ricardo De Soto, with the support of Pedro M. González. Their shared mission was clear—preserve, defend, and raise awareness about the ecological and social importance of this fragile coastal ecosystem.

What the Campaign Plan Includes

The Coastal Forest Campaign Plan lays out the foundations for action with:

• Goals and Objectives: Protect the forest, ensure public access, and encourage community participation.

• Strategies and Tactics: Define clear steps to inform, educate, and engage citizens.

• Control, Evaluation, and Documentation: Guarantee that each stage of the plan is monitored and that its impact can be measured effectively.

Strategies to Raise Awareness

A central part of the plan focuses on communication and outreach. The team understood that protecting a forest requires more than legal frameworks—it requires people. To that end, they included a range of tactics designed to spread the message far and wide:

• Press Releases & Press Conferences to inform the media and public.

• Radio Messages & TV Interviews to reach diverse audiences.

• Newspaper Articles in both regional and national publications.

• Printed Materials such as leaflets distributed in the community.

• Digital Outreach through emails, text messages, and social media platforms.

• Endorsements & Written Communications to secure institutional and public backing.

• Educational Activities including presentations, lectures, forums, and community events.

Why It Matters

The Coastal Forest of Isla Verde is more than a patch of green by the shore—it is a natural defense system against erosion and climate change, a habitat for local biodiversity, and a public space that belongs to everyone.

By combining legal expertise, environmental activism, and community engagement, this campaign plan not only highlights the importance of protecting Isla Verde’s coastal forest but also serves as a model for future grassroots conservation efforts in Puerto Rico and beyond.