Projects will be chosen for funding based on their environmental and technical merit. Cruz joins five other appointees charged with framing public policy for developing ecotourism industries to bolster the Puerto Rican economy. The group will work to protect the island's valuable natural resources. As forest supervisor for El Yunque National Forest, this appointment is a recognition of the kind of work we do in the forest in terms of nature-based tourism. We have a lot of resources and experience in this arena that can contribute to meeting the objectives of this board.
Tourism industries are among the best options for economic growth on the Island.
They currently represent about nine percent of the island's gross national product. About 3 million tourists visit the island each year. There are outstanding markets and options that haven't been tapped. The advisory board will help develop these industries. But the economic development must take place in concert with protecting the valuable natural resources of the Island.