Community Garden in Caño Martín Peña

Today we are joined by Estrella Santiago Pérez to discuss Borinquén grassroots action and community sovereignty amidst natural disasters and climate change. Common understanding of Puerto Rico exists in a dichotomy, either defined by lush resort colonies or the aftermath of tropical storms. The reality is, of course, much more dynamic and the vulnerabilities faced by communities amidst climate change and natural disasters are political and colonial created conditions. Estrella speaks to this reality through her work to rehabilitate the Caño Martín Peña, a 3.5 mile long tidal channel that is a part of the San Juan Bay Estuary. Over 20,000 residents live around the CMP in precarious positions. In response, the Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE del Caño works with community to revitalize the area in order to improve quality of living, protect the estuary and prevent further gentrification in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Estrella Santiago Pérez is the Environmental Affairs Manager of the Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE del Caño Martín Peña. ENLACE is a public corporation created under the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s Act No. 489 and is tasked with the coordination and implementation of public policies regarding the rehabilitation of the Caño Martín Peña (CMP) tidal channel, a 3.5 mile long natural tide channel that is part of the San Juan Bay Estuary. The Project is an initiative that links the public, private and community sector to rehabilitate and revitalize the communities surrounding the tidal channel in order to improve their quality of life, recover natural resources and overcome poverty. Estrella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Juris Doctor from the School of Law of the University of Puerto Rico. She participated as a speaker in the 2016 UIC School of Public Health Dean’s Forum on Climate Change in the Caribbean, the 2018 NCSE National Conference and Global Forum on Science, Policy, and the Environment and Bioneers 2018.

Our conversation with Estrella discusses the legacy of U.S. imperialism and global economic corruption, the erasure of Puerto Rico’s presence in mainstream media, community land trusts, gentrification in the wake of natural disaster, the complexities of property ownership and global aid initiatives. At the close of our conversation, Ayana reminds us that no community is immune to natural disasters or national emergencies, we must learn from the communities who are organizing in their wake. 

♫ Music by Los Hombres Calientes

Take Action

As mentioned in the episode, you can learn how to support ENLACE and other community-based organization in Puerto Rico by contacting ENLACE at (787)729-1594 or through their Facebook.

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