Young people with intellectual disabilities in the programs of the Rigoberto Figueroa Figueroa Foundation, along with their caregivers and families, planted native trees at the foundation’s headquarters in Guaynabo over the weekend at the event "Sembrando Futuro" (Planting Future). Participants sowed pomarrosa, guamá, grosella, flor de maga and achiote trees, joining "La Siembra," a project that the organization Para la Naturaleza carries out across Puerto Rico.
Executive director Rafael Cintrón said the initiative creates spaces to conserve natural resources and foster green areas that promote well-being and tranquility for participants, their caregivers and families, adding that small actions like planting trees contribute to the community’s common good. The foundation’s grounds already host a variety of native trees donated by citizens, including cacao, flamboyán, guayacán and roble.
The collaboration with Para la Naturaleza allows the foundation to maintain a healthy green environment for participants and the community to enjoy. The trees also provide food and shelter for wildlife, favor biodiversity and help mitigate the effects of climate change. The foundation serves adults with intellectual disabilities and also promotes the fine arts, Puerto Rican culture, sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurial activity.
Cintrón called for tuning in to the needs of people with disabilities to improve their quality of life.