The Puerto Rico Speleological Society (SEPRI), a nonprofit, says it is ready to take over full administration of the Río Camuy Cavern Park in northwest Puerto Rico under a nonprofit model focused on conservation, scientific research and sustainable economic development. The group responded to recent proposals by Camuy Mayor Gabriel Hernández Rodríguez, Hatillo Mayor Carlos Román and Lares Mayor Fabián Arroyo Rodríguez on the park’s future, which also drew comments from Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz.
Founded in 1976, SEPRI says it conceptualized and advised on the park’s creation in 1982 and helped train its first staff. SEPRI president Julio Rodríguez said the group retains the specialized knowledge to run it. He said SEPRI formally submitted a proposal to the Puerto Rico government in 2009, citing the progressive deterioration of the facilities and the state’s difficulty sustaining operations.
The plan covers operations, finances, marketing, management of the nature reserve and tourism development, with revenue reinvested in facilities, infrastructure, staff and conservation. Rodríguez noted that a 2023 study by the Public-Private Partnership Authority concluded a conventional public-private partnership was not recommended and contemplated the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) contracting an outside commercial or nonprofit entity to operate the park.
SEPRI also voiced concern about legislative decisions being advanced without weighing alternatives. It called on the government, DRNA and legislative leaders to formally consider its proposal and open dialogue before final decisions.