FABIOLA BAEZ FLORES
"Environmental monitoring of Stahlia monosperma populations established in the “Ciénaga Las Cucharillas” Natural Reserve: An analysis of environmental parameters"
Research on the environmental monitoring of the Stahlia monosperma species (Cobana negra) in the Ciénaga Las Cucharillas Nature Reserve, focusing on its ecophysiological response to climate change. The study, conducted in collaboration with Corredor del Yaguazo and Dr. Wilmer Rivera, provides recommendations for community reforestation and conservation projects in Puerto Rico.
The research was presented at the SER North American Conference held in Vancouver, Canada, in 2024. The study focused on the environmental monitoring of Stahlia monosperma ("Cobana Negra") in the Ciénaga Las Cucharillas Nature Reserve in Cataño, Puerto Rico. Through the CIBI-3027 course: Climate Change and the Ecological Systems of the Caribbean, the research integrated field practices with community organizations such as the Yaguazo Corridor. The research analyzed the ecophysiological response of this species to different microclimatic conditions, with the aim of generating recommendations for ecological rehabilitation projects. The findings contribute to an understanding of the behavior of critical species in the context of climate change, strengthening the link between science, community, and environmental conservation.