DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES.

LEGAL AUTHORITY

Act No. 23 of June 20, 1972, as amended, known as the Organic Law of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Later, according to the Reorganization Plan No. 1 of December 9, 1993, the Department is restructured and the Administration of Natural Resources and the Solid Waste Authority are abscribed to it.

MISSION

Protect, conserve and manage the Country's natural and environmental resources to guarantee future generation's enjoyment and promote better quality of life.

VISION

Promote a healthy and wholesome environment through the establishment of sustainable practices for the use of natural resources, the management of the environment and by transforming the culture of Puerto Rico to one of conservation that encourages the participation of all sectors of society to promote the better quality of life.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources is composed of the following organizational units:

  • Office of Labor Affairs
  • Legal Office
  • Office of Internal Audit
  • Office of Information and Technology
  • Office of Human Resources
  • Office of the Examination Officer
  • Office of the Secretary
  • Office of the Deputy Secretary
  • Deputy Secretary of Administration
  • Deputy Secretary for Endorsements, Permits and Licenses
  • Deputy Secretary for Planning, Research and Education

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources is located in the Environmental Agencies Building, Cruz A. Matos, San Jos Industrial Park, 1375 Ponce de Len Avenue, State Road #8838, El Cinco Sector in Ro Piedras.

PROGRAMMATIC STRUCTURE

POSITIONS FILLED

Authorized and Proposed Positions 2009 2010 2011 2012
Sept./08 Sept./09 Sept./10 Feb./11 Proj.

 

Total amount of positions 19 25 16 18 18

Data comes from the Agency's Certified Headcount Reports. Figures for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 were estimated during the budget formulation process.

PROGRAM

General Management and Administration

Program Description

Groups all projects and programs whose main objective is to achieve an environmentally sustainable economy. To guarantee the development, planning, coordination, management and supervision of all Agency functions and implement public policy on development, protection and conservation of natural and environmental resources.

Objectives

  • Revise laws and regulations applicable to the Guardian Corps and make them more effective.
  • Refurbish forest unit facilities managed by the Department.
  • Develop the Green Platform program to improve quality of life and offer a legacy to future generations through the implementation of specific projects for the preservation of our natural resources. Impact reforestation, flood control, fish and wildlife, coastal zones, reserves and shelters, community relations and permits. The Green Platform looks to change the way we protect our environment.
  • Expand existing natural reserves on lands of high ecological value with particular attention to those that serve as habitats for species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction.
  • Promote conservation, protection and maintenance of lands of high ecological value through the use of conservation easements, incentives and cooperative agreements with government entities, private enterprise and other organizations.
  • Improve the administration and protection of Puerto Rico's beaches and water safety services, maintenance, removal of solid waste and monitoring of water quality.
  • Strengthen reforestation efforts.
  • Ensure continuous cleaning and maintenance of sewers, channeled rivers and streams to avoid flooding.
  • Establish a system for environmental education and certification.

Customers

General public

Human Resources

Authorized and Proposed Positions 2009 2010 2011 2012

Managerial,Technical, Administrative, and Office Staff 19 25 16 18
Total, Positions 19 25 16 18

FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012 ADOPTED BUDGET

The adopted consolidated budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 totals $4,960,000. The funds include $4,960,000 from the Joint Resolution-General Fund.

Operating Expenses reflect an increase of $3,934,000 when compared to funds assigned for fiscal year 2010-2011.

Funds from the Joint Resolution-General Fund will allow the Department to continue with the administrative centralization of government entities that work toward the elaboration and execution of public policy on natural and environmental resources.

SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Consolidated Budget  (thousands $) 2009 2010 2011 2012

 

Program  
Operational Expenses Actual Actual Budget Adopted
General Management and Administration 2,228 2,296 1,026 4,960
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 2,228 2,296 1,026 4,960
 
Capital Improvements
General Management and Administration 0 9,790 0 0
Subtotal, Capital Improvements 0 9,790 0 0
Total, Program 2,228 12,086 1,026 4,960
 
Funding Sources  
Operational Expenses  
Joint Resolution - General Fund 1,172 518 384 4,960
Special Appropriations - General Fund 1,000 1,000 0 0
State Special Funds 56 0 0 0
Local Stabilization Fund 0 778 642 0
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 2,228 2,296 1,026 4,960
 
Capital Improvements  
Other Income 0 9,790 0 0
Subtotal, Capital Improvements 0 9,790 0 0
Total, Funding Sources 2,228 12,086 1,026 4,960
 
Expense Category  
Operational Expenses  
Payroll and Related Expenses 1,002 936 707 832
Purchased Services 93 24 93 92
Donations, Subsidies, and Distributions 1,000 1,000 90 89
Professional Services 127 0 0 0
Non Distributed Allocations 0 328 128 3,939
Office Supplies and other Materials 6 8 8 8
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 2,228 2,296 1,026 4,960
 
Capital Improvements  
Capital Improvements Program 0 9,790 0 0
Subtotal, Capital Improvements 0 9,790 0 0
Total, Expense Category 2,228 12,086 1,026 4,960