The Evolution of Casa Pueblo, Puerto Rico: From Mining Opposition to Community Revolution

Abstract

"Casa Pueblo began as a grassroots’ citizens group formed to oppose the Puerto Rican government’s plan to allow large-scale open-pit mining by international corporations in the central region in 1980. Its aims have since evolved to promoting community self-reliance and community-based self-management, while conserving cultural heritage and local and national ecological integrity. Its philosophy is based on a 'social transformation model': the affirmation of cultural (local) values, reinforcement of self-esteem, and promotion of self-reliance and self-responsibility. It implements this through community culture (i.e. through the use of art, music and field action), information gathering, sound science and research, and self-sufficiency through community enterprises, such as coffee production, a community store and eco-tourism."