Las Casas de la Selva wins the Yale International Society of Foresters Innovation Award for its work on sustainable tropical forestry in the rainforest. See more: https://eyeontherainforest.org/2021-innovation-award-yale-istf/
In February 2021, Thrity “3t” Vakil won an Innovation Award from the Yale University Chapter of the International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF), representing the work of Las Casas de la Selva, Puerto Rico Hardwoods, and the Institute of Ecotechnics. Her presentation explored how decades of sustainable forestry and rainforest enrichment, alongside wood salvage following Hurricane Maria, demonstrate opportunities for renewal amid crisis. The recognition celebrates the collective dedication of colleagues and collaborators working to conserve forests and build a sustainable local wood industry in Puerto Rico.
Video link: https://youtu.be/hDwgZEA_zkg
3t’s presentation: “Re-examining Crises as Opportunities for Change: Sustainable Forestry, Log salvage, & Hardwood production after extreme social, ecological & technological disturbances in Puerto Rico” won second prize.