Date of Birth: 2 February 1974
Citizen of Puerto Rico
EMAIL: andresrua@gmail.com
Andrés Rúa González is a timber expert in Puerto Rico with extensive knowledge and
experience in sustainable forest management. As co-founder and CEO of Puerto Rico
Hardwoods (PRH), Andrés has been instrumental in promoting responsible forestry practices
throughout the region. Alongside Tom Marvel & Thrity Vakil, he directs PRH in Caguas, where
they focus on salvaging valuable hardwoods and advancing sustainable forestry initiatives.
With an interdisciplinary background in art, music, craftsmanship, and forestry, Andrés brings
a unique perspective to the industry. He has organized symposiums and forums to educate
others on the environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of sustainable forestry and is a
strong advocate for conserving Puerto Rico’s natural resources. Andrés’s work with the
Advisory Council for Agroforestry Development and Puerto Rico Hardwoods has significantly
impacted the recovery and sale of salvaged wood in the region.
Puerto Rico Hardwoods was chosen in 2023 as a recipient of a nearly $175,000 Wood
Innovation Grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service
division in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Forestry’s State, Private
and Tribal Forestry Programs unit.
He is also a talented musician and composer, and his recent documentary, “Puerto Rico Tiene
Madera,” highlights his passion for the wood industry and sustainable forest management.
htps://youtu.be/nYVenNN6VgU?si=4g3PZFqF7qxxwJOL
Background:
Born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, in 1974, Andrés grew up in Marin Bajo, Patillas. He studied Comparative
Literature and Pre-law at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, and is fluent in both Spanish and
English. A skilled composer and musician, Andrés has integrated his artistic talents with his forestry
work.
From 2005 to 2020, Andrés lived at Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, where he gained hands-on experience
in sustainable forestry management. He became proficient in all aspects of getting wood to the market,
from tree identification to harvest. A trained chainsaw operator with expertise in directional felling, he oversaw tree felling, hauling, and milling, along with GPS mapping and technical development at the
project. He is also skilled in tractor operation, electrical work, photography, and organic gardening.
Throughout his time at Las Casas de la Selva, Andrés actively involved volunteers in community and
environmental projects, such as beach and river cleanups and recycling initiatives. He organized a major
event in 2004 to clean up Lake Patillas, engaging hundreds of locals in the effort.
From 2005-2016, Andrés worked with Earthwatch Expeditions as a Lead Field Assistant and collaborated
with numerous youth volunteer groups, including Globalworks Expeditions. He has led construction,
road maintenance, and trail work and participated in seminars across Puerto Rico about sustainable
forestry.
With support from the USDA Forest Service and Puerto Rican Department of Natural Resources, Andrés
conducted a multi-year Forest Products Assessment, visiting sawmill owners, artisans, and wood dealers
to investigate the use of forest products in Puerto Rico.
In 2015, Andrés co-founded Puerto Rico Hardwoods with Thrity Vakil to salvage valuable hardwoods
that would otherwise be wasted. Following Hurricane Maria, PRH became a pioneer in salvaging and
processing windfall wood when the government deemed most of it worthless.
Positions
• 2015 – Present: Co-founder and CEO, Puerto Rico Hardwoods Inc.
• 2015 – Present: Fellow of The Institute of Ecotechnics (U.S.A. Not-for-profit, U.K.
Educational Charity).
• 2013 – Present: Co-founder & Director, CADA (Council for the Development of Agro-
forestry).
• 2007 – Present: Secretary, Tropic Ventures Education & Research Foundation, Patillas,
Puerto Rico.
Key Milestones
• 2015: Co-founded (with Thrity 3t Vakil ) Puerto Rico Hardwoods, Inc.
• 2014: Organized the Second Forest Products Assessment Symposium and Exhibition,
International Institute of Tropical Forestry, San Juan.
• 2013: Co-founded CADA (Consejo Asesor para el Desarrollo Agro-Forestal) to develop
sustainable resource policies.
• 2011: Created the NUESTRA MADERA website to document forest product assessments in Puerto Rico