Technical director at Las Casas de la Selva, a musician
Co-founder of Puerto Rico Hardwoods.
Expert in tree-felling, sawmilling, and wood production.
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 ‘3t’ 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