We hereby join the years of grassroots work, subject matter experts’ research, and the massive popular mobilization of March 28th, 2026 fighting against luxury megaproject “Esencia.” The proposal, rather than leading to equitable and sustainable development, would result in the destruction of the socioeconomic fabric, cultural heritage, and ecological balance of communities across Cabo Rojo and the southwest of Puerto Rico.

“Esencia” proposes an exclusive citadel settlement, which, rather than promoting progress and opportunity, would increase living costs and housing expenses across the region, resulting in the wide scale displacement of Cabo Rojo’s population. It is estimated that the megaproject could increase water demand in the municipality between 50 and 100%, requiring between 2 and 4 MGD of water to maintain non-essential amenities such as golf courses. This increase would worsen existing problems with potable water access for residents and businesses in the area. It would also interrupt the provision of services and endanger public health.  Water for irrigation for the protected agricultural reserve in the Valle de Lajas would also be endangered. If connecting to irrigation channels or using water from the aquifers were needed to satisfy high-demand periods, food insecurity in Puerto Rico might be severely exacerbated. 

The proposal to build over two-thousand acres, a significant proportion of which are legally protected and non-developable land, would establish a dangerous precedent for the protection of high-value agricultural and ecologic lands in the country. The construction of this luxury megaproject on land bordering two natural reserves would cause immense ecosystemic destruction, both irreversible and impossible to mitigate, in an area with dry forests, wetlands, and marine systems, as well as other endemic and endangered flora and fauna habitats. 

Similarly, the megaproject would interfere with fishing activities, as well as the public’s use and enjoyment of coastal areas.  In fact, more than one hundred archeological sites have been identified in the area. Thus, the project would destroy and privatize, within its segregated community, an important part of an ancestral and historical heritage that belongs to us all.

We reject that the developers of this luxury housing and hotels, with segregated services and amenities, are expecting to use infrastructures and governmental incentives worth more than $500 million financed with our taxes. This development model is based on a small and privileged group overutilizing and exploiting collective infrastructures and resources, while they are exempt from paying the taxes needed to manage and maintain them.

We denounce that the government insists on supporting this project through irregular evaluation, permitting, and funding processes. Instead of promoting our wellbeing, the government fosters hikes in housing prices beyond people’s reach, dismantles essential services, and puts our patrimony and that of future generations at risk.

We strongly repudiate this ‘development model’ that makes it harder for people living in Puerto Rico to remain, and returning for those who dream of doing so.

We call for the will of the people to be respected, and we demand a halt to any activity or action for the megaproject on those lands, which hold the utmost ecological, cultural and historical value for Puerto Rico.

We support a collaborative, sustainable, equitable management model for Peñones de Melones and Los Pozos Beach led by the residents and communities of Cabo Rojo. 

With our signature, in solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico, we raise our voice in protest: 

We declare: ¡ESENCIA NO VA!