A Socio-Ecological Approach to Determine Social Vulnerability in a Headwater Sub-Basin of the Río Grande de Arecibo Watershed, Puerto Rico

The Río Grande de Arecibo Watershed (RGAW) in Puerto Rico is a crucial source of water for residents in the north and for those living in the San Juan metropolitan area. RGAW is also essential for forest conservation, with its five State forests providing around 10% of the watershed’s area. Land cover changes are causing risk to sustainability in the RGAW. In terms of sustainable development, there cannot be such without reducing social vulnerabilities. This study assessed changes in the social vulnerability of a Headwater Sub-basin of the RGAW over a 20-year period (2000-2020). The CDC Social Vulnerability Index was used to identify those socially vulnerable populations, which brings information about the social disparities occurring on the Headwater Sub-basin of RGAW. Nevertheless, the CDC Social Vulnerability Index presented limitations because some variables such as Minority Status and Housing Types and Transportation do not represent the realities of Puerto Rico. The study provides a baseline to conduct future socioecological watershed studies and sustainable management actions.