Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FINAL
REPORT
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Recommendations for effective
community participation and
education strategies.
AUTHORS:
Dr. Cecilio Ortiz Garcia
Dr. Marla Perez‐Lugo
Dr. Ivan Baiges
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
Recent changes in Puerto Rico’s energy policy environment have opened a window of
opportunity for the development of renewable energy projects. Support for renewable technologies
both on environmental (green energy) and economic (ending oil dependency) grounds is generally
perceived as substantial in Puerto Rico. However, as exemplified by the literature on social acceptance
of renewable energy technologies, implementation of renewable energy projects, wind energy projects
in particular, has encountered strong opposition around the world2.
In recognition of the financial, technological, environmental and political complexities involved
in the siting renewable energy projects, and the substantial financial commitment such ventures entail,
it becomes imperative for project developers to possess all relevant information necessary for their
successful implementation. What are the most significant factors influencing the social acceptance of
renewable energy projects? How do communities perceive such projects in their backyards? What
strategies, processes and initiatives can assist in bringing communities and developers together to
collaborate in the development of a renewable energy project? Applied social research, mainly on the
social acceptance of renewable energy technologies can assist in answering these questions BEFORE the
planning and design phases of a renewable energy project.
The main purpose of this study is to provide Aspenall Energies, LLC, with empirical data on
community perception and attitudes regarding the location of a pilot wind project in Vieques, P.R.
Based on the data compiled through triangulation, including the administration of a survey to 157 adults
that live in the area surrounding the site and 10 in depth interviews with community leaders, this report
describes the knowledge and attitudes regarding renewable technologies, including but not exclusive to
eolic energy, among Viequenses. In addition, it identifies key topics and issues for the development of
an environmental education project in Vieques.
Finally, it provides general suggestions on how to design and implement an effective community
participation strategy in the island. Our results are summarized into the following twelve points.
1. There is low recognition of the term “renewable energy” among members of the community
surrounding the proposed site. However, general recognition of solar and wind technologies
were high.
1
2. Overall there is a positive attitude towards wind energy, in many ways comparable to solar
energy. Both solar and wind technologies are perceived as the safest, environmentally
friendliest and most viable for implementation of all alternative energy technologies.
3. Regarding public participation, the community would like to be involved throughout the whole
decision‐making process, and they would like to be informed of the plans as early as possible.
4. The developer and the Mayor of Vieques are perceived as responsible for informing the
community. That communication is preferred to be in person or through the mail.
5. Public hearings and community meetings in community centers during the evenings seem to be
the preferred channel for participation.
6. A need was expressed for receiving the meeting agenda in advance and access to relevant
documents and independents experts to enhance public participation.
7. Most community leaders see the development of renewable energy technology in a relatively
positive light. At the same time, they conceive a successful renewable/wind project in Vieques
as one that integrates the input and needs of the community along with commercial interests.
8. Some of the main concerns/questions expressed by community leaders regarding the proposed
wind project are:
a. What is in it for Vieques?
b. Why this particular equipment?
c. What are the equipment’s characteristics, particularly in sound and appearance?
d. Why was the proposed location chosen?
e. Who is the developer?
f. What would be the project’s environmental impact?
g. Is this project a means for energy independence, or would be still remain dependent on
PREPA?
9. The sustainability of a renewable energy project in Vieques depends in part on its ability to
insert itself on the actual organizational structure in the Viequense community. Therefore it
becomes important to look at Viequense organizational structure and the policy networks that
were created during “la lucha”. A number of organizations in Vieques are organized in small
cooperatives and focus on a single policy issue such as the need for cultural preservation
activities, recreation for the youth, the development of leadership skills among women, the
betterment of health services, increase of economic opportunities for the locals, and the
improvement of the marine transport system between Vieques and Fajardo.
10. The success of the project depends on how it addresses salient issues among the Viequense
community. However, there are notable differences between the ranking of salient Vieques
2
issues by main islanders and the ranking done by Viequenses. There seems to be an inversion of
priorities with mainland perceptions of salient issues concentrating on environmental
contamination and other issues related to the navy’s departure, while Viequenses are more
concerned with issues related to their daily quality of life: the lack of real political
representation of Vieques´ interests in state/mainland´s politics, monopoly over basic services
such as food and gas, and land speculators driving up real‐estate prices. Therefore, the issues
that the project should address need to emanate from the community perspective instead of an
outsider’s perception of Viequenses needs.
11. Regarding the variables associated to social acceptance, what the Viequenses enjoyed the most
about their community was the visual landscape and the peacefulness of the area. This is a
significant finding, as visual landscape issues have been found to be highly correlated to wind
energy facility siting (Wolsnik, 2007).
12. Future mobilization around issues such as renewable energy in Vieques, will most likely rest on
the organizational structures developed during the period of civil disobedience and protests
against the Navy. Therefore, all cooperatives, citizen groups, non governmental organizations,
etc. are essential stakeholders to be included in. However, their leadership appears to be highly
fragmented and involved in interpersonal struggle.
In general, our data shows an overwhelming concern over the social and economic
repercussions of the project rather than its more technical aspects such as the size and design of the
wind turbines or the kilowatts per hour that are going to be produced. When we analyze responses on
process and public participation we find the recurrent viewpoint that a desire for a high degree of
involvement in the early stages of planning and design was expressed. These results point to the
overwhelming importance of process and outcomes dimensions of the project even over the more
technical aspects (Wolsnik, et.al., 2007) By “process” we mean who develops and run the project, who
is involved, and who influences the decisions made. By “outcome” we refer to how the positive and
negative products of the project are distributed both socially and geographically. In other words,
outcome relates to the question of who the project is for.
Based on these results ITEAS recommends the development and implementation of a Joint
Community Education and Participation Strategy (JCEPS) using the following elements:
1. The positive attitudes towards wind energy expressed by sampled populations should be
interpreted with caution given the documented gap between positive attitudes towards
renewable energy (and even wind energy in general) and social acceptance of the
implementation of a particular project on a particular site.
2. Community opposition to the establishment of the wind farm pilot project might be a result of
contextual factors specific to Vieques rather than a lack of knowledge of wind energy (the
3
phenomenon known as NIMBY). A lack of sensitivity to such concerns could prove fatal to the
successful implementation.
3. Viequenses are more concerned with socio‐economic‐political issues related to their daily
quality of life: the lack of real political representation of Vieques´s interests in state/mainland´s
politics, monopoly over basic services such as food and gas, and land speculators driving up real‐
estate prices, than with traditional environmental issues such as contamination and biodiversity.
This finding aligns Viequenses’ interpretation of their relation to the environment with an
environmental justice perspective. Environmental education should focus on clearly making the
connection between the implementation of the wind energy project and societal issues
Viequenses care about the most.
4. In general, a high degree of involvement in the early stages of planning and design is
recommended. Our results point to the importance of process and outcomes dimensions of the
project even over the more technical aspects. While formal communication should come mainly
from the developer and the Mayor of Vieques, identification of trusted members of the
community and capacity building of these individuals through activities such as workshops and
collaborative planning sessions is highly recommended.
5. Public hearings and community meetings in community centers during the evenings seem to be
the preferred channel for participation. A need was expressed for receiving the meeting agenda
in advance and access to relevant documents and independents experts to enhance public
participation.
6. Some effort should be invested into socializing the community members into the scientific and
technical lingo of renewable energy. At the same time, participatory environmental education
initiatives should focus on answering the questions about concrete aspects of the project itself
posed by the participants, even when perceived as unrelated to wind energy.
7. Cooperative/citizen groups are essential stakeholders. These organizations have developed a
high level of sophistication both in terms of their theoretical grounding and strategies for action
and should be incorporated into any environmental education and participation efforts. Despite
of having a lot of Anglo organizations in the island and their apparently positive attitudes
towards renewable energy, we recommend caution in generalizing on this attitude to the island
as a whole.
8. Segmentation when determining the design of a social acceptance campaign and the use of a
participatory planning approach for this project is important. This serves the dual purpose of a
strong educational tool and at the same time a booster for effective capacity building and public
participation.
4
This study suggests that public participation and education strategies that focus on early
involvement of community members into the design and planning stages of the proposed wind energy
project, have the potential of enhancing the prospects of its successful implementation. That
involvement could very well be structured through collaborative planning activities which integrate a
strong educational component as participants learn from each others experience, and ensure feelings of
participation in all stages of the project. The sense of ownership fostered by these activities will go a
long way towards Aspenall’s pilot wind project becoming a reality in Vieques.
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Literature Review ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Projects .................................................................................. 10
Vieques as a case study ........................................................................................................................... 13
Methodology ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Results ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Identification and analysis of key stakeholders ...................................................................................... 18
Description of knowledge and attitudes regarding wind energy among the surveyed communities. .. 23
Community perceptions and attitudes towards public participation in the siting process.................... 28
Key issues and recommendations for community participation and environmental education. .......... 32
Relevant Literature ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Appendix A: Survey Instrument .................................................................................................................. 39
Appendix B: Text of Informed Consent Form ............................................................................................. 48
6
INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy schemes are slowly creeping up the policy agendas of a number of countries
around the world. The economic uncertainty associated with rising crude oil prices and the
environmental uncertainties brought about by research on global climate change, has opened a window
of opportunity for the implementation of various renewable technologies. Wind energy in particular,
stands out as the renewable having the most impressive growth in a number of countries around the
world (Wüstenhagen et. al., 2007). Puerto Rico is no stranger to the exploration of renewable energy
schemes for electricity generation. The island’s experience with wind energy generation dates back to
the oil crisis of the seventies. Having been heralded as an ideal laboratory for renewable energy
research and development, the Department of Energy (DOE) installed an experimental wind turbine in
FIGURE 1 EXPERIMENTAL WIND TURBINE Culebra in the early 1980’s. Despite previous efforts such as this
INSTALLED IN CULEBRA IN 1980. PICTURE
PROVIDED BY THE AEE.
one, and the island’s recognition as an excellent renewable
laboratory, implementation of large wind energy projects is still
non‐existent.
At the request of Aspenall Technologies, a team of researchers and students affiliated to the
Tropical Institute for Energy, Society and the Environment (ITEAS), underwent a scientific research
project to explore key determinants of social acceptance for a proposed wind energy pilot project in the
7
island of Vieques. The project sough explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of local
communities to the siting and operation of two towers measuring approximately 30 meters (100 feet)
high, with a wind turbine of 250 kW, manufactured by Nedwind which was acquired by Vestas.
Depending on the success of this pilot project Aspenall Technologies could solicit permits for the
development of additional turbines of higher generational capacity. As such the ITEAS research team
concentrated on social acceptance as the goal of Aspenall Technologies with this project. Rather than
simply providing a public opinion survey of Vieques communities, the study seeks to identify factors that
could contribute to the success or failure of this wind energy project, to then provide insights for the
design of a community education program and public participation strategy to ensure early community
involvement in the project.
The dominant view in the literature on social acceptance of renewable energy projects is that
the public should participate in the decision‐making processes associated to project planning and
design, siting and evaluation (Breukers and Wolsink, 2007; Laurian, 2003; Smith Korfmacher, K, 2001;
Brody, 2003; Rowe and Frewer, 2000; Karkkainen, Fung and Sabel, 2000; Milich and Varady, 1999; Foltz,
1999). The consulted studies suggest that a community that is involved in the planning process is less
likely to oppose a project’s implementation (Brody, 2003; Korfmacher, 2001; Karkkainen, Fung and
Sabel, 2000). The literature also emphasizes that effective participation schemes are legitimate,
transparent, and responsive to public’s input (Robbins, 2004; Zerner, 2000; Schroeder, 1997; Mckay and
Acheson, 1987; Webler, et. al, 2001, just to mention a few). Also, successful public participation
processes usually combine open public meetings and forums, outreach efforts and environmental
education, and different levels of advisory and technical committees.
The purpose of any environmental education project is to influence individual’s knowledge,
attitudes and behaviors in regards to a natural resource. Laurian (2003) and Smith and Korfmacher
(2000) argue that environmental knowledge and awareness are prerequisites to perceptions of
environmental risks and in this regard provide the foundation for public participation. In the context of
effective public participation, environmental knowledge is the capacity to at least partially understand
the interrelations between aspects of management that fall in a wide range of scientific disciplines.
Also, very often the legitimacy of the stakeholders is based on their dominion of the scientific discourse
of management. Many times, the value of community participation does not depend on how much
knowledge they have about an issue, but on how scientific (as opposed to traditional, religious, cultural)
their knowledge is. Using invalid evidence de‐legitimizes the community as stakeholder and devalues
their participation in the decision‐making process (Hannigan, 1995).
This report titled “STUDY ON COMMUNITY PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDES ABOUT THE LOCATION
OF A PILOT WINDFARM PROJECT IN VIEQUES: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY
PARTICIPATION AND EDUCATION STRATEGIES” is organized in three main parts. First, we present some
background information on social acceptance of the siting of wind energy projects, and some contextual
information on Vieques as a case study. In the second part, we describe the methodologies utilized for
the data collection, including the conceptualization and operationalization of the variables under study,
the development and pre‐testing of instruments, sampling techniques, and survey and interview
administration procedures. Third, we summarize and analyze the results and provide concrete
8
recommendations for the development of an environmental education project, and an effective
community participation strategy for the project. Finally, our report includes full references and an
appendix section providing survey instruments, the interview protocol, and other relevant
documentation. It is our intent that this project serves as a model to be replicated in other
municipalities in Puerto Rico as well as for other renewable energy schemes, as appropriate.
9
LITERATURE REVIEW
Social acceptance, and its role in energy policy implementation, has become an area of major
scientific inquiry since the 1980’s (Wüstenhagen et. al., 2007). The advent of the concept of
sustainability since the mid 1980’s has helped in the re‐framing of siting decisions as not only dependent
on environmental and economic factors for their implementation, but social factors as well. At its most
elemental level, sustainability involves the satisfaction of present generation’s needs without
compromising the resources available for future generations (Brundtland Report, UN Conference in Rio
de Janeiro, 1992). This definition finds its grounding on the integration of the economic, environmental
and social justice spheres in order to achieve better decisions and ultimately sustainable policies and
projects. Chapter 23, Section III of the Agenda 21, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro further states:
“One of the fundamental prerequisites for the achievement of sustainable development is broad
public participation in decision‐making. Furthermore, in the more specific context of environment
and development, the need for new forms of participation has emerged. This includes the need of
individuals, groups and organizations to participate in environmental impact assessment procedures
and to know about and participate in decisions, particularly those which potentially affect the
communities in which they live and work.”
The following paragraphs provide a brief literature review on social acceptance of renewable
energy projects, as well as background socio‐economic, political and environmental information on the
island of Vieques, where the proposed site is located.
SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
Consideration of social acceptance factors in the siting decisions of large energy facilities such as
nuclear power plants and waste storage facilities, as well as large hydropower dams, have recently
become arenas where heated debates are held in the search for what is now known as environmental
equity or justice rather than just being considered “residual questions” or “non‐technical factors”. The
literature has well documented the way in which cultural, social and political aspects influence the social
acceptance of renewable energy technologies. For example, sustainability authors point out that a latent
feeling of inequity in the community can be heightened by previous contamination incidents. The
incidents can amplify perceptions of environmental risk and reinforce perceptions of distributional,
procedural, and process inequities (Pijawka, 1998). The importance of equity considerations are further
exemplified by recent studies that point to public trust (especially in the facility developer), early and
continuous public involvement in the facility siting process, and an adaptive strategy that involves
incorporating citizens' concerns into siting and operation decisions as major determinants of a higher
likelihood of siting success. (Ibitayo and Pijawka, 1998)
10
Wüstenhagen et. al. (2007) has identified three separate yet interdependent dimensions of
social acceptance that deem further study. The first dimension is the socio‐political acceptance of
technologies and policies by the public, key stakeholders, and policy makers. The second dimension is
the community acceptance, including trust and perceptions of procedural and distributional justice. The
third dimension is the market acceptance (consumers, investors, and intra‐firm). Figure 1 symbolizes the
triangle of social acceptance of renewable energy innovation (Wüstenhagen, et. al., 2007)
This project focuses on the second
dimension, namely community
acceptance, due to our particular interest
on community attitudes, perceptions and
general knowledge on renewable energy
sources. However we must stress that all
three dimensions are equally important
and interdependent. Community
acceptance refers to “the specific
acceptance of siting decisions and
renewable energy projects by local
stakeholders, particularly residents and
local authorities (Wüstenhagen et. al.,
2007).”
The first studies conducted on the issue of social acceptance for wind power were performed by
Carlman (1984). Going beyond the mere tracking of public opinion, she carried out a study on the
acceptance of wind power among decision makers. She stated that siting of wind turbines is “also a
matter of public, political and regulatory acceptance (Carlman, 1984, p. 339).” Another study (Wolsnik,
1987) focused on issues such as the underrating of the crucial significance of landscape issues in the
development of attitudes towards wind power schemes (cited on Wüstenhagen et. al., 2007). Further
research has continued to shed light on questions regarding scale of installations, options for ownership
and decentralization of power supply (Wolsnik, 1987)
According to the literature, one of the most salient features of community acceptance is its time
element. Wolsink (2007) argues that the typical pattern of acceptance before, during, and after a
project follows a U curve, going from high acceptance to relatively low acceptance during the siting
phase and back up to a higher level of acceptance once a project is up and running. Van der Horst
(2007), furthermore, points to community stigmatization and its proximity to the site as highly
influential. The two broad conclusions in his studies of community acceptance are:
• Proximity does have a strong influence on public attitudes to proposed wind projects but the
nature strength and spatial scale of this effect may vary according to the local context and the
value of the land. Residents of stigmatized places, for example, are more likely to welcome
facilities that are perceived as “green”, while people who derive positive sense of identity from
particular rural landscapes are likely to resists such potential developments, especially if they
already live there.
11
• The fear of being branded a NIMBY, and the positive ethics associated with the notion of
renewable are likely to color the responses of interviewees in studies such as this one.
Jobert (2007) also recognizes that social acceptance of wind projects depends on both planning
rules and local factors. To him, the significance of the visual landscape and the scale of the wind energy
scheme being proposed are so high that he finds there is no other alternative but to ensure that
decision‐making processes recognize the importance of local actors by “adopting a collaborative
approach to siting” (Jobert et al., 2007). Ultimately, fairness and equity concerns have gained in
prominence as significant factors affecting social acceptance of renewable technologies.
However, justice or fairness associated factors are all but homogeneous across groups (Gross 2007).
Different sections of a community are likely to be influenced by different aspects of justice, namely
outcome fairness, outcome favorability, or procedural justice (Gross, 2007). Her paper suggests that
siting processes that are perceived as unfair can result in protests, damaged relationships, and divided
communities, particularly when decisions are perceived as partial to the benefit of some and not others
in the community. Walker and Devine‐Wright (2007) further suggest that in terms of outcomes,
renewable energy projects can become more locally divisive and controversial if benefits are not
generally shared between local people. Implicit in these studies is the issue of trust. Therefore, due to
the risks involved in the implementation of any renewable energy project, trust is a key component in all
facility siting issues, and the openness of the process for local involvement and the flexibility and open
minds, especially from outside actors coming in to the community, are crucial (Wüstenhagen et al.,
2007).
In summary, a large amount of studies have identified the factors associated with social acceptance
of wind energy parks such as, landscape distortion, phase of the siting, community stigmatization,
perception of procedural fairness, cumulative negative impacts, and distribution of positive outcomes.
Most studies point to the issue of visual impact as the most obvious and studied reason for opposition
to wind energy projects. However, significant importance is also given to:
• Wind park size ‐ small parks being more acceptable than big ones with more turbines according
(Wolsnik & van der Wart , 1989)
• Motion of rotor blades ‐ motion of rotor blades has a positive effect on acceptance due to the
perception that working turbines confirm expectations of benefit (Righter, 2002)
• Possibility of stakeholder participation in the wind energy project ‐ possibility of financial benefit
(Maillebouis, 2003), and ownership (or sense of ownership) of the park (Wolsnik, 2006).
• Quality of public participation in the planning process for the wind energy park (Bosely and
Bosely, 1988).
• Community knowledge ‐ how well informed are local residents about wind energy and what the
chosen site was previously used for (Wolsnik, 1996)
• Quality of communication with the community
12
VIEQUES AS A CASE STUDY
“If nothing else is clear on the island, it is obvious that the Viequense people do not need more
missions or projects. Any academic or activist undertakings, therefore, must ultimately promote
one thing: that the people, place, and perceptions of Vieques move toward alternative and
better futures…” (Hayes‐Conroy, 2005)
The island of Vieques, an island municipality of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is about seven
miles east of the main island of Puerto Rico. The island is about 21 miles long and roughly 4 miles wide,
with an east/west orientation. Beginning during World War II, and until very recently, the east and west
ends of the island were controlled by the U.S. Navy. According to Rabin (1998), Vieques has “framed its
existence as a Caribbean island on the basis of continued struggle.” During the last sixty years of the
island's history, and until the Navy’s departure in 2003, the struggle centered on regaining control over
¾ of Vieques territory expropriated by the US military since the 1940's. The island’s relationship with the
Navy is encapsulated in the words of current Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila in 2001 while still resident
commissioner in Washington, DC,
“Vieques has not experienced the promised economic benefits from the Navy's occupation of two‐
thirds of the island. The lack of economic opportunities can be linked to the Navy's failure to fulfill its
promises. In 1983, the Navy and the government of Puerto Rico signed a "memorandum of
understanding" that articulated the rules for the Navy's training practices and obligated it to help
with the island‐municipality's economic development, to repair environmental damage and to take
safety measures during exercises. These promises were broken from the beginning. Instead of
reducing use of live ammunition, the Navy increased it by 25 percent from 1983 to 1998. Instead of
increasing economic aid for Vieques, the Navy has failed time and again to provide necessary
programs to assist residents.”
In 2003 the military land was turned over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be preserved as a
National Wildlife Refuge. For the most part, the civilian section continues to be the middle third of the
island. At the time of the Navy’s departure, a recent article in The Nation, expressed:
“The Navy's departure from the island last May was a bittersweet victory for those who had fought
for decades to make it a reality. There was jubilation at having defeated the Goliath which, in 1941,
expropriated three‐fourths of Vieques's land and displaced half the population. And there was deep
satisfaction in expelling the killers of David Sanes, the civilian guard killed by an errant Navy bomb in
1999. But the celebration was tainted by fear for Vieques's future. That future continues to be as
uncertain today as it was the day the Navy left the island.”
13
The story of the Viequense peoples’ struggle to regain local control of their island is a long and
complicated one, and it is still being written today. The islanders’ victory over the Navy in 2003 was
without a doubt an important step towards their goal, and yet its success is still only partial. Today, the
islands close to 10,000 inhabitants are still grappling with issues that existed even before the Navy’s
decision to leave: deficient transportation services, land speculation, lack of access to health services
and economic underdevelopment, among others. Furthermore, the lands expropriated by the Navy in
the 1940s have not been returned to the people of Vieques, but rather remain under the control of the
US Government, now belonging to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The residents of Vieques do not
have access to these lands because they have been designated a conservation site, which denies human
use, and also because they been contaminated with chemicals, heavy metals, and unexploded
ordinance, and are awaiting a comprehensive clean up.
Chronicles of “la lucha” encountered through the literature review performed for this project
suggest the early presence of alternative energy examples being utilized by those engaged in civil
disobedience and supporters. Ruiz Marrero (2000) depicts the multiple examples of what could be
considered the seeds of “green” behavior when he talks about camps utilizing solar panels and small
wind generators to generate electricity. When outlining the possible opportunities for economic
development in the island after the Navy’s departure, Rabin (1998) suggested:
“Other economic possibilities have been mentioned, ecotourism projects, the creation of
research centers on marine biology and the town’s history, agriculture, fishing, crafts. Our
climate makes possible the generation of enough energy without pollution (solar and wind) as
part of an ecologically sensitive development”
As the previous pages suggest, Vieques presents us with a unique opportunity to assess the impact of a
number of political, social cultural and economic factors in shaping the social acceptance of a renewable
energy project in the island. The following section describes the methodology utilized in our study,
followed by a detailed analysis of the results obtained
14
METHODOLOGY
As presented in the previous sections and according to the literature on the siting of wind energy
projects, the objectives of this research are:
A. To provide a stakeholder analysis to identify important actors at the local level and their position
regarding the siting of the pilot wind farm.
B. To describe knowledge and attitudes regarding eolic energy among the Vieques community.
C. To identify key topics and issues for the development of an environmental education project.
D. To suggest an effective community participation strategy.
To reach those goals, we used a crossectional design combining both quantitative and qualitative
data collection techniques. During the first stage of the project, we identified ten (10) key informants,
all community leaders in Vieques, and conducted in‐depth interviews to obtain their position regarding
the siting of the pilot wind farm. The participants were selected using stakeholder identification and
snowball sampling techniques. The interviews were conducted by two of the principal investigators (Dr.
Cecilio Ortiz Garcia and Dr. Marla Perez Lugo) at the participant’s place and time of preference, using an
interview protocol as a guide (see Appendix A for the interview protocol). They were approximately one
and a half hours long and were tape‐recorded, with verbal consent of the participant, to ensure the
authenticity of the data. The notes and the recordings were transcribed, coded and analyzed according
to the objectives of the project.
During the second stage of the project, a census of all adult (twenty one years and older) residents
of the barrios Santa Maria, Bastimento, Bravos de Boston and Monte Santo was administered to
measure the concepts “knowledge” and “attitudes regarding eolic energy” among Viequenses (see
Figure 4 for Fieldwork Map). “Knowledge” was conceptualized in terms of the subject’s recognition of
the term “renewable energy” and each of the technologies generally associated with it. “Attitudes
regarding eolic energy” was conceptualized as the positive of negative predisposition regarding eolic
energy technology and other renewable, including perception of risk and viability of implementation.
The survey data was collected during the month of June 2008 using a closed ended questionnaire
composed by forty three (43) items (see
Appendix B for instrument). The instrument
and the interviews were conducted and
analyzed in Spanish to preserve the
authenticity of the responses. The data were
translated after the analysis for their
inclusion in this report. The items in the
questionnaire were grouped into three main
batteries with indicators of “knowledge” and
“attitudes regarding eolic energy.” Other
FIGURE 2 FIELD WORK AREA items aligned to findings in the literature
15
review pointing towards the importance of knowledge about renewable energy, perceived fairness in
process and outcomes, and socio‐economic characteristics of the community were included as well. The
questionnaire was administered individually, face‐to‐face by four research assistants that contributed to
the data collection. An informed consent form was distributed before the interview and the purpose of
the study was explained verbally by the interviewer. The interviewers were all students at UPRM, two
graduate and two undergraduates, in the disciplines of social sciences and engineering. They were
trained in advance to guarantee consistency in the administration and coding of the participants’
responses. Potential participants were selected using their age, due to IRB restrictions, and their place
of residence in reference to the proposed site as main criteria. This last criterion follows the ample
evidence found in studies based in Europe and the United States that identifies visual landscape factors
as the main reason for acceptance or rejection of proposed wind farms (Pasqualetti, 2000; Wolsink,
2006).
A total of one hundred and fifty seven subjects (n=157), older than 18 years and self reported
permanent residents of the barrios Santa Maria, Bastimento, Bravos de Boston and Monte Santo
participated in this stage of the project. The sample represents 24% of the total population of the
census track and 0.2% of the total population in Vieques3 (see Table 1). Out of the 157 participants,
52.2% were men and 47.8% were women. As shown in Table 1, this gender distribution is slightly
different than the one described for the population of Vieques and Puerto Rico. Their average age was
49 years, ranging from 18 to 89 years old, which is also higher than the average age of 35 years reported
for Vieques and 32 in Puerto Rico. 40% of the surveyed reported obtaining a high school diploma as the
highest academic degree achieved, which is lower that in Vieques and in Puerto Rico. A 15% of the
participants obtained a middle school diploma, 16.8% have associate degrees, and 12.9% report having a
bachelor’s degree, and 2.6% claim to have a master’s degree or more.
A majority of respondents (61.8%) reported not having any children (under the age of 18) under
their custody which is congruent with the high average age reported. A 64.4% have a monthly
household income of $1,499 or less (an annual income $17,988 or less per household). We were unable
to compare these results with Census information due to differences in the income categories. We used
more and smaller categories to make finer distinctions by income. In terms of labor participation of our
surveyed Viequenses, 31.6% work full‐time, 11.8% works part‐time, 31.6% are not working for a salary,
and 25% self report themselves as unemployed. This represents a 43% of labor participation in our
sample, which is slightly higher than in Vieques and in Puerto Rico overall. However, further analysis of
the interviews suggests that the last category (unemployed) includes people who could fall in other
categories (like the category "not working for a salary"), such as the participants that identified
3
Although this project conducted a census of the area immediate to the proposed wind farm, the response rate is not available
because of insufficient information about the number of vacant or even vacation houses in the surveyed areas. Overall,
according to the US Census Bureau, Vieques has a total of 4,388 housing units from which 3,319 (75.6%) are occupied. The
census track that comprehends the research area has 506 housing units, from which 69% are occupied (either by owners or
renters), and 21% are classified as seasonal housing. However, data provided by key informants and changes in the real state
market suggest that the number of vacation houses and/or absentee landowners is increasing rapidly (US Census Bureau,
2000).
16
themselves as home makers. See Table 1 for a more comprehensive description of the sample compared
to the total population of Vieques and Puerto Rico4.
TABLE 1 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SAMPLE COMPARED TO THE VIEQUES'S TOTAL POPULATION
AND PUERTO RICO (US CENSUS BUREAU, 2000).
4
Table 1 is mainly for comparison purposes; therefore it only includes sample data for the variables and categories available in
the US Census Bureau for Vieques. More socio‐demographic data of the participants such as other categories for the variable
“marital status” are available upon request.
5
The income categories are not equivalent because, due to the low family and per capita income in Vieques, we wanted to
make finer distinctions than the US Census within our surveyed population.
17
RESULTS
The following section summarizes the results of this study and divides them into two main
categories: a) the identification and analysis of key stakeholders, and b) the description of knowledge
and attitudes regarding wind energy among the Vieques community. We also include a description of
how Viequenses perceive community participation processes. The analysis of these results provides the
foundation for the last two sections of the report: key topics and issues for the environmental education
project, and recommendations for the community participation strategy.
IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS
A number of studies regarding social acceptance of wind energy projects point to the
importance of stakeholder identification and analysis efforts for the properly characterize possible
supporters and detractors of the proposed project. According to Breukers and Wolsink (2007) the
identification of relevant stakeholders must at least account for the following: a) conventional energy
sector, b) private wind project developer, c) cooperatives/citizen projects, d)
environment/nature/landscape preservation groups, e) anti‐wind groups, f) research institutes, and g)
local/regional/national governments and agencies. Our fieldwork suggests that these categories are
appropriate for our case study. However, we had to distinguish between several cooperative/citizen
groups that developed during the period of civil disobedience and protests, known as “la lucha” that
culminated in the Navy´s departure from Vieques. The reason why these groups require special
attention is that research suggests that future mobilization in Vieques will most likely rest on the
structures created at that time. Table 2 summarizes our findings in terms of the relevant categories and
the names of the groups that each encompasses.
The research team conducted in‐depth interviews with key informants from 11 organizations
most of which are organized in small cooperatives and focusing on a single policy issue. Some of those
policy issues are:
• The need for cultural preservation activities
• Recreation for the youth
• The development of leadership skills among women
• The betterment of health services
• Increase of economic opportunities for the locals
• The improvement of the marine transport system between Vieques and Fajardo.
These issues are representative of the main concerns Viequenses have about the quality of life
in their Island. Other salient issues identified during the interview process were the lack of real political
representation of Vieques´s interests in state/mainland´s politics, monopoly over basic services such as
food and gas and a large amount of snowbirds and speculators that have driven up real‐estate prices
beyond the means of many residents, where more than 11 percent of the population is currently
unemployed.
18
Table 2 Relevant Stakeholders Identified during Fieldwork.
Categories Groups
9 Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica
Conventional energy sector
9 Oficina de Asuntos de Energía
Private wind project developer 9 Aspenall Energies, LLC
9 Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña Inc.
Anti‐wind groups
9 Coalición Playa Ventana y Punta Berraco
9 Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
Research institutes
9 UPRM‐Agricultural Extension Service
9 Vieques Chamber of Commerce
Trade Associations
9 Anglo Chamber of Commerce
9 Cine Teatro
9 Madre Tierra (Hidropónicos)
Cooperatives
9 Ahorro y Crédito de Naguabo
9 Hombre Ferro
9 Verde Vieques
9 Alianza por un mejor transporte marítimo
Community based organizations
9 Comité pro rescate y desarrollo de Vieques
9 Alianza de mujeres
Municipal Agencies
9 CODEVI
9 Mayor’s Office (Dámaso Serrano) Municipal Police
State Agencies
9 Department of Education
9 Department of Natural Resources
Government 9 Department of the Family
9 Port Authority
Federal Agencies
9 Fish and Wildlife
9 EPA
9 Navy
9 US Post Office
9 Fortín el Conde de Mirasol
Cultural Organization
9 Club Ecuestre
Civic Associations 9 Humane Society
9 Fideicomiso de Vieques
Environmental/Nature Groups
9 Sierra Club
The only organization that apparently exhibits ¨traditional” environmental concerns is the Vieques
Trust (Fideicomiso). They have helped City hall in developing a municipal lighting ordinance, to help
homeowners convert fixtures, add shields, or switch to lower‐wattage bulbs. They are also involved in
education efforts making agreements with several tour companies to take residents from the lit‐up
neighborhoods onto the biobay so they can see the effects firsthand. However, as one of our
interviewees suggests, that organization is not perceived as acting on the ¨locals¨ behalf. In fact they
have been found at odds with the purpose of ¨la lucha¨:
19
“About the Vieques Trust… well although it started as a community movement it is now dominated
by gringo environmentalists. During ¨la lucha¨ they were even testifying against the navy leaving.
They said that the navy was protecting the area´s natural resources.”
Nevertheless, most of our interviewees see the development of renewable energy technology in a
positive light. One of them said: “there is fertile ground for the development of renewable energy in
Vieques since at least the 1980’s.” Another said: “there is not going to be opposition to a wind farm
project in Vieques.” They believe that the development of renewable energy technologies in Vieques will
have a positive impact in their quality of life. In fact, many of our interviewees remember previous
initiatives and proposals to install windmills in Vieques and Culebra. They also said that “people were
saying that windmills were ugly at that time, but now gasoline is so expensive that maybe one of those
turbines is enough for all of Vieques.” Even recent land rescue movements are contemplating the
installation of domestic solar and/or wind energy technology to lower their community’s living
expenses. They even mentioned houses in previously rescued land from the Navy that due to the lack of
access to the grid, had installed wind and solar systems. One of our participants also mentioned his
willingness to “give electricity for free” to neighbors that wish to connect to his system.
Yet, there are some concerns among the interviewees we need to take notice of. As one of our
interviewees said: “energy is also a big issue but in establishing any energy facility we have to think
about how the community is going to benefit from the project.” The following list shows a compilation of
the seven most common concerns expressed throughout the interviews:
1. What is in it for Vieques?
According to our participants, in a conversation with the developer, that question was answered
with a “nothing”. Although the honesty was highly regarded, the interviewee said that if
Aspenall is going to “harvest” wind from Vieques, it needs to provide a just compensation to the
community. Some of the options mentioned were to provide electricity for the hospital or other
critical infrastructure, to share revenues with the community supporting community projects.
2. Why this particular equipment?
Concerns were raised in terms of the origin of the turbines to be installed in Vieques. According
to one interviewee, the turbines are going to be brought from a wind farm in Holland and
installed in Vieques. Some of the question raised were how old are the turbines to be installed?
Why old turbines instead of new ones? Why they did not want them in Holland? Is not the
technology obsolete after being designed and manufactured years/decades ago? Why not using
local craftsmanship in the turbines manufacture?
3. What are the equipment’s characteristics?
Interviewees expressed the need to learn about the equipment characteristics. For example,
they asked what the turbines look like. Do they make any noise? What effect does the turbines’
sound or movement have on animals nearby? And is there any wind farm nearby that they can
go see? Interviewees suggested the coordination of community forums to discuss the pros and
20
cons of wind energy, the use of multimedia presentations so participants can appreciate the
turbine’s sound.
4. What would be the project’s location? Why was that location chosen?
Most of the community leaders that participated in this study thought that the best location for
any project of this nature was in the already contaminated sites that cannot be used (now or in
the near future) for building homes or agriculture. One of the interviewed leaders even
suggested installing the pilot project within a proposed archeological park to the south of
Vieques to establish an environmental‐cultural link or in the Fish & Wild Life protected area.
Their concern about the project’s location related to the difficult access of Viequenses to land.
Most of them expressed disappointment with the outcomes of “la lucha” in terms of the local’s
land tenure. Viequenses cannot afford to buy land in Vieques anymore due to the intervention
of high‐income foreigners in the real state market. Specifically, in relation to the proposed site
location recent studies indicate that this is an area where gentrification is at its highest level.
This is cost at least in part by skyrocketing prices of the housing stock in the areas of Bravos de
Boston, Santa Maria, and Bastimento among others (Wilson and Frazier, 2007). They also claim
that the local government is favoring foreigner’s investments over the local’s.
5. Who is the developer?
Concerns were also raised in terms of the developer’s identity. For example, one question asked
was if the developer was the same involved in the proposed wind farm project in Guayanilla.
Other concerns involved the developer’s nationality. Viequenses, according to most of our
interviewees, had have such bad experiences with foreigners (specially north American land
speculators) that they feel uneasy about letting one develop and run an energy project that
could be run by a cooperative of locals. As the Committee for the Rescue and Development of
Vieques (2001) already documented “An economy besieged by foreign interests, a government
incapable of alleviating the social‐economic crisis we live, families vulnerable to the forces of a
market, controlled by power financial groups, and individuals with much greater buying power,
partly describes the environment in which the ‘real estate’ business operates in Vieques.”
6. What is the project’s environmental impact?
There are concerns about the environmental impact of the project in all its phases. At least two
of our interviewees pointed to the existence of mangroves in the proposed location and their
function as breeding grounds for egrets and other bird species. One echoed the question of a
friend by asking if the turbines polluted the environment in any way. He clarified saying: “people
do not know very well how those things work… but there is a genuine concern for the local
environment.” At the same time, at least one of our participants expressed concerns regarding
who is going to be responsible for the already installed equipment if the pilot project fails. He
said: “And what if the project fails? What is going to happen with those turbines? That happens
all the time in Puerto Rico, the project fails and then we are stuck with those things in there.”
21
7. Is this project a means for Vieques’ energy independence from PREPA’s grid?
Our interviews suggest that community leaders would favor renewable energy projects in the
current conditions (developed by foreigner investors and/or on a site that they believe
inappropriate), if that allows them to decrease their electricity costs or their disconnection from
the grid. As one of our participants said: “Well, what I want is to disconnect myself from the
grid... to continue connected to it is to continue with what we already have…Why would I want
to continue with what we have now? But if I am going to save… I am going to benefit, well…
yes.”
Although these results seem to promise community support for the siting of the pilot wind
project, community organizations and their leadership appear to be highly fragmented and involved in
interpersonal struggle. In fact, our interviewees can recall instances in which “good projects” have been
sabotaged by rival community leaders. As of them explains:
“We [community leaders] have failed Vieques because after la lucha we haven’t continued
fighting for the important stuff. Here we need recycling projects, if the electricity fails in Naguabo
here we don’t have it either, if the water plant in Rio Blanco fails here we are left without water…
We left the movement die after the Navy left. After that, we have focused on hurting each other.
The movie theater for example… Here we had a proposal for a commercial movie theater. And I
said perfect. But then a cooperative that deals with cinema and arts opposed the project because
that was their thing… to show movies.”
This rivalry does not necessarily respond to conceptual differences in their vision of the future but in
their differences in what they perceive as the right way to achieve it. One of the participants explains:
“I do more with than with confrontation. The problem is that the same leaders are already
criticizing me for that. One of them is always talking bad behind my back. He used to the TV
cameras. But without the cameras I already got land for the people of Vieques. If they are not
involved in the project they say it is not good. We sort of have a love hate relationship.”
Unfortunately, there is the potential for it to become worse unless communication stays open and
actually gets better. The wind energy project needs to keep this in mind when designing communication
strategies early in the planning process.
22
DESCRIPTION OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES REGARDING WIND ENERGY AMONG THE
SURVEYED COMMUNITIES.
As presented in the methodology
section, the research team conducted a GGrap
raphh 1 1: Reco
: Recogn
gnitio
itionn o
of Re
f Rene
newab
wables
les
survey with 157 participants, all 100
100 94.8
94.8
residents of the area right next to the 90
90 83.8
83.8
80
80
proposed location of the pilot wind 70 65.6
65.6
70 58.4 56.5
60 58.4 56.5
60
project. While recognition of the 50
50
40 34.4
34.4 31.8
concept “renewable energy” was low 40
30
31.8
30 16.2
among participants, recognition levels 20
20 16.2
10
10
increased substantially when different 00
types of renewable energy technologies
were presented to them separately. As
Graph 1 shows solar energy was the
technology most recognized, as 94.8%
of participants selected it as the one
they had heard about before.
Wind followed closely. It was
Graph 2: How well do you know…
Graph 2: How well do you know…
recognized by 83.8% of
50
50 participants.
45
45
40
40 Comments made during
35
35 survey administration, showed a
30
30
Not so well
Not so well number of personal experiences
25
25
20 Well
Well with solar panels. In fact, some
20
15 Very well
Very well
15 participants said that they used
10
10 solar technology, in its both
55
00 variants (solar thermal and
Solar
Solar Wind
Wind Biofuels
Biofuels Hydrolic
Hydrolic Nuclear
Nuclear photovoltaic), when the electric
system was not available in their
area. That was not the case with wind energy. Although 58% of our participants said having seen a
wind farm, and some even commented that they knew somebody that had domestic windmills, only 28
have visited one, and 11 said that they lived near one. However, as Graph 2 suggests, the amount of
participants that answered that they know the technology well or very well is very similar to the
knowledge they expressed about solar energy. Note that the participants were allowed to select more
than one renewable. Therefore, the bars in the graphs showed represent the percentage of participants
that selected each renewable separately.
In terms of the perception of risk associated to each of the renewable technologies included in this
study, solar energy was the technology perceived as safest by survey participants. Fifty nine percent
23
(59%) of them selected it as the safest of all
the technologies presented to them. Wind Graph 3: Which Technology is Safer?
Graph 3: Which Technology is Safer?
was selected second with 24% (please see
Graph 3). The perception of safety Solar
Solar
4%
4%
associated to solar and wind is much higher Wind
Wind
than the one associated to any other Waves
Waves
renewable energy. Also, when asked Biofuels
Biofuels
which energy technology they perceived as 24% Hydrolic
Hydrolic
24%
59%
59%
dangerous, only 12.8% selected wind and Nuclear
Nuclear
Hydrogen
Hydrogen
solar respectively. Interestingly, nuclear
Geothermal
Geothermal
energy (which is not even a renewable
energy source‐technology but was included
in the study) was selected as dangerous by 82.54% of the surveyed residents. This positive attitude and
low perception of risk associated to wind energy technology contrasts with recent claims of a
community group opposing the siting of a wind farm in southern Puerto Rico that portrays wind turbines
as prone to accidents and other dangers.
The respondents´ positive perception about solar and wind energy technologies were confirmed
when they also selected them as the most environmentally friendly. Fifty one percent of the
participants selected solar energy as the most environmentally friendly. Wind followed with 32% over
all other selections (see Graph 4). Surprisingly, the common association between ¨green¨ or
¨environmentally friendly technologies¨ and high energy production costs, was not found among our
participants. In fact, 52% identified solar energy as the one that produces cheaper electricity (see Graph
5). Thirty percent selected wind energy instead. Then we averaged the participant’s responses to the
previews questions to compute a “Social Acceptance Index” (SAI) for each technology included in this
study. The result was a two digit
number between zero (0) meaning
Graph 4: Which Technology is More Dangerous
Graph 4: Which Technology is More Dangerous
“no social acceptance” and fifteen
(15) meaning “total social
acceptance” considering the variables
Nuclear
Nuclear
included. As Table 3 suggests6, wind
8%
8% Biofuels
Biofuels
Solar energy has the second highest
Solar
8%
8% Wind average (7.19, with a standard
Wind
54% Waves
Waves deviation of 3.68) among all the
8%
8% 54%
Hydrolic
Hydrolic technologies included, second only to
Geothermal
Geothermal solar.
12%
12% Hydrogen
Hydrogen
6
Table 3 includes the SAI for four of the technologies studied, solar, wind, biofuels, and nuclear. These four represent the two
extremes in social acceptance. Solar and wind obtained the two highest averages and biofuels and nuclear obtained the two
lowest.
24
Given the apparent positive
attitudes and social acceptance Graph 5: Which Technology Produces Cheaper
Graph 5: Which Technology Produces Cheaper
towards solar and wind energy it is Electricity
Electricity
not surprising that these two were
selected as the most viable for Solar
Solar
implementation in Puerto Rico, in 6%
6% Wind
Wind
Vieques and in their neighborhoods Hydrolic
Hydrolic
as well (see Graph 6). What is Biofuels
Biofuels
53%
53%
particularly important for this case is Waves
Waves
30%
30%
that wind energy projects appear to Geothermal
Geothermal
be very viable near their homes as Hydrogen
Hydrogen
opposed to other technologies and
energy sources such as hydrogen and
biofuels.
Although these results seem highly positive for the siting of a wind farm in the selected
community, these results have to be contextualized by many of the factors identified by the literature
on social acceptance of renewable technologies. One of those factors is the Viequenses definitions of
their “place”. Only 8.2% mentioned Vieques environment as what they enjoyed the most. This could be
misconstrued as a lack of appreciation of Vieques environmental quality among our participants.
However, this last figure is congruent with recent literature that calls into question the meaning or the
construction of nature by Vieques residents after the Navy’s departure and their everlasting problem of
land contamination (Hayes‐Conroy, 2005). What the Viequenses enjoyed the most about their
community was the visual landscape and
Graph 6: Which Technology is Viable for Implementation
Graph 6: Which Technology is Viable for Implementation the peacefulness of the area. Fifty nine
70 percent (58.9%) of the respondents
70
61.7
61.7 62
62
60 57 pointed to the peacefulness as what they
60 57
Solar
Solar enjoyed the most by living in the Island
50
50 46.5
46.5 44.4
44.4 Wind
Wind
38.3
38.3
and 22.9% mentioned their visual
40
40 Biofuels
Biofuels landscape as their favorite feature of
30
30 Hydrolic
Hydrolic
Vieques.
20 Geothermal
Geothermal
20
Hydrogen
Hydrogen
10
10
Waves
Waves
00
In Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico In Vieques
In Vieques In Neighborhood
In Neighborhood
25
TABLE 3 SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE INDEX COMPUTED FOR FOUR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
Min. value Max. value
Technology N Mean Std. Deviation
observed observed
At the beginning of this report we singled out visual landscape and noise issues as the main
reason to oppose the siting of a wind energy facility. The Vieques landscape and the pernicious effects
Navy activities had on it over the years has already been a well documented issue. Professor José
Seguinot Barbosa, Director of the Geography Department of the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras,
observed that "the eastern tip of the island (where the Navy carried out its bombing practice)
constitute[d] a region with more craters per kilometer that the moon" (Seguinot, 1989). Therefore, both
relatively high percentages for visual landscape or peacefulness are significant as they might determine
the community acceptance for the pilot wind power project (see Figure 5 for a picture of the landscape
to be affected by the siting of the proposed pilot
project).
FIGURE 5 PICTURE OF THE PROPOSED LOCATION
With regards to noise being a significant
factor identified by the literature, the
respondents’ propensity to mention peacefulness
and tranquility as one of their most cherished
quality of life characteristic in Vieques also
deserves attention. The issue noise has been
included in Vieques local ordinances since the
early 2000’s. On January 15 and 19, 2001,
President Clinton issued two directives
concerning Vieques. The first directed the
Department of Health and Human Services to
examine a new study showing that residents of
Vieques suffer from a high incidence of
vibroacoustic disease, an ailment affecting the
heart and other internal organs. The second
directed DOD to find a long‐term alternative to live‐fire training on Vieques, on the grounds that voters
were likely to vote in the November 2001 referendum to permanently end training operations. Both of
these initiatives are directly correlated with Viequense’s enduring the negative impacts of noise. Also,
26
Governor Sila Maria Calderon introduced the Noise Prohibition Act in April 18th of 2001, and the Puerto
Rican Legislature passed it on April 23rd of the same year. In April 24, Puerto Rico filed a federal lawsuit
to halt Navy exercises, arguing that the Navy¹s training activities would threaten public health and
violate both the new noise‐restriction law and the 1972 federal Noise Control Act. It is clear that any
activity including the establishment of this project that brings with it the possibility of violating
Viequenses’ perceived peacefulness and tranquility has the potential of bringing back this controversial
issue and should be kept in mind when designing a communication strategy for this project.
27
COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE SITING
PROCESS.
In order to provide a foundation for
our recommended community participation
Graph 7: Desired Phase for Being Informed
Graph 7: Desired Phase for Being Informed
strategy, we included in the questionnaire
items that are relevant to the process of public
Before deciding
Before deciding
location
location participation. Our participants’ responses
Before applying for
Before applying for seem to be in line with the literature discussed
permits
permits
Process
Process 44
44 11
11 66 15
15 23
23 Before agencies
Before agencies at the beginning of this report. As shown in
approve permits
approve permits
Before construction
Graph 7 the majority of them (44%) would like
Before construction
starts
starts to be informed of the plan for the
Other
Other
establishment of a renewable energy facility in
00 25
25 50
50 75
75 100
100 their neighborhood before the location site has
been decided upon. Also, a total of 55% would
like to be informed before the developer even
applies for the permits. The interviewers
asked participants that chose the category of Graph 8: Preferred Medium of Communication
Graph 8: Preferred Medium of Communication
“other phase in the process” (23%) to specify
when they would like to be informed. Most of 4%
4%
11%
11%
them answered that they would like to be In person
In person
informed of the proposal throughout the Mail
Mail
42%
42%
15%
15% Other
Other
whole process. The preferred medium of
Telephone
Telephone
communication, as Graph 8 shows, was face‐
Email
Email
to‐face communication (42%) followed by
mail (28%). 28%
28%
28
alternative “other phase” clarified that
Graph 10: Who is Responsible for Informing the
Graph 10: Who is Responsible for Informing the they wanted to be involved throughout the
Community?
Community?
whole process.
4%
4%
13%
13% 18%
18% Developer
Developer At the same time, as Graph 10
The Mayor
The Mayor suggests, when asked who was responsible
Municipal Gov.
Municipal Gov. for informing them of the proposed
15%
15% State Gov.
17%
17%
State Gov. project, participants chose the developer
Community Group
Community Group first (18%), the Mayor of Vieques and the
Proponent Agency
Proponent Agency
16% Other Municipal Government next (17% each),
16%
17% Other
17% the State Government in third place (16%),
then a community group (15%) and finally
the proponent agency. Although there is
no clear consensus in terms of who is responsible for delivering the information to the community,
our results show that most participants would like to be informed either in person (42%) or
through the mail (28%). Our results show
that most respondents prefer to Graph 11: Preferred Participation Mode
Graph 11: Preferred Participation Mode
participate in a public hearing (almost 40%)
or in a community meeting (almost 30%) 45
45 39.9
39.9
(See Graph 11). It can be argued that these 40
40
Public hearing
35
35
Public hearing
29.7
responses are conditioned by the current 30
29.7
Comm. meeting
Comm. meeting
30
model of public participation, and might 25
25 Home
Home
20
20 Referendum
Referendum
not reflect their “real” preferences in 15
13.5
13.5
15 Hired expert
Hired expert
terms of what the optimal mode of 10
10 Other
Other
55
participation should be. 00
Representative
Representative
Percentages
Percentages
The results also show that the most
favored place for conducting public hearings
and/or community meetings is somewhere in
the community such as a community center (34%) and the city hall (23%). Twenty three percent (23%)
of our participants chose the “other” category. However, most of them specify that their place of
preference was the Multiple Uses Center and/or the plaza in downtown Isabel II. In general, keeping
activities close to home seems to be the most
appropriate course of action (see Graph 12). At
Graph 12: Preferred Participation Place
Graph 12: Preferred Participation Place
the same time, when asked for the time and
day that provides for a better chance to
6%
6% participate, our respondents have a preference
14%
14% Community
Community for week day evenings (30.4%) and weekend
34%
34%
City Hall
City Hall evenings (21.7%) (See Graph 13). When asked
Other
Other about the preferred conditions for participation
23%
23% Site in public hearings and/or community meetings,
Site
Hotel
Hotel most of our respondents expressed a need for
23%
23%
29
relevant documents (27%) and
independents experts (25%) to be available
Graph 13: Preferred Time for a Public Hearing or Meeting
Graph 13: Preferred Time for a Public Hearing or Meeting
to assist them during the decision making
process. Access to free transportation
(17%) and being able to receive the meeting 9.6
9.6
agenda in advance (17%) were not far 13
13 Mon ‐
Mon ‐Frid (day)
Frid (day)
behind (see Graph 14). Percentages 14.8
Other
Other
Percentages 14.8
Wkend (day)
Wkend (day)
21.7
During our interviews we also asked 21.7 Wkend (night)
Wkend (night)
for their perception of what a just 30.4
30.4 Mon ‐
Mon ‐Frid (night)
Frid (night)
30
also like to be involved in the evaluation of the facility, and would like the community to receive some of
the financial profits for community projects, the majority would not want to receive any of the financial
profits individually.
TABLE 4 SUBJECTS PERCEPTION ON COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The community’s opinion should be taken into account when… % AGREE
designing the project 95.5%
when approving or disapproving the project 86.2%
when implementing the project 89.2%
when deciding where to site the facility 89.8%
The community should have the last word in the decision 79.6%
The most important criteria when making the decision should be… % AGREE
environmental impact 94.2%
economic impact 89.5%
Community members should … % AGREE
be part of the projects administration 82.2%
receive financial profits from the project individually 45.7%
receive financial profits from the project as a group 63.6%
be a part of the project’s evaluation 94.2%
31
KEY ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION.
Based on the literature review and the data previously discussed ITEAS points to Aspenall’s
attention the need for a combined public participation and environmental education effort that takes
into consideration the following elements.
1. As suggested in previous sections, the overall sentiments of the sampled populations were
generally positive towards wind energy. Despite specific concerns with environmental
impacts, as well as community participation in the project, and perceived benefits to the
community, interviewees see the development of renewable energy as a beneficial
alternative to the current energy situation. However, study after study demonstrates a wide
gap between positive attitudes towards renewable energy (and even wind energy in
general) and social acceptance of the implementation of a particular project on a particular
site. As such, caution in the interpretation of these results is suggested.
2. Community opposition to the establishment of the wind farm pilot project might come from
contextual factors specific to Vieques rather than to lack of knowledge about wind energy
technologies. As noted earlier in this report, the literature shows that visual landscape
issues are the main reason to oppose the siting of a wind energy facility. Our survey data
demonstrate that visual landscape and peacefulness are what the Viequense community
surrounding the proposed site enjoys the most. This leads us to believe that community
opposition, if any, might come as a consequence of concerns with landscape and
environmental changes brought by the project or lack of sensitivity to that fact during the
early stages of project development.
3. Viequenses are more concerned with socio‐economic‐political issues related to their daily
quality of life: the lack of real political representation of Vieques´s interests in
state/mainland´s politics, monopoly over basic services such as food and gas, and land
speculators driving up real‐estate prices, than with traditional environmental issues such as
contamination and biodiversity. Traditionally, the benefits of wind energy are hailed by
mainstream environmentalist as a possible solution to environmental problems such as
climate change. Our survey suggests that Viequenses construct issues related to the
development of wind energy in Vieques from an environmental justice perspective that
emphasizes equity considerations and fairness in the decision‐making process related to
projects such as this one. Environmental education should focus on clearly making the
connection between energy generation and societal issues Viequenses care about the most.
4. A high degree of involvement in the early stages of planning and design is recommended.
Our results point to the importance of process and outcomes dimensions of the project
32
even over the more technical aspects. By “process” we mean who develops and runs the
project, who is involved, and who influences the decisions made. By “outcome” we refer to
how the positive and negative products of the project are distributed both socially and
geographically. In other words, outcome relates to the question of who the project is for.
5. The developer and the Mayor of Vieques are perceived as responsible for informing the
community. Communication is preferred to be in person or through the mail. Public hearings
and community meetings in community centers during the evenings seem to be the
preferred channel for participation. A need was expressed for receiving the meeting agenda
in advance and access to relevant documents and independents experts to enhance public
participation.
6. There was a low recognition of the term “renewable energy”. However, recognition of solar
and wind technologies was high. Therefore, some effort should be invested into socializing
the community members into the scientific and technical lingo of renewable energy. At the
same time, there are positive attitudes towards wind energy, which is perceived as being
one of the safer, most environmentally friendly and most viable for implementation of all
alternative energy technologies. In fact, some of the main concerns/questions expressed by
community leaders regarding the proposed wind project were not related to lack knowledge
on wind energy but to concrete aspects of the project itself. Both environmental education
participatory initiatives should focus on answering the questions posed by the participants.
7. Cooperative/citizen groups are essential stakeholders. These organizations have developed
a high level of sophistication both in terms of their theoretical grounding and strategies for
action and should be incorporated into any environmental education and participation
efforts. In fact, a direct partnership with some of these groups should be explored. A word
of caution is that their leadership appears to be highly fragmented and involved in
interpersonal struggle. The post‐“lucha” period has left a fragmented terrain with respects
to community organizations. While the Navy’s presence served as a galvanizing force
between groups that arguably had complementary yet distinct objectives, today’s Vieques
suffers from the lack of a unified vision of what Vieques should be. With varying degrees of
eloquence several community leaders demonstrated reservations for the styles, methods
and actions of other community leaders. Also, the level of trust on outside organizations
either public or private is low. This lack of trust reflects doubts no only in the capacity of
outsiders to look for the wellbeing of Viequenses, but also on their manipulation of
Vieques’s issues for their own benefit.
8. Despite of having a lot of Anglo’s organizations having formed in the island and at least
anecdotal positive attitudes towards renewable energy in the island we recommend
caution in underestimating how that support will actually express itself during the design
and planning stages of the project. There is substantial segregation between Anglo and
33
Viequense groups on their daily lives, and issues of language, cultural differences, etc, have
been known to amplify during joint activities.
9. We highlight the importance of segmentation when determining the design of a social
acceptance campaign for this project. Studies suggest that this type of a population,
generally in agreement with the development of wind energy yet showing concerns
throughout a wide range of perceived issues, is perhaps the most vulnerable of groups when
it comes to changing their attitudes towards the negative if participation and process issues
are not well planned. While the design of such an effort falls outside of the scope of this
study, ITEAS strongly suggests the integration of the community’s concerns and perceptions
when designing a social acceptance campaign. One way to deal proactively with such a well
documented trend in the case of Vieques would be to utilize a participatory or collaborative
planning approach. This approach serves the dual purpose of a strong educational tool and
at the same time a booster for effective public participation.
34
RELEVANT LITERATURE
Acevedo Vila, A. (2001) “Insight on the News”, Symposium ‐ Navy training on Vieques ‐ Panel Discussion
Breukers, Sylvia and Maarten Wolsink (2007) “Wind Power Implementation in Changing Institutional
Landscapes: An International Comparison”. Energy Policy 35. Pp 2737‐2750.
Bullard, R. (2001) “Anatomy of the Environmental Racism and the Environmental Movement” In The
Environment and Society, edited by R. S. Frey. Allyn and Bacon. Boston, USA.
Hughes‐McDermott, M. C. Chess, M. Pérez‐Lugo, K. K. Pflugh, E. Bocheneck, J. Burger. (2003)
“Communicating a Complex Message to the Population Most at Risk: An Outreach Strategy for
Fish Consumption Advisories.” Applied Environmental Education and Communication, 2:39‐48.
Laurian, L. (2003) “A prerequisite for participation: Environmental knowledge and what residents know
about local toxic sites.” Journal of Planning Education and Research, 22, 257‐269.
Lungren, R. y A. Mcmakin (2004) Risk Communication: A Handbook for Communicating Environmental,
Safety and Health Risks. 3rd. Ed. Battelle Press, Columbus, Ohio.
O'Rourke Ronald Specialist in National Defense Foreign Affairs (2001) Vieques, Puerto Rico Naval
Training Range: Background and Issues for Congress. Congressional Research Service Report for
Congress. Defense, and Trade Division, Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress
Updated December 17, 2001.
Pasqualetti, M. J. (2000) Morality, Space, and the power of wind energy landscapes. Geographical
Review, vol. 90. Pp. 81‐394.
Perez‐Lugo, M, Maria Victoria Badillo, Jorge Rivera Santos and Carmen Bellido (2006) “Development and
Partial Implementation of an Education and Awareness Program for the Comprehensive
Integrated Management Plan for the Mayagüez Bay Watershed Project.” Final Report submitted
to the Comprehensive Integrated Management Plan for the Mayaguez Bay Watershed Project.
Rabin Siegal, R. and Deborah B. Santana (November 13, 2007) “Carta al Gerente del Proyecto U.S.E.P.A,
Daniel Rodríguez”. Comité Pro Rescate y Desarrollo de Vieques.
Seguinot Barbosa, J. (1989) "Vieques, the Ecology of an Island Under Siege"
Smith‐Korfmacher, K. (2001) “The politics of participation in watershed modeling.” Environmental
Management, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 161‐176.
“Vieques vs. the U.S. Navy ‐ update on movement to stop the Navy bombing on Vieques Island”
Christian Century, August 11, 1999 by Paul Jeffrey
Webler, T., S. Tuler, and R. Krueger. (2001) “What is a good public participation process? Five
perspectives from the public.” Environmental Management, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 435‐450.
Wolsink, M. (2007) Planning of renewable schemes: deliberative and fair decision‐making on landscape
instead of reproachful accusations of non‐cooperation. Energy policy, 35. Pp. 2692‐2704.
35
Wilson, Shelley and Abby Frazier (2007) “Gentrification in Vieques.” Power point presentation as part of
the course … downloaded from www.uvm.edu/~jdavis6/gentrification/FinalGentrifPP.ppt.
Appendix A: Interview Protocol
Conocimiento
Conocimiento general sobre energía eólica ‐
Que conlleva el establecimiento de un parque eólico en su fase de construcción, desarrollo y
mantenimiento
Sabe de experiencias con parques eólicos en otras partes de PR y del mundo,
Que impactos positivos y negativos tienen los parques eólicos: económico, ambiental, visual
escénico
¿Como funciona un molino de viento?
Como se ve un molino de viento
Tamaño de los molinos
Beneficios de los molinos sobre otras fuentes alternas de energía
Aspectos negativos de los molinos sobre otras fuentes alternas de energía
Conocimiento sobre aspectos específicos del proyecto ‐
Conoce sobre el plan de ubicar un parque eólico en Vieques?
Sabe cual es el lugar propuesto para la ubicación del proyecto
¿Sabe cuando se comenzara la construcción?
¿Sabe quien es el proponente del proyecto?
¿Sabe cual va a ser la magnitud del proyecto? Cuantos molinos son? Que tamaño tienen?
¿Sabe que se va a hacer con la energía producida en ese parque?
¿Sabe como identificaron ese lugar como el ideal para poner el parque?
Conocimiento sobre el proceso de toma de decisiones ‐
¿Cuales son los actores envueltos en la decisión de ubicar el proyecto eólico en Vieques? Y en el
lugar propuesto?
¿Quien toma la decisión final?
36
¿Cuales son los pasos a seguir para llegar a esa decisión?
¿Quien es responsable si el proyecto fracasa?
¿Si usted no estuviera de acuerdo con el proyecto propuesto, sabe que tiene que hacer para que
se le tome en cuenta?
¿Conocimiento sobre uso de terrenos ‐
¿Existe un plan de ordenamiento territorial en Vieques?
¿Quien usa (usaba) los terrenos en los que se va a localizar? Para que?
¿Quien usa (usaba) los terrenos aledaños? Para que?
¿Cuan congruente es el parque con la zonificación actual del terreno?
Percepciones/actitudes hacia el proyecto
Necesidades de Vieques –
¿Cuales son los problemas principales que aquejan a Vieques?
¿Cuan congruente es el parque con las necesidades de Vieques?
Actitudes hacia el servicio eléctrico –
¿Como es el servicio eléctrico en Vieques?
¿Como es la relación de la comunidad/municipio con la AEE?
¿Cuan costoso es el servicio eléctrico?
¿Como el parque eólico puede mejorar/empeorar la situación “eléctrica” de Vieques?
Viabilidad del Proyecto ‐
¿En su opinión, son los molinos la mejor alternativa para generar energía renovable en Puerto
Rico? ¿Y en Vieques?
Sentimientos de equidad y/o justicia ‐
¿Quien se beneficia del proyecto?
¿Que se va a hacer con la energía producida?
¿Que beneficios trae este proyecto a la comunidad? Y a Vieques? Y a Puerto Rico?
¿Quien paga por el proyecto?
37
¿Que impactos negativos trae el proyecto a la comunidad? Y a Vieques? Y a Puerto Rico?
¿En su opinión, cual seria el mejor lugar para ubicar un parque eólico en Puerto Rico? Y en
Vieques? ¿Por que?
Sentimientos de apoderamiento comunitario ‐
¿A quien se le debe consultar en Vieques antes de aprobar el proyecto?
¿Quien debería estar envuelto en el proceso de decidir si aprobar o rechazar el proyecto?
¿Que necesita usted para participar de ese proceso?
¿Confianza en las instituciones
¿Cuan representado esta Vieques en la política de Puerto Rico?
¿Cuan confiado esta en la capacidad del gobierno para regular el funcionamiento del proyecto?
¿Cuan confiado esta en la sinceridad del proponente sobre sus intenciones?
¿Cuan confiado esta en la capacidad del proponente para cumplir con su propuesta?
Percepción de riesgo
¿En donde se encuentra físicamente (donde vive, trabaja, incurre en actividades recreativas)
usted con relación al parque propuesto?
¿Cuan confiado esta en la capacidad del gobierno para defender sus intereses si algo sale mal?
¿En caso de un accidente/emergencia/desastre, cuan confiado esta usted de la capacidad del
gobierno para responder?
38
APPENDIX B: SURVEY INSTRUMENT
Proyecto piloto sobre conocimiento, percepción y actitudes relacionadas a la energía eólica en
Vieques, PR
¡Saludos! Somos estudiantes/profesores de la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez y
trabajamos para el Instituto Tropical de Energía, Ambiente y Sociedad, también conocido como ITEAS.
Estamos realizando un estudio piloto sobre el conocimiento, percepción y actitudes de la comunidad
Viequense sobre energía renovable. Le pedimos que nos regale aproximadamente 20 minutos de su
tiempo y nos permita entrevistarlo/a. Su participación es completamente voluntaria y confidencia. De
sentirse incomodo/a en algún momento siéntase en la libertad de interrumpir la entrevista y/o
rehusarse a contestar alguna de las preguntas. [ENTREGARLE HOJA DE CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO]
Se le esta entregando una carta firmada por los investigadores principales del proyecto explicándole en
detalle los pormenores del proyecto. También incluye la información completa de ITEAS y de los
investigadores principales. Si tiene cualquier duda o pregunta puede comunicarse a cualquiera de las
direcciones electrónicas, teléfonos o direcciones postales provistas. Acepta participar en el estudio? [SI
DICE QUE SI, SIGA ADELANTE. SI DICE QUE NO DELE LAS GRACIAS Y SIGA A LA PROXIMA RESIDENCIA].
A. Primero, queremos saber su opinión sobre la energía renovable.
1. Ha escuchado usted el termino “energía renovable”?
____ (1) si ____ (2) no [PASE A LA PREGUNTA #3]
2. [SI CONTESTO QUE SI A LA PREGUNTA ANTERIOR] ¿Qué entiende usted por “energía renovable”?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. A continuación le voy a leer una lista de “fuentes de energía renovable”. Por favor indíqueme
cual de las siguientes reconoce.
____ Solar (Fotovoltaica y/o termal) ____ Geotermal
____ Eolica (viento) ____ Hidrogeno
____ Biocombustible [COMO EL ETANOL Y EL
____ Mareomotriz (olas del mar)
BIODIESEL]
____ Hidráulica (agua) ____ Conoce alguna otra fuente de energía
renovable que no haya mencionado? Cual?
____ Nuclear ______________________________________
39
4. Ahora, me puede decir cuan bien usted conoce la… [NOMBRAR LAS FUENTES DE ENERGIA QUE
EL PARTICIPANTE MENCIONO EN LA PREGUNTA ANTERIOR]
____ Solar Fotovoltaica y/o termal ____ Hidrogeno
____ Eolica (viento) ____ Geotermal
____ Biocombustible ____ Mareomotriz (olas del mar)
____ Hidráulica (agua) Otra:______________________________
____ Nuclear
6. ¿Cual de las fuentes alternas de energía mencionadas cree usted que es la mas peligrosa?
____ Solar Fotovoltaica y/o termal ____ Hidrogeno
____ Eolica (viento) ____ Geotermal
____ Biocombustible ____ Mareomotriz (olas del mar)
____ Hidráulica (agua) Otra:______________________________
____ Nuclear
40
7. ¿Cuál de las fuentes alternas de energía mencionadas cree usted que es la mas amistosa hacia el
medio ambiente?
____ Solar Fotovoltaica y/o termal ____ Hidrogeno
____ Eolica (viento) ____ Geotermal
____ Biocombustible ____ Mareomotriz (olas del mar)
____ Hidráulica (agua) Otra:______________________________
____ Nuclear
8. ¿Cual de esa fuentes alternas de energía mencionadas en la que produce electricidad mas
barata?
____ Solar Fotovoltaica y/o termal ____ Hidrogeno
____ Eolica (viento) ____ Geotermal
____ Biocombustible ____ Mareomotriz (olas del mar)
____ Hidráulica (agua) Otra:______________________________
____ Nuclear
9. En su opinión, ¿Cual de las fuentes alternas de energía mencionadas seria más viable para
implementar en Puerto Rico?
____ Solar Fotovoltaica y/o termal ____ Hidrogeno
____ Eolica (viento) ____ Geotermal
____ Biocombustible ____ Mareomotriz (olas del mar)
____ Hidráulica (agua) Otra:______________________________
____ Nuclear
10. En su opinión, ¿Cual de las fuentes alternas de energía mencionadas seria más viable para
implementar en Vieques?
____ Solar Fotovoltaica y/o termal ____ Hidrogeno
____ Eolica (viento) ____ Geotermal
____ Biocombustible ____ Mareomotriz (olas del mar)
____ Hidráulica (agua) Otra:______________________________
____ Nuclear
41
11. ¿Si le dieran a escoger de entre las fuentes de energía mencionadas, cual escogería para
implementar en su barrio?
____ Solar Fotovoltaica y/o termal ____ Hidrogeno
____ Eolica (viento) ____ Geotermal
____ Biocombustible ____ Mareomotriz (olas del mar)
____ Hidráulica (agua)
____ otra: _________________________
____ Nuclear
12. Si se fuese a establecer una facilidad de energía renovable en su barrio, cuando a usted le
gustaría ser informado? [LEA LAS ALTERNATIVAS]
____ (1) antes de que se decida su localización
____ (2) antes de pedir los permisos
____ (3) antes de que las agencias otorguen los permisos
____ (4) antes de que comience la construcción
____ (5) Otra fase: _______________________________________________
____ (6) no necesito ser informado [PASE A LA PREGUNTA #15]
13. Como le gustaría a usted ser informado?
____ (1) en persona
____ (2) por teléfono
____ (3) por correo
____ (4) por email (correo electrónico)
____ (5) Otra: _____________________________________________________
14. Quien entiende usted es responsable por informarle del plan?
____ (1) el desarrollador/a
____ (2) la agencia proponente
____ (3) el alcalde/esa
____ (4) el gobierno municipal
____ (5) un grupo ambientalista o comunitario
____ (6) el gobierno estatal
____ (7) Otro: _____________________________________________________
15. Si se fuese a establecer una facilidad de energía renovable en su barrio, en que parte del proceso
entiende usted que es más importante expresar su opinión?
____ (1) antes de que se decida su localización
____ (2) antes de pedir los permisos
____ (3) antes de que las agencias otorguen los permisos
____ (4) antes de que comience la construcción
____ (5) Otra fase: _______________________________________________
____ (6) no necesito expresar mi opinión [PASE A LA PREGUNTA #20]
42
B. A continuación le voy a leer una serie de aseveraciones y alternativas. Por favor indíqueme las
alternativas que mejor describan su opinión.
16. De qué manera prefiere usted expresar su opinión sobre el establecimiento de una facilidad de
energía renovable en su barrio? [LEA LAS ALTERNATIVAS]
____ (1) en una vista publica
____ (2) que un funcionario del gobierno venga a mi casa a preguntarme su opinión
[PASE A LA PREGUNTA #20]
____ (3) votando en un referéndum [PASE A LA PREGUNTA #20]
____ (4) en una reunión comunitaria
____ (5) escoger un representante de la comunidad que exprese su opinión ante los
foros correspondientes [PASE A LA PREGUNTA #20]
____ (6) que mi comunidad contrate un experto independiente para que exprese su
opinión neutral sobre el proyecto [PASE A LA PREGUNTA #20]
____ (7) De otra forma: _____________________________________________ [PASE A
LA PREGUNTA #20]
____ (8) Ninguna de las anteriores. [PASE A LA PREGUNTA #20]
17. Si usted prefiere participar personalmente en vistas publicas y/o reuniones, donde cree usted que
seria mejor llevarlas a cabo?
____ En el lugar donde se propone establecer la facilidad de energía renovable
____ En la comunidad misma
____ en la alcaldía de Vieques
____ En San Juan
____ un hotel o centro de convenciones
____ Prefiero otro lugar. Cual? __________________________________
18. Cuando usted preferiría que se llevaran a cabo estas reuniones o vistas publicas?
____ De lunes a viernes por el dia
____ De lunes a viernes por la noche
____ Durante el fin de semana por el dia
____ Durante fin de semana por la noche
____ Prefiero otro horario. Cual? _______________________________________
19. A continuación se presentan una serie de factores que se han identificado en otros lugares como
facilitadores de la participación comunitaria. Por favor díganos cual o cuales de los siguientes cree usted
que facilitaría su participación en reuniones y/o vistas públicas. [MARQUE TODAS LAS QUE APLIQUEN]
____ Cuido de niños/as ____ que se le entregue copia de lo que se va a discutir en
la vista y/o reunión con anticipación
____ transportación gratuita ____ acceso a expertos independientes que evalúen los
documentos y la información sobre el proyecto
____ acceso a documentos e información sobre el ____ que le paguen por asistir
proyecto con anticipación
____ otra _________________________________
43
20. Ahora, le voy a leer unas aseveraciones y por favor dígame si esta totalmente de acuerdo,
parcialmente de acuerdo, en desacuerdo, o totalmente en desacuerdo con cada una de ellas.
ASEVERACION TOTALMENTE PARCIALMENTE EN TOTALMENTE
DE ACUERDO DE ACUERDO DESACUERDO EN
DESACUERDO
a. La opinión de la comunidad debería 3 2 1 0
ser tomada en cuenta al diseñar el
proyecto
b. La opinión de la comunidad debería 3 2 1 0
ser tomada en cuenta al decidir si se
aprueba el proyecto o no
c. La opinión de la comunidad debería 3 2 1 0
ser tomada en cuenta al decidir la
forma en que se implementa el
proyecto
d. La opinión de la comunidad debería 3 2 1 0
ser tomada en cuenta al decidir donde
se ubica el proyecto
e. La comunidad debería tener la 3 2 1 0
ultima palabra en la decisión
f. el impacto ambiental debería ser el 3 2 1 0
criterio más importante en la decisión.
g. el impacto económico del proyecto 3 2 1 0
debería ser el criterio más importante
en la decisión.
h. Miembros de la comunidad deberían 3 2 1 0
ser parte de la administración del
proyecto
i. Los vecinos de esta comunidad 3 2 1 0
deberían recibir individualmente parte
de las ganancias del proyecto
h. La comunidad como grupo debería 3 2 1 0
recibir parte de las ganancias del
proyecto
i. Miembros de la comunidad deberían 3 2 1 0
ser parte de la evaluación del proyecto
21. En caso de que se decida instalar la facilidad en su barrio aun en contra de sus deseos o de otros
miembros de la comunidad, cual cree usted que seria una compensación justa para usted y sus vecinos?
[ESPERE A QUE EL PARTICIPANTE SUGIERA Y LUEGO LEA LAS ALTERNATIVAS)
____ (1) que la electricidad generada sea para uso de la comunidad
____ (2) que se le dé un descuento en mi factura de electricidad
____ (3) que se cree un programa de educación ambiental en la escuela de mi comunidad
____ (4) que la facilidad de energía renovable se convierta en una atracción turística
____ (5) que la facilidad de energía renovable se utilice para la educación ambiental de los
visitantes
44
____ (6) que la electricidad producida se use para el funcionamiento de los hoteles del área
____ (7) que parte de los fondos generados se usen para la limpieza de las zonas contaminadas
de Vieques
____ (8) Otra compensación ______________________________________________
____ (9) Ninguna compensación seria justa
22. Ha visto usted alguna vez un parque eólico?
____ (1) si ____ (2) no [PASE A LA PREGUNTA # 25]
23. Ha visitado algún lugar cerca de un parque eólico?
____ (1) si ____ (2) no [PASE A LA PREGUNTA # 25]
24. Ha vivido alguna vez cerca de un parque eólico?
____ (1) si [Donde? _____________________, Cual? ____________________]
____ (2) no
C. Ahora, nos gustaria hacerle algunas preguntas sobre cosas que las personas pueden hacer para
hacer sentir sus opiniones. Comenzamos con su comunidad,
25. ¿Es usted miembro de algún grupo comunitario como, por ejemplo, un consejo de seguridad
vecinal, consejo escolar o asociación de condómines o vecinos?
____ (1) Sí
____ (2) No
26. ¿Es usted miembro de alguna organización o grupo ambientalista como Sierra Club, Misión
Industrial o Coalicion pro salud y rescate de Vieques?
____ (1) Sí
____ (2) No
27. ¿Ha participado usted, o ha asistido alguna vez a una vista publica?
____ (1) Sí
____ (2) No
28. ¿Es usted miembro de alguna cooperativa, de ahorro y credito, de agricultores, pescadores
o de manejo?
____ (1) Sí
____ (2) No
D. Por ultimo queremos saber alguna información sobre usted y su hogar para poder entender mejor
sus respuestas anteriores. Por favor indíqueme:
29. ¿Cual es su edad? _________
30. A que se dedica? _______________________________________________________
31. Vive permanente en Vieques?
____ (1) si
____ (2) no [PASE A LA PREGUNTA # 36]
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32. Cuantos años lleva viviendo permanente en Vieques? ________
33. Si no vive permanente en Vieques, es la primera vez que visita Vieques?
____ (1) si
____ (2) no. Cuantas veces ha visitado la isla? ______
34. La casa en la que se encuentra actualmente, es alquilada o de su propiedad?
____ (1) alquilada
____ (2) propiedad
____ (3) Otra: ____________________________
35. Que es lo que mas disfruta de esta área?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
36. Que es lo que mas le disgusta?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
37. De cuanto fue su ultima factura de energía eléctrica? ________
38. Cuál de las siguientes alternativas mejor describe su situación laboral actual?
____ (1) Trabajo a tiempo completo
____ (2) Trabajo a tiempo parcial
____ (3) No trabaja por salario
____ (4) Esta desempleado/a
39. ¿Cuál es el grado o título educativo más alto que usted recibió? (LEA ALTERNATIVAS)
____ (1) ninguno
____ (2) diploma de escuela elemental
____ (3) diploma de escuela intermedia
____ (4) diploma de escuela superior
____ (5) grado asociado/certificación técnica
____ (6) bachillerato
____ (7) maestría, grado profesional o más
40. ¿Cuántos niños menores de 18 años tiene usted bajo su custodia o tutela? _____
41. ¿Cuál de las siguientes categorías describe mejor el ingreso mensual total de su hogar? Por
favor incluya ingresos de todas las fuentes como por ejemplo salarios, rentas, pensiones, y
ayudas. Guardaremos esta información bajo la más estricta confidencialidad (LEA
ALTERNATIVAS)
____ (1) $0 a $499
____ (2) $500 a $999
____ (3) $1,000 a $1,499
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____ (4) $1,500 a $1,999
____ (5) $2,000 a $2,499
____ (6) $2,500 a $2,999
____ (7) $3,000 a $3,999
____ (8) $4,000 a $4,999
____ (9) $5,000 en adelante
42. Cual es su estado civil?:
____ (1) soltero/a
____ (2) casado/a
____ (3) conviviendo
____ (4) separado/a
____ (5) divorciado/a
____ (6) viudo/a
Hemos terminado. MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS POR SU PARTICIPACION Y QUE PASE BUEN DIA!!!
43. [POR OBSERVACION] Sexo: ___ (1) Femenino ___ (2) Masculino
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APPENDIX C: TEXT OF INFORMED CONSENT FORM
Estimado/a participante:
¡Saludos, de parte del Instituto Tropical de Energía, Ambiente y Sociedad (ITEAS) de la
Universidad de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez (UPRM)! ITEAS es una red interdisciplinaria de
investigadores/as de la UPRM que estudian aspectos sociales, económicos, técnicos y
ambientales de la utilización de energía en Puerto Rico. Como parte de nuestras
investigaciones, estamos realizando un estudio preliminar sobre las actitudes y percepciones de
la comunidad sobre la posible localización de un proyecto de energía eólica (molinos de viento)
piloto en el municipio de Vieques.
A usted lo/la estamos invitando a participar de este estudio por ser un constituyente
importante a la hora de decidir si se desarrolla un proyecto como este o no, y donde seria el
lugar ideal para localizarlo. Le pedimos que colabore con una entrevista por aproximadamente
media hora, sobre sus ideas, percepciones y actitudes sobre la energía eólica en general y el
posible establecimiento de un parque eólico en Vieques. Su participación es anónima y
voluntaria, lo que significa que aun comenzada la entrevista, usted puede cambiar de opinión y
dar por terminada su participación en cualquier momento. La información que usted nos brinde
se utilizará únicamente para propósitos del estudio y de ser publicada, se hará de forma
agregada para garantizar su confidencialidad. Las notas que se tomen durante la entrevista
serán transcritas y archivadas bajo llave en las facilidades de ITEAS en la Universidad de Puerto
Rico en Mayagüez. Solamente personal de ITEAS tendrá acceso a esa información.
Usted no gozará de beneficios personales o emocionales por participar en este estudio.
Tampoco recibirá incentivo económico (dinero) por su participación. De la misma forma, no se
anticipa que sufra daños psicológicos. Sin embargo, si se siente incómodo/a con una o varias
preguntas está en la libertad de no contestarlas.
Si usted quiere recibir copia del informe de resultados, o de tener alguna queja,
pregunta o duda, por favor comuníquese con alguno de los investigadores a cargo de este
estudio: Dr. Cecilio Ortiz‐García (ortizc@uprm.edu / 787‐464‐2936) y Dra. Marla Pérez Lugo
(mpperez@uprm.edu / 787‐806‐8584). El mismo estará disponible en ITEAS a partir de Agosto
del 2008.
Muchísimas gracias,
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ITEAS
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