FirstBank plants nearly 20K trees to protect Puerto Rico coasts
FirstBank has reported progress in its Rescate Costero program, an environmental initiative focused on coastal reforestation, erosion mitigation and environmental education across Puerto Rico.
Since its launch in 2023, the program has planted 19,198 native trees along more than 33,200 linear feet of coastline in 13 municipalities, according to the bank.
The plantings are projected to reduce up to 422 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually as the trees mature, while also supporting biodiversity and strengthening natural coastal barriers.
“At FirstBank, we believe in collective action as an engine to address Puerto Rico’s environmental challenges,” said Ginoris López-Lay, executive vice president of planning and strategic management.
“Rescate Costero demonstrates how collaboration across sectors can have a real impact in our communities. Each tree we plant not only protects our coasts but also educates and empowers those who participate in this effort,” she said.
The initiative has included 25 tree-planting events in Aguada, Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barceloneta, Camuy, Humacao, Isabela, Loíza, Luquillo, Manatí, Naguabo, Quebradillas and Toa Baja. More than 880 volunteers have taken part alongside corporate and nonprofit partners.
Rescate Costero operates under FirstBank’s Uno con el Ambiente environmental platform. The bank said it plans to continue the program through 2026, with a goal of planting 25,000 trees while expanding environmental education and community engagement efforts.
