Conservation of Rainforests in Baja Talamanca

Project Goal:
Conservation of the regional biodiversity by preserving connected forest areas

Local Organization Partners:
ASACODE, Asociación ANAI

Contribution by TROPICA VERDE
Purchase and conservation of primary forests, financial support for local environmental groups

 
Talamanca: Primary Forests connected from the Mountains to the Ocean 
                                                                                                                                The canton of Talamanca on Costa Ricas’ southern Caribbean shore is home to an extraordinary species-rich fauna and flora. Reasons for this bountiful biodiversity are differing vegetation zones which encompass different biotopes, such as lowlands and mountainous rain forests as well as treeless mountainous highlands in a relatively narrow area. Especially in the higher situated region of Talamanca, the Alto Talamanca, there exist large areas of still mostly unspoiled nature, protected by the installation of numerous sanctuaries. Unfortunately, this does not apply in the same degree to the near coastal region of Baja Talamanca: Logging, tourism, and banana plantations threaten the survival of the primary forests in many places. The connectivity of populations and their habitat is endangered and a valuable natural heritage could be lost.

Reserva Finca Curré: Conservation, Protection and Expansion of a Biological Corridor
In order to conserve the diversity of species in a region on a long term basis, it is important that animal and plant species have sufficient habitats at their disposal. In this case, smaller protected zones also have an important function, especially when these serve to unite larger intact areas in a so-called biological corridor. Such a corridor is formed by the forest of the Finca Curré in the vicinity of Punta Uva in the coastal region of Baja Talamanca. In 1992, TROPICA VERDE was able to purchase this primary forest covering 70 hectares and thus prevent its imminent logging. Hereby, forests connecting the Keköldi indigenous reserve and the Wildlife Sanctuary Gandoca-Manzanillo could be preserved. In November of 2005, after tedious negotiations, Finca Curré was expanded by the purchase of approximately 15 hectares on its northern border. This allowed for the rescue of another valuable area of precious forest from certain destruction. We were able to win over Ramón Abarca-Chaves, a previously destitute small farmer affectionately just called “Roberto”, as dedicated ranger. He has committed himself entirely to the conservation of the rainforest. 

(Pictures: Hernandez, Tropica Verde) 


Benefits of Forest Protection for the Local Population

In the long run, the conservation of tropical forests can only succeed if nature conservation is brought in line with economic interests of the local population. TROPICA VERDE supports for example the small farmer organization ASACODE in Talamanca which is trying to bring protection and use of the rainforest into balance near the village of San Miguel by means of ecotourism. ASACODE operates CASACODE, an elementary hostel on a collective plot of land. The native forest surrounding the dwelling and constituting a private sanctuary is one of the attractions of CASACODE. TROPICA VERDE sponsors this project i.a. by the purchase of a neighbouring primary forest.

What You Can Do:     

• Support the Project Finaca Curré with a donation or an adoption of a primary forest!
In recognition of your adoption you will receive an individual certificate.

• Become a member of TROPICA VERDE and support our activities by donating regularly!

• You are already a member of TROPICA VERDE?
Then keep recommending us and recruit new members!