Afterglobe October 2015
Vol. 1 Preserving Biodiversity in Costa Rica
Preserving Biodiversity On the Shores
3-4
Rediscovery
5-6
Hydropower
7-8
A Forest in Peril
9-10
The Eternal Rainforest
11-12
Something in the Water
13-14
Food, Fuel, and Biodiversity 15-16
Costa Rica has a rich biodiversity with some 12,000 species of plants, 1,239 species of butterflies, 838 species of birds, 440 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 232 species of mammals. Many of these species are endemic to Costa Rica, however all species in this diverse country are at risk. Threats to Costa Rica’s biodiversity include a rapidly growing human population, deforestation, developing coastlines for the industry of tourism and harmful agricultural practices all contributing to pollution and environmental degradation. These threats reach across all regions of the country. There several programs and organizations which exist to help perserve the rich biodiversity in Costa Rica. Even though the threats have diminished somewhat with the help of these activist groups, the creatures of Costa Rica are still at great risk.
3
On the Shores For several years, a long fight has been taking place on the shores of Costa Rica. What could the people be fighting over in a country that is so well known for its environmental efforts? In a fight between activists and poachers the leatherback sea turtle has been caught in the middle. At $1 a piece, Leatherback Sea Turtle eggs are considered an aphrodisiac and have been linked to drug trade. A female turtle can lay 85 or more eggs in one nest and will build several nest per season. Poachers are making substantial amounts of money off of the turtle eggs. So, consequentially, efforts of the multinational Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s Turtle Defense Team have been pushing local poachers to extreme violence. On June 4th a group of activists protecting the endangered leatherback sea turtles were attacked by extremely violent poachers. The activists experience threats often but after a fatal kidnapping of Costa Rican activist Jairo Mora Sandoval back in 2013, local police have stepped in to enforce the law and protect the volunteers. Leatherback Sea Turtle populations have plunged dramatically in recent years. They are listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species with only an estimated 34,000 females remaining worldwide. Activists are trying to work with the government to cease the illegal activities of poachers and to protect
this endangered species. Protection and government involvement is not quite where it needs to be yet. However, because of the efforts made so far the IUCN is optimisticthat Leather-back sea turtle populations will stabilize and begin increasing by 2030. Nicole Wasson spent some time in Costa RIca in 2014. There she was taught about self sustainability and Costa Rica’s rich enviornment. She aims to create an awareness in each in the hopes of preserving the biodiversity in Costa Rica and ending the destruction.
Caribbean Coast
Rediscovery The rediscovery of the South Pacific streamside frog is one of evight recent discoveries of lost frogs in Costa Rica... In the past 20 years, amphibian species around the world have experienced rapid decline due to climate change, disease, invasive species, habitat loss and degradation. Populations have decreased by approximately 40 percent with nearly 200 species thought to have gone extinct since 1980. However, despite these discouraging statistics, new research efforts are turning up lost populations of some vanished frogs. A new study by Tropical Conservation Science reports the rediscovery of two new populations of the South Pacific streamside frog (Craugastor Taurus) in southeastern Costa Rica. This marks the first sighting of the species since 1997. “The rediscovery of [the South Pacific streamside frogs] is one of eight recent discoveries of lost frogs in Costa Rica, which include the endemic and believed to be extinct Holdridge’s toad (Incilius holdridgei),” the researchers write in the study “The non-detection of [South Pacific streamside frogs] in historical streams is troubling, but the discovery of two populations in a new location is encouraging news.” The new study also finds that breeding populations of the South Pacific streamside frog persist with high prevalence of the fungal disease, chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Past research indicates that this fungal disease was the main cause of the 1987 mass die-off of amphibians in Costa Rica, in which at least 17 species experienced population declines. Historically, frogs most vulnerable to fungal disease Bd lived alongstreams and at altitudes higher than 500 meters. However, some scientists consider the amphibian population decline in Costa Rica enigmatic because some declines occurred in low elevation areas
5
where fungal disease Bd was not deemed as threatening. The study used several methods to relocate South Pacific streamside frogs, also known as the Golfito robber frog, in southeastern Costa Rica. The researchers conducted field surveys at Punta Banco in far southeastern Costa Rica taking voucher specimens from two different stream locations. In all, the scientists uncovered two new populations of South Pacific streamside frogs, occurring in areas with a drier environment than those of its historic range. The researchers also found Bd fungal disease on twelve of the fifteen frogs with varying degrees of infection. The rediscovery of the streamside frog is significant because the scientists have uncovered new habitat records that show surviving populations are able to live with a high prevalence and infection of the fungal disease Bd. But, most importantly, these are now the only known populations of the Critically Endangered species.But the researchers write that more hidden populations may survive.” If deforestation and a lack of consideration for pollution continue however, animals that thrive in different environments than their own in order to escape a disease will have no where to go and will truly be lost to us forever. Strengthening biological corridors and taking care of the land and water sheds will help to ensure the survival of endangered species. Victor currently works as a news producer and White House correspondent at C-SPAN Television in Washington, DC focusing on public affairs, defense, environmental science and foreign affairs issues. He is very committed to environmental conservation, human rights and free speech efforts.
South Pacific Region
7
Hydropower The Lake Arenal Dam was built to provide hydroelectric power to Costa Rica in 1979. This was the first hydro-electric project in Costa Rica and marked the beginning of Costa Rica’s rapid growth. The dam project brought thousands of people to the area and introduced tourism to the country. Lake Arenal was tripled in size with the construction of the Arenal dam. When the Arenal Dam was being built plans for expanding the lake meant that the towns of Arenal and Tonadora needed to be relocated. People from around the area came in to help relocate the residents of these towns in to newly established areas. People also came together to help rescue and relocate animals before the lake was expanded. This hydroelectric project is hugely important to Costa Rica, initially generating 70% of the country’s electricity, now closer to 17% because of the addition of other hydroelectric dams. It was also a driving force behind Costa Rica’s green energy policy. Nicole Wasson spent some time in Costa RIca in 2014. There she was taught about self sustainability and Costa Rica’s rich enviornment. She aims to create an awareness in each in the hopes of preserving the biodiversity in Costa Rica and ending the destruction.
Northern Lowlands Region
DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT 9
A Forest in Peril The Talamanca mountain range contains the largest tracts of virgin rainforest in Costa Rica. In addition, 90% of Costa Rica’s known plant species are found in this region — 30% of which are endemic to the area. A majority of Costa Rica’s animal species are located in this region the Talamanca Lowlands are also an important flyway for migrating raptors. Not only do the La Amistad/Talamanca Highlands support a majority of Costa Rica’s plant and animal species but due to its remoteness and inaccessibility the area remains one of the largest, least disturbed areas of tropical forest in Central America. La Amistad International Park (PILA), is the core component of the Amistad Biosphere bi-national World Heritage Site located in the Talamanca highlands of
Costa Rica and Panama that protects the largest area of undisturbed highland watersheds and forests in southern Central America. These watersheds provide important freshwater sources for communities in the lowland areas of Talamanca and Bocas del Toro. Poor rural communities depend on watershed generated services bringing out social equity considerations that justify government investment in the protection of the resources. Despite the region’s remoteness and small human population, many of its biological riches are in jeopardy. Overfishing, unregulated tourism, development, colonization, logging and clearing of land for subsistence farms, banana plantations and cattle are contributing to water pollution, sedimentation, die-off of coral reefs and the depletion of marine catch. The Talamanca Highlands and La Amistad International Park were selected for inclusion in the Conservancy’s celebrated Parks in Peril program as its first binational site. The Conservancy is working with local groups and government agencies to strengthen cross-boundary conservation efforts in the region. Several key initiatives and activities being pursued include the development of a bi-national management plan, the creation of conservation finance mechanisms such as water-use fees and establishment of a “Seas to Summits” corridor linking conservation projects in the upper watersheds with coastal waters. This latter initiative also seeks to protect species such as the Three-wattled Bellbird, the Resplendent Quetzal and Bare-necked Umbrella Bird
that conduct altitudinal migrations. Instead of moving laterally over vast expanses of land, these birds take a vertical route, moving from the lowlands to the highlands and vice versa to feed, mate and nest. The habitat for these animals at all stages of their life must be protected, and for this reason, the Conservancy and its partners are working on consolidating a biological corridor that will incorporate these ecosystems in the Costa RicanPanamanian La Amistad International Park. Additionally, by promoting a participatory management approach, the Conservacy aims to empower local people by building their capacity to participate in the conservation process, so poor and isolated indigenous communities become shareholders in managing resources, both within the protected area and in the buffer areas of La Amistad. By creating the structures necessary for communities to be involved in managing resources appropriately, not only will they assure themselves of the longterm benefits that this will provide, but their communities can develop and be shaped by the benefits of conservation. The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
South Central South Central Region
11
The Eternal Rainforest The Children’s Eternal Rainforest straddles the Continental Divide, encompassing 55,600 acres of virgin and secondary forest, as well as several reforestation areas. With help from various organizations in more than 40 countries, The Children’s Eternal Rainforest is now Costa Rica’s largest private reserve. “It all started in 1987 at a small primary school in rural Sweden. Eha Kern, a teacher, was helping her class learn about rainforests and the animals that need them for survival. Nine-year-old Roland Teinsuu asked what he could do to keep the rainforest safe and help protect those special animals. Roland and his classmates talked to tropical biologist Sharon Kinsman, who just happened to be visiting in Sweden. She told them about the Monteverde Cloud Forest. She told them how deforestation was starting to hurt a beautiful forest in the Tilaran mountains of Costa Rica. The class decided to raise some money to buy some of the forest. Then, at least in that one spot, no one could chop down the trees. The students raised about $1500. This was enough to buy about 15 acres of land. It was enough to cover the expenses (surveying, title search, and legal fees) of buying land. The class worked with an organization called the Monteverde Conservation League. The League helped provide the scientists and conservationists who manage and protect the forest. And that is how the Bosque Eterno de los Niños (Children’s Eternal Rain Forest) all began. Suddenly other kids wanted to help the rainforest, too, and now children all over the earth are helping. With fundraising projects
such as collecting aluminum cans and holding bake sales using rainforest ingredients (ginger, chocolate, and vanilla), kids everywhere have raised enough money to buy 50,000 acres . . . and counting!” Journey North is a free, Internet-based program presented by Annenberg Learner. Program participants share field observations across the northern hemisphere, exploring the interrelated aspects of seasonal change.
Central Highlands Region
Something in the Water Water is at the core of today’s most pressing issues— security and scarcity, energy and climate change, the cause and spread of infectious disease. Since the late 1990s, the tourism industry in the towns of Hermosa, Santa Teresa, Carmen and Mal País has had accelerated growth which, unfortunately, has been rather unplanned and unregulated. A Regulatory Plan designating land use and defining solid and liquid waste management, amongst other issues, was proposed by Nicoya Peninsual Waterkeeper and then approved in 2004 for the maritime-terrestrial zone. Nevertheless, this plan does not regulate developments outside of the maritime-terrestrial zone.
13
Appropriate liquid and solid waste management is critical in coastal areas. Solid waste management has slightly improved over these last few years; nevertheless, liquid waste management hasn’t progressed as much. Some houses, restaurants and hotels have inappropriate (or none) water treatment systems, some are plumbing directing grey and black waters either directly into the ground, or into the waterways.
Unsustainable practices in agricultural, cattle and pig farming management are present towards the northern area surrounding the Ario watershed. The aqueduct which will soon supply water to the coastal towns will feed from the Ario aquifer. Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper promotes and carries out case-specific mitigation and restoration strategies to protect water quality of the streams flowing into the sea. Based on the information generated by their Water Quality Monitoring Program, Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper is able to identify the origins and types of pollution and design strategies with relevant stakeholders to find sustainable solutions and advocate for changes resulting in better water quality of their coastal waters. The Waterkeeper’s mitigation strategies will use low cost, easy-to-implement technologies including: biogardens to treat grey waters; erosion control using vetiver; bioswales to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water; biodigestors which decompose organic matter, waste from grease traps from the food industry sector for example, to produce bio gas which can be used as energy source; and compost toilets which treat excreta,
with no or small volumes of flush water, via composting or managed aerobic decomposition. Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper wants to show the community that environmentally respectful practices exist and are available for everyone to implement. They promote behavior changes that benefit present and future generations and all the beautiful invaluable natural resources that surround them. Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper is a non-government organization, whose mission is to monitor, protect and restore water quality in the coastal watersheds and marine ecosystems between the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve and the Caletas-Ario National Wildlife Refuge through research, field work, education and advocacy.
Nicoya Peninsula Region
15
Food, Fuel, and Biodiversity People often perceive agricultural development and wilderness conservation as irreconcilable opposites... But many studies suggest agricultural lands may provide adequate habitat or foraging area for some species, without infringing on agricultural production or goals. Immediately outside of the Palo Verde National Park in Bagaces, Costa Rica, the government of that country has enabled extensive rice cultivation by providing water from the dammed Lake Arenal for irrigation and by distributing land to the small-scale farmers who make up the Bagatzi Cooperative. Since its inception in 1983, the Bagatzi Co-operative, a government-organized agricultural community for the rural poor, has principally grown rice, which can serve as an alternate habitat for wading birds and even some endangered species, such as the jabiru stork, allowing avian marsh species to exploit a wider territory. This ability to use agricultural areas for foraging helps avian species make up for the loss of some marsh habitats through changing land management and seasonal variation in water levels. 262 avian species use Palo Verde either year-round or seasonally. The National Park is an important habitat for many waterbirds as well, with 94 species that prefer aquatic habitats. Past studies suggest that many of these species also exploit the farmlands surrounding Palo Verde, including the great egret (Casmerodius albus) and the roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja). Additionally, migratory species, such as the blue-winged teal (Anas discors), winter in the Palo Verde wetlands and attract outside interest and investment to the park.6 The diversity of birds and ease in viewing them at Palo Verde has made the park a major attraction
for ecotourists, particularly birdwatchers. The 19,800 hectare park contains one of the few remaining patches of tropical dry forest in Central America as well as the critically important marshland, which has put the park on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and made the park of vital interest to researchers. Palo Verde serves local and global interests by offering employment opportunities to local residents and attracting investment to the area, in addition to protecting a rare and delicate ecosystem.
Lauren Aileen Sauls studied Tropical Biology at Duke University. She studied abroad and worked with local ornithologists and ecologists to gather research on how human development in the Guanacaste region is affecting endangered bird species.
Guanacaste Region
last page
art & design
Afterglobe was designed, printed, and assembled by Nicole Wasson Art & Design.
Afterglobe - n. the warm feeling one gets after a long immensely satisfying trip
