COSTA RICA CONSERVATION

Across the globe, forests and jungles have been clear cut or burned, deep water marine habitats plundered by huge fishing trawlers that kill entire ecosystems, entire species decimated---and sometimes driven to extinction---to make a fast buck.

The National Council of Churches USA has stated:

“We have listened to a false gospel that we continue to live out in our daily habits - a gospel that proclaims that God cares for the salvation of humans only and that our human calling is to exploit Earth for our own ends alone....

"This false gospel still finds its proud preachers and continues to capture its adherents among emboldened political leaders and policy makers.”

But, for too many policy makers and elected officials who proclaim their Christianity to the rooftops, the message is still lost.

Truth is, it's easy to "talk-the-talk" but real leadership---and adherence to real religious values---demands more than idle chatter.

Which brings me to Costa Rica---the "Green Republic."

Just two decades ago, Costa Rica was on its way to ecological catastrophe. 80% of its forests had been cut to make pastures or exploited by a few corporations or industries at the expense of future generations.

Then, something incredible happened. Instead of denying the obvious---that sustainability and preservation, not ruthless exploitation, held the key to permanent well-being---it reversed course.

No more "Business as Usual", it set out to make peace with our home, Earth.

Today, 46% of the country is forested. Birds and animals, once driven nearly to extinction, are returning.

Our story about conservation efforts in Costa Rica will take us from today backwards in time and introduce you to some amazing men and women.

It's altogether fitting that will begin with Oscar Arias and "Forever Costa Rica."

"Forever Costa Rica" and the Remarkable Oscar Arias

A quarter century ago, he brought peace to Latin America and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Not bad for a young president of a tiny country that had abolished its army!

20 years later he returned to the Presidency, determined once again to use his formidable talents to lead the world in making peace---this time to the planet we call home.

His eloquent words go far beyond Costa Rica conservation and elegantly speak to the need to cease for all of us to endless our war against nature: Oscar Arias vision of peace with our planet, click

President Arias is a man of vision and action.

And, of his many accomplishments, his last may prove the most enduring for the planet. It's called Forever Costa Rica, click

Celebrating Biological Diversity: The Future Policy Award 2010

Children's Eternal Rain Forest & The 9 Year Old Boy

Sometimes dreams do come true and today it's the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. It's a great story about a great place, the Children's Eternal Rain Forest, click

Tortuguero Park: From Soup to Costa Rica Ecotourism

It's the fascinating true story of one man's quest to save sea turtles and the creation of the largest green sea turtle sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. It's the history of Costa Rica conservation and Tortuguero Park.

Cocos Island and Seamount Conservation Area

Costa Rica, alone among the nations of the eastern Pacific, has decided to fight back against today's underwater pirates and created the second largest marine conservation area in the eastern Pacific, the Cocos Island Seamount Conservation Area.

Have A Story or Idea About Conservation?

Do you have a great story or want to share your thoughts about conservation?