Support for environmental education in Costa Rica

The aim is to combine every nature conservation project in Costa Rica with environmental education. The activities are primarily aimed at pupils, students, parents and teachers. But the older generations are also integrated, and we try to work with local partners to pass on their experience to the next generation.

Monte Alto – Biodiversity returns

In Monte Alto, the environmental education program of the local foundation Pro Reserva Forestal Monte Alto is largely financed by Tropica Verde. In addition, together with various partner organizations, the establishment of an environmental education center was made possible, which serves as a base for project visits by school classes and travel groups. On a tour, they can explore various nature trails, such as the orchid and tree nature trail, and learn about the amazing biodiversity of a successfully reforested secondary forest. For many years, environmental education courses have been held in several local schools with the aim of sensitizing primary school children to the fauna and flora of their home region and increasing their understanding of the importance of the various species for a functioning ecosystem and an intact water cycle.

There are also regular excursions to Monte Alto, such as the annual “Day of the Tree”, so that the children can get to know different animal species and learn about their natural habitat while planting trees. From 2020, the increasing biodiversity will be observed and documented in collaboration with students from Hojancha Professional Technical College, using data collected from camera traps, among other things.

ACBTC – Rainforest conservation through school projects

In the Talamanca Biological Corridor, Tropica Verde finances school projects through the local organization ACBTC (Asociación Corredor Biológico Talamanca Caribe). Important topics are dealt with here, such as the effects of climate change and the importance of protecting species-rich forests in the region. This work reaches both the pupils and their parents. The lecturers are supported by Tropica Verde, among others, for their environmental education work. At the annual “Festival Ambiental Por La Vida” in Bribri, the main town of the indigenous population, the pupils present their projects with great pride and commitment through games, dance and theater.

Reserva Kinkajou – Guided tours for nature lovers

Starting from the nearby Yatama Ecolodge, tour groups are guided through the untouched nature of the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the neighboring project area. The nature guide Pedro explains the threats to the
for the environment that lurk just beyond the borders of the national park. He explains the methods of reforestation for the preservation and creation of biological corridors, which are vital for the survival of numerous animal species as an extension of their habitat. In the near future, a small environmental center is also to be built, which can also be visited by school groups and will serve as a starting point for scientific research.

Excursion through the Reserva Kinkajou

ECODESI – Environmental education for young and old

In the small village of Villareal near Tamarindo, Tropica Verde supports the “Colores de Identidad” project run by the local partner organization ECODESI. The main target groups for this project are senior citizens from the municipality of Villareal and schoolchildren from the region. The seniors are supported in learning and implementing important environmental measures (recycling, planting, etc.).

At the same time, the older participants pass on their experience of traditional vegetable and fruit cultivation to the younger generation. In addition to numerous workshops and training courses, the activities in this project include setting up a tree nursery with local plants, reforestation, recycling, composting, campaigns for clean rivers, a seed bank with local seeds and much more.

Victor at the Kinkajou nursery