Don’t Leave Conservation up to Someone Else

Step Up and Make a Difference

We are lucky to live in Costa Rica, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with rainforests, cloud forests and mangrove swamps, as well as 12 different climate zones. Costa Rica makes up just 0.03% of the earth's surface; it's home to more than 5% of the planet's species. This staggering level of biodiversity is due in part to the country's location and topography, as well as its strong conservation efforts.

Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 plant and animal species, including jaguars, monkeys, toucans, sloths, and sea turtles, among others. Its ecosystems range from dry tropical forests to mangroves to high-altitude cloud forests. The country also has a particularly high level of endemism, with many unique species found nowhere else in the world.

We need to cherish what we have and work together to make more places on our planet healthier.

Biodiversity, a term that refers to the variety of living organisms on earth, is one of the most important aspects of our planet. It is essential to our survival, providing us with many of our most basic needs, such as air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat. Protecting biodiversity is more than just an environmental issue; it is a fundamental human responsibility.

Unfortunately, over the past century, human activity has caused the most severe decline in biodiversity in human history. The loss of biodiversity is not only a tragedy in itself but also has far-reaching ecological and economic implications. Therefore, it is crucial that we take action to keep the world's biodiversity.

by John Quam

One of the most important ways to preserve biodiversity is to protect habitats. Habitats are the natural environments in which different species of plants and animals live, and they are essential for the survival of those species. Unfortunately, many of these habitats are threatened with destruction due to activities such as deforestation, urbanization, industrialization and farming. Therefore, it is critical that we take steps to protect these habitats. This may involve setting aside areas of wilderness or rewilding areas that have been damaged by human activities. It may also include strict regulations on land use and development.

Another essential step to protect biodiversity is to prevent the introduction of invasive species. Invasive species are non-native species that have been introduced to a new environment and can cause significant harm to the local biodiversity. Invasive species can outcompete or even prey on native species, causing population declines or even extinction. Therefore, it is necessary to control the movement of non-native species, ideally by preventing their introduction in the first place. It is also important to have systems in place to quickly detect and respond to the presence of invasive species.

Reducing pollution is another key step to preserving biodiversity. Pollution can have a severe impact on ecosystems and the species that depend on them. For example, some species of fish and other aquatic creatures are highly sensitive to pollution and can suffer heavily when exposed to toxic chemicals. Furthermore, air pollution can impact pollinators like bees and butterflies, crucial for the propagation of plant species. Therefore, we must take steps to reduce pollution, including by regulating industries and encouraging the use of cleaner technologies.

urbanization,

Climate change is also a significant threat to biodiversity. As the planet warms, different ecosystems may no longer be viable, and species may be unable to adjust quickly enough to survive. Therefore, taking steps to address climate change is an essential part of preserving biodiversity. This may include reducing our use of fossil fuels, increasing our use of renewable energy and adapting to changing climatic conditions.

Finally, we must work to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity. Too often, biodiversity is viewed as a luxury that we can afford to lose. In reality, it is essential to our survival and well-being. Therefore, it is critical to educate people about the value of biodiversity and the risks of neglecting it. This may involve teaching people about the ecological and economic benefits of biodiversity or encouraging them to take action to protect it, such as by supporting conservation organizations or reducing their own environmental impact.

In our area, conservation has been at the forefront. Costa Rica implemented important policies in the 1970s and was one of the first in the world to incorporate the concept of sustainable development into its national plans.

Many of the country's forests are protected areas, and there are strict laws in place to prevent deforestation and protect wildlife. In addition, ecotourism has become a major industry in the country, providing incentives for locals to keep their natural resources intact.

Challenges remain, however, including habitat destruction and climate change. Nevertheless, through its diversity of species and strong conservation mindset, Costa Rica serves as a model for other countries seeking to protect their natural heritage.

Respecting and being real stewards of the environment goes a long way in correcting environmental issues. With the influx of people moving here to enjoy what Costa Rica offers, there have been many impacts on the regional microenvironment. I have heard many say it’s just progress. Well, progress comes in many forms, and progress can be detrimental.

Protecting our earth is the job of each and everyone of us. Take the initiative and do something in your world. Every little bit helps.

EEco-conservation has long taken a high profile in Howler stories stressing the crucial need to protect Costa Rica’s precious natural resources and wildlife habitats. Our July cover story shifts the focus from these modern environmental concerns to the valuable human ecology lessons we can learn from the descendants of those living here millennia ago. The displacement of Costa Rica’s indigenous tribes has been the unfortunate consequence of discrimination, land grabs and exploitation due to expanding tourism, mining and agricultural activities. We invite readers this month to consider the importance of protecting the rights and interests of these vulnerable populations to preserve their traditional ways of life and secure their future.

In the same issue, you’ll find tips for jungle hiking and planning the perfect surfing vacation. We also talk about termites and cacti in Costa Rica, dressing for the season, and simple recipes to enjoy readily available tuna and papaya. We also bring you good news from Iceland about successful efforts to stop illegal whaling.

Writers

John Brockmeier. Writer and activist inspired by diverse interests and international life experiences.

Terry Carlile. Served as a U.S. Navy journalist for eight years, and is also a workshop trainer and keynote speaker.

Alejandro Luis Esquivel. Spanish historian and advocate for the indigenous cultures of the Americas.

Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys, specializing in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com

Karl Kahler. Author of "Frommer's Costa Rica 2017," former travel editor of the Tico Times and former national editor of California's San Jose Mercury News.

John Quam. Howler Magazine Owner, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, who has called Costa Rica home for nine years.

Patricia Sterman. Argentinian fashion design graduate, living in Costa Rica for more than 20 years. Owner of Azul Profundo Boutique, jewelry manufacturer and co-founder of SalveMonos animal protection group.

Audrey Vargas Gil. Originally from Cali, Colombia, and now a citizen of Costa Rica, living in the Tamarindo area for over 20 years. She started Ordry's Spa in Tamarindo 16 years ago and has many local and tourist clients.

Captain Paul Watson. Globally renowned ocean conservationist and environmental activist, advancing marine ecosystem protection initiatives through the new Captain Paul Watson Foundation. Co-founder of the Greenpeace Foundation and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

COVER PHOTO: courtesy of Fotos Antiguas de Costa Rica. Antonio Saldaña was the last cacique (chief) of Talamanca in Costa Rica. His tenure spanned 30 years, from 1880 to 1910, when he died under unclear circumstances.

Photographers

Fred Lipsky. Retired New York police officer, now enjoying kayak fishing and nature photography adventures in Costa Rica.

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HOWLER (™) 2017

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Click on the section to go directly to those pages.

UP FRONT:

• The Survival of Costa Rica's Indigenous Tribes

• Protecting the Indigenous Tribes of Costa Rica

Editorial: Don't Leave Conservation Up to Someone Else

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

• Jungle Hiking Tips

• Planning Your Vacation Early

• Catching up with Gyrocopter Girl

• A Sticky Subject

• Termites Right at Home in Costa Rica

• The Sulphur-Winged Parakeet

PURA VIDA

• Another Flat Tire?

• Swedish Massage: the Start of Feeling Wonderful

• Simply Spanish: Looking for Adventure

• Victory for the Whales in Iceland

FOOD/DINING

• The Magical Mojito

• Hundreds of Cans of Tuna and Many Food Options

• Papaya Popular in Costa Rica

• The Health Benefits of Coffee

• The Health Risks of Coffee

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

• Up Front: Indigenous Tribes

• Musician: Sebastian Kaya Salgueiro

CR SURF

• Tide Chart, Sun, Moon Schedule

• Sam Reidy and Coral Wiggins

Win Open in the O'Neill Cup

• A Surfing Vacation in Costa Rica

Cr Fashion

• Dressing for the Dampness

• Planning Your Holiday Trip Fashion

• Featured Designer: Almara

Real Estate

• Horizon Pacific

• Sun Real Estate

• Grupo Tropical

• Tres Amigos

Cr Biz

• Cybersecurity Needs in Costa Rica

• Costa Rica Luxury Real Estate During and and After the Pandemic

• Marketing with Howler