conservation

By Robert Blasiak for United Nations University (UNU)

At first, the story of Costa Rica's forests seems like a tragedy. In the 1940s, over 75 per cent of the country was covered in indigenous woodland, mostly tropical rainforest. In the subsequent decades, however, rampant and unchecked logging ensued as the nation's valuable forest resources were transformed into cash profits. By 1983 only 26 per cent of the country retained forest cover, and the deforestation rate had risen to 50,000 hectares per year.

At this point, something amazing started to happen. By 1989 the annual deforestation rate had dropped to 22,000 hectares per year. The figure dropped even lower to 4,000 hectares per year by 1994 and in 1998 the deforestation rate had dropped to zero. Today forest cover has increased to 52 per cent (double 1983 levels), and the government has set the ambitious goal of further increasing this figure to 70 per cent and achieving carbon neutrality by 2021.

Galapagos Conservation Scholarship Program

Ecoventura has announced a 2012 scholarship program for local students from the islands of Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz to study conservation and ecology-related issues. The company has pledged up to $4,800 to cover the cost of 12 scholarships for one course/module for 2012. Guests aboard Ecoventura's fleet will be invited to donate to the scholarship fund that is dedicated to training young people to become leaders in society and contribute to the sustainable development of the Galapagos islands, a World Heritage Site.

“Developing critical-thinking skills and a conservation ethic along with knowledge of the problems that threaten the sustainability of the islands are among the main objectives of the training program” - Santiago Dunn, President, Ecoventura

Loggerhead returning to sea (Photo courtesy of Cory Tressler)

Hilton Head Island Celebrates Record-Breaking Year for Sea Turtle Nests

Last week, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reported that as of Tuesday, July 5th, 240 nests have been found on Hilton Head Island, already beating last year's record of 239 nests, with more than a month remaining in the region's sea-turtle nesting season. Statewide and throughout Beaufort County, volunteers have supported programs such as Hilton Head's Sea Turtle Protection Program by Coastal Discovery Museum, and logged thousands of hours and tens of thousands of miles of hard work making possible the local wildlife conservation organizations' critical efforts to protect sea turtles habitats and to raise awareness among locals and visitors of the threats facing sea turtles, such as commercial fishing, pollution, and beachfront development.

Boat Tour with Outside Hilton Head - Outside Hilton Head offers some of the pre- and post-conference tours.