It would appear that the major accomplishment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 held in Copenhagen is consensus that global warming is indeed a serious challenge and we must do something about it. While this observation is somewhat sarcastic, it is likely closer to the mark than measuring how far it actually went in the direction of creating a global consensus regarding goals, transparent emissions measurement, and some reasonable equity between the handful of controlling economics and the rest of the world.

Individual countries, no matter how small, will have to take their own initiative, working from the bottom up, creating a unity of purpose that other nations can begin sharing. Costa Rica’s idea of Peace With Nature and all its ramifications is the road map for this country. Global accords and country initiatives are invaluable first steps, but of little true value without proper documentation and enforcement. The Copenhagen Accord is essentially an impotent statement of the obvious, while Peace With Nature creates the edifice of purpose that Costa Rica needs to fully inhabit.

We feel extremely fortunate to share Dr. Pedro Leon Azofeifa’s perspective on the closing days of the climate conference. He is the Coordinator of the Peace With Nature initiative and part of the delegation in Copenhagen. He is a professor of biology at the School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, and co-founder of the school’s Cell and Molecular Biology Center. Dr. Leon also is a founding member of the Costa Rica Academy of Sciences, and is the first Costa Rican scientist to be elected to the United States’ National Academy of Sciences. In Copenhagen, he was a scientist in the political laboratory of global dynamics and his communication reflects the chasm between the two.

“Today, Saturday (12/19), at about 3PM the COP 15 concluded with a marathon effort that started on Friday at about 10PM and went on till 3 PM on Saturday non-stop. Friday morning started with the speeches from several world leaders including the Chinese President Jintao, President Obama, President Lula, President Uribe, President Morales, Chavez and others. Chavez as usual ranted and raved against Obama with heavy insults, calling him the Nobel Prize of War…etc. Lula gave the most inspiring and balanced presentation, emerging as one of the smartest leaders.

Twenty-five of the world leaders actually worked on a proposal throughout the night that was later cast into a statement for approval by the parties. This, in turn, gave rise to a marathon debate that started about 11PM Friday evening and almost collapsed several times in part due to the abysmal ability of the Danish Prime Minister who presided over the meeting. Strong opposition by Sudan and the ALBAcountries almost erased the proposal completely several times during the night, but the vast majority of the countries pulled together in the end to keep the document alive for the next COP, allowing also the enactment of immediate actions with funding offered by the European Union, the US, Japan and others.

The need for complete consensus makes the UN a very ineffective body, as a single country can block agreements and progress. The other large disappointment was the ineffective leadership of the Secretary General, who seemed totally unengaged. Strong leadership in the UN is essential to save this basic body of deliberations…the only one the world has.

The document approved is a minimal agreement that will be the basis for further debates in the next COP meeting in Mexico. I was very impressed and proud of the leadership role of the Costa Rican delegation and particularly Christiana Figueres, who has assumed a very impressive leadership role, along with a group of technical experts that worked night and day.

I was happily surprised with the respect and credibility of the delegation that has played a key role in serving as a bridge between different countries with different ideologies. We knew that the meeting would not yield legally binding agreements, but at least the overnight marathon managed to keep the basic document alive and the basis for further debates.” 

What follows is a brief introduction to the finalized Copenhagen Accord by Dr. Alvaro Umaña Quesada, Climate Change Ambassador and Chief Negotiator for Costa Rica. It was written prior to the negotiations discussed by Dr. Leon. It is, in fact, the preface to the very intense final few days of the conference, and it is interesting to juxtapose its intention with an edited version of the actual accord, where you will find a paucity of substance and a plethora of rhetoric.

“As Chief Negotiator of Costa Rica at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, I would like to present some personal reflections that will allow interested Costa Ricans to inform themselves about what is happening here in Copenhagen and what theCosta Rican delegation is  accomplishing at this convention.

As reported in the press, negotiations are stalled. Why no progress? Why are we stuck? These are the big questions. We have less than 72 hours to complete the work of this international gathering –the largest one of its type. It seems incredible that we cannot predict if we will succeed or whether it will be a colossal failure. This shows the deep divisions between countries and reflects the inability of all political leaders to confront the greatest challenge of our era.

If no agreement is reached, it will not be for lack of effort. Here the pace is frenetic, the Costa Rican delegation worked until the early morning hours and there is a push to complete all the texts for Wednesday afternoon, the 16th of December.

So that everyone can understand the complexity of the negotiations, I present here the four most important issues: 

1. How much and when will the industrialized nations promise to reduce GHG?

2. How and when to deal with the emission reductions of the big. emerging economies (Brazil, China, Mexico, India)?

3. How many economic or financial resources are the industrialized countries going to put on the table?

4. What mechanism will be devised for the allocation of these funds?

In these United Nations conferences, the delegates exchange words but do not yet make the decisions. The negotiations operate by consensus, so that one country can block the negotiations completely. The different proposals are added to the core text and now this is growing way out of proportion. At this point the negotiating text for Copenhagen has exceeded 600 pages!”

  Copenhagen Accord

1.  We underline that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. To achieve the ultimate objective of the Convention to stabilize greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, we shall, recognizing the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below 2 degrees Celsius, on the basis of equity and in the context of sustainable development, enhance our long-term cooperative action to combat climate change.

2.  We agree that deep cuts in global emissions are required according to science, and as documented by the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report with a view to reduce global emissions so as to hold the increase in global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius, and take action to meet this objective consistent with science and on the basis of equity. Bearing in mind that social and economic development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of developing countries and that a low-emission development strategy is indispensable to sustainable development. 

3.  Adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change and the potential impacts of response measures is a challenge faced by all countries. We agree that developed countries shall provide adequate, predictable and sustainable financial resources, technology and capacity building to support the implementation of adaptation action in developing countries. 

4. Delivery of reductions and financing by developed countries will be measured, reported and verified in accordance with existing and any further guidelines adopted by the Conference of the Parties, and will ensure that accounting of such targets and finance is rigorous, robust and transparent. 

5. Least developed countries and small island developing States may undertake actions voluntarily and on the basis of support. Parties will communicate information on the implementation of their actions through National Communications, with provisions for international consultations and analysis under clearly defined guidelines that will ensure that national sovereignty is respected.

6.  We recognize the crucial role of reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation and the need to enhance removals of greenhouse gas emission by forests and agree on the need to provide positive incentives to such actions through the immediate establishment of a mechanism including REDD-plus, to enable the mobilization of financial resources from developed countries.

7.  We decide to pursue various approaches, including opportunities to use markets to enhance the cost-effectiveness of, and to promote mitigation actions.

8.  Scaled up, new and additional, predictable and adequate funding as well as improved access shall be provided to developing countries, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention, to enable and support enhanced action on mitigation, including substantial finance to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD-plus), adaptation, technology development and transfer and capacity-building, for enhanced implementation of the Convention. The collective commitment by developed countries is to provide new and additional resources, including forestry and investments through international institutions, approaching USD 30 billion for the period 2010 ñ 2012 with balanced allocation between adaptation and mitigation. In the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, developed countries commit to a goal of mobilizing jointly USD 100 billion dollars a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries.

9.  To this end, a High Level Panel will be established under the guidance of and accountable to the Conference of the Parties to study the contribution of the potential sources of revenue, including alternative sources of finance, towards meeting this goal. 

10.  We decide that the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund shall be established as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the Convention to support projects, programme, policies and other activities in developing countries related to mitigation including REDD-plus, adaptation, capacity- building, technology development and transfer. 

11.  In order to enhance action on development and transfer of technology we decide to establish a Technology Mechanism to accelerate technology development and transfer in support of action on adaptation and mitigation that will be guided by a country-driven approach and be based on national circumstances and priorities.

12.  We call for an assessment of the implementation of this Accord to be completed by 2015, including in light of the Convention’s ultimate objective. This would include consideration of strengthening the long-term goal referencing various matters presented by the science, including in relation to temperature rises of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

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Environmental eyes are all on Copenhagen over the next several weeks. If you are reading this, you likely know that is the location for COP 15, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. In spite of recent scandals attempting to debunk the science of global warming, there is a growing international will to finally do something about Green House Gas emissions. This is a forum where Costa Rica will shine because of its international public perception, some credible efforts to address its own carbon emissions, and its approach to its natural possessions.

Recently, Nature Blog has been very critical of the government’s effort to downgrade Las Baulas National Park, thereby threatening the survival of the Leatherback sea turtles nesting on its beaches.

Over the course of thousands of years, we have yet to create a perfect State. Regardless of Costa Rica’s institutional imperfections, they are making an effort that is hard for any country, developed or developing, to match. When this country set out on its path for a Peace With Nature, it is they who created the high standard by which they should be judged as well, and that is the context for our strong opposition to the Las Baulas legislation.

We are extremely pleased to be working with the Peace With Nature team at Copenhagen. We hope to be hearing from Pedro Leon Azofeifa, Coordinator of the Peace With Nature Initiative when he arrives for talks this coming week. We have recently heard from Carolina Mauri, who is an official representatives at this gathering, and we look to be hearing from Sylvia Leon, who is charged with disseminating conference information in country.

Carolina provided some personal observation towards the end of the first week. It appears that there are three forces at work: developed nations, powerful growing economies, and the undeveloped or emerging nations. Personally, I have always been bothered by terms like First World and Third World, etc. We are in this crisis because we look at a fractured globe, protecting myriad interests; when the truth is we are one interconnected web of nature.

According to her, it is those governments caught in between the developed and undeveloped world that are being most protective. China, India, Venezuela and the wealthier Arab nations believe they should have the same rights and advantages as the United States had in growing its own economy and importance in the world.

The basic principles being supported by the Costa Rican delegation are:

1. The outcome in Copenhagen be legally binding.
2. Provisions that will ensure keeping GHG below 350 ppm and holding global temps below a 2 degree Celsius increase.
3. Developed countries lead in ambitious mitigation actions.
4. All developing countries participate in the solution.
5. The need for a prompt start of a financial mechanism to address inequities.

Costa Rican’s domestic imperatives mirror the government’s position on global matters. A recent survey published in The Tico Times indicates that 80% of the people think more money should be spent on the natural environment. The most important areas are air and water improvements, increased controls of flora and fauna, and the protection of rich ecological zones. An equal percentage considered that a presidential candidate’s opposition to development in the maritime zone is very important. 60% are willing to make economic sacrifices to protect the environment by contributing to environmental education, stricter air and water quality restrictions, guarding against excessive development in ecologically delicate areas.

The challenge for Costa Rica on the world stage and at home is for its actions to affirm its principles. It would appear they have the support of their citizenry in this effort.

The New York Times has just published a story, entitled “Turtles Are Casualties of Warming in Costa Rica” and we strongly encourage you to read it. The primary focus is on the destruction already being done to turtle habitat from rising temperatures and sea levels, damaging their eggs and encroaching on their delicate nesting grounds. At this point, there is little doubt that man is the cause of this scientific phenomenon. The daunting challenge is that it’s a global crisis and only one that can be addressed on that stage. The upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen will continue the effort to mitigate the damage we have inflicted on our home and its inhabitants.

The more imminent threat to the Leatherbacks is also manmade; it is the result of the  uncontrolled commercialization of the delicate habit of Playa Grande and the prospect of proposed government legislation that would downgrade Las Baulas National Park to a wildlife refuge. All living beings are victims of global warming until the family of nations finds a more altruistic path to travel. However, It is within Costa Rica’s power to make a difference and uphold the essence of its Peace With Nature policy by keeping its National Parks intact and not allowing Expediente No. 17.383 to become law.

We encourage you to write Letters to the Editor at the New York Times in response to the recently published article. While there is no question that science is one of the culprits that threatens the Leatherback in the long term; today, downgrading Las Baulas  to a wildlife refuge is the looming perpetrator. Instructions are very simple. Click here to find out. Please send us a copy (larryf@naturelandings.com) and Nature Blog will publish and share them.

Dr. James Spotila is President of the Leatherback Trust and we want to share his letter to the editor with you:

To the Editor:

Re “ Turtles, Are Casualties of Warming in Costa Rica” (International, Nov. 14, 2009):

While climate change threatens the beach at Las Baulas Park in Costa Rica the real threat is the proposal of President Oscar Arias to eliminate the Park and allow uncontrolled development. That will destroy the most important nesting population of leatherback turtles in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Since 2000 The Leatherback Trust has worked to consolidate the Park. It has provided over $3 million to acquire land, support rangers, educate local students, support sustainable development in local communities and build conservation capacity. The Trust has offered another $2 million to the government to compensate landowners in the Park. Turtles should be saved and landowners should be compensated at a fair price.

For the first time Costa Rica is moving to eliminate a park established in law. If approved this law will establish a precedent such that other parks of interest to developers can also be eliminated, threatening the economic base of ecotourism in the country. Instead, a fee of $1 per night for hotel rooms and rental cars would provide funds to pay landowners and consolidate all the parks.

James R. Spotila, Ph.D., President

The Leatherback Trust

Haddonfield, New Jersey, Nov.14, 2009

What is it about preserving nature in its most pristine state that is important to us? The world existed long before we ever laid our eyes upon a magnificent crimson sunset. The geysers of Yellowstone bellowed forth their molten hot water a million years before it was declared the first national park anywhere in the world in 1872. Leatherback sea turtles obeyed the millennial ritual of nesting on the shores of Playa Grande long before Costa Rica had a name.

We humans are guests here on this planet and nature is our silent host. The creation of national parks is the only way we can protect nature from our insatiable desire to remake the world in our image. They help anchor us in an otherwise impermanent existence, reminding us of life’s eternal mysteries and inspiring us to be more.

Las Baulas National Park must be preserved. Nature is mute and defenseless and we are its only hope. Who will speak on its behalf if we remain silent?

The Voice of the Leatherback Turtles is an ezine, a relatively new web based format that looks like a magazine, has pages like a magazine, but you read it on your screen and turn the pages with your keypad. We have provided a tutorial to help you get acclimated. Stephen Duplantier is responsible for the overall design, graphics and for editorial contributions as well.

The ezine features contributions from an extraordinary array of people who have dedicated their lives to the conservation movement within Costa Rica and around the world. There are news stories and open letters; all with one goal in mind and that is to preserve this little slice of heaven on earth. It takes the voices of many individuals and weaves them together into a written symphony in defense of Peace With Nature.

Click icon below to view in fullscreen.
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An extraordinary thing happened in Costa Rica on December 1, 1948 after a successful revolution against anti-progressive forces. José Figueres Ferrer abolished the Costa Rican Army. The photograph of Costa Rica’s Man of the Century, Don Pepe, taking a hammer to the wall of the Cuartel Bellavista became the symbol of an act that changed this small country forever. He boldly stated,  “The army hands over the keys to the barracks, to be converted into a cultural centre. We are the sustainers of a new world in America. Little Costa Rica offers its heart and love to civilian rule and democracy.”

Central America had a history of being the opportunistic playground of empire-building nations and corporations from other continents. It was being plundered for its resources and its people were incidental pawns in the games of these power brokers. Their own governments were often run by ruthless dictators who carried out the wishes of their invaders. When one looks at the political landscape of the time, both within Costa Rica and the other countries of the region, this single act of Figueres is without parallel.

During an interview with the New York Times in 1973, he said, ”I am what you might call a farmer-philosopher.” Nature was frequently the metaphor for his discourses and that was certainly the case in his thoughts in his book about the revoliton of 1948,  El Espiritu del 48.

 “I did not plant all the trees in the forest. I set out like the sower of seed from early dawn for the landscapes of my country to plant ideas, inspiration, ideals and enchantment. There took root the noble soul of this country and the honest groundedness of our people. That was the revolution. That was the spirit of 48! “

Over 50 years later, another seed was planted and it has the promise of equaling that historic moment for Costa Rica. On May 8, 2002. The newly elected President, Abel Pacheco delivered his inaugural address:

“We will compete without destroying Nature because, beyond the events of the moment, our rich bio-diversity will always be a great wealth and we will preserve it. Before we declare peace among ourselves and we declare peace among all nations; now we should declare a peace with Nature.”

It took about five years for this seed to grow into an initiative authored by the next President, Oscar Arias and aptly entitled, “Peace With Nature”.

Peace and nature are irrevocably linked together in this country, clearly enunciated by the new President in his initiative. He wrote,  “In addition to having a long tradition of democracy, peace and respect for human rights, Costa Rica has been internationally recognized for its pioneering efforts to protect the environment.”

Armies of nations, warlords, and terrorists still champion violence as a means to peace, or achieving their selfish needs, and it is impossible to separate the two. Nature is the battleground for these armies and the battles and casualties have been fierce. But a new battalion has joined their international ranks—the insatiable forces of greed. Our natural world has finally fallen victim to the relentless onslaught of the soldiers of avarice. They have depleted our resources, polluted our streams and oceans, killed off thousands of species, and poisoned our air and bodies with their pollutants.

Once again, Costa Rica must lead by example. Violence against man and nature come from the same seed. It is time to defend peace and nature. It is time for the voice of the Leatherback to become the voice of the people. Please save Las Baulas National Park and send another message to the world that, “Little Costa Rica offers its heart and love” to nature.

If Costa Rica fails in this final battle, the world will be a much more dangerous place to live in.

Another voice and another threat to Costa Rica’s Leatherback sea turtle has been added to the chorus of opposition to the proposed plan to downgrade Las Baulas National Park to a wildlife refuge. Todd Steiner is the Executive Director of the Turtle Island Restoration Network and he warns about the dire effects of climate change on the sea turtle’s Las Baulas habitat. They have had an ongoing relationship with Costa Rica’s own PRETOMA in  preserving the marine life around the Cocos Island.This twenty year old organization is an international marine conservation association headquartered in California whose 10,000 members work to protect sea turtles and marine biodiversity in the United States and around the world.

In addition to an Op Ed piece that ran in the Tico Times on October 2^nd, which is printed in its entirety below, these stewards of the sea turtle are gathering the support of one hundred key scientists as signatories to an open letter in direct opposition to the government’s plan. They are assisting seeturtles.org with a letter of support from Costa Rica’s eco-tour operators. There will be a forthcoming press release supported by the top NGO’s in the world conservation community. Todd will be sharing these with Nature Blog as soon as they are available.

Climate Change Affects Sea Turtles Nesting Sites

President Oscar Arias spoke eloquently at the United Nations about the need for action on global warming.  

Scientists have warned that, even if we were to immediately stop emitting all greenhouse gases, we cannot reverse some of the consequences we are already witnessing.   Melting polar ice caps and rising seas could spell doom to seaside resorts and homes, as well as one of Costa Rica’s flagship species, the sea turtle.

As sea levels rise, sea turtle nesting beaches will be flooded and the turtles will have to find nesting sites further inland from today’s shoreline. Yet, President Arias has proposed to downgrade Las Baulas National Park to a wildlife refuge, although the park includes one of the most important nesting beaches for the critically endangered Pacific leatherback turtle.

This proposed downgrading would allow new beach houses and condominiums right behind nesting habitat, preventing the leatherbacks from finding higher ground to lay their eggs as sea levels rise.

Hundreds of scientists and more than 30 conservation groups throughout the world, including some of the largest and best known (Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, etc.), have called on the government of Costa Rica to provide maximum protection for this critical nesting site and defeat the down-listing proposal.

Mr. Arias has tried to build on his Nobel Prize “Peace President” legacy, even starting a Peace with Nature Commission. Yet, his encouragement of the downgrading of this national park makes a mockery of his rhetoric to protect nature, and it questions the sincerity of his commitment to address the impacts of global climate change.

We ask President Arias to withdraw his proposal and join with the world that is trying desperately to rescue this magnificent species from extinction.   In so doing, he would help cement his legacy as the “Peace With Nature” president.

Todd Steiner 
Executive Director
Turtle Island Restoration Network
Olema, California, USA

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The political response to the simmering controversy over the proposed dismemberment of Las Baulas National Marine Park comes as no surprise. It is the job of all political subordinates, regardless of country or circumstance, to support their leader. In this case, it is Jorge Rodriguez, Minister of MINAET, Costa Rica’s Environment, Energy and Telecommunications Ministry. He wrote an opinion piece in the August 18^th issue of La Nacion, entitled, “Conservation Remains our Priority”.

In spite of what he has to say, which is totally refuted by a Ph.D. and sea turtle biologist from Drexel University, Pilar Santidrián Tomillo, he is merely a stalking horse for President Arias. There is no question that the expropriation of the land within the national park is a very serious financial challenge, although exaggerated by administration calculations. However, the scientific issues relating to Leatherback sea turtle habitat and the delicate ecosystems within the park ought to be left to the scientists and not the politicians.

On August 5^th, 2005, President Oscar shared his bold vision for Peace With Nature and the very first sentence stated, “Peace with Nature is an invitation to all the countries of the world to unite in a joint effort to strengthen their actions and political commitment in order to reverse the trends of environmental degradation caused by the impact of human activities on the planet’s ecosystems.”

This policy catapulted Costa Rica to the front of the line of countries committed to the preservation and protection of their natural resources. Along with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2021, this small country earned a big seat at the head of the table.

There is simply no justification for downgrading a national park to a wildlife refuge. If Costa Rica can find money for sports stadiums, surely it can look for a way to preserve its Peace With Nature. When the government has to split hairs and stretch the truth regarding the threat to a critically endangered species like the Leatherback turtle, they have already begun to dangerously erode their precious position as a champion on behalf of nature’s preservation. For a country that earns billions of dollars because of its green reputation, they risk everything by sullying it.

Please read the following erudite refutation of Minister Rodriguez’s opinion piece in La Nacion, authored by Pilar Santidrian Tomillo, Ph.D. and sea turtle biologist at Drexel University.

“I write this letter to respectfully answer issues raised in the article published in La Nación on August 18, 2009 by Jorge Rodríguez, Minister of MINAET, about Las Baulas de Guanacaste Marine National Park. I would like to point out that some of the historic and scientific information included in the article are incorrect and could lead to inadequate interpretations and foster disinformation about the Leatherback turtles among the readers of La Nacion.

First of all, I would like to clarify that the main cause for the decline of nesting turtles on the beaches of the National Park was the poaching of eggs that took place intensively in the 1970s and 1980s, and that extended for approximately 20 years at absolutely unsustainable levels for any population of sea turtles. This information was published in the international scientific journal “Conservation Biology” in 2008.

Likewise, fisheries also had an important effect on the Leatherback turtles in the 1980s; however, the impact of fisheries is now considered low (but high for other species of marine turtles such as the green and olive ridley turtles, information to which Don Jorge Rodriguez is probably referring). Furthermore, all of the 46 turtles studied by satellite telemetry during the nesting season in years 2005, 2006 and 2007 left the waters of Costa Rica without being affected by fisheries. Even if fisheries were important in the past and poaching of eggs nearly collapsed the population, the current threats are nowadays the ones that compromise the future of the Leatherbacks. These threats are climate change and tourist development on the nesting beaches.

One can interpret reading Don Jorge Rodríguez’s article that the establishment of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge by Decree in 1987 provided protection to the Leatherback turtle; maybe with the intention of justifying the current proposal to lower the category of Las Baulas from National Park to Wildlife Refuge. However, it is of extreme importance to emphasize that this refuge did not protect the Leatherback turtles properly. The effective conservation of the Leatherback turtles did not take place until the area was protected as a National Park.

Furthermore, we can read the following reference in the scientific report for the creation of Las Baulas de Guanacaste Marine National Park written by Dr. Peter C.H. Pritchard in 1990: “The current designation of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, administered by Tempisque Conservation Area has been inadequate to protect the land and beaches of LBG (Las Baulas de Guanacaste)”. He continues with the statement: “the beach is subject to chaotic and catastrophic levels of turtle egg collection and visits to the beach of groups without a guide or control. In addition, the habitats at the beach front are threatened by a scenario of commercial development. In any case, the beaches and mangroves are already protected in all Costa Rica by national laws, and the designation of Refuge does not contribute anything new.” Dr. Pritchard ends with the categorical affirmation: “LAS BAULAS DE GUANACASTE needs to be a National Park.”

The protection on the beach started in 1988 thanks to a group of citizens lead by Maria Teresa Koberg, Peter Pritchard, Mario Boza, Esperanza Rodríguez, Edwin Rosales and Stanley Rodríguez. The initiative was to incorporate the guides and scouts of Costa Rica for protection duties at Playa Grande. Over 3000 children from all over the country participated in the program for the first time in 1988-1989, during the school holydays (December-February). These children stayed awake at night to talk directly to the poachers and to convince them of the effects of their actions on the turtles. Surprisingly, the pressure of the group of kids had an effect on an ashamed group of adults, and the intense poaching was reduced quickly, although it was not eradicated until the years of the National Park and the permanent protection provided by the park rangers of MINAET.

The impact of poaching on the population was catastrophic but the cessation of it, in contrast to what happened to other populations such as the one in Malaysia (today considered extirpated), allowed them to survive. In addition, it constituted one of the keys of success of conservation at Playa Grande: the change in attitude of the local people, many of whom stopped collecting and selling turtle eggs in order to become tourist guides within the legal associations of the National Park. This step from poachers to tourist guides was without doubt and from any point of view, admirable.

During nearly 20 years, many people have participated in the conservation of the Leatherback turtles on the beach (scouts, local guides, park rangers, biologists and volunteers) and countless tourists from all over the world have waited until the early morning hours to enjoy the indescribable spectacle of nesting. The effort that beach work takes is only understood by those who have spent time doing it, having felt tired, sleepy, hopeless and cold in the rain. This effort deserves to be compensated by the continuity of the protection of such a wonderful and noble species. It is a heritage for all humanity, for the present generation and generations to come.”

Costa Rica’s national park system was created to protect and preserve nature from our insatiable appetite for profit and progress. These pristine places are the most valuable gifts we have to pass on to our children. The young conservationists in the picture below (courtesy Dr. Peter C.H. Pritchard) are at Playa Grande, standing guard over this Leatherback’s eggs. Our own future as a species is inseparable from the future of this ancient creature. Sanctuaries like Las Baulas are vital for our survival.

We introduced you to Tex Hawkins a number of months ago. He has just posted a terrific article that shares a combination of environmental and political science. He provides an English translation of the Citizen’s Action Party (PAC) environmental platform, which we consider to be extremely important in Costa Rica’s political dialogue. It will also be posted separately, in the interest of encouraging this dialogue.

“In my last post to Nature Air’s Nature Blog, I translated and shared observations from Costa Rican presidential candidate and opposition party leader Otton Solis, made after he attended the January inauguration of Barack Obama.  Of course, it’s impossible to predict how the ideals embodied in those reflections would play out if he were elected to that nation’s highest office, just as it would have been impossible for many of us to predict the effects of the military-industrial-financial-media complex on the rhetorical promise of our new president’s social and environmental agendas.  As my 90-year-old mother often advises, “hope for the best.”

I would advise further that we stay informed, involved and committed to a peaceful quest for the common good.  In that spirit, Winona State University launched a unique educational exchange last year, in the form of an interdisciplinary travel-study course on comparative conservation history and evolution of environmental policy.  We titled the course, “Making Peace with Nature,” borrowing from the initiative launched by Nobel prize-winning President Oscar Arias.  Our agenda called for visits to important conservation areas and communities participating in innovative programs.  The founders and leaders of Costa Rica’s internationally recognized efforts graciously found time to share their personal stories with the students, frankly discuss successes and failures, and answer many questions regarding future possibilities for a sustainable, healthy and just society. Read on…

I don’t know about you, but I am often intimidated and overwhelmed by thoughts of climate change, conservation and sustainability. What can you do and where can you turn for some inspiration?

Natureair is a great story, and it is one about vision, perseverance and a dedication to conservation and service. Its Founder and CEO, Alex Khajavi, put it all on the line right after September 11^th, when he purchased a bankrupt Costa Rican airline and overcame some very tough odds along the way. Less than eights years later, it is an extraordinary accomplishment for this company to receive the prestigious Tourism for Tomorrow award, presented by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Alex Khajavi accepted the award at the Global Travel and Tourism Summit, held in Florianopolis, Brazil, May 14th-18th. He said, “It is an honor for us to receive this award from WTTC which is one of the only awards decided by the top 100 tourism companies in the world and that includes on-site audits that vet your sustainable projects. The award only inspires us to do more and continue to chase sustainability, and we hope that it also inspires others, most notably other airlines to take up the challenge on climate change and work to reduce and offset their emissions.”

Sustainable practices and fighting climate change can be a personal decision to begin recycling in your home, or it can be about an airline in Costa Rica. It is the intention and not the scale of the effort that matters. Ultimately, individuals make these choices, whether they are CEO’s or single parent householders. So, this is an opportunity to thank individuals like Alex Khajavi for creating a company that makes a difference by operating responsibly with respect for the environment and the community, basic principles of sustainability.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President and CEO summed up their story very well at the awards ceremony. “In 2004, Natureair made a highly ambitious pledge to set new standards for sustainable practices in the airline industry, compensating for 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions through preservation and reforestation of tropical forests in the Osa Peninsula. And it has not only fulfilled this pledge, but has also implemented a whole host of other effective sustainable policies and activities, including community benefit outreach programs.”

The need to travel and explore is basic to our nature. The curiosity to know what is just beyond the horizon, at the top of a mountain or at the bottom of the ocean, has driven us for millennia. The travel and tourism industries have empowered millions of us to experience the elation felt by early explorers when they first came upon the magnificence and abundance of places like the Osa Peninsula. These modern experiences expose us to the crying need to act responsibly, especially in light of the damage done from over development. The recently held summit was a tremendous opportunity for the sharing of ideas and strategies regarding responsible travel.

Alexi Huntley, Commercial Director for Natureair, was also at the gathering and had the following observations, “This event was the pinnacle of strategic thinking and innovation in tackling challenging issues like climate change, the global recession and even the impact of pandemics on our industry. The industry employs over 225 million people worldwide and represents 10% of global GDP. The ambience was electric, and it was a pleasure to see the Minister of Tourism from Botswana on stage with the CEO of Marriott. While strategies might be different, the goals are common to everyone in attendance.”

Just heard from Dr. Herster Barres of Reforest The Tropics in response to the recent Earth Day related post. As some of you may recall, we did a fairly extensive two-part post on his organization. My post on the state of earthly matters painted a fairly harsh picture, but I hope there were some shades of optimism, especially because of the hard work of many eco-pioneers in Costa Rica.  Dr. Barres is one of those people, who has dedicated his life to leaving the Earth in better shape than he found it.

“RTT continues to progress.  We should reach 300 acres of the RTT Model carbon-offset forest planted by the end of 2009 with the participation of 65 US sponsors.  Remember that our goal is to develop and demonstrate an improved model of carbon-offset forests.  The Model seeks to make reforestation profitable for the farmer, as profitable as cattle so as to promote the massive reforestation of farm pastures in the tropics.  Specifically, the monetary goal is $500/ha/yr.  If we can achieve this goal, then we have a good chance of making the forest sustainable.  And sustainability means long-term carbon sequestration.

So, more directly addressing your blog, I believe that there may be less of a conflict between profitability (commerce) and good stewardship of the environment.

Read on…