Nature Air

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