Costa rica

• What/where is Costa Rica?

  It is a small country in central america that is home to 6% of the worlds biodiversity and it attracts 2 million tourists a year
• describe what happened in Costa Rica in 1960

  It experienced rapid deforestation, mainly due to cattle ranching and agriculture development
• describe what happened in Costa Rica from 1970-1990

  deforestation reached one of the highest rates in the world with 32000 hectares of forest cut down every year
• what is happening in Costa rica now in terms of looking after the environment

  currently, there are 28 national parks and 24% of the countries land area is protected
• What is the Samasati nature retreat?

  It is a small scale project in which retreat that doesn't damage the natural environment was made.
• what activities are there in the retreat?

  bird watching, yoga/meditation, white water rafting etc.
• How is the Samasati retreat sustainable?

  • no heavy machinery was used in construction
  • only employs local people
  • drinking water comes from natural springs
  • timber came from afforestation project
  • rainwater is collected on roofs and used for toilets and showers
  • buildings fit between trees in forest so no trees were destroyed
  • natural light and ventilation minimise energy usage
• Sustainable management of the forest

  • agroforestory - trees and crops are grown together
  • selective logging - trees are only cut down when they reach a certain height
  • afforestation - tree are planted to replace the original primary forest that has been lost
  • monitoring - satellite technology and photos are used to ensure that no illegal activities are taking place