Protecting lowland rainforestin Costa Rica

In the south of Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula lies the Corcovado National Park, which protects one of the last lowland rainforests in the world on 42,469 hectares. National Geographic describes it as a place with the highest biological intensity in the world. Only 80 km away begins the Amistad National Park, the largest national park in Costa Rica. Naturefund, together with the Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin and the Fundación de Universidad de Golfito, would like to set up a green climate bridge between the two national parks and thereby significantly promote the exchange of species. In a first major step we want to plant 100,000 trees. Please help us to do so!

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Reforestation in Costa Rica

Coast of Corcovado National Park
Photo: Naturefund

In the south of Costa Rica there are still large lowland rainforests, home to a unique biodiversity. But here, too, the forest is threatened by grazing and plantation farming, poaching and logging. Naturefund wants to create a green climate bridge between two globally important national parks.

Green climate bridge in Costa Rica

Naturefund wants to build a rainforest bridge in the south of Costa Rica that will connect two globally important national parks.

In the south of Costa Rica, on the Osa Peninsula, lies the Corcovado National Park. Covering 42,469 hectares, it protects one of the world's last lowland rainforests and represents the last wild tropical lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast. It provides habitat for numerous rare species such as the jaguar, tapir and harpy eagle. National Geographic describes this national park as having the highest biological intensity in the world. Only 80 km and about 2 hours drive away, begins the Amistad National Park. It is the largest national park in Costa Rica and its 570,000 hectares extend to Panama. In this protected area there are mountains, cloud forests and tropical rainforests that provide habitat for rare species such as the great ant-eater, the quetzal bird or one of the famous poison frogs.

Between these two national parks, at a distance of 80 km, there are still many forest remnants, many of which are connected or not far apart. Connecting these forest remnants and thus building a green climate bridge between the Pacific coast and the highlands can decisively promote the exchange of species. The special feature: The bridge represents one of the world's five biodiversity hotspots. For example, there are over 700 tree species in this region alone, around 40 of which are endemic. By comparison, there are nearly 550 tree species in all of Europe.

Scientists at the University of Costa Rica (UCR) in Golfito recognized decades ago how important such a connection between the two national parks is and founded the Fundacíon Universidad de Golfito (FUdG). Near the Corcovado National Park, the FUdG leased 225 hectares of rainforest 10 years ago and built a research station, which is now used by international researchers for research work.

Reforestation with Naturefund

Costa Rica is one of the most stable democracies in Latin America. Unfortunately, here too large areas of forest are cleared for cattle farming and tropical precious woods are illegally logged. Meanwhile, Costa Rica has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world.

So there are a number of challenges to preserving the rainforest. As a first step, we want to plant 100,000 trees and protect old primeval forest giants. In doing so, we want to buy remaining rainforest remnants and preserve them for the future together with our project partner. We also want to reforest unused pastures in the corridor between the two national parks, thus connecting the forest remnants and creating sustainable concepts. Cooperation with already existing protected areas is also an important step to build the climate bridge and connect the national parks.

Help us to build the green climate bridge in Costa Rica! For 6 € you plant a tree and support the conservation of Costa Rica's unique biodiversity.