11 Jun Restoration not only helps to connect forests and ecosystem

Blog by: Rodrigo de Sousa, Ridge to Reef Restoration Network Implementation Manager

As most of us are aware of, fragmentation of tropical forests is one of the biggest threats to the amazing biodiversity that exists in the tropics, and unfortunately, despite its good environmental policies and strategies, Costa Rica does not escape from this global trend.

Land use changes, especially those aimed at either stablishing pasture for beef production or stablishing monocrop plantations of palm oil, bananas and pineapple have (and will continue to) dramatically change the general landscape of this country, particularly affecting large areas of the Costa Rican southwest that, a few decades ago, were covered with forests.

Luckily, there are still well-preserved large patches of primary forests whereas secondary forests are reappearing in many areas which gives us a great opportunity for restoration since we can still find all kinds of seed dispersers that could contribute to significantly increase the initial tree biodiversity on human made plantations for restoration.

I am thrilled to be part of a large restoration initiative such as the “Ridge to Reef Restoration Network”, launched by Osa Conservation earlier this year, aiming at help connecting the astonishing biodiversity present in the protected areas of Osa Peninsula, Golfo Dulce and The Talamanca Range.

This might be our last chance to bring back, at least to some extent, the great variety of fauna and flora that once populated this Region and I am thankful to have an opportunity to make real and lasting changes.

My experience has shown me that restoration is a bridge to connect forests and ecosystems but more importantly it can be an effective tool to connect people, communities, companies and institutions creating great opportunities for improving local livelihoods while generating landscapes where ecosystems can thrive and flourish.

I could not ask for a better life than working with people and nature in such a beautiful part of the World.