Into the Dry Forest

As our journeys through Costa Rica continue, we found ourselves travelling up the coast, to the far north of the country. For three days we stayed on Santa Elena Peninsula, with an incredible view from our hotel overlooking the Costa Rica and Nicaragua border. This land is full of breathtaking natural beauty and we have learned so many things about how we can be good caretakers of this planet, be conscious of our own impacts, and raise awareness of important issues to those around us. During our stay on the Peninsula, we had the chance to explore a unique ecosystem known as a dry forest. Dry forests go through dramatic changes throughout the year, looking almost desert like in the dry season, and quite like the rainforest in the wet season. At Santa Rosa National park, which is thousands and thousands of acres in size, and home to three active volcanoes, it was fascinating to learn how only 2% of the land is accessible to humans. This leaves so much room for the wildlife to flourish and grow in its pristine conditions, and live free from the impacts of issues like urbanization and deforestation. There are still threats facing this beautiful national park though. Poachers are found every day hunting wildlife to sell in the illegal pet trade, and fires started by humans consume massive amounts of land every year. With only 1 ranger patrolling approximately every 1000 acres of land, this has been a very difficult challenge. Human impact has created major difficulties in forests around the world and once things are gone they are often gone for good. One theme of this trip has been that there are always seeds of hope! Our explorations have demonstrated how each of us in our own way has the chance to take direct action in the world around us. We discussed different ways to raise awareness, create clubs in our schools and home towns, and lobby influential politicians and business people to prioritise protecting our vital natural resources. There is not time to waste. The proactice perspectives I have seen from the students on this program shows how willing this generation is to engage with great challenges, and I come away every day feeling more and more inspired. Our journey continues from here to the mountains of Monteverde and we are going in with open eyes and excitement for the adventures ahead. We have continued to have limited wifi access, so more photos will follow shortly. Pura Vida and hasta luego!