Global Navigator Perspective: Trees, Monkeys, Adventures, Oh My!

This blog was written by Keli Greene, a member of the Climate Change Mitigation group. Keli is a student that is constantly volunteering during class and engaging with material to learn more about how to prevent climate change. The following is Keli's perspective: 

Over the past forty-eight hours, I’ve been immersed in a dynamic blend of community engagement and climate action. Picture this, the sun rising, casting its golden glow over our eager faces as we gathered for breakfast—a typical Costa Rican spread featuring tropical fruits, rice, beans, and other delectables. 

Once our meal was over, the Climate Change Mitigation class began. Armed with creativity, we crafted posters, imperfect yet spirited, that educated people about composting. These visual and lyrical gems conveyed not just the “how,” but the “why” of turning organic waste into fertile soil. 

Next, we embarked on a brisk hike to the CIEE farm. The grass concealed cow manure, turning our journey into hopscotch. Even so, our destination held promise: a sacred plot where saplings awaited their moment. These fledgling trees, adorned with minimal leaves, were our way of making a difference. Mud clung to our shoes and pants, a badge of honor. With shovels in hand and sustainable mindsets, we planted life itself. And guess what? Anyone can join this noble endeavor—it only requires a shift in perspective. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we appreciated our well-deserved free time. Our bodies, weary from physical exertion, found solace in relaxation. To cap off the day, we delved into the dystopian thrill of “Maze Runner,” a cinematic escape that mirrored our own journey—one of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of a better world. 

As Monday drew to a close, Tuesday ushered in a remarkable event, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Our day began as usual, and by 8:30 in the morning, we found ourselves at the Eternal Children's Rainforest. During the drive, engaging conversations revealed the close bonds we had formed. Upon reaching the secluded rainforest, an advocate for rainforest conservation engaged us in profound discussions. We delved into the multifaceted roles of forests: safeguarding water basins, bolstering economies, preserving biodiversity, and shielding other ecosystems from relentless winds.

Following the enlightening lecture, we split into two groups and embarked on our rainforest adventure. As we explored, we discovered that the area was a secondary rainforest, once a farm. Passing a guava tree, only found in secondary forests, captured our attention. Yet, the true marvel awaited us: white-faced monkeys gliding through the trees, turning the forest into their highway. Witnessing this surreal spectacle, we marveled at their agility and the way they ward off predators by showing their teeth, the monkeys even put Luis Dumani, our instructor, into a corner. 

Beyond the monkeys’ subtle displays of aggression, we recognized the opportunity to capture eternal memories through videos. This encounter with an endemic species underscored the rainforest’s significance without endangering anyone, truly making it a positive experience to remember.