|
|
Tigger Travels - Family Adventure Journal
Photos From Tigger`s Travels and MORE!
Earth Day, Costa Rica, Central American Paradise
Back
|
|
Striving to become the `greenest` country on the planet, there is a role for everyone to play! |
On this Earth Day 2013, April 22 has been designated an important time when ecological preservation education spreads to as many people as possible. For 43 years organizations world wide have worked hard and brought together the heart and minds of world leaders and common citizens alike in one singular purpose, Promote conservation and concern for our fragile environment.
As humans who have lived on the planet for thousands of years, one thing is sure, we try and try, we make mistakes but as long as we keep trying we can make the planet a better place.
Recently, Tigger visited Costa Rica with friends from Los Angeles (Ray) and St. Louis (Ray's Brother). With a little background history and first hand observation we can learn more about our roles in making this a better place.
Historic look at Costa Rica
Click to enlarge image
Fishing has been a staple for Puntarenas Canton for many generations. These friends, Jose and Franklin fish nearly every day off the coast of Costa Rica for their living. |
|
This small country gave up their budget for armed forces in favor of funding education, security and environmental improvement. In 2007, they started a plan to be carbon-neutral by the year 2021!
Some other achievements of the small country include:- Has signed 45 international environmental treaties.
- No army since 1948, funds go toward education, security, environment
- 5th in the world in 2012 environmental performance index
- 1st in Happy Planet Index in 2009 & 2012 by New Economics Foundation
- Greenest country in the world in 2009 (NEF)
- 100% of electricity comes from clean energy (water, wind, volcanoes)
- 0.03% of the earth's surface but 4% of the worlds biodiversity
- National parks and reserves cover 25.6% of its land area
- Leads by example when environment is discussed globally. Most countries only 'come to the table' dragging and screaming fighting to be the last to arrive. Costa Rica has long fought to be the first at every table for environmental improvement
- Due to coffee industry forests were cleared down to 33% but today they have reached 53%
- 750 miles of pristine beaches
Additionally, Education First is currently sponsoring students traveling to the rivers of Costa Rica to plant new mangroves to reduce erosion.
First Hand ObservationRay and his brother had a great time on their Eco-Tour but Ray recounts his first thoughts about the rain forests while looking back on his excursion while at port in Puntarenas.
"In January 2011 I participated in an eco-tour down a small river that flows into the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica. All along the banks of the river you saw many examples of the plants and animals that thrive in this rainforest. You also witnessed first hand the presence of man in an environment in which he is not native. The banks of the river, downed branches of trees and tree roots exposed to the water from erosion all strewn with litter. Paper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans everywhere - all preventable. The native animals forced to live in man's filth all because he is too lazy to dispose of his own waste properly." - Ray Schneider
Everyone has a Part to Play, Take Action Where You AreYou to can travel with organizations like Earth First on EF Tours and take part in helping with projects around the globe. Even in Costa Rica, a country that is a leader among nations in restoring our environment, we can learn that we must all make an effort where ever we are to keep our planet clean and safe for the future. Educate yourself about recycling and learn steps you can take every day to help out. Every little step contributes to the overall goal. Together we will make a difference.
Click to enlarge image
Ray riding the zip line over the canopy of the Mexican rain forests near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. |
|
#TiggerTravels
#TiggerTravelsSite
#TiggerTravelsDotCom
#Tigger
Date taken: 2013 04 22 Important Links: |
Back
|
Daily Navigator/Iwa Published Schedule
|
|
)
)
!["[Here] you see an alligator sunning itself on some wood debris in the river water. He shares this rest spot with torn plastic bags and other forms of trash." - Ray Schneider "[Here] you see an alligator sunning itself on some wood debris in the river water. He shares this rest spot with torn plastic bags and other forms of trash." - Ray Schneider - Earth Day, Costa Rica, Central American Paradise - Striving to become the `greenest` country on the planet, there is a role for everyone to play!](javascript:JSWindowOpener('zoom.php?picture=userpictures/1014.1.jpg&pl_title=Earth%20Day%20Costa%20Rica%20Central%20American%20Paradise&imageCaption=)
)