NRDC Names Costa Rica as a “BioGem”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Serena Ingre, 202-289-2378, singre@nrdc.org

NRDC Names Costa Rica as a “BioGem”

Country aims to be carbon neutral by 2021; New BioGems Web site engages more than 400,000 activists

WASHINGTON (February 3, 2009) — For the first time, the Natural Resources Defense Council named a country – Costa Rica – as a BioGem today. The designation follows efforts by Costa Rica to become the world’s first carbon-neutral nation by 2021. BioGems are extraordinary and at-risk places that stretch from the Arctic in Alaska to Patagonia in Chile. Costa Rica joins 12 other BioGems across the Americas that NRDC is leading efforts to protect.

“Designating Costa Rica as a BioGem reflects NRDC's determination to support the country’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality and become a model for the world,” said Peter Lehner, NRDC’s Executive Director. "Our goal is to secure long-term environmental solutions to protect Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity and reduce pressure on its natural areas.”

Costa Rica, located in Central America, has two coastlines, tropical forests, mountains and volcanoes, and the world’s greatest density of animal and plant species – an estimated 500,000 – many of which are found nowhere else on the planet.

Despite a successful track record in protecting many of its natural riches, Costa Rica is facing growing pressure to open its coastlines to oil and gas drilling, clear forests for agro-industry, and recklessly grow its tourism infrastructure on the Pacific Coast, including the Osa Peninsula, the crown jewel of Costa Rica's biodiversity.

In order to help Costa Rica meet its carbon neutrality objective and achieve long-term environmental solutions, NRDC is working with its Energy and Environment Ministry to identify a series of measures to reduce and offset global warming pollution. NRDC also just signed an agreement with the national electric utility (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. In partnership with one of Latin America’s leading ecological facilities (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza), located in Costa Rica, NRDC has launched a rainforest rejuvenation project to plant 30,000 trees to restore a natural rainforest. These actions will help Costa Rica reaffirm its position as a global environmental leader.

Since 2001, NRDC has campaigned to save more than 30 special natural places throughout the Americas that offer sanctuary for endangered wildlife, curb global warming and provide livelihoods for local communities.

NRDC also redesigned the “Save BioGems” Web site with new features in order to more effectively mobilize more than 400,000 online activists to protect these areas. The site features a blog by NRDC wildlife experts; an action alert widget that can be embedded on social networks; interactive slideshows and video; and more Spanish-language content. It also includes an “Action Log” where BioGems activists can track their actions and achievements in protecting these areas.

“The success of the BioGems Initiative demonstrates the power of the Internet as a tool for conservation,” said Jacob Scherr, co-director of NRDC’s BioGems Initiative. “Save Biogems has enabled people around the world to have a voice in protecting some of the most unique wild places in our hemisphere.”

For more information, go to www.SaveBioGems.org.

# # #

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 1 million members and e-activists nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Beijing. More information is available at www.nrdc.org.

Continued support for the jaguar research in the Osa

Welcome Marijke and Adolfo

We started 2009 with 2 new members of staff in Lapa Rios. One of them is a very well known friend of our Hotel. Her name is Marijke Mulder and she had worked in Lapa Rios in the past. Now she has the position of “Operation´s Manager Assistant”. She is from “La Amapola”, a town close to Puerto Jimenez. Marijke just finished her Distance Bachelor´s degree last month.
The other new staff member is Adolfo Artavia. He is an Agronomist from EARTH University and he will be the Sustainability Coordinator for Lapa Rios. The last 4 years he lived in the humid tropics of Caribbean lowlands but he is originally from Heredia province.
We are happy to have Marijke and Adolfo with us and we are sure they will bring good things for Lapa Rios. Welcome!

Thanks to the Alameda Family!

On January 25th, we receive the visit of the Alameda family from the United States. Two members of this family, Arline and Ted, made a donation of school implements for our Escuela Carbonera. They gave us coloring books, soccer balls, table games, among other things. We are very grateful with Arline and Ted for their generous contribution for the local children. At this time the kids are in their holidays but they will be happy to use their new sport and recreational materials.
Thank you very much!