Today we made our way to Monteverde, located in the mountains. The region provides stunning views and peaceful sounds. Between off and on sleeping, it was very look out over the drop-off next to the road and out onto the incredible views of the mountains, valleys, and forests. The roads were very windy and the towns were small. Directly near our hotel, and even within it, there do seem to be a lot of tourists and tourist attractions, as well as things that seem generally American.

This shift could have something to do with the Quakers that settled here in the 1950s. To make a long story short, the pacifist group wanted to leave the States, where it was now mandatory to register for selective service and eventually landed on Monteverde as the best place. They started a settlement and brought a lot of development to the area. They built roads, a sawmill, schools, and a cheese factory that sold its product to the capital. Their influence is still prevalent as there is still a Quaker community here.

One thing that this integration brought about is something I have come to realize about Costa Rica. There is a lot of diversity here. There are many laborers from Nicaragua and even a few from Panama. The Quaker community in Monteverde introduced American, German, Spanish, and Dutch settlers as well.

Another thing to note is the bottom-to-top push for sustainability. A biologist convinced the Quaker leader to conserve the forest which so many unique species are native to rather than cut it down for development. Even despite the current industrial development in many of the fertile agricultural lands occurring today, many Ticos still find it incredibly important to preserve the beautiful nature and environment they are so renowned for. It is certainly inspiring considering climate change is a very palpable issue here. Don Ricardo, our lecturer today, said that between the first year he gave a rainforest tour and the second one, there was a 40% decrease in the unique and special amphibian species here. Additionally, they are low-altitude birds higher into the mountains than ever before as they escape the heat.

The challenges facing Monteverde are a reminder that climate change impacts everything, and it only takes away from the beauty and diversity we have the opportunity to see. I look forward to seeing even more ways in which Costa Rica advocates for conservation and sustainability.