Today’s visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was a reminder that conservation isn’t just about saving land but also about making important choices. While walking through the stunning trails, surrounded by greenery and the sound of birds chirping, it felt like an alternate reality. Especially when we reached higher elevations, only being able to see white from the clouds in the distance. Our guide taught us some information that actually connected with our lesson from yesterday about the Quakers. Interestingly, the Cloud Forest has a large portion of land owned by the original Quakers, who had a significant impact in building what Monteverde is today, that is managed by the Reserve. This could potentially be a factor that complicates conservation attempts when two parties share responsibility for the same land.
After our hike, we had a lecture at the Monteverde Institute where we learned more about Costa Rica’s national approach to sustainability. In 2016, Costa Rica became the first country to sign the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, committing to 17 broad goals that touch on everything from education to environmental health. The country has no army, offers free public education, universal healthcare, and runs on 99% renewable energy (mostly from hydroelectric sources). They still face many challenges, they’re ranked first in the world for agrochemical (pesticide) use per hectare, and its economy relies heavily on electronic component exports. Even tourism, helping support the economy, brings a lot of pressure on the environment and the country’s environmental goals. The balance between preserving nature and supporting people is not easy and they are still doing their best to navigate this.
If I were to prioritize one of the three – productivity, conservation, or sustainability – I would definitely choose sustainability. It’s the only option that considers the long-term impacts of our actions. Productivity can boost the economy, and conservation can protect what is here, but sustainability brings the two ideas together. It is more about making sure future generations have access to a lush ecosystem and lots of opportunities. The Monteverde Institute is a great example of this with their priorities being research, education and community involvement to create an impact.
A big take away from today is that conservation isn’t just an idea but more a decision we have to actively make. Monteverde’s beauty is not accidental but the result of people prioritizing its protection which I think is really beautiful in its own way.
We finished our day off with a night hike where we saw snakes, frogs, and different insects!
