Today we had a unique and enjoyable day.  We started it off with a nature hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and then spent some time learning about Costa Rica’s culture at Monteverde Institute. The trails at the Cloud Forest very relaxing with a beautiful scenery.  At first, it was a little frustrating because we had a hard time finding different type of wildlife. However, as we continued through our adventure, we saw animals such as unique birds and a monkey.  I’ve always been fascinated by animals, so I was happy I got to see a lot. The cloud forest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world and is already under pressure from climate change and years of tourism. While searching for quetzals and listening to random animals in the distance, it became clear that allowing unlimited access would slowly damage the same environment people travel so far to experience.

One thing I found very interesting was how much of the forest there was. Sometimes I’d feel confused when I’d see no animals, but it makes sense when you realize how big the forest is.  The limited access helped preserve the natural feeling of the reserve instead of turning it into an overcrowded attraction. Later in the day, the Monteverde Institute explained how tourism has created both opportunities and challenges for the local community. Tourism provides jobs and income for many families, but it also increases pressure on natural resources and can change the character of the area over time. The Institute made it clear that sustainability falls under 3 criteria’s, social, economic and environment. I feel as if it is very difficult to balance all three.  For example, in the US you might see a business’s maximizing economically, but it is terrible for the environment.

Overall, I believe limiting tourism in places like the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a necessary tradeoff and an example of good stewardship. Some visitors might be disappointed, and profits could potentially dip but it ensures the countries natural beauty will still be there in years to come. If the environment becomes damaged from overcrowding, both the ecosystem and the tourism industry would suffer in the long run. The talk we had a Monteverde Institute made me realize the biggest part of sustainability is being in a good position for the long run.  I think preserving the health of the forest is more important than making tourism as convenient as possible.