There is a worldwide consensus that everything related to caring for the environment and the natural resources is everyone’s business. It is in our hands to join forces for this purpose. But what exactly are natural resources?

According to Cabrerizo (2016) a natural resource is “everything that humanity obtains from nature to satisfy its needs for goods and services, directly (raw materials) or indirectly (natural resources that provide essential ecological services for the continuity of the life)”. Examples of these resources are water, soil, flora and fauna. Natural resources are our source of life.

We must all unite to ensure the well-being of Mother Nature. We must assume our responsibility and commitment for the planet, because for a long time we had the erroneous idea that natural resources were at our disposal and use, and that they were unlimited; until we discover contrary.

We must treat all natural resources with respect, as if we were caring for a great treasure. We need to learn how to use them with full conscience, knowing that their conservation is the best inheritance that we can leave to future generations.

There are many actions to take care of nature, some of these are:

1. a) Change consumption habits and recycle

For several years recycling has been promoted not only at the level of companies or institutions but also in households. Although we have had some achievements, it is necessary to incorporate recycling with greater precision, ensuring that we only consume what we need without falling into excesses and waste.

1. b) Reduce electricity consumption

Turn off and unplug the devices that we are not using and opt for outdoor activities and detach ourselves a bit from technology to live more real experiences. In the case of drying clothes, as long as the weather permits, we can use natural resources such as the breeze and the sun instead of the dryer. In the same way the drying of our hair.

1. c) Do not use disposable products

We must choose not to use disposable products whose duration is so short that it does not justify their use. In Costa Rica, polystyrene -based products were recently banned, which is a step forward, but the use of plastic and other materials has yet to be eliminated.

1. d) Save water

Although they are actions that we all know, it is worth remembering them. We must exercise responsible habits to take care of our natural resources. For example: reducing the time in the shower, closing the faucet when it is not being used, among others.

Education and environmental awareness are two of the main strategies to safeguard biodiversity. We can only care about what we know and understand.

We will start by defining the term biodiversity. Komar (2017) indicates that biodiversity encompasses all ecosystems, the diversity of species, and the genetic diversity within each species that can be found in a defined space. Biodiversity is life itself, and therefore we are closely connected with it and we depend on its existence and conservation. Human beings cannot be well nor can we live comfortably if biodiversity is in danger.

It is our responsibility to protect it and reverse the damage caused by the excessive use of natural resources, pollution and deforestation, among other processes that have affected a large number of species.

Biodiversity is a multidimensional, interdependent and complex network that as a whole provides a series of environmental goods and services known as ecosystem services, of which human beings are part (CEPAL). It is a relationship of codependency in which human beings obtain benefits for our development, but at the same time we must ensure their protection. As Confucius would say: “if you serve nature, she will serve you.”

Our invitation is to adopt a lifestyle of moderation and awareness having in mind the value of biodiversity, our greatest treasure in Costa Rica and the rest of the world.

We must emphasize that the indigenous populations have been coined the title of “guardians of nature” so we must learn from their deep respect and admiration for Mother Earth, by safeguarding the different species of flora and fauna and respecting their right of existence.

Nature in its immense wisdom possesses the ability to regulate itself and organize the multiple relationships between different species. This system must be respected and restored. We can achieve this by changing our consumption habits towards a more sustainable framework, learning more about the fragility of the planet, recycling, not polluting water and soil and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Therefore, to answer the question about what would happen if all the inhabitants of the world fought to protect biodiversity? The answer is very simple: the world would function better, we would be better protected from current calamities and we could better enjoy life on the planet.

 

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has generated an impact around the world and we have all had to adapt to the new normality, which includes the implementation of preventative measures such as the correct use of the mask, social distancing and having to restrict the social exchange with people outside the social bubble. This exclusive group of members of the bubble then becomes a sacred space that must be protected and whose limits must not be transgressed for the well-being of its members.

In the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve we implement all the guidelines indicated by the Ministry of Health so that our visitors can live the experience in the forest with peace and harmony. We respectfully ask all of our visitors for commitment and responsibility to comply with the established protocols in order to guarantee everyone’s wellbeing.

Visitors must stay within the social bubble at all times and must frequently perform hand washing, alcohol gel disinfection, bubble spacing, and correct us of the face mask. Our naturalist guides will maintain a distance of 1.8 meters within your bubble at all times. We exercise our responsibility so that you feel reassured that you are in a safe place.

Coming to the Monteverde Reserve with your family represents a meaningful experience that promotes integration. The experience of hiking in the forest also promotes growth of all family members, helping to everyone in the group to reconnect with nature.

Recreation and leisure are not contrary to responsibility. We believe that you should not miss the experience of visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. We will see you soon!

Human beings are an integral part of mother nature’s creation. She nurtures us with energy and strength to live. However,

 modern life does not naturally integrate nature’s rhythms into our daily routine due to the accelerated pace of living. The urban expansion and the stress-generating activities create an environment where people forget the importance of having contact with nature and the benefits of maintaining a close relationship with the natural environment.

The increase of time that human beings currently dedicate to technology and social networks, although they are very useful tools, in a certain way has caused an imbalance in our natural behavior and contact with nature, affecting on many occasions the physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

The planet needs us to synchronize ourselves with the rhythms of nature. Regaining this balance is an important necessity for human beings.

Visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve represents a very valuable opportunity not only for recreation, butalso as an investment in physical and mental health. In this sense, numerous studies have shown that the periodic exposure of people to the natural world substantially improves the health and quality of life of human beings. For this reason, we encourage children, youth and adults to come to experience one of the most special ecosystems on the planet.

Visiting the Monteverde Reserve is a positive experience away from various stress-generating sources of urban life that can provide the deep breath that people need in the midst of the current situation of uncertainty related to problems derived from the economy, health and politics. Therefore, we recommend that when you visit us in Monteverde, you do your best to keep your full attention on the cloud forest, its colors, sounds and smells.

In addition to facilitating a closer contact with nature, we promote respect and admiration for all the natural resources, to which our lives are linked. We consider that it is the responsibility of adults to help children develop a close relationship with nature: what a better inheritance than to transmit children with the love for biodiversity and the commitment to preserve it for future generations? As the naturalist Thoreau would say, “we need nature’s tonic”.

We hope to see you soon in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve! Where we are waiting for you with great joy!

Costa Rica is a privileged and internationally recognized nation thanks to its natural exuberance. This tiny country boasts 5% of the world’s biodiversity, which is one of the reasons, every year, it attracts tourists from all over the planet. Part of the fascination generated by this beautiful country comes from its diversity of landscapes. The variety of ecosystems and virgin forests and the commitment of people to protect and enjoy them is remarkable in Costa Rica. Being a small country, it is not necessary to travel long distances to visit most of its tourist attractions, as is the case of Monteverde, a small community in the mountains of northern Costa Rica, just over 2 hours from the capital and the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia. Monteverde is a community founded by a mixture of American Quaker immigrants and Costa Rican country people. Monteverdeans are proud to be part of a world-pioneer country in terms of conservation and sustainable tourism.

Monteverde is world-renowned for protecting one of the most pristine Cloud Forest on Earth. Cloud Forests are unique ecosystems as they only represent less than 1% of the remaining forests on the planet’s surface. Here you can find very particular species of trees, plants and animals, such as the quetzal and numerous species of orchids. This makes the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve an exceptional destination on any tourist trip to Costa Rica.

Monteverde, due to its location on the continental divide on top of the Cordillera de Tilarán is surrounded by beautiful mountains of different shades of bluish green. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve provide a great opportunity to contemplate the Cloud Forest with all of its sounds of nature.

The frequent incidence of cloudiness allows visitors to feel as if they were truly in the clouds. Filling-up your lungs with pure air and being able to appreciate the beautiful landscapes from the different viewpoints of the reserve is an experience that no visitor should miss.

Its trails, in addition to providing an experience that many visitors have described as “magical”, offers the opportunity to walk through the forest and observe a large amount of flora and fauna. In the Reserve there are more than 3,200 species of plants, including 700 species of trees and 500 species of orchids. Approximately 425 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, 60 species of amphibians and 101 species of reptiles also inhabit this forest.

These are just some of the reasons why the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve has gained international recognition, positioning itself as one of the richest places in biodiversity, hence the admiration from its visitors.

The Tropical Science Center (CCT), the first environmental NGO in Costa Rica, manages the reserve and directs numerous efforts to create awareness and sensitivity in visitors about the importance of protecting the natural resources including the biodiversity of Costa Rica.

Visitors, in addition to living the experience of the Cloud Forest, can learn about actions that promote conservation. In the same way, those who wish to participate in our conservation efforts have the opportunity to support one of the many conservation and research projects run by the CCT, either by enrolling in one of the volunteer programs, participating in the different educational programs offered by the institution or donating to the CCT.