Temporary Tattoos Raise Funds For Conservation of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula
April 5, 2008
Dear Friends (Near and Far):
I am taking a moment to write you an update on the activities of many in the quest to bring some sanity to the assault being waged on the Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica. The issue of the two illegal developments we brought to your attention in February has generated a significant amount of positive energy and actions to address the bigger problems and possible solutions. We couldn’t have hoped for a better result than this. Costa Ricans are talking, advocating, strategizing, and empowering others. Almost every government environmental agency, local neighborhood association, environmental organization, and tourism-based business in the Southern zone of Costa Rica is participating in meetings and plans to try and stop the onslaught of mega-development and bring rational, sustainable development to the area. Development will come, but locals are now taking an even bigger role and voice in determining the level of development they’ll accept. It’s a wonderful thing to witness. It’s also a big task.
As most of you know, the illegal development project at the Laguna Sierpe has been halted by the environmental court of Costa Rica. This does not mean it is completely safe and so we continue to monitor activity and progress on the legal end. The second project , called Yacamar, is still in existence and I’m attaching a photo of their new ‘For sale’ sign. They are not presently working/destroying more of the property as they are concentrating on selling the 4 larger ‘fincas. ‘ Please note that the 75 hectare finca (approx. 185 acres) has 49 lots already surveyed and plotted. With the other fincas one could project they want 150 or more homesites in this development. This represents a completely illegal form of development in this Forest Reserve. Legally they cannot cut ONE tree in this primary tropical forest without permits.
On March 28, a large group of people from the entire canton (county) met with the consejo (council) and the alcalde (mayor) to propose a moratorium on new constructions and earth movement until the plan regulador (zoning plan) is finished and approved. The council is reviewing this proposal as to its legality and has said they will approve it if it is legally sound. We will see. Since so much of the documented responsibility of the two illegal developments we are fighting falls on the alcalde himself and the municipality, we are anxious to hear their decision. This is a drastic measure for drastic times. It is not a desirable action to take, but a similar cry last year for tighter restrictions on the building practices, etc. has done nothing. Legal permits rose by 200% last year. An article is in Friday’s English Tico Times (attached but not available on the Internet) and here’s a link to an article (in Spanish) by University of Costa Rica’s newspaper. www.semanario.ucr.ac.cr Scroll down to “Osa acuerda moratoria a permisos de construcción”
Earth Day or Día de la Tierra is coming up soon. Here in the Osa we’ll celebrate on the 20th and the issue of development will be front and center. Back home at Earth Day in Roseburg, Oregon, Donna, a dear friend who lives here part of the year, will be selling temporary tattoos of rainforest animals from the conservation organization, the Osa Campaign. We’re hoping to raise a little more awareness and a few funds in support of this amazing place on the planet.
Well, the sun is setting on the Osa and my privileged vista is of the Golfo Dulce and layers of hazy mountains of forest laid out before me. I have attached a photo of the upper gulf, so you can get an idea of this locale. I want to thank each and every one of you who have done something to help us preserve this natural gem. Maybe you sent a letter to President Arias or shared our struggle with someone else. And go to an Earth Day celebration this year near you and support your local efforts to protect the special places. We are all connected!
Many blessings on you all!
Terri
Terri Peterson
terrixp@gmail.com
506-8888-0690
