Challenge

Between the years 1961 and 1992 the northern zone of Costa Rica lost over 90% of it's tropical, humid forests. The lands were deforested for cattle farming and cultivation of crops. Forest fragmentation causes flora and fauna to be isolated on little forest patches. This isolation causes inbreeding which results in genetically weakened generations. For many species these isolated forest patches are too small to make a live able habitat, as food can become scarce and species cannot migrate.

Solution

Creating buffer zones along creeks and rivers is of high importance for the protection of these vulnerable water ways. Expanding the habitat for flora and fauna will result in a higher survival rate. Planting native tree species on these buffer zones will create more options for animals to migrate and next to that the trees will retain the soil, preventing it from being eroded by the rivers.

Long-Term Impact

Once a decent canopy has been created, fauna will feel safe to travel and migrate along the corridor. In the future, other projects could expand the corridor even more, connecting them to other isolated forest patches. The landowner will be able to receive payments for environmental services such as carbon sequestration. The financial benefits will protect and conserve the forest and will reduce the risk of it being deforested.

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources