Revision, Module 3, Exercise E. Joining us today, we have Andrew Foster, a conservationist at Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica.0:00
So, Andrew, tell us about Corcovado National Park.0:15
Well, the reserve was created in 1975 to protect one of the last remaining rainforests in Central America.0:19
This forest provides an important habitat for many rare and endangered species.0:25
Why does this area need protection?0:31
In the past, the area was heavily threatened by gold mining.0:33
Deforestation from these projects massively reduced the size of the forest.0:37
Since we established the reserve, mining has become illegal.0:41
However, the wildlife continues to be threatened by poachers.0:44
So, how are you dealing with these problems?0:48
Well, at the moment we have wardens patrolling the area to protect it from poachers.0:51
We also try to promote conservation among locals by visiting schools.0:56
If we can get funding, we intend to replant the areas that have been deforested.1:00
So, how did you first get involved in the conservation of this area?1:04
I have always wanted to help the environment, which is why I studied ecology at university.1:09
After I graduated, I moved to Brazil to study the effects of climate change.1:14
While there, my colleague alerted me of the problems in Corcovado.1:18
That's when I made the decision to move to Costa Rica and join the conservation campaign.1:22
Yet I hear that you are encouraging tourism in the area.1:26
That's right, tourism is necessary to raise money for our project.1:30
Although we are lucky to have voluntary staff, we desperately need funds in order to restore the forests.1:34
This must be achieved soon before jaguar numbers fall so low that we will be forced to breed them in captivity.1:39
But won't tourism damage the fragile ecology?1:45
Actually, we promote ecotourism, which has no negative impacts on the environment.1:49
For example, the accommodation we offer our guests is built from straw and furnished with bamboo.1:54
Also, although our lodges are located in the reserve, they were constructed without damaging the ancient rosewood trees.1:59
So, what advice can you give people that want to help in some way?2:05
Well, the best way to help is by holding a fundraiser.2:09
Remember to send us photographs so we can put them on our website.2:12
You could also help by adopting an animal.2:15
If you do, we will send you an official certificate of adoption and regular updates on your sponsored animal.2:18
Finally, we invite listeners to purchase items from our website.2:24
We sell authentic Costa Rican handcrafts that would make great gifts.2:28
That's all we have time for today.2:33
Thank you for talking to us, Andrew.2:35
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