Introducing myself

I am Annemarie Silkens, 56 years old and I live in Hilversum. I have a family with 4 children, I work at the social neighborhood team of the municipality of Soest. I also row, do yoga, walk and read a lot. Since September 2022 I work as a volunteer for the Foundation Adopt Rainforest.

Particpate and adopt rain forest!

Why did you become a volunteer?

In April 2022, I unexpectedly got the chance to go to Costa Rica. A friend was going and asked if I wanted to come along. Well, of course I wanted to! It had been a long time since I had taken a faraway trip and a long time since I had been in the jungle. What an opportunity! I immediately started investigating what I would like to see in Costa Rica.

On the map I found the Parque Nacional de los Quetzales. Wow! Now it so happens that I am a big bird lover, and especially wanted to see the quetzal. So I had to go there. I wanted to go into the rainforest anyway. And what I already knew about myself became clear again…..I love the rainforest!

Movingly beautiful, impressive, vivid, colorful, in a word: fantastic! A peace came over me, a kind of serenity. It was – and this sounds crazy, but it is really true – very special that a softness came over me, which I did not have in the busy life in the Netherlands. Even the face ID of my mobile phone didn’t work anymore… Bizarre right?

What did you experience in Costa Rica?

With a guide, we were able to set off through the rainforest in search of the quetzal, other birds, insects, frogs and many other animals. Enjoying the sloth hanging from a branch just along the path, the beautiful colors and smells, swarms of hummingbirds, the roar of the howler monkeys, the sounds of the forest, of life.

In Costa Rica I totally came to rest, and a world opened up for me! The beautiful and impressive nature. Because I speak Spanish, I was able to converse with the locals. And what struck me most; all of them are proud of their country and of nature, of the rainforest. And all of them want to protect it, they are outraged about the felling of precious old trees and forests for the construction of palm oil plantations, among other things.

Back in the Netherlands

Once back in the Netherlands, I really had to get used again. To the structure, the busy life, the full schedule. But something in me had changed. I knew I wanted to stay connected to this beautiful and impressive piece of earth. I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to raising awareness and preserving the beautiful and indispensable nature.

With this experience, I set out to find. What could I do! How could I contribute something? I started searching and soon came across the Adopt Rainforest Foundation. I came into conversation with Matthijs Bol, who told me how Maarten and he realized their boyhood dream years ago in Costa Rica. How they made their way through the jungle in search of a place from which to shape the Foundation. When I heard his story, I was sold….ja, this is what I want to contribute to! The boy’s dream has now grown into a beautiful reserve, where students come for research, where volunteers work, where the local population is involved, where education is given, where in the meantime beautiful cooperation has been created with Trees for All and the University of Utrecht, with the TUI Care Foundation, among others. And a foundation that works well with the government in Costa Rica, so that protected rainforest is and remains protected. Yes, I would like to contribute to that as well.

Still active!

And so it came about, now I am already 2 years active as a volunteer for the foundation. We have a nice team of volunteers who contribute in many ways. For example, you can follow our news on Facebook and Instagram, or you can read our blogs on the site. I feel proud to be associated with this enthusiastic team at the Foundation.

Have you become curious? Would you also like to contribute something? You can always sign up as a volunteer. Or you can adopt a piece of rainforest yourself. Or give a piece of rainforest as a gift, and in this way give even more publicity to the work of the Foundation.

Particpate and adopt rain forest!

Het bericht Volunteer Profile: Annemarie verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

Joining forces

We visited the Centro Científico Tropical (CCT) where we gave a presentation on our new reforestation experiment. We also visited the Lankester Botanic Garden, Costa Rica’s main herbarium, and the Centro de Investigaciones Agronómicas (CIA), all part of the University of Costa Rica (UCR). These visits were very important for collaboration on tree and plant identification for our biodiversity research and to join forces for the new reforestation experiment on the plot already acquired.

A visit from SINAC

We also received two officials from the local government (SINAC), the body responsible for all national parks in Costa Rica. This was a valuable meeting to strengthen cooperation between Barbilla National Park and our reserve.

It was an incredibly valuable week in which we joined forces with various parties to improve effective conservation strategies. We would like to thank all parties involved for this fantastic collaboration!

Adobe Rent a Car

A special thanks goes out to Adobe Rent a Car. Thanks to their provided Hyundai and support to our foundation, we were able to visit these different parties and add more local partners and expertise to our research project..

Want to read more about the foundation and its activities? Then read our blog

Het bericht A valuable week of collaboration verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

Jaguar Tree

Locals call the recently acquired area “Palo Tigre.” This means “Jaguar tree.” In fact, on this plot there is a tree with several jaguar markings on the trunk. How cool: This tree is used as a scratching post by the Jaguar!

Cooperation with the local government

Quite soon after purchasing the new plot, we were approached by the Costa Rican government (SINAC). They needed to plant 10,000 trees to compensate for the widening of the highway between San José and Limon. Palo Tigre would be a perfect location to carry out this project. The foundation regularly has good contact with SINAC for different conservation initiatives. Thus, our good rapport created a new collaboration. The Costa Rican government, together with the coordinating party CCT ( Tropical Science Center) and the local team from the Indian reservation that we trained last year will plant the trees. This will provide additional employment again this year.

Planting trees with a scientific design

Professor Edwin Pos of Utrecht University also heard of the plan to plant trees, and suggested that it be done according to a specific research design, with the goal of studying ecological succession in tropical forests. The effects of density and diversity on tree growth and interaction will be examined. This information will help to decide with how many trees of which species the most natural and diverse forest is generetad, and thus how to make reforestation projects in the tropics successful in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Why is this research needed?

A deforested area, if left completely alone, eventually becomes forest by itself, however, this takes an incredibly long time because of the often present stiff grass where tree seeds have difficulty germinating. Planting trees accelerates this process, but purchasing and planting trees is costly. Also, large quantities of native tree species for planting are not always available. Experts believe that if areas are partially planted, the empty spaces in between will develop naturally, ultimately creating a more diverse forest for less money. Win-win, in other words.

What we ultimately want to know is how many trees of which species we can best plant, and how big the empty spaces should be to get the best effect. Professor Edwin Pos of Utrecht University has devised an innovative experimental research design where this can be figured out.

Something to be proud of

Thus the new plot is not only an important bridge between the reserve and the National Park, but also an opportunity for scientific research. It also provides additional local involvement and employment and we are working with various parties on a beautiful form of nature restoration. We can all be quite proud of that!

Do you want to read more about the latest developments? Check out our news

Het bericht Big news: We are going to plant trees together with the local government of Costa Rica! verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

For my Wildlife business management degree, I have done several internships, mostly revolving around animal care but this time I chose to visit a different type of organization. In August 2023, I landed in Costa Rica to spend 8 weeks with the research project of Adopt Rainforest.

I am waiting in Batán when a car pulls up with four happy faces waving to welcome me. They are Hanneke, her two children and Lewis, a volunteer. I immediately feel very welcome and that feeling has never left; it feels right at home here despite the huge difference. The busy student period has not started yet, so I have the luxury of first getting used to my place to live for the next few weeks in peace. There are only two volunteers present who immediately share some valuable tips such as, for example, that you should hang out your things as much as possible because this reduces the chance of mold due to humidity.

In my first week at the project alone I experience so much that does not fit in one blog. The following days there is an immediate tour of the huge garden which is full of all kinds of beautiful and edible things and where many insects and some lizards find a home. At dusk a giant toad visits, I see the largest grasshopper I have ever seen, a giant spider walks the wall and there is a good chance to see snakes. That last one has been causing me some anxiety for some time, I am not necessarily afraid of snakes but I am afraid of some of the dangerous species that live here. This first week a visit to the reserve is planned, frog pools are being created and we get to help. The climate takes some getting used to and soon I am dripping with sweat but what a beautiful place this is!

The following weeks I am awakened by the calls of a family of howler monkeys and the subsequent response of Zeus the dog. During my internship, I participate in mammal research by placing wildlife cameras in the reserve and by processing the data on a computer. Very cool to see what’s out here. Visiting the reserve is one of my favorite activities, even though I find it quite a tough hike at times. Among other things, we do butterfly counts here under the guidance of our project manager Hanneke. We note down every butterfly we encounter and by the end of my internship I already recognize quite a few species. The walks are different every time and the view from the mirador (the viewpoint) is beautiful. We also encounter quite a few cool animals along the way such as various snakes, the fer-de-lance, different types of racers and a hognosed pitviper. One day we even have a special encounter with a kinkajou that follows us high out of the trees with its gaze! These are nocturnal animals so it is very exceptional.

On the other days of the week I paint signs for the garden and sanctuary, create a mural of a prehensile porcupine and keep busy with my internship report. In addition, every week we spend an afternoon cleaning up trash in the streets of San Miguel after which we are rewarded with a nice ice cream, there is also the garden day where there are different chores on the program. Finally, I like to wander through the garden with my camera, there is a lot to see and occasionally the howler monkeys, different species of frogs, lizards and sometimes a sloth comes into sight! An if not there is always no lack of colorful insects.

Of course there is also free time, although my entire stay feels like an intensive vacation of sorts. The boat trip down the Pacuare River, early morning bird watching with Maarten, visiting the Irazú volcano and the welcome change from the dry air on the beaches of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita and Limón.

Thinking back on my time in Costa Rica, I would love to go back again. The memories of the high humidity, mosquitoes and sweat have disappeared like snow in the sun, making way for memories of the beautiful surroundings, good food and the tremendous hospitality of the project managers Hanneke and Maarten.

Did you read this and would you also like to come and do an internship in Costa Rica?

Please contact us!

Het bericht Internship at the Adopt Rainforest reservation verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

by Zoë Schreurs

World Family Day, also known as International Family Day, is celebrated worldwide on May 15 to recognize the value of family bonds and family relationships. This day emphasizes support, love and cooperation within families.

While we at “Adopt Rainforest” are of course all a little bit of a family, today we want to highlight a special family within our organization. This young couple, accompanied by their two young adventurers, moved to Costa Rica and are committed day and night to rainforest conservation. I spoke with Hanneke, the wife of co-founder Maarten. Hanneke is a force in her own right and her dedication and enthusiasm are indispensable to our foundation, as every volunteer and student will attest.

Hanneke, tell us something about yourself?

Like Maarten, I am a Master in Biology. My main task here is to guide the students and so I am their main point of contact. I support them in everything that has to do with school and conduct interviews with internship supervisors, but of course there is much more to it. We receive many young people who are away from home for a longer period of time for the very first time, and this sometimes bothers them. Moreover, there are quite a few management tasks involved: making sure that the accommodations are in good condition, supervising our cook Maria and other people, preparing the bookkeeping and often also the less fun jobs like taking care of the groceries, cleaning, and so on.

Together with our guide Gerald, I am leading a long-term research project in collaboration with Utrecht University. We are investigating the long-term effects of land use on rainforest development, with a focus on species diversity and CO2 uptake by trees. And that’s quite a job. In total, we have to set out 25 plots, in which we measure, geotag, classify and annually monitor every tree of a certain thickness. In this way, we want to study how different types of soils develop and what ecosystem services they provide. With this, we want to lead the way in international research and pass on useful insights to other conservation organizations.

I greatly enjoy the time I spend with the students in the forest. Upon arrival, they are often a bit uncomfortable and unsure because everything is new: the culture, the language, the customs and the climate. It requires quite a bit of adjustment for the students. But precisely because of these challenges, I see them grow and blossom, not only as future researchers, but also as individuals. It is very beautiful to be able to participate in that development.

Protecting rainforest in Costa Rica was first and foremost the big dream of your husband Maarten and his childhood friend Matthijs. What impact did that have on you?

From their college days, Maarten and Matthijs dreamed about protecting the rainforest. I thought, we’ll see what happens, after all, life is full of twists and turns: graduating, starting a family, traveling….

In 2008, the time finally came: Maarten, Matthijs and I left for Costa Rica. But it was not an easy start. During that period I became very ill, later it turned out to be thyroid problems. While Maarten and Matthijs returned enthusiastically with stories of their adventures, I struggled with hormone imbalances and felt miserable. Fortunately, Maarten and I could always talk about it very openly. I needed some time to get used to the idea. Of course, we had to leave everything behind in the Netherlands. Around age 30, everyone around me started to settle down. The idea of working for a lifetime just to pay off a mortgage felt oppressive to me. So it was nice that we had such a big adventure ahead of us.

Costa Rica got a retake in 2015, when we returned for a month with our toddler. At that time, our foundation was already four years old and we were nurturing plans to eventually move to Costa Rica. It was reassuring to realize that for a child, the country does not matter, as long as there is love and care from the parents. This brought me peace of mind.

In the summer of 2017, we tied the knot and left, with our toddler and a 9-month-old baby. Maarten had to set up everything from the foundation, running from place to place because my Spanish was not good enough to handle that administration. Meanwhile, I stayed home with the kids. Sometimes I felt a bit isolated, with no friends or family around. On the other hand, I don’t know many people who can spend so much time with their children. That is really a gift. Meanwhile, we have been here for 7 years and I wouldn’t dream of returning already. By now, we also have our dogs Pieter, Lola and Zeus here!

For your children, of course, this is a very different childhood than for other Dutch children. How do you experience this?

The Netherlands is a vacation country for our boys. When we visit, it is usually nice and warm, they get all the candy and attention from the grandmas and grandpas, and we do all kinds of fun things. We explained to them at one point that if we lived in Holland, life would go its usual way there too with school and work. Just like here. Our son Abel does not want to go back to the Netherlands, he wants to stay in Costa Rica for the rest of his life. Luuk, on the other hand, wants to travel and live in as many countries as possible. The urge to explore has been instilled in them.

I also think Abel will do something in the natural sciences later on. His passion when it comes to animals and nature is immense. It is wonderful to see how he immediately shoots into the role of guide to other Dutch children and volunteers as well. His happiness radiates when he can teach others about nature, and then he is unstoppable. He will also frequently ask, “Is this a new species mom?”. They naturally get my enthusiasm when I find a new butterfly, for example.

Luuk is also very inquisitive, but with him it shows itself more in an interest in the universe and black holes. They often talk about our work at school. They have every opportunity to learn here, both in nature, but also their school situation is unique. They are now raised trilingual, with a broad base of Dutch, English and of course Spanish. Luuk is 7 and now gets Portuguese on top of that. The days are hectic though, as of 5 am the daily rush starts to get the boys on the school bus on time. And as soon as they have left, the research work starts for us, together with the students.

The boys also grow up among the students. They have had to learn that these come and go. Unlike grandmothers and grandfathers, although we see them less often, of course they remain a constant.

What do you hope your children remember from this whole adventure?

Actually kind of the same thing that we want to pass on to the students, how beautiful and valuable nature is. That you have to cherish it, because like many people, our children are also quite materialistic. Then I think, what good is all that stuff, look around you! Of course, the languages and the contacts with the volunteers and students are also nice. I think there is no better way to learn about people. Of course, the most important thing remains that they become happy and start doing something they like. We are doing all of that. Pura Vida, we try to live a pure life here, close to nature and enjoy it as much as we can.

Want to read more about the Adopt Rainforest Foundation?

Read it on our blog!

Het bericht Little feet, big steps verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

The reforestation project

The foundation is engaged in a beautiful and important reforestation projectt. Planting trees on former agricultural land will reconnect the reserve and Barbilla National Park. This is essential for the animals so that they have a safe habitat which is large enough. There are also many surveys done by students, other nature projects and the daily operations of the reserve. The foundation was short-handed, so they could really use my help there. The project was a half-hour drive through the hills in a beautiful spot overlooking the surrounding area and the reserve. You could see the coast, Barbilla National Park and a volcano from the highest point. Between work I liked to come here to enjoy the beautiful surroundings for a while

San Miguel

Co-founder Maarten lives with his wife, Hanneke, and his two children, Abel and Lucas, near the reserve in a finca near the village of San Miguel. A village among hills, rainforest, pastures with cattle and vast banana fields. I stayed in a cottage close to Maarten and his family. In the first weeks, I walked with the students who were completing their research. I went to the reserve and participated in chores and activities. For example, every Wednesday we all walked through the village picking up trash and Thursday was gardening day at the finca: clearing paths, taking care of the permaculture garden and other small jobs. Meanwhile, I was inducted into the reforestation project and was pretty much the jack-of-all-trades. It was a great time and I met a lot of nice new people.

Maarten, Hanneke and the children

After a month, the students and volunteers left one by one. It was quiet at the reserve and then it suddenly became very close. We had agreed that I would ‘babysit’ the reserve for 3 weeks and keep an eye on the ongoing projects. All this so that Maarten, Hanneke and the children could ‘finally’ go on a real vacation. And how happy I was! They are such nice people doing such incredibly important work. They put their heart and soul into giving students an unforgettable experience. At the same time, they provide accommodation, food and regularly organize fun excursions to get to know the environment and local biodiversity. And oh yes, the many activities and projects around the foundation also keep half the village working. In addition, I just got along well with them. I like to think back to going out early with Maarten for birding, to the reserve with Hanneke and the fun times in one of the village pubs, which is a little store with an attached terrace.

All alone?

I dropped Maarten, Hanneke and the kids off in the nearest town to take the bus to San Jose to start their vacation. And then suddenly I was all alone. It only felt that way for a moment, because in Maarten and Hanneke’s house the foundation’s guide and handyman Gerald lived temporarily. We ate together regularly, we went to the reserve, we went shopping together in the nearest town, and the two of us picked up odd jobs when, for example, a storm knocked out the power again. We became friends. I was also immediately invited to his mother’s house and later to his sister’s house for dinner. This warmth quickly made me feel at home and not at all alone. I got to know the others from the village. All of them were nice people. And I had company from the three dogs on the finca. Meanwhile, the reforestation project continued and I got to know Hurben, the Costa Rican project leader of the reforestation project. We helped each other with the ins and outs of the reforestation project and could talk about anything. About Costa Rica, about the Netherlands and especially about nature. After all, he is also an avid birder and knows a lot about local biodiversity. Something I was already very interested in, but through Costa Rica this has grown into a passion!

Biodiversity

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, and I noticed that once again at the reserve. I woke up to howler monkeys, I saw a sloth a few times a week and was surrounded by the most beautiful birds: toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, motmots, kingfishers, trogons, manakins, woodpeckers and many species of birds of prey. I also saw on game cameras in the reserve many species of mammals; raccoons, rodents, ocelots, coyotes, armadillos and many more. And then there were the many species of frogs, snakes and insects. In short, a true biodiversity paradise!

Closure and beautiful memories

After 3 weeks I picked up Maarten, Hanneke and the kids from the same bus station again. We still had 3 weeks before new students arrived so we had some time to do some fun things together. With the absolute best being a boat excursion down the Pacuare River to the coast. We were on a boat with two fellow volunteers, my girlfriend (who had also been at the reserve for a few days in the meantime), the local captain and Maarten, as the best guide you can have. Even before sunrise, we sailed along a small river among monkeys, birds and reptiles. We hardly encountered anyone, lovely! After 2.5 months it was time to say goodbye to everyone. A sad moment, but fortunately I had a beautiful prospect. I was going to travel through Costa Rica with my girlfriend for another month. Now that I am back in the Netherlands I realize what a great time I had. What a beautiful country Costa Rica is and what a great thing Maarten, Hanneke and the foundation have built up there! Deep respect and admiration!

Volunteer in the Netherlands

Ivan is also active in the Netherlands for the Adopt Rainforest Foundation. Here he volunteers for the elementary school project the Children’s Rainforest.

Would you also like to become a volunteer for the Foundation Adopt Rainforest? Then get in touch with us!

Het bericht Volunteer Ivan’s visit to Costa Rica verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

This month chairman Martin and founder Matthijs were at Trees for All’s headquarters to ratify a new cooperation for reforestation of 25 hectares of grassland. One of the largest projects in Costa Rica for the Adopt Rainforest Foundation to date. A total of more than 27,500 trees will be planted.

Local population

The foundation is not doing this alone. Thanks to the support of Trees for All, a team of seven locals from the neighboring Indian reservation will be able to take on the challenge of planting these 27,500 trees. In doing so, Adopt Rainforest not only provides nature restoration but also offers seven families employment and income for at least a year.

The mission

Adopt Rainforest’s mission is to protect 2,000 acres of rainforest. This 2,000-hectare area serves as an important buffer to the nearby Barbilla National Park and the Cabécar Indigenous Reserve. Pressure on the rainforest is well felt in this region. From the inhabited world, deforestation is shifting increasingly toward the National Park and the Indigenous Reserve. Adopt Rainforest aims to ensure that both the National Park and the Indigenous Reserve remain untouched. So that animals, such as the Jaguar for example, can continue to exist here carefree. The reserve is located in a part of the country that is very important as a corridor (connection) for many animals between North and South America. In this regard, it is important that the reserve consists of a continuous stretch of forest so that animals can move freely throughout the forest area. Many animals avoid open areas and meadows when moving. This is because of the risks involved in moving through unsheltered areas. The animals in the rainforest and therefore in our reserve also have an important role in natural forest formation. Almost all seed dispersal in the rainforest is done by animals.

Why reforest?

In order to expand the reserve, it is of course important that the new plot is adjacent to the existing reserve. The foundation always prefers to select a new plot to be purchased that already consists of rainforest. However, Adopt Rainforest cannot escape the fact that occasionally it must also purchase a plot where part of the plot has been deforested in the past. In the region where the foundation protects rainforest, forest plots are fragmented by small-scale agriculture and cattle ranching. Thus, there may be a strip of grassland between the current reserve and a new piece of rainforest to be purchased. To ensure that the reserve remains a continuous forest, the foundation plants a mix of tree species there. This will create a young forest within a period of 5 to 10 years where animals dare to cross again.

The project of 27,500 trees

Last year, the foundation was able to expand the protected reserve in Costa Rica with an area of 65 hectares. Forty acres of this is a piece of beautiful rainforest that connects directly to the existing reserve. The 25 acres where there is no rainforest yet is currently pasture land, but is an important connection to the Barbilla National Park. We will now reforest these 25 hectares of pasture land. A total of 27,500 trees will be planted. The tree species have been selected based on their specific growth characteristics. It is important that we create a forest climate again as soon as possible with the trees we plant. This forest climate is a precondition for the growth of the ultimate target species (original tree and plant species from the rainforest). These only grow in a shady environment with the right humidity. The seeds of these target species, such as forest giants, are mainly dispersed from the adjacent rainforest by animals. It is therefore important that these animals (such as; monkeys, birds, rodents) return to the area because the planting of different trees has made it more attractive to them.

Suitable tree species.

In our previous reforestation project of 4 acres of pasture, 14 tree species were eligible. These 14 tree species are indigenous to the region and thus are all native to this area. Because this reforestation project was an experiment to see which tree species would be most suitable for reforestation, we planted all 14 native tree species. For the past three years we have been monitoring these trees with the help of several forestry students. All trees were numbered and measured every 6 months. In this way we gained a good understanding of which trees are doing well in the region, and which trees are not doing as well or are not suitable at all. In the end, we chose to use a mix of the six most successful trees from our reforestation experiment for the reforestation of these 25 acres of pasture that will now be converted.

Great Green Macaw

In addition to the six selected tree species, nearly 4,000 Almendro trees will also be planted. This is a species of tree that is slowly disappearing in Costa Rica due to deforestation. This tree is hugely important for the critically endangered Great Green Macaw, abeautiful large green Macaw whose population is under pressure with only 1,000 left in the wild. The Great Green Macaw depends on this particular species of tree to build its nest in. As a foundation, we hope to contribute to the population growth of this beautiful animal.

Cooperation with University EARTH

All saplings are purchased through the nearby Costa Rican Universidad EARTH. A forestry university that owns a tree nursery. We experienced a pleasant cooperation in the previous reforestation project, so we are happy to support EARTH again with the purchase of the saplings.

In short

Objective

• To plant trees on grasslands deforested decades ago, in order to restore the ecological land bridge (connecting zone) to Barbilla National Park;
• Generate local employment, income and awareness;
• Increase protection of rainforest and stop illegal hunting through physical presence of local workers.

Results

• 25 Hectares of land re-vegetated with a diversity of trees, plants and flowers;
• Increased habitats for all animals and microorganisms present that are essential for biodiversity conservation, migration and expansion
• Providing seven families with employment and income for guaranteed one year, and 2 households will benefit for at least 3 years.
• Capturing CO2. (Planting trees is one of the most efficient methods)

Het bericht An extraordinary new step for foundation Adopt rainforest verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

Reserve expansion

However, due to the growth of Adopt Rainforest and the latest purchase of 65 hectares, the foundation now owns an area of 230 hectares of rainforest that it protects. This is so large that it is not feasible for the project manager to monitor this on a weekly basis in addition to all his other duties. To ensure that the reserve remains well protected we have enlisted the help of two park rangers. It is a job you prefer not to do alone, because you are sometimes several hours walk away from the village.

Local help

Dennis and Gian Carlos are two acquaintances of the foundation. Both live with their families in the neighboring village of San Miguel and have been involved from the start of the project. They regularly help with jobs such as the reforestation project and keeping the trails through the reserve clean. Two boys who have been traversing this large area since childhood and know everyone in the area. We are therefore super happy that they want to take on the task as park rangers!

First visit to the reserve

Last week Dennis and Gian Carlos made their first visit to the reserve as rangers. They placed new signs at several strategic points (see photo above). In addition, they performed overdue maintenance on the land boundaries. Each week they visit a different area. When they encounter special animals or plants, of course they try to take a photo or video to share with us. In this video the Green Macaw can be heard. A beautiful rare parrot that is threatened with extinction.

Protection of the reserve

We at the Adopt Rainforest Foundation are proud of this beautiful step to ensure the protection of the reserve. And that we can offer Dennis and Gian Carlos this job. Without the help of local people we would never have come this far. Great that Dennis and Gian Carlos want to help us protect this beautiful rainforest!

Several funds have helped us fund two park rangers.

Would you also like to contribute to this or a similar project? If so, please contact us.

Het bericht Adopt Rainforest deploys park rangers to protect rainforest verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.