This Earth Day we highlighted the importance of rainforest biodiversity. Costa Rica covers just 0.03% of Earth’s surface yet contains almost 6% of the biodiversity of our entire planet. Until the 1980s, Costa Rican policy favored deforestation, especially for cattle ranching. But that has slowed down greatly due to international environmental treaties and monitoring by governmental regulatory bodies – like MINAE that oversees wildlife rescue facilities including ours. In 1998, the Biodiversity Act was adopted to conserve and protect biodiversity and endangered species and survival and quality of life for future generations. Not all countries are so fortunate.
Due to increasing human activities, nearly half of all orignal rainforests have been destroyed. Ten percent of net global carbon emissions are due to degradation and deforestation of the world’s tropical forests. Forests are clearcut for agriculture, ranches, mining, logging, human habitation and infrastructure. The biodiversity is affected in every acre/hectare that is destroyed. Many species are dependent on each other, so losing just one directly impacts the balance of others.
Rainforests are critical to nearly every aspect of Earth’s health, biodiversity balance and future of species. What can we do? Get involved. Buy rainforest-certified products. Support environmental initiatives. Educate students. Appeal to our government representatives.
At the Sanctuary, 
we plant donated Almond Trees in our micro-reforestation project. Almond leaves are beloved by the rescued sloths, the tree roots stabilize our lowland tropical soil and the trees filter the air and create shade. Thanks to donors like you, our now 5-year-old orchard offers those benefits.
For those who donated Almond trees in the 2018 campaign, thank you! We will email you photos of the Donors’ Plaques when they are installed in early summer. The trees are being planted and their leaves will be enjoyed by the rescued sloths. Many thanks again for your support.