Costa Rica to become Carbon Neutral

[Brad Ewing]

In an effort to become the world's first carbon neutral nation, Costa Rica announced that it will plant seven million trees in 2008 to soak up as many greenhouse gas emissions as it produces.

Energy and Environment Minister Roberto Dobles said, "The stated goal is to be the first neutral country as far as greenhouse gas emissions is concerned...To get there, this administration is betting on halting deforestation and on the 'Plant a Tree' project." How cool is that?!

[Silvana Vucic Burns]

Costa Rica boasts lots of accomplishments in the protection of the environment. Sadly, reforestation is still happening at alarming rates in certain areas. The laws in Costa Rica are good but what's needed is real enforcement of the legislation. Planting trees is great but it doesn't replace the biodiversity of a rainforest.
To give an idea of the difference in reforestation in temperate zone forests and tropical zone rainforests.
On a hectare of land (10 000 m2), which is equal to 2.5 acres, in the temperate zones in say, USA, Canada and Europe, there are some 4 to 7 species of trees in this size natural temperate forest. It is not difficult to replant four to seven species on 10 000 m2 of land. In the Amazon on the same area of land there can be from 50 to 150 species of trees. One study carried out on the Osa peninsula of Costa Rica several years ago, showed there were 232 specias of trees in an area of one hectare, considered to be the most bio diverse forested area on the planet. This is impossible to achieve with reforestation and thus impossible to replace the biodiversity of a rainforest. If an area is deforested, many of those native trees stop to exist in that area and no natural reseeding by bird or animal will occur. Therefore, the whole idea of planting millions of trees is not the answer to saving the biodiversity and wildlife of Costa Rica or making it become carbon neutral. The only way to save the biodiversity is to stop cutting down the remaining rainforest and use the land already cleared for growing food and tree farming. I support planting trees and reforestation projects, in my own project I will be replanting native trees of Costa Rica.
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica was once as diverse as the Osa peninsula but because of cattle ranching and multinational companies who wanted to grow bananas and pineapple, Caribbean side has had much devastation and more and more is still being cut down for these reasons.
A standing rain forest is more valuable than one cut down. To solve the problem of climate change, we all need to take account of our personal carbon emissions and make continued efforts to reduce them wherever possible.

[Brad Ewing]

Silvana,

Thanks for clarifying that for me...I guess I got a little excited when I heard that they were planting 7 million trees but I'll be honest, I didn't even thing about the biodiversity issues. While it may not be a solution, I guess it still does set a good example in a world where most governments hesitate to take much action beyond their statements.

[Silvana Vucic Burns]

Hello Brad,
there are many companies promoting reforestation in Costa Rica. Just a few months ago I received an email from one organisation named The Rainmaker Alliance......they spoke of 4 milllion trees in 2008. I am just closing on my land in Costa Rica and I am so happy to protect a small piece of original rainforest!

[Jan Herder]

Hello, thanks Silvana for clarifying the status of reforestation in Costa Rica. The idea of carbon off sets is still very new and seems to be a feel good policy for many corporations. Of course I believe its great to replant trees, but there is no way a young seedling can account for the carbon in a jet ride of any length--at least not for a hundred years. As you point out we need to be aware of our own carbon footprint and strive to reduce, eliminate or migiate it as soon as possible. We have already set in motion a huge change in climate and the effects will be different in different areas. Current estimates of glacial loss put 80% of the amazon rainforest at die-back with global repercussions. So every hectare we can keep alive will be critical.

[Jan Herder]

An interesting reforestation program in Costa Rica from the current winner of the Buckminster Fuller award --John Todd.

http://www.oceanarks.org/Costa_Rica.php

Tree Species Planted to Date: February 2008

Spanish Name English Name Latin Name

Aguacate Avocado Persea americana

Cedro Amargo Spanish Cedar Cedrela odorata

Cenizaro Rain Tree Albizia samam

Espavel Wild Cashew Anacardium excelsum

Guanabana Soursop Annona muricata

Guayaba Guava Psidium guajava

Jacote Spanish Plum Spandius purpurea

Jatropha Jatropha Jatropha curcas

Limon Lemon/Lime Citrus spp

Madero Negro Quick Stick Tree Gliricidia sepium

Malinga Horseradish Tree Moringa oleifera

Malinche Flamboyant Tree Delanix regia

Mango Mango Mangifera indica

Nance Shoemaker’s Tree Byrsonima crassifolia

Naranja Orange Citrus aurantium

Nispero Chicle Manilkara chicle

Noni Indian Mulberry Morinda citrifolia

Papaya Papaya Carica papaya

Pomelo Grapefruit Citrus x paradisi

Suncoya Suncoya Annona purpurea

Zapote Sapote Pouteria sapota

We have also planted the giant bamboo from Indonesia and Guadua

fromBrazil.

Here's the link to John's Buckminster Award, a fascinating 'futurists' view working now.
http://toddecological.com/index.html

[Silvana Vucic Burns]

Hi Jan,
interesting and always welcome reading. I have noted the tree names and need to study them further. I have my own list of specimen I hope to plant in the Southern Pacific zone some day soon - and wonder if these trees, planted in Guanacaste will be suitable for the 'damp' South Pacific area too.

[Jan Herder]

Hello Silvana, thank you for your reply. I'm afraid I can't answer your question about trees in the damp South Pacific. I am fascinated by bamboo and see its potential for carbon sequestering and sustainable economic development potential. Here's a link: http://www.inbar.int/index.ASP

[Silvana Vucic Burns]

There has been much written on luxury developments in Costa Rica recently. This article has gone around, outside the borders of Costa Rica.
Are the Judges from Costa Rica's Environmental Tribunal doing a good job?

http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2008/july/20/nac06.htm

[Jan Herder]

Hello Silvana, the story doesn't surprise me--but goes to show claims like going carbon neutral are hyperbole. Reminds us all to look a little closer at what is going on around us. Thanks for posting. As for the judges, better late than never.

[Jeff]

Very cool. Costa Rica is a real leader in eco-tourism and benefiting the environment.

However, Costa Rica needs to have its feet held to the fire for its support of the illegal and environmentally devastating shark finning industry. The documentary Sharkwater provides a shocking look into this industry and Costa Rica's role in it. I recommend it to everyone.