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Fundación |
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Fundación
DÚRIKA: EcoAldea Integral Autosuficiente Protecting 8500 hectares of tropical cloud forest, for the presents and future generations |
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The Reserve protects a large territory whose majority is
localized in a humid area that goes from intermediate elevations of low
pre mountain humid forest passing through cloud forest (oaks) and ending
up at pre paramo in the highest parts of the continental divide.
The changes in rainfall, temperature, elevation and soil
conditions, that are given over short distances, have permitted the
Reserve to have a great variety of habitats with different species of
flora and fauna; many endemic of this part of the planet. The topography of the protected land is abrupt; it
presents slopes of 30º and in some areas even steeper of up to 65º. This characteristic has limited the use of the soil for
agricultural purposes, but at the same time this characteristic has been
made use of in the Reserve for reforestation in these areas. Because of it’s strategic position, the Reserve serves
as a refuge for many animals, many of which are in danger of extinction
such as the Jaguar (felis onca), the Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
the Harpy Eagle (Harpia arpya) and the resplendent Quetzal (Paromachrus
mocino) and many others. Also
the Reserve functions as the last refuge for the conservation of the
many species of rare trees in the country and in the southern zone, such
as the oaks (Quercus costaricensis), Campano (Nectamdra
sp), Sweet Cedar (Cedrela sp), Maria Cedar (Calophyllum
guatemalensis), Golden Fruit (Virola sebifera), Avocados (Lauraceas,
Ocoteas, etc), Cerillo (Symphonia globulifera) and others. The flora and fauna are also of great importance to
the local indigenous populations of the Cabécar and Bribrí ethnic race
close to the Reserve. The introduction of negative agricultural customs
and techniques by the “white man” in the indigenous reserves has
caused a fast deterioration in the indigenous cultures and the
environment. These settlers
have introduced damaging agricultural methods, burning of grasslands,
pasture for cattle and the illegal deforestation; the remaining area of
forest is in imminent danger. The original area that was
purchased to start the project was only 250 hectares; in time and
through funds obtained by the Eco tourism program, we have managed to
protect approximately 8500 hectares of forest, creating in this way a
biological corridor that connects the DBR with the AIP. The environmental education
program has started to show progress, the local indigenous populations
and the neighboring farmers have started to become more aware of the
importance of preserving the natural resources of the area; these
changes have occurred mainly after seeing that the result of flooding,
erosion, drought, the loss of soil and biodiversity makes it more
necessary as time goes on, for a change in the lifestyle of these
inhabitants. It is of great importance to
carry on acquiring land that is at risk of being destroyed due to the
changes in the use of the soil, and to continue with the reforestation
and environmental education programs, this is the only way of being sure
of preserving this area for prosperity.
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