all the destruction that has taken place already, and trying to prevent the destruction of the few remaining fragmented islands of natural pristine land we have left on the planet. Some of the reasons why tropical forests should be saved are detailed below. They are meant to be ideas to provoke your thoughts and hopefully you can add many more reasons, and think of ways that you in your life can contribute to saving what little forests remain.
Deep Ecology: The forests and its diverse life forms have an inherent value and we, as people, have no right to destroy this richness and diversity for our own purposes.
The destruction of the world’s tropical forests will drastically change the world’s weather patterns and exacerbate global warming.
Biodiversity: Tropical forests contain over half of the earth’s plant and animal species. Destruction of habitat destroys intricate webs of diverse life, as well as destroying species as yet unknown.
Medicinal Plants: We are losing species that could be of medical or other importance for humans. One quarter of all prescription medicine and 70% of medicines used for cancer treatments comes from tropical forest plants.
Inspirational: Tropical forests are wild and uniquely beautiful inspirational places where amazing and strange plants and animals live. They have long inspired artists, scientists and others. The ongoing loss of these forests is beyond quantification for humans everywhere.
Inter-generational Equity: We are destroying our children's heritage. We have an obligation to our children as yet unborn to leave them the beauty, diversity and essential ecological functioning of the tropical forests.
Cultural Traditions: As forests disappear so to do the cultural traditions of many indigenous peoples - these people have a right to live where and how they want. Communities who live outside of the tropical forests depend on many of the products that come from the forests including hard woods, food and bamboo. As destruction continues these products become increasingly scarce and expensive.
Flood & Drought Prevention: Rainforests act to protect the watersheds of the world’s great tropical rivers. The forest vegetation acts as a sponge to prevent flooding during the rainy season by releasing water slowly and moderating run-off. The loss of thousands of acres of tropical forests is already causing serious local problems such as soil erosion, flooding, droughts and pollution.
Seed Bank: Remnant tropical forests provide a truly safe seed bank to preserve biological diversity for future regrowth.
Psychological: Humans are becoming more and more trapped in modern city living, out of touch with the natural cycles of life. This has a major negative psychological impact on the human psyche. As this trend continues, the remaining wild places of the earth will become increasingly sacred and sought after.
TRAILS AND MAPS
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve:
With over 8 miles (12 km) of trails, 3 overview points, and an observation tower, The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve makes for an exceptional hiking experience. Since wildlife is more active in the morning, it's best to arrive early. We also have a cafe that serves light meals, a visitor center with interpretive exhibits made by students, and a gift shop. Guided tours are available and rubber boots, ponchos.
Hiking Information:
Trails are open from 7:00 am until 4:00 pm everyday. Entrance Fees are $12 per person and $6 for Students.
Guided Tours:
Daytime tours leave from the Information Office at 7:30 am and 11:30 am everyday. Tours generally last between 2 1/2 and 3 hours. $15 per person plus entrance fee. |
