Personal message from Michael Schnitzler

Dear friends of the rainforest!

In 1991, I founded the NGO "Rainforest of the Austrians" to save one of the most biodiverse and most endangered jungles of Central America, the Esquinas rainforest in the Osa Conservation Area of Costa Rica, from being destroyed by loggers. The first years were dramatic: we either had enough funds to purchase the land in time, or the forest was cut. Thanks to donations from thousands of concerned nature lovers, we were able to purchase and conserve 10.000 acres of rainforest. Logging was prohibited by the government, other conservation organizations and the government of Costa Rica itself joined our fundraising efforts, and today we can proudly claim that our campaign has been successful: 72% of the Esquinas rainforest have been integrated into Piedras Blancas National Park, and the rest of the land is no more in danger. We want to thank all those who contributed to our fight to save this unique paradise. 

Today, we are concentrating our efforts on the reforestation project COBIGA and the protection of endangered species in the Esquinas rainforest. We totally depend on donations and hope that you will continue to support our organisation!

Opens internal link in current windowMichael Schnitzler
Chairman, Rainforest of the Austrians