Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
All about the Rainforest of the Austrians project
For many years, no logging permits have been issued in national parks throughout Costa Rica. Although only 72% of the Esquinas forest has been incorporated into Piedras Blancas National Park, the remaining properties are not at risk of being cleared. Many areas are located on the coast of Golfo Dulce and are owned by foreigners who live there out of love for nature and would never cut down a tree. Other properties are entangled in legal problems that are difficult to resolve and cannot currently be sold. After extensive discussions with the park administration, we are convinced that the national park is secured. Of course, it would be even better if the remaining 4,500 hectares also belonged to the Republic of Costa Rica. However, we currently consider the creation of a biological corridor more important, as the forests outside the national park, in particular, are still threatened.
Expropriations are only possible in Costa Rica under special circumstances. All landowners in Piedras Blancas National Park, as well as in the Biological Corridor, have sold their properties voluntarily.
Currently, 16 rangers are deployed in the national park. The Rainforest of the Austrians association has taken over the financing of the salaries of two rangers. They have been very successfully performing their duties in the vicinity of La Gamba since July 2003. Due to this, and geographical conditions, the forest is well protected. Corridors like the COBIGA corridor around the national park allow animals and plants to migrate between forest areas.
The Osa region, with Corcovado National Park and the Rainforest of the Austrians, is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. More than 100 mammal species, 500 tree species, 3,000 plant species, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 370 bird species have been counted here. In addition, there is the rich underwater world of the rivers (about 40 fish species) and Golfo Dulce, where whales, dolphins, whale sharks, and numerous fish species live.
Since 1948, 26% of Costa Rica’s area has been placed under nature protection, and no protected area has ever been dissolved again. The many national parks are the pride and flagship of Costa Rica, and the revenues from nature tourism exceed those generated by the export of bananas and coffee. Furthermore, the Republic of Costa Rica itself has purchased 3,400 hectares of land to expand Piedras Blancas National Park. This is the best guarantee for us that the national park will continue to exist on paper.
Yes, you can! Overnight stays are possible at both the La Gamba Tropical Station and the Esquinas Lodge. From there, you can wonderfully explore Piedras Blancas National Park and the COBIGA Biological Corridor. We look forward to your visit, and perhaps you’ll even get the chance to lend a hand during reforestation activities!
With a simple click in our RAINFOREST SHOP, you can support our projects. Through your donation for land purchases, reforestation, and species protection, you make a decisive contribution to preserving biodiversity and combating climate change.
Donation certificates can be easily selected and personalized. Finally, they will be delivered either as a PDF via email or by post. Payments can be conveniently made via online banking, credit card, or PayPal.
Donations for forest and climate protection are earmarked and forwarded to the La Gamba Tropical Station, which is responsible for implementing the COBIGA Biological Corridor. Revenues from species protection certificates are used for rangers’ salaries and various species protection projects.
Additionally, there is the possibility of tax deductibility for donations by providing your date of birth during the ordering process. At the beginning of the year, these donations are automatically reported by us to the tax office.
