Birds!!!

Today we went on our last adventure in Costa Rica, visiting both a volcano and a rainforest.  Both presented me to look at my final impressions of eco tourism in this country and the idea as a whole.

The idea of ecotourism has perplexed me and shown many faults to me while I have been here.  But today while walking and exploring, the faults that have worried me about the effects of the tourism have been eased.  This came about when in Poaz national park, discussing the constructed paths and how this can benefit nature while destroying parts of it, it was brought up that this is basically necessary because Costa Rica does not have the resources to protect national parks or upkeep the tourism in it, so the land is essentially leased out to a private company.  This company will go in and construct various aspects, which allow for tourism to thrive and experience the vast offerings that the surroundings that nature has to offer in the area.

Though some environment is damaged to create easier movement in it, it now seems necessary because it allows for the park to exist in its protected state.  In most cases too, only a fraction of the park is damaged and influenced by human interference.  The other damage that occurs generally is from the individual, which in all cases is up the individual person to watch their actions.

So today though, was one of the best experiences and opportunities to see the various and vast offering of creatures of Costa Rica.   Though many animals were in separated captivities (birds, monkeys, butterflies, snakes, and frogs) this allowed anyone the opportunity to see up close the various exotic animals which most of the time are rare to be seen or small dots at a distance.  It was a great experience that I believe will give anyone who goes a better chance to see and respect of the animals which make up the a part of the ecology of this country.