Costa Rica
By Rod Eime
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The Jaguar
survives in
Costa Rica
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The World Heritage Committee (WHC) of UNESCO inscribed an
additional 34 properties (29 cultural, 5 natural) after the
29th session just completed. This brings the total number
of inscribed properties to 788.
Originally inscribed by UNESCO in 1999, the expansive and
highly significant Area de Conservación Guanacaste
has been extended to include the 15,000 ha area of Santa Elena.
The WHC describes the area of Guanacastene as "one of
the most pristine wetland forests in Central America and worldwide."
Its incredible animal and plant biodiversity includes key
habitat for such threatened species as Saltwater Crocodile,
False Vampire Bat, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Jaguar, Jabiru
Stork and Mangrove Hummingbird as well as "the best dry
forest habitats and communities in Central America."
"Nature lovers have long recognised Costa Rica as a
haven for rich biodiversity." says Ms Robyn Smith, Manager
Latin America for Adventure Associates, "but relatively
few Australians have ever visited there. It's a friendly,
stable, prosperous little country and easy to get to."
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