Protection and Monitoring Program


One of the strongest programs that the MCL has is its Protection and Monitoring Program. Under this program, patrols and monitoring are carried out within and around the BEN throughout the entire year. Since 1995, we have relied upon the cooperation contract between MINAET (The Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Telecommunications), CCT (Tropical Science Center), and the MCL, which has allowed our park guards to have official police authority. Recently this contract has been renewed with the decree 32825-MINAET. In addition, we count on the support from the public police force for the protection of our employees, confiscations, and reports.

Thanks to the efforts of protection and monitoring around the BEN, the MCL has been able to control and minimize the illegal activities that negatively affect the natural resources within its zone of influence. These areas include those around Lake Arenal to Monteverde, as well as from the higher altitudes of Miramar and San Ramon to the communities of San Jorge, La Tigra, and Peñas Blancas. Because of this, the MCL has received a great amount of support from volunteers.

Objectives:

  • Prevent and control hunting and fishing
  • Prevent and report the incursion upon protected areas
  • Attend to and teach visitors about the BEN
  • Coordinate the protection of natural resources with other organizations and institutions
  • To provide courses and events for affiliated organizations and government employees
  • Develop activities for the integration of those government employees in the protection program
  • Develop activities related to protection of natural resources

 

Activities:
- Patrols
- Educational events
- Inspection in collaboration with other organizations
- Special operatives in collaboration with Rural Guards, OIJ, and MINAET
- Support for scientific research
- Monitoring mammals in the BEN
- Reports for infraction upon forestry and wildlife laws
- Confiscations within the BEN
- Participation in reconciliations and trials
- Coordination of monitoring and management projects
- Management of Biological Stations
- Environmental Service Payments
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Trail, border, fence, and road maintenance
- Labeling of signs and roads
- Educational and informational presentations