Tropical Storm Nate damaged homes, roads, bridges, and water supplies in and around Monteverde. However, some of the greatest effects in the region occurred in small agriculture-based communities on the southern border of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest (BEN). A number of families in the small towns of Bajo Caliente and San Martin (Montes de Oro, Puntarenas) lost their homes and belongings due to the storm, and many others were stranded and/or left without potable water or access to their farms. .
Monteverde Conservation League staff in La Tigra de San Carlos – which fortunately was not affected by Nate – immediately began collecting donations to help families in need. Neighbors and local businesses quickly chipped in to support the cause. The donations received were abundant and varied, and in short order MCL staff had amassed what looked like a small grocery and second-hand store at the home of Hernan Chacón (BEN’s Head of Protection) and Ligia Villegas.
Thanks to these generous contributions, we were able to assemble 35 nonperishable food donations, each of which contained enough for one family for about 3 days. In addition to nonperishables, the donations included kitchen and household items, clothing, food for pets and livestock, vegetables donated by local farmers, and fuel for vehicles to travel to the affected areas. MCL staff made 3 trips to communities in need – including Bajo Caliente (photo, below), San Martin, and also Cuajiniquil (La Cruz, Guanacaste) to deliver the donations.
The conservation of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, like all natural resources, depends largely on the cooperation and support of the communities surrounding the reserve. We feel a great connection and commitment to these communities. In addition to our work conserving and protecting natural resources, we are honored and humbled to also support our neighbors and friends.
As we say in Costa Rica, “manos que dan, nunca estarán vacias” (hands that give, will never be empty).
By Lindsay Stallcup, MCL Executive Director.