Manuel Antonio National Park
After spending the morning and part of the afternoon walking through the forest and enjoying the beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, we came back to the Sea Voyager. A quick shower and a change of clothes happened for most of us before we were back in the lounge to listen to our naturalist Gustavo Abarca’s presentation on the biodiversity of Central America.
It was a good way to wrap up what we have been experiencing throughout our seven-day journey through Panama and Costa Rica., two countries that occupy less than 1% of the earth’s landmass and yet are home to about 7% of the species of plants and animals on the planet.
The reason for this abundance of life is the unique location of these two countries that serve as a land bridge between the continents of North and South America. The only other intercontinental bridge in the world is the Sinai Peninsula which is a desert and, as such, is more a barrier than a bridge.
Both Costa Ricans and Panamanians have come to understand that this abundance of life in their territory represents a great responsibility rather than a privilege. They see themselves as stewards of their resources and have become leaders in Latin America for the protection of wildlife both on land and in the sea. Forests and marine reserves are a means to prolong the life of natural habitats, but it is only by linking these with biological corridors that can they be saved for future generations.
About 25% of Costa Rica’s territory is part of a government system of national parks and conservation areas. Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest one and a tourist mecca for both national and foreign visitors. Its beautiful beaches and transition forest are an extraordinary opportunity for people to experience some of the natural wonders of the region.
This morning, as we walked through the Sloth Trail and climbed up and down Cathedral Point, we saw all kinds of animals: several sloths (both the two- and three-toed); howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys; sack wing bats; grey neck woodrail; roadside hawk; and yellow crown night herons. This was a real treat for us all and a learning experience, as we came to understand that the beauty of the tropical forests lies in the diversity within each forest and the variety of life zones which are all magnificently interconnected.
We realized that in order to save these natural jewels it is necessary to extend the conservation areas outside their borders through the development of biological corridors. To do this, it is imperative for us all to support sustainable practices in agriculture and responsible tourism.
P.S. To all our friends and relatives concerned by the news of the earthquake (6.2 on the Richter Scale) which hit Costa Rica yesterday afternoon: we inform everyone that we are all safe as we were far from the epicenter. Our hearts and thoughts go to the victims of this tragedy.
After spending the morning and part of the afternoon walking through the forest and enjoying the beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, we came back to the Sea Voyager. A quick shower and a change of clothes happened for most of us before we were back in the lounge to listen to our naturalist Gustavo Abarca’s presentation on the biodiversity of Central America.
It was a good way to wrap up what we have been experiencing throughout our seven-day journey through Panama and Costa Rica., two countries that occupy less than 1% of the earth’s landmass and yet are home to about 7% of the species of plants and animals on the planet.
The reason for this abundance of life is the unique location of these two countries that serve as a land bridge between the continents of North and South America. The only other intercontinental bridge in the world is the Sinai Peninsula which is a desert and, as such, is more a barrier than a bridge.
Both Costa Ricans and Panamanians have come to understand that this abundance of life in their territory represents a great responsibility rather than a privilege. They see themselves as stewards of their resources and have become leaders in Latin America for the protection of wildlife both on land and in the sea. Forests and marine reserves are a means to prolong the life of natural habitats, but it is only by linking these with biological corridors that can they be saved for future generations.
About 25% of Costa Rica’s territory is part of a government system of national parks and conservation areas. Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest one and a tourist mecca for both national and foreign visitors. Its beautiful beaches and transition forest are an extraordinary opportunity for people to experience some of the natural wonders of the region.
This morning, as we walked through the Sloth Trail and climbed up and down Cathedral Point, we saw all kinds of animals: several sloths (both the two- and three-toed); howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys; sack wing bats; grey neck woodrail; roadside hawk; and yellow crown night herons. This was a real treat for us all and a learning experience, as we came to understand that the beauty of the tropical forests lies in the diversity within each forest and the variety of life zones which are all magnificently interconnected.
We realized that in order to save these natural jewels it is necessary to extend the conservation areas outside their borders through the development of biological corridors. To do this, it is imperative for us all to support sustainable practices in agriculture and responsible tourism.
P.S. To all our friends and relatives concerned by the news of the earthquake (6.2 on the Richter Scale) which hit Costa Rica yesterday afternoon: we inform everyone that we are all safe as we were far from the epicenter. Our hearts and thoughts go to the victims of this tragedy.
