Frequently Asked Questions about NRDC's Revive a Rainforest Campaign
1. How will NRDC be sure the rainforest is maintained and not just cut down again?
NRDC and our local partner, the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), are committed to the long-term restoration and maintenance of the reforested site. CATIE is one of the leading institutions in the world working on tropical resource management, agroforestry, and agriculture. More information about CATIE can be found on their website: http://www.catie.ac.cr The forest will be on CATIE's campus - a secured and stable area where the trees and local wildlife will thrive, guarded from the threat of deforestation. CATIE has years of experience in reforestation management and with their expertise we will recreate and maintain a strong, healthy and diverse forest. NRDC intends to remain engaged with this project for the long-term and track the growth of our forest.
2. Who owns the land where our rainforest is being planted?
NRDC local partner, CATIE, owns and maintains the land we will reforest.
3. What kinds of trees will be planted in our rainforest?
The reforestation project will recreate the diversity, structure and function of a natural tropical forest. The initial tree mix will include Cedrela odorata (red cedar from the mahogany family) and Vochysia guatemalensis (locally known as mayo). These are fast-growing native species that can grow as high as 100 to 130 feet. The wide-crowned trees will form the upper canopy of the mature forest and allow enough light to filter to the forest floor. Natural regeneration of other local woody species will create the forest's understory. The young trees will come from CATIE's seed bank, ensuring the high genetic quality needed for strong, healthy trees.
4. Does it matter if I plant a tree with NRDC in Costa Rica or if I plant my own here in Pennsylvania?
Tropical reforestation is particularly effective in fighting global warming. Tropical forests absorb more carbon than forests in temperate zones. They also help produce clouds which reflect the sun's heat back to space. The forest planted in Costa Rica will also be a refuge for local wildlife. It will be strategically located in the biological corridor joining two large biosphere reserves, "La Amistad" and "Cordillera Volcánica Central".
5. What is the cause of the deforestation that makes NRDC's Revive a Rainforest Campaign necessary?
Cattle-ranching is a leading driver of deforestation in Latin America. The NRDC reforestation project will reclaim land that was originally deforested to use as pasture to raise cattle. NRDC's partner plays a key role in promoting sustainable management of rural natural resources by teaching local farmers and rural workers how to protect forests. The NRDC project will undo the damage of deforestation and help our partners demonstrate reliable reforestation techniques to local communities.
6. How big an area does the NRDC Revive a Rainforest Campaign cover?
The initial reforestation will cover an area of 50 acres, but the overall impact of the project will be much greater. The project will demonstrate a reforestation method that local farmers can replicate elsewhere. This will multiply the impact of the project in Costa Rica.
7. Does NRDC need volunteers to help plant the rainforest?
We really appreciate the offers from NRDC Members and online activists to volunteer to participate in this re-forestation project. However, neither NRDC nor CATIE are equipped to accommodate volunteers. The planting of the trees and management of the forest will be undertaken by CATIE employees under the supervision of forest professionals. In the future, we hope to organize visits by NRDC supporters and members to our forest and would welcome you to join with us. Also please do send us more details about your plans for moving to Costa Rica and we can see if we can connect you with other groups that work with volunteers.
