In the wide plains of Guanacaste there is a hidden paradise: Mata Redonda National Wildlife Refuge, located in the Tempisque Conservation Area.
Wetlands that comprise it supply agricultural activities in the area. The product of climate change and declining water mirrors, made the Costa Rica por Siempre Association seek alternatives to maintain these natural areas that supply 503 hectares.
The gates allow the passage of 12 cubic meters of water per second when the tide is high, so that the resource can be maintained for several days.
The Costa Rica por Siempre Association works in partnership with the government to develop a 5-year implementation plan, in order to contribute to the 169 protected areas in the country,”
said Zdenka Piskulich, Executive Director of the Association.
Mataredonda, located in Nicoya, protects 565 hectares of wetlands. This is the habitat for species of resident and migratory birds.
Wetlands must be actively managed because there is a certain amount of invasive species of water mirrors. These are vital habitats for birds, keeping them is essential, but the water flow has changed in recent years,”
said Piskulich.
The works are also done hand in hand with communities, so that people know and implement measures to mitigate damage and preserve these spaces.