Save the Planet, Volunteer for Costa Rica's Zero Carbon Project

The Asis project foundation in support to the national "Neutral Carbon" plan has launched a voluntary environmental program called "Zero Carbon Volunteer," so that people around the world can participate in Costa Rica's reforestation effort.

Reforestation to fix carbon is the environmental policy priority of the Nobel Prize winning president of Costa Rica, Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez. It is intended that the country is Carbon Neutral, that is, to remove carbon from the atmosphere as much as it's added with the emissions of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Along with controlling the of such emissions of harmful gases from different sources, the plan also calls for the sowing of seven million trees throughout the territory which is 52,000 square kilometers, which although small in size, is high in biodiversity, being at this point one of the richest worldwide.

The North zone of the country, with humid tropic characteristics, is where the Neutral Carbon project will begin. Here is also where the Asis Project Foundation is located, which has been working for several years to benefit biodiversity conservation through environmental education programs in rural communities. These create awareness and teach how to work to protect nature, therefore an effective contribution to this major national project of zero carbon.

Years ago, the Foundation transformed a breeding land into a Biological reserve, with the intention of fixating carbon and restoring the natural habitat for plants and animals. This reserve is a practical example of how rural communities can implement this process in harmony with Mother Nature, looking after their interests and needs. Nowadays the reserve is a living classroom. The foundation is working actively to raise awareness about the process of reforestation to fix carbon. It is also associated with the reintroduction of native shrubs and other plants, which although not having a practical or commercial value, contributes to the recovery of the native environment and therefore to the nutritional support of wildlife.

Through its sister organization, Asis Project Foundation has created an innovative volunteer program called "Zero Carbon Volunteer," so that those living abroad can also contribute to this effort. Alvaro del Castillo, the institute's director, says: "The world belongs to everyone, but we all have to bear a share of responsibility to get it back and that's why we have created this program, 'Zero carbon Volunteer,' as a facilitator option, so that everyone can meet with such a personal commitment." Those who come to participate may also help in the activities of the Wild Animals Rescue Center operating in the same biological reserve.

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