Regional River Environmental Education Pilot Project

Fundación Ríos Tropicales (FRT) is a non-profit environmental organization established to assist in the preservation, protection and restoration of the rivers, streams and watersheds of Costa Rica. Founded by the prominent, national whitewater rafting company, Ríos Tropicales, FRT's main rivers of focus are the leading recreationally attractive rivers of the national ecotourism industry. These rivers include: Río Pacuare, Río Reventazón, Río Sarapiquí, and Río General. These four rivers, like many others, are threatened by massive hydroelectric projects, as well as constant contamination and pollution. Most locals are unaware of their direct impacts on the rivers and the benefits of keeping them clean, clear and free-flowing. International adventurers and professional boaters frequently visiting these rivers are also unaware of the threatened status of these rivers and the likelihood that they will no longer be navigable in the very near future. Though the Foundation has only been up and running for a short time, we have already established an aggressive awareness campaign.

As part of our national awareness campaign, FRT initiated a river environmental education program in the Atlantic region of Turrialba and Siquirres. Our objectives are to educate children about the rivers of their community and their impact upon them. We hope to motivate the students to take action in keeping the rivers clean and free-flowing as they mature, and to practice sustainable farming and developmental methods through efficient use of the valuable natural resources of their surroundings.

Our pilot program began at the Escuela Eduardo Peralta Jiménez in the town of Tucurrique which rests about 24 km east of the Cachí Dam on the Reventazón River. It is a small, conservative and very rural community dependent primarily on the cultivation of palmito and pejibaye. With a low source of income, the town lacks much infrastructure. The roads are unpaved. There is no local dump for wastes. Sanitation measures are lacking. Under this scenario, we hope to influence some change and help the community prosper in a sustainable manner.

FRT's River Education Program involves direct participation and hands-on learning activities. With the assistance of volunteers and members of the local environmental group, ECO-Jovenes, we avoid classroom lecturing, and use art, physical activities, field trips, and investigation outings to cover the following issues:

1. Water quality monitoring
2. River ecology
3. Watershed management
4. River pollution/contamination and solutions
5. Land use practices
6. Hydroelectric projects

At the end of each three-week course, we present each child with a certificate of recognition and a seedling donated by the E.A.R.T.H. (Escuela Agricola de la Region Tropical Humeda). Following the ceremony, we plant the seedlingsaround the community as an effort to reforest the Reventazón River watershed.

As of June 15th, we have completed three courses with the third, fourth and fifth graders. Currently, we are seeking more new volunteers with experience in environmental education to assist in the teaching process and continue the program for the entire school. We are using a variety of materials from different environmental education organizations in the US, such as: GREEN (Global River Environmental Education Network), Project WET, and Save Our Streams of the Isaak Walton League. Once we have taught all grades of the Escuela Eduardo Peralta Jimenez, FRT will immediately continue this program with the children of Valle de Los Angeles along the Pacuare River, and gradually continue with other communities.

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