Karen Mogensen F. Wildlife Refuge Reserve
Case Study C0177
[edit]
| Date | June 2005 |
| Agency | Asociacion Ecologica Paquera, Lepanto y Cobano (ASEPALECO) |
| Donor/support agency | Fundecooperacion, Paises Bajos-Costa Rica Gobierno de la Provincia de Modena, Italia UK Government GEF - Small Grants Program of Costa Rica Others |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Costa Rica |
| Locality | Nicoya Peninsula |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/landscape and species |
| Development focus | Communities living within, or close to, Karen Mogensen F. Wildlife Refuge Reserve |
| Conservation goals | Promote biodiversity and water conservation on the Nicoya Peninsula |
| Poverty reduction goals | Promote ecotourism as a way to improve the quality of life in the region |
Summary
The Karen Mogensen F. Wildlife Refuge Reserve was established in 1996 and is managed by the Ecological Association of Paquera, Lepanto and Cobano (ASEPALECO). The refuge is located within the protected zone of the Nicoya Peninsula and the Peninsular Biological Corridor in Costa Rica. The refuge is named in honor of Karen Mogensen, who, together with her husband Nicolas Wessberg, established the first natural reserve under absolute protection (Cabo Blanco) in Costa Rica, which led to the establishment of the country's protected area system. The reserve protects various rivers that supply freshwater to different communities. It holds a spectacular complex of native plant and animal species, some of which are endangered. This project promotes community participation in safeguarding the reserve, through environmental education with children, youth, and adults. In its efforts to become sustainable, ASEPALECO has set up a framework for scientific and educational tourism with support from Fundecooperacion para el Desarrollo (Costa Rica-Netherlands Bilateral Agreement) and the Global Environment Facility - Small Grants Program of Costa Rica.
Conservation impact
755 hectares of tropical rainforest were purchased. This land, strategically located in the highlands of the Nicoya Peninsula Protected Zone, comprehends: various endangered tree species; various species of orchids, epiphytes, and palms; two fresh water sources that supply potable water to five communities; numerous rare animal species.
Poverty reduction impact
A lodge that accommodates up to 20 people was bult in a rural setting surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine rivers. Environmental services payments were obtained from the government of Costa Rica, which will be used to protect and maintain the reserve.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Payments for conservation services
Reference 1
http://www.eco-index.org/search/results.cfm?projectID=209
Reference 2
http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/neocomm/newsletter/2002/mar02-2.html
More information
Kattia Chavarria Berrocal and Luis Angel Mena Aguilar, Project directors
Phone: +506 650 0607
E-mail: asepalec@racsa.co.cr
Related records above this one:
- Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Organisation O0026)