According to the Centre for Biological Diversity, our planet is currently going through its 6th mass extinction of plant and animal species, with the highest number of extinctions since the loss of the dinosaurs millions of years ago. Over 16,000 living species are currently endangered worldwide, with 99% of these being in this position due to human activities.
In a world with so many amazing creatures in danger of extinction, knowing the meaning of the term 'conservation' and how to actually put it into practice is so important... especially among our youngest generations! Our young people are the ones that will have to work the hardest if we are going to conserve the species we still have left!
Luckily for us here on Playa Preciosa, we have seen that there are some environmentally aware and passionate young people with a true understanding for conservation. After a busy summer of World Challenge groups from the UK helping us here to conserve the Osa Turtles, we have finally had time to share some of their inspiring words with you!
"We believe that conservation is a group effort, and that the
smallest contributions help to make a significant difference. We think that a
sustainable world is of great importance to the future of looking after our
planet… this should not only be a joint effort which continues, but also something
that works on an international level, using education and knowledge to aid
those in less developed countries to also help the future of the environment.
Whilst more can be done in developed countries, such as the UK and the USA, we
believe that engaged people in such places should use their knowledge and
expertise to extend this ethos further across the world, together creating a
greater impact in the protection of the planet. Whilst smaller efforts carry
significant importance, we think that such extreme measures taken against the
sustainability of marine life in recent decades should also be brought to
light. The culling of sharks and the entrapment of other sea life for the purposes
of leisure and entertainment already poses a great threat to the conservation
of marine life specifically, and that is something we feel passionately about."
By Ellen, Beth and Lydia.
"Conservation to us is making the area sustainable for future
generations, achieved by protecting habitats and ecosystems. In Costa Rica we
have seen recycling, which in the UK we have not fully developed, but which
could be developed further by encouraging the charge of plastic carrier bags in
shops as this raises awareness and funds to counter the other environmental
concerns. Having just left school, we are at an age when we are choosing what
to do with our lives. Our time at Osa turtles has been inspirational as it has
raised our awareness of the need for sustainability, conservation and the
teaching of responsible agricultural practices, whether that be in the small
things we do every day, or in the directions our careers take."
Sarah, Esmee, Beth and Nilum.
"For most people,
conservation is not about direct intervention, but about the small but
significant changes people can make to their daily lives. Back at home we aim
to live sustainably by making a number of changes such as using electronic
razors rather than disposable plastic ones. Modern developments along these
lines include ‘Moon Cups’ as an alternative to disposable female sanitary
products. As a country, the UK has begun to charge for the use of plastic
carrier bags without the purchase of meat – this is minimising plastic usage
and waste. Although this seems insignificant for a 5p charge, it makes people
aware of their plastic waste as well as how this could be damaging wildlife and
species such as turtles and birds here in Costa Rica. The few days spent here
in the Osa Peninsula have inspired and changed our future outlook which we hope
will be reflected in the careers we pursue, whether they be in medicine, law,
geography or something else!"
Katie, Lucy, Emily, Letty and Ellie.
"Conservation to me is about the sustainability of the planet
as a whole. Personally, I believe that rising sea levels are the problem that
lay at the heart of conserving our planet. In order to allow for resources to
be available for our current generation as well as future generations, a global
effort is required to solve a global problem. By protecting the worldwide land
masses from dramatic and significant changes in sea level, and preventing the
submergence of vulnerable land, this will enable vast ecosystems to be
conserved. If more developed, capable countries unite with areas in desperate
need of aid and protection, then the impact of sea level rise could be
minimised considerably. The key to achieving the goal of minimizing sea level
rise is knowledge. If the globe is educated about the possible dreadful
implications of this serious problem and every individual made one small step
to a cleaner planet, then maybe its conservation could truly be achieved. Maybe
if people were made more aware of how quickly our planet is accelerating
towards an unsustainable, selfish, consumer-hungry world, who knows what we
could all achieve by working holistically!"
Alisa
Communicate with locals
Open your mind and think past your own generation
Nature reserves and national parks
Saving species from extinction
Energy efficiency
Reducing human impact on the environment
Volunteer direct action
Adapting your lifestyle to be more eco-friendly
Talk openly about local, national and global concerns
Inform others on environmental issues
Only using recyclable materials
Now or never (… but preferably now!)
Megan, Emily, Grace, Olivia and Alice.
Thank you, World Challenge Rugby, for your passionate contributions to the conservation efforts here in Costa Rica! Keep spreading knowledge and passion!
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