Costa Rica

When it comes to preservation of its natural resources, Costa Rica is a pioneer.

A quarter of century ago, this democracy from Central America was faced with a bleak future. With only 51,00 square kilometers of land and few natural resources, it's forest was being sacrificed to banana plantations and coal production. The Costa Rican government decided to take a drastic step.

--They eliminated their defense budget and channeled the money towards education and conservation.--

They provided for the forest, and now the forest in providing for Costa Rica. Thanks to the forsight and energy of Daniel Janzen, the acclaimed rainforest biologist who helped found the InBio (National Biodiversity Institute) project, the Costa Rican forest is now yielding an unlimited source of pharmaceutical benefits.

The preservation of the forest also brings the financial benefits of eco-tourism. Today, one million Americans enjoy this eco-paradise. Half of them come for the pleasure of the jungle experience; a real jungle.

Join Minden Pictures photographer Frans Lanting in a look at the Costa Rica - the third of five Biodiversity Series PhotoVoyages.

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