Hiking in Corcovado, Costa Rica

IMG_1344.JPG, originally uploaded by wild_nature_addict.

After my stint working as a Group Leader for Youth Challenge International in Costa Rica, Elizabeth and I travelled around checking out some of the incredible natural areas that Costa Rica has to offer. Becuase of its geographical location as the bridge between two continents and sandwiched by two oceans, Costa Rica is the most biologically diverse place on the planet. As a result of this diversity and its ability to attract “eco-tourists”, Costa Rica has chosen to protect an astounding 23% of their country in parks. Most of the photos in this set were taken in Corcovado or around Volcan Arenal: Costa Rican Holiday.

 Another blog entry by Nathan Bennett of Wild Nature Education and Adventures.

Costa Rica – Youth Challenge International

Covered in red volcanic mud from trailbuilding.jpg, originally uploaded by wild_nature_addict.

In 2005, I spent the summer working in northern Costa Rica as a Group Leader for Youth Challenge International. Along with a group of 10 from Canada and my tico co-leader, Amed, I headed up to Juanilama de Pocosol. We spent the summer doing local capacity building for rural eco-tourism in the community. Our jobs included, trail building, teaching in the local school, organizing a conference and workshops on eco-tourism and helping prepare the land for the school. Our group was incredibly productive and we made a great connection with the local community during our short stay. For more pictures: Costa Rica with YCI.

Ecuador -CIDA International Development Project

monkeyonmyback.jpg, originally uploaded by wild_nature_addict.

In 2003, I spent six months working in Coastal Ecuador on an international development project with CIDA. I was working with youth aged 5-19 in a small community that was set up in the months following El Nino and an earthquake that hit the area in 1997. My job description was “environmental education” and “other duries as required”. My project was part of a larger project whose long-term goal was capacity building for eco-tourism. To see more photos: Ecuador – CIDA Project.