In 2009, Rainforest Biodiversity Group expanded its project base to include land trust work by accepting the donation of a conservation easement on a nearly 300 acre property on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica between Quepos and Dominical.
The most traditional tool for conserving private land, a “conservation easement” is a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. It allows landowners to continue to own and use their land, and they can also sell it or pass it on to heirs.
As the holder of the easement, Rainforest Biodiversity Group (RBG) has made the commitment to protect in perpetuity the conservation purposes outlined within the easement agreement. These include the following:
- To protect the relatively natural habitat of fish, wildlife and plants
- To preserve open space
- To protect scenic values; and
- To maintain the natural ecological processes and function of the tropical forest
To ensure the integrity of the conservation purposes of this property, RBG is required to monitor the property at least once every 12 months and will make detailed reports after each visit. This will ensure that the detailed terms of the conservation easement are not violated.
Holding, monitoring, and enforcing a conservation easement requires a strong and sustainable organization. You can help this important initiative with your financial contribution. This is a big step forward for the Rainforest Biodiversity Group, and we hope that our members and friends will support this work. We welcome your generous tax-deductible gift designated for this project.
