Steeve Joazard Fellowship Report 

Summary

​

In visiting Costa Rica, my essential question shifted from a broad goal of creating a sustainable and eco-friendly initiative for students to a two-part question that I want students to answer regarding the environment: What harm has been done, and how do we undo it? There was a common thread at every wildlife sanctuary, coffee and chocolate farm, or national park I visited. They all seemed very intent on a proactive approach—where reforestation, conservation, and eco-friendly policies were essential and equally important, they put efforts toward repairing harm inflicted on the ecosystem by people. One such example is demonstrated through the story of Grecia, the chestnut-mandibled toucan. Grecia was attacked and lost a large portion of its beak. The attack caused a national uproar and went viral. Grecia eventually received a 3-D printed prosthesis and went through an extensive rehabilitation program during its recovery. Equally important is that Grecia became a symbol against animal abuse, and the attack rallied Costa Ricans to advocate changing laws to protect animals and create harsher punishments for animal abusers. I learned about Grecia while visiting the Rescate Wildlife Sanctuary, and although Grecia did not reside there, they have a statue of Grecia (without the prosthesis) honoring the toucan and as a reminder of why their work is important.

​

The trip through Costa Rica took me from San Jose to La Fortuna and then to Manuel Antonio. In these cities, I was able to experience rescue centers, observatories, farms, springs, waterfalls, rainforests, and national parks. I spent most of my time learning about the different ways in which Costa Rica lives into their identity as an eco-friendly and sustainable country. I learned about sustainability efforts as they relate to animal rescues, recycling, conservation, policy, and activism. Organizations like Kids Saving the Rainforest allowed me an opportunity to volunteer. Here I learned more about the progress that has been made in Costa Rica over time to protect animals and land. At Mistico Hanging Bridges, I was able to hike through a rainforest to see how tourism could still value and protect existing lands and highlight the beauty of a country without exploiting its natural resources. During a chocolate tour, I spent hours learning about Costa Rica’s contributions to its communities and the world. It was fascinating to learn all that came from this small farm. They allowed me to learn about making juice from cane, coffee from their beans, and chocolate from their cacao. I even left with Fabrizio, a local who hitched a ride, who taught me more about La Fortuna, where to get a local meal, and his experience with the recently-erupted Arenal Volcano. At Manuel Antonio National Park, a tour guide provided the history of the National Park. We spent hours looking at animals in their natural habitat. I saw animals I would have never seen without her and learned about her experience in this work. Her commitment to this work stemmed from an importance she sensed in these efforts to conserve animals and land at home.  This is how I spent most of my time. Driving through these cities to explore their biodiversity and learn from people at some of its most visited places how they do this work, appeal to tourists, and still maintain their identity as an eco-conscious country.

​

This experience has profoundly impacted how I frame environmental and social issues with students. At times, it can be difficult to comprehend an issue and think through solutions, even for adults. Breaking this down into these simple ways can allow students to learn about an issue while allowing them to realize that there are ways to make a positive impact and reverse ecological harm.