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Olive sea turtles come to Ostional

With the coming of the olive sea turtles to Ostional beach because of the nesting season,  the authorities relating to that conservation area are on high alert and urge the citizens to assist in the work of vigilance against illegal trafficking of turtle eggs.

Currently only the “Association of Ostional Integral Progress” is authorized to collect, pack and sell turtle eggs as part of a controlled economic activity, for that bags with eggs are properly marked with the seal of the association and signed by the president of the same.
Besides the sale of this product must be accompanied by an invoice issued by Incopesca.

The authorities of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge ask citizens to denounce anyone who is selling or relocating turtle eggs packages without proper seal of the Association.

Zumaloft, Montezuma, Costa Rica.

 

Project “Vigilantes del Agua” saved 325 million liters of water on Costa Rica.

The Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados AyA has reported that the project “Vigilantes del Agua” has just saved 325 millions liters of water in the past 5 years here on Costa Rica. This project was born early 2009, since then more than 58000 students from 56 schools and high schools has been taught about the right use and saving of the water resource.

The goal of this project is not only to teach the children about the rational use of the water, but to improve the infraestructure of the schools that has been participating in the program.

“In this way we will sow the seeds in the fertile population, children, promoting a new culture of the value of water in our country” said Yamileth Astorga, current executive AyA president.

“Vigilantes del Agua”, or Water Watchers in english consist in three important phases, the first step is to identify the oportunities of saving water on the schools, improving the facilities and training the students.

Some of the facilities han received water storage systems, so the lessons continue without interruption in case there is not enough water, along low water consumption toilets and timer devices.

In this 2014 the goal of the project is to train more than 3000 students from 120 schools from all Costa Rica.

Zumaloft, Montezuma, Costa Rica.

 

 

Jicaral will serve as a laboratory to study climate change

Jicaral is a small and town 50 Kilometers away from Montezuma. Near Jicaral is the  Nature Reserve Karen Mogensen, named after a very famous woman who together with her husband Nicolas Wessberg always fought for the natural conservation of the wildlife and flora in Nicoya´s Peninsula. There, a group of Italian scientists coming from the University of Tuscia are establishing a special laboratory to measure the flux of carbon between the forest and the atmosphere. They are investigating if the climate change is affecting this cycle.
This nature reserve has been catalogued as the right place to establish this laboratory. The scientists not only want to study the forest but its fauna, mostly birds and amphibians, which seem to be more sensible to the climate change.
The idea of building a scientific station there, comes since 2005, but the funding was not achieved until 2010, the construction ended on 2013.
This protected zone is one of the most important reserves along with the Nicolas Wessberg and Cabo Blanco.
Montezuma, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica remains unbeaten in the World Cup.

The soccer team of Costa Rica, continues to set history in this World Brazil 2014, reaching the quarter-finals after defeating penalties for soccer team of Greece, in an agonizing game where Costa Rica played with 10 men from minute 60 after the expulsion of Oscar Duarte by accumulation of two yellow cards.
The expulsion of the Costa Rican player caused that Costa Rica has very few offensive options. Almost locked up for the remaining 60 minutes of the match, including extra time, the Costa Rican team was able to hold the constant attacks from Greek team, with some good saves by the goalkeeper Keylor Navas. After the imminent draw, penalties came, no Costa Rican player missed his shot, while Keylor interrupted the shot from the Greek Gekas. From there there was only shot left coming from the defender Michael Umana, who executed a superb penalty to medium height, passing above the body of the Greek goalkeeper.
It is the first time in its history Costa Rica reaches quarterfinals in World Cup Soccer.
Now the opponent of the national selection of Costa Rica will be the Netherlands, in a match that promises to be of high caliber and good Soccer.
Montezuma, Costa Rica.

Leatherback turtles are being studied on Costa Rica.

Staff  from Royal Botanical Gardens of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), are developing studies Pacuara National Park in Costa Rica, on fungal diseases in marine turtles, especially the Leatherback turtles.
As part of the GLOBAL-FUNGI scientific department of Mycology at the Royal Botanic Garden Javier Dieguez Uribeondo project has been investigating for 15 days in the nature reserve, one of the most important places in the world for nesting leatherback turtles, species endangered.
Studies have focused on studying the fungi that cause emerging diseases in endangered species, in this case sea turtles.
For the first time it was possible to identify two fungal species present in these marine creatures, this has resulted in three publications in various scientific journals.
The Leatherback turtles so called from its resemblance to the musical instrument, is the largest of all sea turtles, reaching 2.3 meters in length and weighing more than 600 kilograms. In less than 30 years, the number of leatherback turtles has declined by 80%, seriously threatening the survival of this species.
GLOBAL-FUNGI The project works to identify the conditions that favor the development of these fungi and also to create conservation programs that take account of the diseases that develop turtles from these fungal agents.
Thanks to this research work, the Pacuare Nature Reserve has laid foundations for signing a cooperation agreement between the National Park and the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), with the aim of carrying out conservation programs and study of biodiversity present.
Montezuma, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Precolumbian settlements are declared World Heritage Site

UNESCO declared the stone spheres of Costa Rica Diquís Valley World Heritage.
The Ministry of Culture and Youth asked Unesco since 2012 and since 2013 this organization sent specialists to analyze.
For Unesco, these spheres found in pre-Columbian settlements in Costa Rica, “represents an exceptional testimony to the artistic traditions and craftsmanship of these pre-Columbian societies.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Fonseca, Minister of Culture, the statement is a privilege and also a challenge for further research and preserve the heritage.
The announcement was made by the government of Costa Rica in a press conference in which he participated President Luis Guillermo Solís who said “The Cultural Heritage and Archaeology of a people is essential, not only because it represents a particular moment in its history, but because it is undeniable foundation of his memory, a mirror through which we can look at the greatness of our past, intelligence and worth of those before us and made possible our place on this earth. I welcome it with great joy and pride, this recognition of our pre-Columbian cultures, who left us the legacy of her greatness, “the president Solis said.
The report of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) found that sites with stone spheres Diquís are globally unique, which was demonstrated from comprehensive comparative analysis.
These spheres have been found so far at four sites: Batambal, El Silencio, Grijalva Finca 6 and 2, all south of the country.
The National Museum has prepared a Management Plan for the archaeological sites Diquís Delta where goals that must be met in areas such as research, cultural management, conservation, community participation and infrastructure were proposed.
Montezuma, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica National Soccer Team finished first in the group of death.

“La Tricolor” as known to the national soccer team Costa Rica took the first place in its group after draw with the England soccer team in a game that ended goalless in both goals. The celebration of this great achievement spread throughout the country, people took to the streets with flags and team jerseys for hours, even here on Montezuma, people were celebrating at the downtown with music and chants.
Meanwhile the Italian soccer team was eliminated by its similar of Uruguay, closing a chapter in this nightmare for European team.
Costa Rica has been the surprise of the World Brazil 2014, leaving shocked both nationals and foreigners for his victories against Uruguay and then Italy, two former World Champions.
Costa Rica must now face Greece in the second round on Sunday, a game that is difficult for the Tricolor because of the strong Greek defense.
For now in Costa Rica, it’s all about party, thanks to this historic feat of reaching the top spot in the most difficult group according to experts in the field.

Beaches near Montezuma.

Montezuma is very well know for being close to the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.
Zumaloft will be bringing more detailed info about most of these beaches soon.
Playa Montezuma, Playa Cocolito,  Playa Cabuya, Piedra Colorada, Playa Las Manchas, amongs others.

Nature Reserve Cabo Blanco

The Nature Reserve of Cabo Blanco is a protected area located at the south west of Nicoya peninsula. It was created on october 21th of 1963 in order to protect the dry forest tipical of this region, which is home for many species of flora and fauna. The protected area also extends to the sea, giving protection to many seabird, fish, crustaceans and sharks. Aside, the flora extends more than 119 different species of trees.
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Verano Toreado(Summer bullfight)

In Costa Rica there are  different arenas in which during the festivities make bull riding championships. The law prohibits the killing of bulls and other animals on public or private events. Many Costa Ricans enter the bullring to be chased and rammed by the bull. It is what is called “Corridas a la tica”, and those who participate are called “improvised bullfighters.”

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