Saving the Rain Forest

One of the biggest problems in Costa Rica is the destruction of the country's rain forests. Farmer’s burn trees to make room for cropland, and ranchers clear grazing land for their cattle. Many trees are cut for paper and for building materials.

But many people are willing to help. National parks protect the land and provide places for people to learn about the wonders of rain forests. Students in Costa Rica learn about the rain forest in school. They take field trips to see the unique plants and animals there. They write letters to their government asking that more rain forest land be protected. Kids all over the world care about Costa Rica's rain forests, too.

If the rain forests die out, it affects everyone not just Costa Ricans. Important products, such as medicines, come from the rain forest. And trees help to keep the world's air clean. Ecotourism is one way of protecting Costa Rica's rain forest. Here's how it works. Costa Ricans preserve rain forest land and welcome tourists from other countries to visit. That way, they make money from the tourists year after year instead of just once by destroying the forest.