*Asociacion ANAI*
Sustainable Development and Conservation for Costa Rica's Lowland Humid Tropics

Helping the people of Talamanca Adopt Autonomous Work to improve the Quality of Life
Conserve Natural Resources, and Protect Bio-Diversity for the Future

Most tropical forests are threatened with destruction during our lifetime....
Most people living in the forests are mired in poverty....
We Need a New Approach

ANAI CORE BELIEFS

No contradiction exists between economic development and environmental conservation.
Development and conservation must work together to create thriving communities.

The best stewards of the tropical lowlands are the campesino and Indian farmers who have dedicated their lives to these lands.

All natural tropical areas that are not saved will be radically altered during our lifetime. We work to protect these areas for the future.

Within 100 years, the natural forest and other unique primary ecosystems will be Talamanca’s most economically valuable asset.

STRATEGY

Protect rain forests and other unique ecosystems

Promote sustainable economic development and a higher quality of life

Help create and consolidate grassroots conservation and development organizations

ANAI’S KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
Conservation
Established:
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Talamanca Caribbean Biological Corridor
Marine Turtle Conservation Program
Developed Small Farmer Land Use Practices in Sustainable Forest Management
Scientifically Validated the Value of Conserving Small Farmer Agro-Ecosystems
Pioneered Organic Agricultural Program: Cacao and Bananas now grown by local farmers and exported by a local co-op
Provided Disaster Assistance and Housing Construction after 1991 Earthquake
Constructing Community Aqueducts
Establishing Community Credit and Loan Associations
Creating Community Eco-Tourism Ventures
Helping Campesinos Acquire Land Titles

Training and Education
Created:
Locally-run Regional Training Center in the Talamanca Indian Reserve
Youth Leadership Training Program
Environmental Education Program
Providing Agricultural and Small Business Training for a Marginally Literate Rural Population

Organizational
Fostering Constellation of Grassroots Conservation and Development Organizations at Regional and Community Levels

“ANAI has laid the social and economic foundations for a self-sustained and lasting development process at the local level.” Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA

VISION FOR TALAMANCA’S FUTURE

A high percentage of forested land stretching from the continental divide to the sea
A high percentage of land in private ownership by native Talamancans
Officially declared protected natural areas, staffed and accessible to visitors to profit neighboring communities.
A supplemental ecotourism economy that directs proceeds to local hands, provides incentives for biodiversity conservation, and educates both visitor and resident.

OUR FUTURE OBJECTIVES

Complete and consolidate Talamanca-Caribbean Biological Corridor as possibly the world’s only remaining forested corridor stretching from the ocean to the continental divide.

Achieve widespread adoption of local sustainable development initiatives, based on organic agro-ecosystems, forest management, ecotourism and community conservation.

Continue to create, strengthen and promote autonomy for grassroots constituencies that champion conservation and indigenous stewardship in Talamanca.

Promote integration of conservation and development in other tropical areas by sharing our experience.

WE BELIEVE ANAI IS A GOOD INVESTMENT

ANAI’s strategy linked conservation needs with economic development long before the advent of “sustainable development.”

For 20 years, ANAI has successfully carried out this strategy in over 40 communities in one of the most logistically and socially difficult areas of Central America.

ANAI invests much effort in developing local and national technical capacity and leadership to ensure continuity and action.

ANAI is efficiently-run and low cost. We are free of luxurious offices, large US-based staffs, and executive salaries. Possibly no other development or conservation organization in Latin America invests as high percentage of every dollar earned in the field.

“The cost effectiveness of the SIDA donation was
higher than that of other projects supported by Sweden in Costa Rica during the same time.”
SIDA Independent Evaluation

BEFORE ANAI, around 1980, the Talamanca economy apart from the tourist industry disappeared in the wake of setbacks for cacao farming.

This economy reappeared with ANAI’s support in opening the organic cacao market.

The local community is increasingly aware of the economic importance of conserving threatened ecosystems and biodiversity.

WITHOUT ANAI, Talamanca would have likely become an increasingly desperate pocket of poverty in Central America’s most prosperous country.

YOU CAN HELP US

One foundation grant may equal the dollars of 100 individual donations, but the small donors represent 100 votes of confidence.

We need volunteers in the highly publicized sea turtle conservation project, and in many other areas.

Your vacation through a locally-run ecotourism program can help sustain the Talamancan economy.

Grants to specific ANAI projects, or through ANAI to other groups, are always needed and appreciated.

We seek donations toward establishment of an endowment to support ANAI’s operational costs.

Jim Lynch and Benson Venegas
Apartado 170-2070
Sabanilla San Jose, Costa Rica
(506) 224-6090
Email: [email protected]

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