Costa Rica Conservation Trust

PROGRAMS & PROJECTS

Learn about CRCT's programs and current campaigns, including a Recycling and Waste Management Campaign, Ecological Awareness Campaign, Water Protection Program, Sustainably Grown Coffee Program... MORE

DONATE TODAY

By supporting CRCT, you are helping preserve and heal ecosystems that are in danger of deforestation and poaching. Please help us keep our planet green, protect our wildlife and educate towards a better world.
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VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

"Leave a positive footprint!" Experience Costa Rica in a meaningful way! Open to families, individuals and youth. Learn more about our Volunteer Program Today!

ABOUT CRCT: PHILOSOPHY

Our Mission | Executive Summary & Objectives | History | Why Costa Rica? | Staff/Board

PHILOSOPHY

The underlying philosophy of Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT) is that humans can and must improve their relationship with the natural world. CRCT believes that sustainable development presents an alternative that not only protects biodiversity and threatened ecosystems, but can also stimulate the economies of rural, impoverished, and marginalized communities. Thus, sustainable development presents a solution to environmental degradation, overexploitation of natural resources, poverty, forced economic migration of small farmers and indigenous people, etc.

CRCT believes that realistic protection of ecosystems is more likely to happen when it is economically viable to do so, especially in marginalized and impoverished areas. CRCT believes that by proving to rural farmers through example that sustainable development is financially viable they will be interested in sustainably developing their own lands ("seeing is believing"). CRCT believes that with education, support, and access to the right markets, rural Latin American farmers will take an active part in protecting and rejuvenating the Earth.

It is the belief of CRCT to always work in cooperation with the local communities it serves and to seek their involvement and insight into all aspects of its programs. Locals help design CRCT projects and are always the first choice for employment. CRCT does not displace indigenous people and small farmers, but rather assists them in keeping their lands through the advancement of alternative economic strategies, education, support, and advocacy.

Furthermore, it is the philosophy of CRCT that a love for the natural world is greatly inspired by experiencing, learning and becoming intimate with it first hand. This close connection and understanding is often what moves people to respect the Earth and its creatures and to ultimately take actions to change the destructive paradigm into which humanity has fallen. CRCT believes that providing meaningful opportunities for people to come into close contact with nature and increasing humanity's knowledge of the natural world through ongoing research and education are vital aspects of any conservation effort. Furthermore, increasing knowledge of the plants and animals of a region is instrumental in raising awareness and fomenting conservation attitudes among locals living in and next to rainforests.

In addition, CRCT believes that much more is accomplished by collaborating and cooperating with other groups. CRCT contributes to the information-sharing and networking among the different sectors of society that are working toward a greener and more just world.

Our Mission | Executive Summary & Objective | History | Why Costa Rica? | Staff/Board