Target: Mónica Navarro del Valle, Minister of Environment and Energy for Costa Rica
Goal: Create deterrents on power lines to prevent wildlife fatalities.
Costa Rica is home to one of the most fascinating species of primates: howler monkeys. These unique animals have been a fixture of tropical regions in the Americas, but they are falling victim to an unexpected human-made danger that has turned deadly: electricity. Just one Costa Rican rescue organization has treated over 100 wildlife who were electrocuted by power lines in a year’s time. More than 90 percent of the victims were howler monkeys.
A court case recently shone a spotlight on the growing problem. Twenty conservation groups called on the government to create more protective safeguards against wildlife electrocution. Proposed solutions included insulated power lines, underground power lines, and artificial canopy bridges that would offer a safe alternative to the power lines that wildlife see and use as trees. Costa Rica’s constitutional court concurred with the activists and ordered two government-run agencies to ramp up and implement protection efforts in one district. But the problem persists nationwide.
Sign the petition below to demand these agencies adopt a cross-country initiative to protect Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity from a preventable hazard.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Navarro del Valle,
The recent constitutional court ruling concerning power lines in the Nosara district affirms a country-wide ecological crisis. Power lines have reportedly killed over 6,000 animals via electrocution annually. The irreplaceable howler monkey is among the chief casualties of this exposed danger.
Please set a positive example for the many other nations beset by this risk and expand efforts initiated by the court’s ruling to cover all of Costa Rica. This country has demonstrated its commitment to wildlife protection and biodiversity many times. Make this effort a lasting part of your legacy.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Samir Smier
cat