Our mission is to preserve and restore biodiversity through the creation and protection of vital forest ecosystems.
FOREST GUARDIANS FOUNDATION
Satisfaction from protecting and growing our biodiversity
Foundation Brief
We stand for biodiversity preservation and restoration. The Lebenskraft Forest is our vital force, our continuous strive to survive (Lebenskraft literally means in German “vital force”).
Our seedling project is located in the high mountain range of the pristine forest of the Cerro de la Muerte (Death Massif) in Costa Rica at an altitude of 2,500 meters. This is an area of exceptional beauty, superb but cold climate, and incomparable nature and wildlife.
Sponsorship
They are not just trees; they are givers of life when they exist and takers of life when they are gone. While alive, they protect our biodiversity and all life that resides on and around them.
Facts
Costa Rica contains more than half a million species, comprising 6% of the world’s biodiversity, all within a territory that accounts for less than 0.03% of the world’s landmass! Isn’t this an incredible fact?
The Lebenskraft Forest region and the Tapanti National Park are the sources of the largest water bodies, vital for sustaining the livelihoods of major metropolitan areas around San José and Cartago. The lack of water or contamination in these regions could endanger millions of lives downstream.
Around 1980, Costa Rica’s forest coverage was barely over 20%. Since then, through the commitment of its people and appropriate government incentives, this coverage has increased to over 60% and continues on a positive trend. This makes Costa Rica one of the most densely forest-covered countries globally. However, the global picture is disheartening, with current forest coverage at around 26% and on a declining trend. This emphasizes the importance of supporting the country’s and individuals’ efforts to increase forest coverage.
The Lebenskraft Forest region is home to the communities of El Cañón, La Trinidad, and 3 de Junio. Situated at elevations ranging from 2,500m to 2,700m above sea level, these communities are the highest-altitude and coldest in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, located on the American Isthmus, boasts a dual coastline with the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans washing its shores. Combined with its unique geography, which transitions from sea level to 3,821m elevation and back to sea level within less than 100km, this country harbors a myriad of microclimates and microecosystems, contributing to its high biodiversity.