the Leatherback Newsletter

MAY 2010
ISSUE NO. 3
BAULAS TIMES
WWW.SALVEMOSBAULAS.ORG
TEL. (506) 2253-6250
FAX. (506) 2253-7683
Baulas Safe
for Now
Last Thursday the Environmental
Commission of the Costa Rican
Congress determined they were
lacking procedural documentation to
vote law proposal No. 17.383. A lame
excuse that proves the effectiveness
of the campaign you are a part of.
BUSY WEEKS
These have been intense weeks for
Baulita and the Baulas National Park
defenders. First 4 congressmen said
they were ready to approve the law
proposal that would reduce the Park
and degrade most of it’s territory to a
supposed wildlife refuge.
So Baulita ran for help and the
international organization NRDC sent
an action alert to its friends and
members to write to 2 of the decided
congressmen (Yalile Esna & Ovidio
Aguero) requesting they reconsider
their decision. Yalile mentioned she
received between 15,000-20,000
emails against the law project. Great
job!
Finally, the media played a key role in
informing the public of Baula’s
critical situation and pressuring the
Government to abandon the cause.
ROCIO NIEVES Our exceptional
volunteer and friend recently found a full time
job. Though we’ll miss seeing her in congress,
we know she’ll continue making a difference.
Baulita celebrates with Mariachis
On a Roll...
Baulita is more popular than
ever. News articles, radio and TV
interviews, events, concerts,
festivals, and Congress visits.
introducing next edition, and
lots of great ideas to better
protect the natural resources
our country depends on.
We’ve won the battle, but not the
war. So let’s take this time to
gather energies and seek real
solutions for the very real
problems Baulas Park faces.
Baulita wants to thank each and
every one of you that has helped
out in one way or another. You
are the change the world needs!
We’ve got new spokespersons,
volunteer designers we’ll be
MICHELLE PANTING The best Baulita
ever returns to her homeland Honduras. Her
dance moves will be remembered and
missed. We’re sure you’ll get that scholarship!
JORGE CASTILLO Recently became a full
time volunteer, motivating others to do the
same. This young master is doing great things
for the Park. Keep up the good work!
A night for Baulas at Jazz Cafe
Escazu
Mauricio Ramirez
The Artist
Federico Miranda & Abel jamming
Balerom
Going solo
BALEROM, FOLLOWED BY FEDERICO MIRANDA & ABEL,
ROCKED THE HOUSE!
Our first concert was last December with 7 bands and over 300 fans.
Then oportunity knocked on our door and we had a more exclusive
event in Jazz Cafe Escazu in March.
We started off with a short documentary on sea turtles named “Sin
Fronteras” or “Without Frontiers”, a national production.
Then Balerom took the stage with an acoustic presentation while
Baulita danced along. At the same time the artist Mauricio Ramirez
painted live on stag.
Aimee Leslie gave a speech on the issues Baulas Park faces today, and
then Federico Miranda (guitar) and Abel (base) from the band Gandhi
improvised an amazing jam session that kept the crowd at awe.
When Mauricio finished the beautiful leatherback painting, Miguel
Gomez began the bid... ending at $200 that went directly to the artist.
Edgar Castrillo ended the night with a motivating chat on the
importance of getting involved in what we believe in. Jump in!
This event was possible thanks to VIBRATICA.com
The Public
At a lack for words
Mexico Raised its Voice against
the reduction of Baulas
Lesvia Villalobos & Brenda Rodríguez
Environmental Commission
Brenda Rodriguez, a campaign
volunteer from Mexico works for an
Who in return gave the signatures for
consideration to the Environmental
airline that brings thousands of
tourists to Costa Rica each month.
Commission.
Mexico used to have the most
important nesting sites for
thank those allies in Congress that
always believed in the importance in
Leatherbacks on the Pacific Coast,
protecting our environment and raised
but egg extraction and beach
development has made nesting
their voice against Arias’ intention to
reduce protected areas such as Baulas.
We’d like to take this opportunity to
populations drop.
Today Costa Rica has the most
important nesting site for this
AROUND CAMPUS
endangered sea turtle. Scientists say
about 50% of the Pacific population
If you went to the University of Costa
Rica for “U” week you probably saw
this signature recollection stand. Sign
up and volunteer!
nests in Playa Grande, where the
Baulas National Park is.
Taking matters into her own hands,
Brenda decided to begin a one person
campaign in Mexico and on her
flights to Costa Rica, recollecting
over 1,000 signatures against the
reduction of Baulas Park by law
project No. 17.383.
These signatures were given to
Lesvia Villalobos, congresswoman
from the opposition party PAC.
The Last Journey of the Leatherback
documentary was part of what we
shared with the students.
SUPPORTERS
Baulita and friends assisted the march
against the Crucitas mine. Hopefully
the new Government of Laura
Chinchilla will have a better attitude
towards nature and the important
resources we depend on. Costa Rica