<div><em>Help protect a rare Costa Rican rainforest and the only known breeding site of the critically endangered Bare-necked Umbrellabird. Your one-time donation helps secure this land forever.</em>
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<div>There are almost no places left where rainforest exists solely for wildlife—no roads, no tourism, no profit. In the misty mountains of Monteverde, Costa Rica, one such place still survives. And right now, it needs our help to remain protected forever.
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<div>I’m raising funds to support Aula Global Monteverde, a nonprofit organization that owns and protects the Aula Global Biological Reserve. Founded in 2001 with the help of hundreds of individual donors, the reserve exists to safeguard old-growth rainforest in perpetuity, keeping it wild, quiet, and free from tourism pressures.
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<div>Last year, I spent a month living and working there as a wildlife research assistant. With no road access, everything—from food to research equipment—had to be carried in by foot. My days were spent conducting rare bird observations, collecting data for conservation research, clearing overgrown trails, and helping maintain the research station alongside the reserve’s owner and a small team deeply committed to protecting this forest.
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<div>The reserve spans five distinct eco-zones and is a safe haven for extraordinary biodiversity: three species of monkey, six species of wild cat, over 400 species of orchids, and hundreds of resident and migratory birds. Among them are some of the most iconic and threatened species in Central America, including the Resplendent Quetzal and the Three-wattled Bellbird. Most notably, it is the only known active breeding site of the critically endangered Bare-necked Umbrellabird, now a flagship species for conservation efforts here.
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<div>Aula Global deliberately rejects mass tourism. No zip lines, no crowds. Just space for wildlife to live, breed, and thrive. This model protects nature and works for conservation—but it also creates financial strain.
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<div><strong>Why your help is needed now</strong>
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<div>Aula Global must complete the official survey and rebordering of the final quarter of the reserve (approximately 36 hectares) by March 2026. Once approved, this land will receive permanent tax-free status, saving thousands in annual land taxes and unlocking government carbon offset payments of around €2,500 per year.
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<div>That means a one-time donation now creates sustainable annual funding forever—directly supporting conservation and Umbrellabird protection. To learn more about the fascinating Bare-necked Umbrellabird and UCAN go to: umbrellabird.org.
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<div><strong>Fundraising goal: €3,000 by March 2026</strong>.
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<div>There are no middlemen. Every contribution goes directly to securing this land and protecting it for future generations.
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<div>Even the smallest donation makes a real difference.
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<div>Thank you for helping keep this rainforest wild.
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Charlotte Steel

Erik Meuwis

Mitzy Zwartjes

Rachel Dekker

Joy, Casper Renaud, Zuiderwijk

Anthea L

Kresimir Gorisek

Alenka, Vita, Natasa, Prababica

Jakub - Marketa C

Anonymous

Humphry Berest

Charles Zwartjes

MP Les Marquet

Ashok Murugesan

Jacqueline Uytdewillegen

Eva Saliou

Kyra Bharos

Help Protect a Rare Costa Rican Rainforest—Forever

Help Protect a Rare Costa Rican Rainforest—Forever

Still €1,583 to go. Help us build momentum.