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The Field Station La Gamba in the „Rainforest of the Austrians“
in Costa Rica is an Austrian research, teaching and further education
institution, whose target is to contribute to the investigation of tropical
rainforests, arouse interests for the conservation and investigation of
the rainforest and give amateurs and people interested in nature the possibility
to deepen their appreciation of nature in the rainforest.
The Field Station La Gamba is situated in the south of Costa Rica on the
edge of the National Park Piedras Blancas also called „Rainforest
of the Austrians“. This tropical forest which is extremely full of species
encircles an area of 142 km² and could be kept from being cut down
by an initiative of the association "Rainforest of the Austrians".
The old farmhouse which was bought in 1993 was reorganized by two Austrian
biologists with the support of the „Association Rainforest of the
Austrians“ and the University of Vienna. So they created an international
established research station, the Field Station La Gamba. Today the station
comprises several buildings, efficient scientific equipment and a botanical
garden.
The Field Station is an important instrument for the conservation of the
Esquinas Forest, one of the last still conserved rainforests in lowlands
at the Pacific coast in Central America. It is an excellent base for students,
scientists and interested people, to look into their problems and questions.
It offers the possibility to deepen their appreciation of nature in the
rainforest.
As an integrative element of the community of La Gamba the station also
is an important address to turn to for the native population and among
other things it intents to spread the idea of the protection of nature
Through this only Austrian station in the tropics it is possible for students,
researchers and interested people from Austria and other countries to
carry out research projects, field trips or to organize courses for adults
(for example for teachers). Furthermore there is the possibility for amateurs
interested in nature to take part in organized study trips realized in
the sense of a solid Ecotourism.
For 6 years now the staff of the Field Station
also has been taken on aid to developing countries projects in the region.
So for example the former woodcutters were trained as rangers in a national
park and conservationists.
Until the year 2002 the station was preserved predominantly by the „Association
Rainforest of the Austrians" and run in conjunction with the university
of Vienna. Meanwhile the very well-known biological research station isn’t
a small project anymore and the „Association Rainforest of the Austrians“
wants to dedicate itself to its main task – ransom forest- therefore
an own association with the name “Association for the sponsoring
of the Field Station La Gamba” was founded. The aim of the association
is the idealistic and financial support of the station.
You also have the possibility to support the Field Station La Gamba and
therefore to contribute to the investigation and conservation of the rainforest!
If there are any questions please don’t hesitate to ask us via email
!
Your team at the Field Station La Gamba