Jonathon D. C.'s Comments
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Nov 18, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 17
Jonathon D. C. Nov 19, 2007, 12:23am EST
Thanks for the great article, Debbie! It's obvious that you care a lot about the environment and protecting it for both people and nature. If folks want to learn more, they can also join The Nature Conservancy's group on Gather!
Oct 16, 2007 | comments: 19
Jonathon D. C. Oct 17, 2007, 4:02pm EDT
Thanks so much, Gerry, April and both Priscillas! We really appreciate your kind words and comments here.

If you'd like to see more of Costa Rica, I recommend this interactive digital photo essay that features the red-eyed tree frogs of Costa Rica. Check it out!
Oct 16, 2007 | comments: 19
Jonathon D. C. Oct 17, 2007, 12:40pm EDT
Hello, Mary: The Nature Conservancy's work in Costa Rica involves monitoring and protecting biodiversity in tropical forests by reducing threats to those forests including logging, hunting, and mining. We are also helping establish a "seas-to-summit" corridor linking lowland and highland habitats that are crucial to the survival of many species.

Nature Conservancy scientists work independently of our corporate donors, and it would not be in our (or anyone's!) interest to participate in the types of activities you are describing here.

Thanks for your comments!
Oct 16, 2007 | comments: 19
Jonathon D. C. Oct 17, 2007, 12:11pm EDT
Many thanks, Sy and Diana! Has anyone ever been to Costa Rica to see the tropical forests first-hand?
Oct 16, 2007 | comments: 19
Jonathon D. C. Oct 17, 2007, 12:08pm EDT
Hey, Danielle: Good questions! Let me answer them in order...

1) The Nature Conservancy has no plans to allow pharmaceutical companies to establish rights to any scientific finds in this area.

2) As for the debt swap itself, here is have the deal is structured: Instead of paying the $26 million to the US government, the government of Costa Rica will pay this amount to a conservation fund, which includes two components.
  • The first component of the fund will be used to finance immediate conservation activities, which includes not only land acquisition, but other conservation efforts such as, national park management, the hiring of park guards, establishing buffer zones between populated areas and national parks, and other strategies.
  • The second component takes the form of an endowment which will guarantee that once Costa Rica has complied all the payment there will still be a sustainable stream of resources to continue financing conservation activities in the 6 geographies identified in the deal.

So this debt-for-nature swap will have a tangible, lasting impact on the people, wildlife, and habitat of Costa Rica.
Aug 10, 2007 | rating: 9.8 | comments: 50
Jonathon D. C. Aug 19, 2007, 2:55pm EDT
Best. Avatar. Ever!
Jul 13, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 15
Jonathon D. C. Jul 13, 2007, 2:52pm EDT
A fascinating article -- really hits upon the places where culture and conservation clash. I love how the Conservancy works w/ local groups on the ground to do conservation.
Jul 3, 2006 | rating: 10 | comments: 4
Jonathon D. C. Jul 5, 2007, 10:25am EDT
Many thanks, Heather! You can learn more about TNC's work in Florida on our web site. There's a lot of conservation success to celebrate!
Jul 4, 2007 | rating: 9.9 | comments: 21
Jonathon D. C. Jul 5, 2007, 6:17am EDT
Hey Christine, that's a great question. The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a fantastic guide to making smart, sustainable seafood choices.

You can also see a list of simple things that you can do to help our oceans. Many thanks!
Jun 29, 2007 | rating: 8.5 | comments: 28
Jonathon D. C. Jun 29, 2007, 8:53am EDT
A good point, John C, and a great question: is anyone out there managing or working on the land? Even if it's your own backyard? If so, how do you work to keep it "natural"?
Jun 29, 2007 | rating: 8.5 | comments: 28
Jonathon D. C. Jun 29, 2007, 8:17am EDT
What do YOU think -- are there any truly wild places left on Earth? If so, then where (and why)? Please answer in the comments below!
Apr 22, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 18
Jonathon D. C. Apr 23, 2007, 12:08pm EDT
You bet, Debbie -- check this tire home project out. In regards to government incentives, there's nothing that I can provide you. Gather community -- know of any resources that Debbie can turn to for help?
Apr 22, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 18
Jonathon D. C. Apr 23, 2007, 12:16am EDT
Hi, Janet, thanks for using the carbon calculator and reporting back to us here on Gather. If you click on the "How was this calculated?" link at the bottom of the "Recycling and Waste" tab, you'll see how the impact of recycling and composting is calculated.

Although we'd love to give everyone who's concerned about the environment unlimited credit for all the good work they do every day, we need to pay attention to the actual impact as according to scientific data.

Don't be discouraged, Janet! By not eating meat and living in an apartment, you're reducing your impact on the climate by quite a bit! I personally thank you for being so conscious about limiting your impact.
Apr 22, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 18
Jonathon D. C. Apr 22, 2007, 10:01am EDT
Besides using the carbon calculator, there are many more simple things you can do that have a positive impact on our climate and help slow global warming.

See our climate-saving tips (link stays on Gather) from a real Nature Conservancy scientist!

Happy Earth Day, everyone! :)
Dec 13, 2006 | rating: 10 | comments: 21
Jonathon D. C. Dec 15, 2006, 12:07pm EST
Thanks, Carolion -- am really glad that you like The Nature Conservancy's articles here on Gather. Have you thought about joining our group? :)
Dec 13, 2006 | rating: 10 | comments: 21
Jonathon D. C. Dec 15, 2006, 12:05pm EST
Wow, Candace -- that's all great. It's wonderful to see someone who's really made a personal commitment to lower her impact. I'm going to strive to be more like you! :)
Dec 13, 2006 | rating: 10 | comments: 21
Jonathon D. C. Dec 14, 2006, 4:53pm EST
Hey, Tomi: That's a great question! Tidal power generation is pretty interesting and it's been around for a very long time (over 1,000 year sin one form or another, such as a mill powered by a river's current).

For more information about generating electricity from tides, see Wikipedia or the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Dec 13, 2006 | rating: 10 | comments: 21
Jonathon D. C. Dec 14, 2006, 10:07am EST
Wow, that's really good to hear, Faith. It's great knowing that the government takes climate change seriously and is encouraging employees to help reduce their impact. Keep up the good work!
Dec 13, 2006 | rating: 10 | comments: 21
Jonathon D. C. Dec 14, 2006, 9:02am EST
FOLKS, what are some of your climate-saving tips? How do you reduce your energy usage and carbon emissions? Let us know -- every bit helps make a difference!
Dec 13, 2006 | rating: 10 | comments: 21
Jonathon D. C. Dec 14, 2006, 9:01am EST
Thanks, Meryl! My wife and I have found that IKEA actually has efficient and cheap fluorescent bulbs... a great combination!

And it's great to hear that things are going so well in New York. Good water and healthy wildlife really have a big impact on our lives.
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Jonathon D. C.
Seattle, Washington

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