Thank you for coming!

This is Giovanny Soto, the Public Use Coordinator at Carara National Park. I had the chance to work with many local and international universities but when my friend Dr. Troy Abel comes with WWU, its really a different experience because we appreciate his students and staff and welcome all the group. For me its just a great experience to work, organize and share with students about the importance of nature, national parks (especially Carara which is very biodiverse). The best thing is to let the students know about the support from them and how it makes the difference here at the park. Its seems to be a very unique experience because not all the rangers in the whole sytem of conservation areas have this kind of relationship and it allows me to show my country as it is. Perhaps the only way to have people in touch with this protected area is to live inside the biological station and to understand the needs we have and share your time to collaborate with our main purposes and keep going with protection and activities. You have been more than tourists, but collaborators and friends.

Maybe in the future we could have more equipment, supplies and more technology to provide not only for students internationally, but for local student volunteerss who can understand your effort, support and your ideas to help Carara make improvements. I hope you keep your Carara experience in your memories and share these with your families and friends in Bellingham and around the USA.

I certainly like to thank all of you who gave us a hand and to understand our purposes and say “ An empty mind produces nothing, a full mind and warrior heart can get us what we need” Gracias amigos to give us the opportunity to help you and to be your hosts, here in my country, friendly by nature. Thank you for coming.

Also, my best for mi amigo Troy, without your help, we could not have had this marvelous experience at Carara National Park.

Sincerely, Bach. Giovanny Soto.