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Featured Virtual Exhibit:
Monteverde, Our Sister City
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 What is a Sister
City?
Sister cities are established when two communities of
different nations agree to learn more about each other and develop cultural,
educational, or commercial exchanges. Some cities choose to have multiple
sister cities in more than one nation. President Dwight D. Eisenhower
initiated the U.S. sister city program in 1956 with the hope of creating
international understanding.
Just as Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park,
Monteverde, Costa Rica is the gateway to Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, a cloud forest
reserve. Both areas are located on the continental divide. In fact,
differences between our ecosystems are primarily due to differences in our
latitude, Estes Park being at 40.375 degrees North and Monteverde at 10.10
degrees North. Both economies rely on tourism to the surrounding natural
attractions and are considered a paradise for nature lovers. Also, we share
relatively short cultural histories, relatively small populations, and each
community is home to many local artisans.
Culture
The local population of Monteverde is a blend of Costa
Rican ‘Ticos’ and descendents of American Quakers. Nine American Quaker
families moved to Costa Rica after some were imprisoned in Alabama for not
complying with the draft in 1950 (Costa Rica had abolished their armed
forces two years earlier). The Ticos and Quakers got along because they
shared the trait of respect for others.
Over time Monteverde has become home to people of many
ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds and practices including biologists,
artists, musicians, educators, and poets.
Tourism
Monteverde tourism has seen a steady annual growth of
15% since a 1978 BBC documentary of the area. There were nearly 186,000
visitors in 2005. The peak tourism season, between December and April,
boosts the economy and creates summer jobs for locals and travelers. Because
tourism relies so much on Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, there is a deeply rooted
effort through education, both formal and informal, to preserve the
precious forest. |
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Bosque Nuboso
Monteverde (cloud forest reserve)
At
altitudes ranging from 3,900 to 5,900 feet, this reserve totals 40.8
square miles and is privately owned by the Tropical Science Center.
Reached via a poor dirt road, the world-famous reserve hosts more than
just tourists and bird watchers. It is also a living laboratory for
scientists and students. It is estimated
that Bosque Nuboso Monteverde is home to 400 species
of birds, 100 species of mammals, 1,200 reptiles and amphibians, 490
species of butterflies, hundreds of other insects and spiders and 2,500
species of plants. One of the most famous sights is the Resplendent
Quetzal, pictured here.
 Parque
Nacional Arenal was established in 1995 to protect and
provide better viewing of Volcan Arenal (Arenal Volcano). Covering
11.25 square miles at an elevation ranging from 3,200 to 5,300 feet, the
park hosts many activities including hiking, horseback riding, mountain
biking, and a scenic drive around the eastern shore of Lago Arenal (Lake
Arenal).
Bosque Eterno
de los Niños was established in 1987 when Swedish school
children sent money to Monteverde to purchase and protect a forest after
learning about deforestation. Currently managed by The Monteverde
Conservation League, it is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica
(84.4 square miles) and is categorized into three forest types: seasonal
evergreen forest, cloud forest, and the largest area, a seasonal
rain-forest. This reserve, ranging in altitude from 1,476 to 5,905 feet
above sea level, is made possible by the support of children, adults,
schools and organizations from around the world.
Sister City Interactions
Estes Park Sister Cities Association (EPSCA)
has donated about 350 Spanish and bilingual books to five public schools
and numerous books to the Quaker Public Library. The book project
inspired a group from San Jose, Costa Rica to donate books directly to
Monteverde. The Estes Park Quilt Guild members have donated fabric to
the Quaker Quilters in Monteverde who are working on quilts for children
in crisis (Project Linus). In 2005 a group of 15 youth and 5 adults
worked alongside Monteverde residents in Reserva de Santa Elena and at
el Collegio (the high school) to improve trails and the school.
EPSCA President Jim Thompson is working with Bosque
Eterno de los Niños to improve the effectiveness and professionalism of
area management. Once improved, there are hopes that private donor and
government support will increase.
Although Monteverde does not have a central sewage treatment plant,
there is not full agreement that one is needed. In order to create
evidence leading to an ultimate decision, Monteverde has decided to
purchase water testing equipment. Estes Park has assisted in finding
donations and grants to help acquire the equipment. In 2006, an Estes
Park hydrologist visited Bosque Eterno de los Niños to survey water
resources and contribute to the management plan. The hydrologist also
studied water supplies around Monteverde and passed on observations for
methods of allocating, pricing and conserving water for the dry season.
For more information, please contact:
Estes Park Sister Cities Association (EPSCA)
P. O. Box 403
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Monteverde, Our Sister City
is no longer on display at the Estes Park Museum.
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