Results obtained

This has been an outstanding year for our fund raising efforts. The results were a success compared with previous years, the result was a joint effort between ACOSA and the Corcovado Foundation with the support of donors and allies of the Osa. This year, it was possible to raise enough money to pay the salaries of 8 full time park rangers to patrol and protect Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks . We were also able to raise funds to repair the ministry's vehicles, purchase equipment and to provide supplies needed to effectively protect the National Parks and the surrounding areas.

A Comparative chart of environmental education actions and patrols undertaken during 2003 and 2004

Description	2002	2003	2004
2 to 4 days patrols in the Osa protected areas	20	55	53
1 day patrol in the Osa protected areas	50	97	396
Hunters camps found in the National Parks	03	25	37
Citations against miners, poachers and loggers	12	20	75
Support from the Rural Police, jointly patrolling the National Park.	0	30	134
Visits to local communities to raise awareness of the crisis cause by illegal hunting.	0	20	51
Workshops with the Community Environmental Protection Committees, schools and other groups.	01	05	15
Meetings with local organizations.	01	06	19
Fieldtrips with groups of young people	01	0	02

With the help of the new employees that were hired and with the economical support of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) there have been several different ongoing activities such as meetings with community groups in which their relationship with MINAE was evaluated.

The capacity of response to the community’s needs has improved communication and the relationship with the community.

During the last six months the patrolling activities of patrolling have covered a wider area than during the previous months.

The fact that there have been funds to pay for provisions such as food and equipment has made it easier to stay for longer periods of time in the protected areas and has also made it possible to bring along volunteers.