THIS IS
NOT
PURA VIDA
A Collective Call to Stop Wildlife Electrocutions
X-ray of an infant howler monkey
Victim of electrocution
Nosara, Guanacaste
ABOUT
The "Esto No Es Pura Vida" campaign is a joint effort by conservation organizations, rescue centers, and the
community in Costa Rica to raise awareness about the growing issue of wildlife electrocution.
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Our goal is to protect animals by advocating for the enforcement of existing laws and the implementation
of effective measures to prevent electrocution accidents.
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Through education, community involvement, and data collection, we aim to reduce wildlife injuries and deaths,
and promote a safer environment for all species.
WHY ARE ANIMALS
BEING ELECTROCUTED?
DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION
Development and construction are reshaping the landscape, leading to disruptions that severely impact local wildlife.
Tragically, a significant number of wildlife animals have suffered severe injuries from electrocution. The surge in uncontrolled, unregulated development has forced these arboreal creatures to use power cables as makeshift aerial pathways between their fragmented habitats.
UNSAFE ELECTRICAL INSTALATIONS
New electrical cables and transformers are being installed without proper insulation, posing a danger to arboreal wildlife.
Additionally, many existing transformers also lack adequate insulation, further increasing the risk to these animals.
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​Wild animals cannot distinguish between safe, natural vines and dangerous power cables, only sensing the danger when it’s too late.
INEFFECTIVE WILDLIFE PROTECTION LAWS
Despite laws designed to protect the environment, biodiversity, habitats, and wildlife, these regulations are often ineffective or poorly enforced.
Law No. 7788 – Biodiversity Law
Law No. 7317 – Wildlife Conservation Law
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Additionally, there is a specific decree to address wildlife electrocution:
Decree 44329 - MINAE –
Wildlife Electrocution
WHAT IS A DECREE?
A decree is a decision made by an authority on a matter within its jurisdiction.
It is a type of administrative act typically issued by the executive branch and the president, generally containing regulatory content and ranking hierarchically below laws.
In the case of wildlife protection, a decree can establish measures to prevent harm to animals and their habitats.
Decree 44329-MINAE on Wildlife Electrocution was enacted in February 2024. While it addresses several key issues, some of the most urgent points are as follows:
ARTICLE 6
Article 6 of the decree requires electricity companies to take actions to prevent the fragmentation of ecosystems caused by the electrical grid. They must follow updated guidelines to reduce wildlife electrocution and cover the costs of accidents caused by electrocution. The goal is to protect biodiversity and ensure the safety of wildlife.
ARTICLE 7
Article 7 of the decree requires electricity companies to continuously identify high-risk areas for wildlife electrocution in their service regions. They must implement the latest guidelines for preventing and mitigating electrocution, ensuring timely action to eliminate these hotspots. The goal is to reduce biodiversity loss and protect wildlife.
ARTICLE 14
Article 14 requires electric utility companies to coordinate with authorized wildlife rescue centers to provide care for animals that survive electrocution. The costs associated with the transportation, medical treatment, maintenance, and rehabilitation of these animals must be agreed upon between the companies, the involved parties, and the rescue center.
But, why isn't it being implemented?
This is a very good question!
The ongoing issue of wildlife electrocutions directly contradicts Costa Rica’s constitution, legal framework, and esteemed reputation for protecting its biodiversity and ecosystems.
To prevent these incidents, there should be strict, mandated regulations prohibiting the installation of unsafe electrical equipment in vulnerable habitats. While Costa Rica already has the administrative systems in place to address this problem, they are not being properly utilised, implemented or enforced.
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Please sign the petition today and demand change.
A UNITED FRONT
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