Chiquita Nogal Reserve Named Official Private Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica
Already a source of top quality bananas, a Chiquita farm in Costa Rica is now also an unusual eco-tourism destination, as the Nogal Reserve, a protected area of rainforest on the farm, has been officially designated a private wildlife refuge by the country’s government.

Visitors to the 100-hectare Nogal Reserve, located in the Sarapiquì Caribbean) region, can gain a close-up, first-hand experience of the lush Central American rainforest.

The reserve is part of the Chiquita Nature & Community Project, an environmental conservation program created through a groundbreaking collaboration among Chiquita; leading Swiss retailer Migros; the Rainforest Alliance, an international environmental organization; and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ).

The “private wildlife refuge” designation, granted by the Costa Rican government in January 2006, recognizes Chiquita’s voluntary pledge to conserve the native plants and animals of the Nogal area and to not undertake any activity that could endanger the fragile ecosystem.

The reserve will be classified as a “wildlife refuge” for 10 years and will be overseen by the Ministry of the Environment of Costa Rica.

“The official recognition of Nogal by the government of Costa Rica confirms the dedication of Chiquita and Migros to preserving this wonderful part of our planet,” said Chris Wille, Chief of Sustainable Agriculture, Rainforest Alliance. “Their partnership is not only unique, but is a model for other private interests that want to help protect and sustain our natural world for generations to come.”

On the Nogal Reserve, an 800-meter trail guides visitors through the rainforest, rich with native flora and fauna species. To date, the Nogal research team has identified 225 plant and 187 animal species. Fauna sightings have included the two-toed sloth, the white hawk, five different species of parrot, migratory birds, keel-billed toucans, fiery billed arakaris and troops of three monkey species: howler monkeys, white faced capuchin monkeys and spider monkeys.

The reserve also includes a visitor center; an environmental education classroom; a botanical garden; and an “education path” that explains banana cultivation techniques. A nearby house provides facilities for students and scientists.

“One of the keys to the success of this project is our environmental education program, which encourages Chiquita employees and the local community to get involved,” said Jennifer Dinsmore, Nogal Reserve project manager, Chiquita. “We’ve already worked with over 1000 people with the program, including many schoolchildren, and we are helping them explore new income opportunities through activities linked to eco-tourism and to the sale of local handicraft products.”

The Nogal community is actively involved in the creation and maintenance of the refuge, helping to construct and maintain the trail and visitors’ center; planting and caring for native plant species; and producing and selling handicrafts through a new business venture called “Manos Creativas” (“Creative Hands”).

Chiquita has partnered with the Rainforest Alliance since 1992 to ensure that its banana farms protect the environment and provide good working and living conditions and benefits for its workers. The company has achieved Rainforest Alliance certification of all its farms.