Mereka mengubah peternakan sapi menjadi hutan tropis – kemudian perubahan iklim datang

Renowned ecologist Daniel Janzen strides purposefully into the field, a walking stick in one hand and a fistful of lush green grass in the other for balance. His wife and fellow ecologist, Winnie Hallwachs, watches attentively, ready to hand him a hat as he pauses to orient us. Alongside other conservationists who have poured years of dedication into this project, the couple has spearheaded the restoration of forests in the sprawling Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in Costa Rica.

Covering an impressive 163,000 hectares, larger than the Hawaiian island of Oahu, the ACG showcases the remarkable transformation of reclaimed farmland into thriving forests. The small patch of grass where Janzen and Hallwachs stand is a stark reminder of the vast progress made since the 1970s when pastures dominated this landscape.

However, all is not well in this success story. The once vibrant ecosystem is now facing a silent threat. Janzen and Hallwachs observe an unsettling absence of bugs and insects that once buzzed around the forest, essential for pollination and maintaining the food chain. This decline is a glaring indication of the impact of climate change on the ACG, underscoring the challenges of forest conservation in a changing world.

Despite the laudable achievements in restoring the ACG, the changing climate has brought unpredictability to the once stable ecosystem. The prolonged dry season and erratic weather patterns have disrupted the delicate balance of the forest, leading to a decline in vital insect populations. The couple’s lifelong dedication to studying and protecting these forests highlights the urgent need for global conservation efforts to address the threats posed by climate change.

As Janzen and Hallwachs reflect on their decades-long journey of forest restoration, they are faced with a sobering reality. The decline of insect populations serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of ecosystems and the urgent need for action to protect our natural world. Through their research and tireless efforts, they offer a valuable lesson on the challenges and rewards of restoring forests in the face of a changing climate.