Thousands of wild animals have been violently injured and killed by electrocution in Costa Rica as a result of coming into contact with uninsulated power lines and transformers, and they continue to suffer this preventable fate every day when they mistake electrical lines for vines and trees, or come into contact with vines and trees that are touching live power lines. Costa Rica is estimated to have lost half of its monkey population alone between 1995 and 2007.
While alternative methods including bridges and cutting branches near power lines have been tried and have helped some, these methods are not as effective as the obvious solution: insulating power lines and transformers, or running cables underground.
Unfortunately, immediate steps to save wildlife are not being because the cost of installing conventional systems is cheaper, leaving those who want to take the steps necessary to protect wildlife to foot the bill for additional costs.
Please sign the petition asking Costa Rican officials to immediately stop installing any new uninsulated power lines and transformers, in addition to taking steps to modify existing systems to prevent more deaths.
As someone who is concerned with wildlife and biodiversity, it saddens me to learn that thousands of animals in Costa Rica are being violently injured and killed as a result of coming into contact with uninsulated power lines and transformers and that steps have not been taken to prevent this suffering and loss of wildlife.
I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to protect Costa Rica's wildlife by implementing an immediate moratorium on the installation of any new uninsulated power lines and transformers and to develop a new standard for future installations including insulated or underground power systems, in addition to taking immediate action to alter existing power systems.
Costa Rica is rich in biodiversity, and is considered among the best in sustainability and environmental performance. I hope you will continue to remain one of the best by becoming a leader in sustainable development and taking innovative actions to protect wildlife and the environment.
I will not be visiting Costa Rica until I learn that changes are being made to protect the precious wildlife there and will urge others to do the same.
