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.
Our goal is to protect animals by advocating for the enforcement of existing laws and the implementation
of effective measures to prevent electrocution accidents.
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?
UNREGULATED CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
The surge in uncontrolled and unregulated development is rapidly reshaping the landscape, causing disruptions that severely impact local wildlife.
Tragically, many animals are suffering life-threatening electrocutions. As their natural pathways are destroyed, these arboreal creatures are forced to use power cables to move between their fragmented habitats.
UNSAFE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
INEFFECTIVE WILDLIFE PROTECTION LAWS
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.
Wild animals cannot distinguish between safe, natural vines and dangerous power cables, only sensing the danger when it’s too late.
Despite laws designed to protect the environment, biodiversity, habitats, and wildlife, these regulations are often ineffective.
- Artículo 50 de la Constitución Política
- Ley Orgánica del Ambiente No. 7554
- Ley de Biodiversidad No. 7788
- Ley de la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre No. 7317
- Ley de Planificación Nacional No. 5525
- Decreto Ejecutivo No. 44329 MINAE
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 2
Article 2 This decree has nationwide scope and applies to all individuals or legal entities,
whether public or private, including concessionaires involved in the generation,
transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as all entities involved in permitting
and authorization processes, environmental managers, supervising professionals, and
environmental officers in general, all of whom are responsible for preventing and
mitigating wildlife electrocution.
ARTICLE 7
Article 7 of the decree requires electric utility 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.
How can we help end wildlife electrocutions?
A UNITED FRONT
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