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Protecting the air that our children will breathe is our mission, and with your help, we can make that dream a reality !
The Osa Peninsula is one of few remaining thermostats on the planet. Without the rainforests in the world, life as we know it will cease to exist. What can you do ? You can do something about it right now!
Fly with us & experience the thrill of open air soaring above the rainforest in Southern Costa Rica, just a few feet above the rainforest canopy. Swoop down like the Pelicans gliding freely above the waves of The Pacific Ocean as it meets the rocky coastline. Experience some of the most spectacular beaches in all of Central America. Join us in the air as we witness the fog rising from the canopy at sunrise, or touch the gold lined clouds of a sunset over the ocean. Fly through a rainbow 500’ above the canopy. Be witness to some of Gods greatest creatures as we land on the water just slightly ahead of Humpback Whales or Spinner Dolphins, in this case, the sky is not the limit as Jungleair can land on water and land. Capture yourself on video swimming with migrating whales & resident dolphins, soaring with Pelicans, diving and snorkeling at pristine coral reefs, exploring deserted islands, coves and beaches. Reach for the stars and customize your own ultimate adventure along the breathtaking coastline of Southern Costa Rica with JungleAir.
Philosophy
JungleAir believes that everybody wants to fly, we have dreamt about it since we were 4 years old. We faced our biggest fears climbing trees and dreaming about flying. Open your heart to the unlimited possibilities of flight. Sleep in the canopy, soar with Scarlet Macaws, and swim with the Humpbacks ! Help JungleAir support the most aggressive way to combat logging and illegal activity in Southern Costa Rica. With millions of tourist dollars coming to Southern Costa Rica each year, what better way to use the resources of eco-tourism to aggressively combat the destruction of rainforest. Don’t forget Children fly for free. Gift the gift of flight, and join Team Corcovado.
Conservation Needs on the Osa Peninsula
Costa Rica’s International conservation reputation is one of the best in the world. Costa Rica is the “buzz” word when it comes to national Parks, bio-diversity and eco-tourism. Millions of people come to Costa Rica each year to vacation with their families, see monkeys, dolphins, zip through the canopy, fish and learn about bio-diversity and also global warming concerns. Southern Costa Rica is a travelers paradise with 4-5 national parks to choose from. The Osa Peninsula “ Costa Rica’s Jewel” is the second most bio-diverse area in the world. National Geographic calls our backyard the second most bio-diverse area in the world. Currently habitat loss & deforestation are the most critical issue plaguing the rainforests of the world, and especially the Osa Peninsula. With continued development pressure from the north, The bio-diversity of the Osa is at risk and is in crisis. In order for park officials to patrol and to catch people engaged in illegal activity requires dozens of vehicles, employees, GPS equipment, offices, and administrative expenses. Due to the fact that most of Southern Costa Rica is in the rain forest, and we receive 20-40’ of rainfall annually which blocks access on the rural roads leading into the forest. Much of Minae’s time is spent driving to and from areas that are inaccessible 7 months out of the year. Most times they are unable to reach their destinations due to weather, under-staffing and under-funding.
In the small communities surrounding Corcovado National Park is an immediate need for action in order to reduce logging and poaching. Even though Costa Rica claims the forest is protected, I assure you it is not. Every evening dozens of logging trucks leave the Osa at dusk. At this moment there are dozens of endangered species in Southern Costa Rica, including the Jaguar, Puma, Harpy Eagle, Tree Frogs, Peccaries, loss of culture as well. Due to climate change and habitat loss these species are disappearing at an alarming rate – right in front of our eyes. Not in our children’s generation…right now ! Only 20-30 jaguars exist on the Osa today, and they will be extinct along with 100’s of other species within a few years.
Up in The Air
In regards to deforestation of pristine rainforests, more tourists and ex-pats move to Costa Rica each year, continuing need for lumber and precious hardwoods. If we keep buying wood, they will keep cutting it. Currently foreign policies are making their way down the Costa Rican coast, the time could not be better for Jungle Air to begin these conservation combat surveillance missions in 2009.
As we see it, there is no better way to patrol the rainforest. Jungle Air’s “2 eyes in the sky” advantage is the only way to make a difference. Currently Minae is under budgeted and under staffed to control illegal activities. Our facility is located in the heart of the reserve, near the community of Canyaza, only minutes away by air. Patrolling these areas by foot with limited vision and accessibility is difficult- impossible at best. Jungle air’s daily patrol would eliminate the need to search for illegal activity as our reports would be filled daily with the Minae Authorities. 1 Minae official in the air for 2-3 hours would be equal to 3 vehicles and a staff of 6-8 park guards. Working with Minae in partnership, we are certain, based on the experience of similar operations, that we can eliminate illegal activity in the Corcovado Reserve. Flying gives us an advantage to patrol the entire reserve in just a few hours.
There is no more effective way to patrol the reserve! Minae officials can focus on arraignment of people & businesses involved in illegal logging vs. spending all their time searching for people involved in logging, digging their vehicles out of the mud filled roads left by logging trucks already on their way to San Jose. Minaes utilization of Jungle Air’s reports, videos, photos, and GPS readings, all they have do is follow the map. Jungle Air provides the map, Minae puts people in jail…it’s that simple ! That’s what their supposed to do. And lets not forget Jungle Air is the most cost effective way to patrol large tracts of rainforest in only a few minutes, camera and video rolling. Pilots flying our aircraft can speak with Minae ground crew on 2 way radios, while we catch the bad guys. Tourist will pay top dollar to help us “Catch the bad Guys “ 2-3 Ultralites could patrol the entire reserve daily in 6-8 hours. And it will be the most popular tour in Costa Rica. An authentic eco-tour at last!
During 2009, Jungleair’s first year of operation, we anticipate there will be an interest in duplicating our model in communities surrounding national parks near Arenal, Guanacaste, Monte Verde, and Amistad National Park, and eventually at the head waters of the Amazon. In our second and third year in business, those interested in flying and helping us with our mission to reduce habitat loss in Costa Rica can participate as sponsors, contributors, licensee or franchisees. During this time of global climate change, Costa Rica’s ability to patrol the borders of their national park system effectively is in the hands of current conservation efforts underway, local authorities & Jungle Air. There is no other way to locate and stop illegal logging !
Jungle Air offers daily deforestation surveillance & trips on the Eastern side of Corcovado, Drake Bay, Punta Banco and Piedras Blancas. Offering Minae ( Forest Service ) volunteer flights from 6-9 am & 3-5 pm.
Find the loggers before the trees are cut !
Daily activity report – uploaded to Minae daily. Air combat & surveillance, documentation, photos & film of daily illegal activity (location of deforestation hot spots as well as license plates of trucks and private vehicles documented daily. )
Daily morning route will include passing over Palo Seco, Barrigonnes, Agujas & Dos Brasos water sheds, ( Reserve – East of Corcovado ) continuing the early morning journey out and over the gulf, passing over Mogos, flying past Piedras Blancas coastline, landing on the water to snorkel and relax, enjoy a nice tropical lunch. The ultimate conservation, educational and adventure tour! All flyers will have the opportunity to witness the destruction of the rain forest first hand, assist in recording illegal activity, photographing and helping pilot provide critical data for Minae to control, reduce, and eliminate illegal activity near Corcovado.
Adventure Conservation Tourism – Team Corcovado
This 2-4 hour adventure tour would raise conservation awareness, begin to reduce & stop illegal activity. In addition it would help local Minae officials patrol a part of the park that currently has minimal control. In accordance with Costa Rican law, and with Minae’s involvement, it would also put loggers in jail, impound their vehicles and chain saws and would be considered the best conservation / adventure tour in Southern Costa Rica. The most interesting, adventurous & most helpful eco-tour in Southern Costa Rica – Tourists get the opportunity to help the authorities capture the bad guys ! This type of tourism would receive International recognition in all forms of Media, and would bring name awareness to all sponsors involved. Daily flights leave from Canyaza in the morning and afternoon. Minae officials get first right to fly on these types of daily surveillance missions, with 2 planes and 2 passengers. Jungle Air’s pilots will file weekly / daily reports & upload video & photos and keep written logs of all flights and illegal activity.
Other possible conservation missions include patrolling beaches at night on full moons to reduce turtle egg poaching, and the surveillance of local poaching of endangered migratory fish species. The opportunities for Jungle Air are limitless, and in this case, the sky is not the limit, as all air craft are amphibious (water and traditional landings on the ground )
Where do you want to go?
Other services include helping port authorities, Coast Guard and government officials find and eradicate boats involved in illegal activity such as commercial fishing in marine sanctuaries near Ballena, Cano & Corcovado National Park. Jungle Air also offers emergency response services to local hospitals, remote communities, water rescues & evacuations of small communities in need. Jungle Air is on-call 24 / 7 as all of our aircraft have lights and can land on the water and land day or night.
No Fly Zones -
In order to respect the current eco-lodges and conservation efforts already under way in & near the reserve, Jungle Air has established no fly zones. Jungle air is sensitive to the needs of tourists, lodge owners and private homeowners here in Southern Costa Rica. Up in the air we do not want to interrupt tourists experience in the rainforest “Down There” with the sounds of ultra lite engines buzzing overhead. Down on the ground, the experience of breathing the freshest air on the planet, drinking the freshest water in the world, and coming face to face with the flora, fauna and biodiversity should not be interrupted by man made sounds.
This is why we have located our short 200 mtr. runway and hanger facility on the East side of the reserve near the gulf, right in the middle of the areas in the reserve needing the most protection from loggers & poachers. There are very few eco-lodges on the eastern side of the Corcovado national Park and “The Reserve” and disruptions will be minimal and the benefits unimaginable. We will fly freely through the reserve helping catch the loggers, and all of the hotels will be invited to participate -- eco-tour and sponsorship programs available. We will have positive relationships with all businesses in Southern Costa Rica.
Tours From The Sky –
Southern Costa Rica’s unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, islands and rainforest are unlike any other area in the world. Second only to Manu Peru. 1000’s of people flock into local airports & hotels to see Corcovado, Ballena, and Amistad National Park. Backpackers, families, biologists, entomologists, birders, snorkelers, and scientists alike all flock to the southern parts of Costa Rica for many types of eco-adventures. In addition to volunteering our aircraft for combat & surveillance, Jungle Air will cater to local eco-lodges, hotels, and tour companies. What better way to see Costa Rica! Recreational touring options will pay all expenses during our second year in business, including
- Swimming w/ whales & dolphins at Cano Island & in The Golfo Dulce. Spot your dolphins and whales from above and touch down ¼ mile out in front of them. Snorkel and swim near some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful islands, Spotting deserted beaches, coral reefs, fish, dolphin & whales from the air. Landing on the water at the location of choice
- Cave and Lava Tube exploring in Ventanas de Osa ( Snorkeling in Ballena ) near Dominical on the Southern Pacific Coast (north of Osa Peninsula)
- Kids fly free when 2 adults pay. ( Kids always fly free ! )
- Aerial photography of lodges (YouTube uplink services available- we will upload your adventure while you are still on vacation! How cool is that!)
- Real Estate Speculation Tours $ 500 extra donation to conservation in addition to normal flight fee. They are coming, so we might as well get a contribution from them while our pilots deliver a powerful conservation message while they are strapped in 1000’ above the Osa. Gliding effortlessly back down to hopefully look at land stewardship & ownership differently. Our Ultralites are message delivery vehicles, and what better way to get our message out with clarity and high in the clouds.
- Ocean Fly Fishing. ½ & full day fly fishing packages 7am – 1 pm.
- VIP Transportation for Hotels offering special packages ( Honeymoon, weddings, & large groups )
- Private Beach ( 6-8 hrs. on the deserted islands off the coast of Southern Costa Rica )
- Weekly Adventure Tips to Isla de Coiba ( food, cabina, and day trips to all parts of the 150,000 sq. meter island. ) Fishing, eco-tours, DIVING & snorkeling!
- Transportation for Boats, yachts & services offered to the new 150 slip marina in Golfito (VIP Services ) Scheduled for completion in 2010 to & from anywhere in the world where we can sail.
- Transportation into Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park and Boruca Indian Reservation at Punto Banco
- Video & Photography Services w/ internet capacity ( Live Blog w/ tourists interest & follow up = involvement !)
All tours depart on water or land in near Canyaza, or at the Puerto Jimenez pier. Or at clients request, however respecting all pre-determined residential and commercial no fly zones
Educational programs
Due to the fact that our Costa Rica trained pilots require 100’s of hours of flight time, training, and practice landing on the water, it is the intention of Jungle Air to establish an educational program for children that focuses on habitat loss and the ill-effects of deforestation. Our educational programs will offer free rides to the children of the local schools in exchange for community service efforts. Our educational programs will also raise money for each of these school systems located on the fringes of our National Parks. The future of Costa Rica’s National Parks system is in the hands of our children.
Sleep in Our Treehouse – Fly All Day Packages – www.canopyliving.net
Truly the most exceptional vacation package available in Costa Rica. Wind your way up our 4 story spiral staircase and be greeted by 3 species of monkeys at eye level, 100’s of birds, toucans, hawks, tree frogs and unlimited views of the Golfo Dulce & Corcovado National Park. Our 4 story treehouse is fully furnished with running water and electricity and is a “world class” luxury tree house with a fresh water spring fed pool on 120 acres of primary forest. Wake up each morning in the canopy and after breakfast, fly with us and help us run our surveillance combat missions or ask our pilots to drop you on your favorite favorite deserted beach or island. Spot whale sharks or swim near the dolphins. Your options are unlimited. Our Treehouse sleeps 6-8 comfortably and proceeds support the salaries of our Costa Rican pilots. Sleep in the Canopy and fly all day !
Getting off the Ground
Jungle Air SA. is a non profit conservation organization. We are currently looking for a contribution of $275,000 to cover the costs of 3 ultra-lite planes, facility, salaries for our pilots, all permitting, maintenance and communications equipment, video & camera equipment, administration, and cash flow sufficient enough to bring us into surplus in our second year in operation. Whether you are a tourist visiting the Osa for the first time, or the editor of National Geographic Magazine, there is no better way to combat illegal logging than by making a cash contribution to a great cause. We are not re-inventing the wheel, as similar efforts utilizing ultra-lites to combat logging exist in other parts of the world, where logging and deforestation have been virtually eliminated in just the first few short years of implementation and getting our ultralites up and in the air. Financial Info contact brotherkillin@hotmail.com
To Join Team Osa contact us at
JungleAir SA. Team Corcovado
Apdo. 28, Puerto Jimenez
Peninsula de OsaCosta Rica
(USA) 508-714-0622
(CR) 506-8378-3013
www.jungleair.org
Ron Killin brotherkillin@hotmail.com
Michael H. Cranford osamike@gmail.com |