
Burning land causes devastating problems
Author: The Vegan Pirates
We visited our land in the hills between Cortes and Palmar and discovered a massive fire on a neighboring lot some time ago. Before, we occasionally saw some smoke columns in the dry season or witnessed small trash- or wood fires. But the size of this burning shocked us.
The dry season, especially March and April, is dangerous for fires in the country, where a simple carelessness or inappropriate action can have serious consequences. The destructive practice of setting farmland on fire is to quickly clear the land and promote grass growth for cattle to graze on. Farmers believe they must clear their pastures with fire to keep the land usable and also get fertile ground. But these traditional burning land practices - combined with a lack of safety precautions and strong winds - can not only escalate into wildfires that destroy nature, crops, infrastructure, and houses.
Burning land is very bad for the biodiversity and is a dangerous activity that removes the soil protection and therefore causes huge problems: burning land destroys both valuable materials that make compost and provide mulch and plant materials that provide nutrients for the soil. It harms or can kill countless small critters and insects who can’t escape the fires. The fires reduce the number of soil biota, dry it, increase water loss, and expose the soil, roots from plants and trees to the sun, slowing their growth or even leading to their death. Further consequences can also increase erosion and flooding during the wet season. Another critical aspect is that burning creates pollution and carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.

Farmers are legally allowed to set fire on their land, but it is also against the law in some areas. Cultural beliefs are deep-rooted within the communities, limiting the opportunities for people to change those habits. It’s essential to communicate the disadvantages of land burning and the dangers of wildfires. We need to make the population aware of the damages and effects caused by these practices of burning land.
Please don’t let our natural heritage turn into smoke and ashes! The first eroded soil is the topsoil, and this is the most valuable soil at all. It contains a lot of nutrients and takes many years to replace.
About Ballena Tales
Ballena Tales is an essential free guide and digital comprehensive magazine for travelers, residents, and investors covering Costa Ballena in the Canton of Osa in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. It is a fully bilingual, bi-monthly, and full-color digital magazine.
The magazine introduces the reader to the life of the local community, with interviews of pioneers, writers, and artists, as well as extensive information on restaurants, hotels, experiences, natural attractions, and wildlife of the South Pacific of Costa Rica.

Biodiversity in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica Free Digital Magazine #96
In this edition, we include several articles about the biodiversity that Costa Ballena boasts and, as usual, valuable and exciting information.

Birdwatching at Marino Ballena National Park
The grounds of Hotel Cristal Ballena and the Costa Ballena area are highly productive for birdwatching, with over 400 species of birds reported in the region,

The Best Vehicle Options for Ecotourism in Costa Ballena
Here’s a list of some splendid modes of transport that you can consider while planning your ecotourism adventures in Costa Ballena.

Divorce in Costa Rica and marital assets
Marriage is a wonderful experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for all outcomes, including divorce in Costa Rica.

Palmex: durable, low maintenance, and eco-responsible roof solution.
Palmex Tropical Roofs Based in the South Zone and operating since 2007, Techos Tropicales Palmex is the exclusive distributor of Palmex synthetic leaves in Costa Rica. With a crew of only 8 persons and being […]

Custom canvas rugs are a beautiful choice for decoration.
What do you think of when you hear canvas rugs ? Although canvas rugs, known as floor cloths, are an old art form, few people are familiar with this versatile product. I started making canvas […]

Journey School of Costa Rica at Costa Ballena
Recognizing a pressing need within the community for an educational paradigm that went beyond the traditional, the Journey School of Costa Rica was founded in 2016. Its mission was clear from the start: to anchor […]

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary Costa Rica
The mission of Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary Costa Rica (AWS) is to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife.

Costa Rica Free Digital Magazine #95, 15th anniversary celebration
An essential free digital magazine in Costa Rica, valid for travelers, residents, and investors covering Costa Ballena in the Canton of Osa in the South Pacific of Costa Rica.

THE HEROES OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, GUYS WITH CEMENT IN THE BLOOD
However, the real heroes of a construction project are often forgotten amidst all the joy and pride in the finished property.
What to do, Where to eat and Where to stay…
South Pacific Costa Rica Beaches,
Looking for business directories, maps or other printouts? We’ve got that too!
Dare to Discover and Enjoy…
Check out…
Need help planning your next trip? Let us help you with your Costa Rica vacations!
Email: carlos@ballenatales.com
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134 or +(506) 8914 1568
Skype: ballenatalestravel