"People Protect What they Love....

and Love What they Understand"

Jacques Cousteau

Cocos Island, located in the Pacific Ocean 360 miles from the Central American western coastline is: a national park, a World Heritage site and the largest uninhabited island in the world. One of the last refuges for pelagic animals, healthy populations of sharks, rays and fish are still found in the waters surrounding the island. The healthy marine life is due to the protection afforded the island by the Costa Rican government. But today, that protection is waning. There is growing demand from Asian markets for shark fin and an increased willingness on the part of fishermen to violate fishing laws to meet that demand. The laws protecting the island must be fortified. Most Costa Rican citizens have never visited Cocos Island. If the Costa Rican people are going to support protective legislation they must first learn what is theirs and what is at stake if they fail to act.

The Imaging Foundation proposes to produce a permanent Cocos Island exhibit to be displayed in San Jose. This exhibit would present the natural beauty, uniqueness, and current threats to Cocos and its animal inhabitants. Armed with this knowledge, Costa Ricans will be poised to support measures to protect Cocos for future generations.

The Imaging Foundation's Cocos Island Exhibit project is an effort to bring about a visual representation of the challenges and possible solutions to help maintain this treasure. Donations for this project will help make the exhibit a reality.

Let's work together!