Photo: Raul Cole
The Savegre river flows from more than 3200 meters above sea level and is considered the cleanest watershed in all of the Americas.
I spent a couple days recently at the headwaters of the Rio Savegre, high up in the mountains in San Gerardo de Dota, and was moved by how beautiful, pristine, and clear the river is at it’s birthplace.
This area is in great danger of being destroyed, however, by a dam which is already in the initial stages – a dam which would cause irreparable damage to one of healthiest ecosystems in the country.
Surrounding the Savegre river is one of the most diverse areas in all of Costa Rica, home to more than 20% of all plant species in the country and more endemic species than any other area.
Forest cover is incredibly dense as well, with more than 60% of the watershed being forested and over 80% connectivity.
Even more incredible is that the Savegre watershed is the ONLY remaining intact biological corridor in all of Central America that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Talamanca mountain range – providing a home for a wide variety of animals including the Tapir and Jaguar.
For people, the impact of the impending dam is immediately clear – one only needs to look at the filth of the Rio Reventazon and the loss of farmland and tourism that has taken place to see the possible future of the Rio Savegre for the locals who call the area home.
I’m one of those people, and as someone who has lived near the Savegre now for nearly 5 years, I think it’s extremely tragic to see the dam project moving forward in one of the most unspoiled natural areas on the planet.
After enjoying a few days by the sparkling clear whitewater of the Savegre river headwaters, I’m even more saddened to think that in a few short years, that water will make its way down the mountain and be changed into dirty polluted dam water before being released toward the Pacific Ocean.
There have been movements to stop the dam or at the very least ensure some bit of sustainability to save the Savegre, and I would encourage you to learn about the Savegre watershed and consider adding your voice with those who desire to save it.
For more information on whitewater and the beautiful Rio Savegre watershed, visit facebook.com/mountainreport and leave your comments.
Surfing the Fluid Anvil on the Rio Savegre