Human-like gorillas, shy pandas, and hungry lions are some of the animals that can be seen at the San Diego Zoo in California. The zoo is a big attraction for kids and adults alike, evidenced by the vast crowds present year round.

            More than just a tourist attraction, however, the San Diego Zoo prides itself on conservation work dedicated to the environment and diverse species worldwide. As the largest zoo-based multidisciplinary research facility in the world, the San Diego Zoo carries out research vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats in over 35 countries worldwide.

            One of their newest conservation initiatives is called the Living Forest Carbon Footprint Offset Program, created with the goal of protecting the threatened forests of Peru and Ecuador from deforestation.

            One forest currently under protection is the Tumbesian forest, located in Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru. Filled with biodiversity, this forest differs from other forests because it experiences both wet and dry seasons, and therefore, is home to a large population of many different species. Unfortunately, less than 5 percent of this forest remains, threatening everyone who depends on it.

            The fact that so little of this forest remains wreaks havoc on the climate and environment locally and globally. When forests are burned, they release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that ultimately contribute to climate change. However, even when only one acre of a forest is saved, it prevents the emission of 19 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and protects all the amazing animals and plants that inhabit the area.

            For the past decade, Nature and Culture International (NCI), an organization that helps protect diverse areas, has been working in this area and has established two reserves - The La Ceiba Natural Reserve (25,000 acres) and the Laipuna Natural Reserve (4,000 acres) - to protect the Tumbesian forest. Moreover, they created over 30,000 acres of community reserves, which allow local families to continue to benefit off the land while getting involved with sustainable development programs. This year, the San Diego Zoo has partnered with NCI in order to establish additional reserves and raise further awareness.

           To establish these reserves, the land needs to be purchased, and they need our help. The San Diego Zoo has installed a free online calculator where anyone can calculate their carbon footprint. The calculator uses information about people's household size and activities as well as average gas mileage and distance traveled to determine carbon emissions. After people have measured their footprint, the zoo then takes the process a step further, giving us the opportunity to buy carbon offsets to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The zoo will then use the money to purchase acreage in the threatened forests of southwestern Ecuador.

           Furthermore, by calculating our carbon footprint, we can aim to reduce and mitigate the carbon emissions we contribute to the atmosphere. Through this simple act, we have the power to enact positive change and help revitalize our forests and the entire planet.

To calculate your carbon footprint, go to this link:
http://blog.sandiegozoo.org/carbon-footprint/carbon-footprint-calculator/