Bertha Carter

Written by Andrea Holbrook, one of the founders of the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center.

Bertha Carter spent many years in the lowland tropical rainforests of Sarapiquí, Costa Rica assisting my mother in pioneering the creation of the first eco-lodge in that region, Selva Verde Lodge. Beginning sometime around 1984, she moved to the property and installed herself in a house on the land. At that time, the road to the area was not paved and this region, still today considered somewhat of a frontier, was with large tracts of rainforest interspersed with rural villages. It was remote. There, she acted on behalf of my mother obtaining all the documents and legal status for the Lodge and then managed the budding ecotourism enterprise that she was instrumental in giving shape to. As a woman from Bolivia, Bertha had a great deal of understanding about the local culture and yet she was also outstanding with her interest in helping local women gain empowerment and independence. She once told me that during her time managing Selva Verde Lodge, she quickly established a rule that only the staff member would be permitted to retrieve their paycheck. This prevented the husbands from collecting their wife’s paycheck and taking total control of the household money, which was seemingly common practice. In so many ways, Doña Bertha was a leader to the women in the area.

In addition to helping women in Sarapiquí, Doña Bertha took a special interest in helping the young naturalists in the area. At that time, Selva Verde Lodge attracted many scientists, biologists, and conservationists as our guests. Bertha made a point of introducing these guests to the local naturalists so that there could be learning, opportunity, and exchange between the parties. This practice truly helped many budding local naturalists spread their wings. Paco Madrigal was a young man whose parents were staff at Selva Verde Lodge and who was a neighbor of the Lodge. Today people like Paco, owner of Cotinga Tours, one the most important birding tourism companies in Costa Rica remember that Bertha was their ally and supporter in their personal and professional growth.

This interest in offering educational opportunities to the youth in the area reached to a new level when Bertha had the idea of starting a library in Sarapiqui. In 1993, together with my mother, Betty Ann Knudsen, and others, Bertha Carter’s dream of having a library and resource to support education in the area was realized. Through donations from Selva Verde Lodge, the construction company that built the Lodge (Resenterra S.A), and plans donated by then Dean of the School of Architecture at UNC, the building was completely established. However, had it not been for her efforts to realize the project, it never would have happened. Today, that library is now the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) or Centro para la Enseñanza y Conservacíon de Sarapiquí (CECOS). The Center is very active today and its programs have helped countless children, young adults, and adults realize a greater potential and learn about the importance of the unique rainforest environment of the region. Its programs include a scholarship program in which youth in the area can qualify for financial assistance to attend and complete their high school studies. This program has helped over 250 students who would have likely been compelled to drop out in order to help their families economically. Another flagship program of the Center is the English as a Second Language program which helps young people in the area to learn vital skills. There are countless ways in which the Center has helped the region as well as those international students that volunteer at the Center and are the “manpower” of the staff. The original idea of Doña Bertha of exchange of time, talent, and treasure is what make the Center tick.

Doña Bertha leads by example. Her frugal approach to resources teaches us the real meaning of sustainability. Bertha is strong. Bertha never raises her voice but has always been a formidable force. She has nurtured and encouraged so many. I believe her work and her life should be recognized in our community and I thank your group for making this happen.