It’s hard to think of radio as a significant player in these brave new days of Internet-connected humans who are tuned in to real-time social media updates on their smartphones. Ticos have learned to embrace online social networking and digital publications -as this one- with abundant glee. Still, terrestrial radio plays a vital role in the lives of people in Costa Rica thanks to a few factors that often prove elusive to social media: penetration and audience engagement. For passionate conservationist Jani Schulz, radio has been the perfect medium to spread her thoughtful message of environmental protection and love for the Osa Peninsula.

Rainforest Radio is an idea born from Jani and other like-minded environmentalists and broadcast professionals who believe that the power of radio can elevate the interests of the community, particularly in 21st century Costa Rica. The result is one of the coolest radio stations in the country. Rainforest Radio broadcasts on 960 AM, streams live online from their website, and archives recorded podcasts of its shows. Listeners should not be led astray by the name of the station. Rainforest Radio may have a deep interest in sustainability and conservation issues in the Peninsula, but the broadcast isn’t limited to lectures from radical eco-warriors or tree-huggers. Rainforest Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day, and its format will be familiar to anyone who has ever listened to community radio. The ecological angle is certainly there, but there’s also enough music programming to satisfy eclectic tastes.

A typical day at Rainforest Day starts early, while it’s still very dark outside, with rural programming courtesy of Escuela Para Todos, a classic educational radio program that has been serving the interests of the remote communities in Central America and Mexico since the late 1960s. The requisite morning show follows, hosted by Robert Rainforest, a man whose mission is to inform the community about the important mission of preserving the biodiversity of the region and the entire country. Robert is a citizen scientist, a person dedicated to the democratic advancement of scientific interest. Robert’s show gives way to a motley schedule of radio programs that feature news, music, and commentary throughout the day.

Other interesting shows include Wetline and Pesca Responsable, both dedicated to sustainable fishing and conservation of marine habitats. Catedra de Salud deals with personal health issues that can be alleviated with a little help from the environment. Redneck Jungle Stuff plays two important genres of music: country AND western, but those aren’t the only types of music played on Rainforest Radio. Pop, Latin, Reggae and even Ranchera play at different times throughout the day. There are also shows dedicated to the mystical and unknown, healthy cooking and dining, and the requisite sports.

Jana of the Jungle is Rainforest Radio’s flagship show. Jani Schulz is the host, and every Wednesday at 11:00 AM she features guests and topics relevant to ecological conservation and the community. Jani’s show has international following, as it is also featured on the Internet at LA Talk Radio. Jana of the Jungle is sponsored by Nature Air, a Costa Rican airline that has the distinction of being 100 percent carbon-neutral, and which is known to offer some of the most scenic flights.

Rainforest Radio is broadcast from two locations, one studio in San Jose and the one which enjoys the nice view on the picture above. To understand Jani’s view and why the vision of Rainforest Radio is important, all one has to do is take a good look at that picture and read her thoughtful explanation:

“Our studio view is of the Golfo Dulce and the rainforest of the Osa. If you look past the little islands you see the expanse of the Osa Peninsula which holds Corcovado National Park and on the other side of the Osa is the Pacific Ocean. So far, Osa has been a success story. You don’t see the Golfo Dulce full of speed boats and traffic. You don’t see high rise condos or as my friend El Tigre says, “megaconstruction” in the landscape. What is located in all that beauty are more species of animals, plants, birds, insects, trees than anyplace in the World!”