[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 153 (Tuesday, October 20, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PASO PACIFICO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2015

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Paso Pacifico, an organization wholeheartedly dedicated to the 
restoration and conservation of the natural ecosystem of Central 
America's Pacific Slope, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. 
Headquartered in Ventura County, California, Paso Pacifico transcends 
distance by committing itself to an ecological mission and vision that 
is shared by the Nicaraguan communities that it serves.
   Beginning as a collaborative dream of Sarah Otterstrom and Liza 
Gonzalez, Paso Pacifico has grown into an exceptional organization that 
strives to rescue, save, and rehabilitate the natural wonders and 
resources of Central America, and specifically Nicaragua. Paso Pacifico 
has worked diligently to collaborate with private landowners, local 
businesses, government agencies, local and international non-
governmental organizations, schoolchildren, and conservation scientists 
to protect Nicaragua's fragile ecosystem.
   For the past decade, Paso Pacifico has empowered local communities 
and economies by creating and managing community programs throughout 
the region. These programs have ranged from mitigating climate change 
to rebuilding forests in order to positively affect the future of the 
global ecology. Paso Pacifico has developed conservation programs to 
address the issues that impact the local coastal and marine ecosystems. 
The organization's efforts include beach cleanup projects that have 
been comprised of over 6,000 people spanning across 80 beaches in 
Nicaragua, removing over 330,000 pounds of trash. Since 2005, Paso 
Pacifico has had a profound impact and has saved the habitats of the 
local endangered wildlife, including four species of sea turtles, the 
black-handed spider monkey, and the yellow-naped Amazon parrot.
   Due to an outstanding and remarkable team including a dedicated 
staff, active Board of Directors, and numerous scientists, 
professionals, and volunteers, Paso Pacifico has achieved notable 
success through its unique programs and initiatives. Paso Pacifico has 
received the Emil M. Mrak International Award from the University of 
California, Davis, as well as the Gold Level Validation by the Climate, 
Community & Biodiversity Alliance. Paso Pacifico has also been honored 
and recognized by National Geographic, the United States Forest 
Service, and the Disney Conservation Fund.
   For their significant and critical efforts to protect the 
environment along the Pacific Coast of Central America, I am honored to 
recognize Paso Pacifico for 10 years of service. It is with sincere 
gratitude that I congratulate Paso Pacifico on reaching this momentous 
milestone and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

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