Many critical habitats for amphibians lie in private hands throughout the Tropics, and are at imminent risk of destruction because of lack of restrictions on deforestation and degradation. Almost half of the world’s 7,000 amphibian species are already in decline, and this is set to rise as the destruction of their habitat continues. Over 800 threatened amphibian species are found solely outside of reserves and, as such, are afforded no protection at all.

There is a silver lining, however. Because so many of these species live within a very restricted geographic range or even a single locality, a rare opportunity for conservation presents itself. Entire species can be safeguarded through the strategic protection of relatively small tracts of core habitat.

“Land purchase, where possible, can be a valuable approach to habitat protection because it places ownership and management responsibility directly in the hands of the in-country partner organization. We have found this to be effective in ensuring the long-term protection and management of key sites for amphibians, which typically have small home ranges in the tropics and therefore can be protected with the strategic acquisition of small tracts of land.” says Don Church, Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance.

Protecting key habitats and empowering local communities can save entire species saved from impending extinction with relatively modest and focused investments. The Amphibian Survival Alliance provides the financial support necessary to allow local organizations to purchase and manage these critical lands.

Empowering local people is also one of the driving forces behind the ASA’s newest partner, 1% for the Planet business member Pura Vida Bracelets.

Almost three years ago, two friends, Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall, created Pura Vida Bracelets after stumbling across amazing hand-made bracelets in Costa Rica while on a surf trip. Each bracelet sold helps to provide full-time jobs to over 30 local artisans in Costa Rica. Additionally, Pura Vida Bracelets wanted to do more than just help the artisans in Costa Rica, and developed the ‘Charity Collection’ to give back! Through this collection, Pura Vida Bracelets has been able to raise thousands of dollars for over 150 different charities to date.

“The Charity Collection has grown to more than we even imaged and we’re so happy that we are able to support and give back to so many deserving organizations and causes,” says Biana Kofman from Pura Vida Bracelets. The hard work that goes into making each bracelet represents the dedication and respect for the beautiful land that we all live in.

The new partnership between Pura Vida Bracelets and the Amphibian Survival Alliance will empowers local artisans to earn a livelihood and it helps to protect habitats and species upon which we all depend.

Visit the Pura Vida Bracelets website today to purchase your very own “Leaping to the Rescue” bracelet and proudly display your dedication to saving amphibians around the globe. The colors of the bracelet are reminiscent of the bright colors of amphibians found throughout the Tropics.

$1.00 from the sale of each $5.00 bracelet is donated to the Amphibian Survival Alliance to support amphibian conservation efforts on the ground.

It is important to remember, you are not just buying a product, you are buying a cause and a way of life. The phrase “Pura Vida” means pure life in Spanish. Enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune and not taking anything for granted embodies the Pura Vida Lifestyle. It’s about being free and loving life to its fullest with no regrets or taking anything for granted; it’s an attitude. Pura Vida directly translates into “Pura Life,” simple as that!