Challenges - the largest uninhabited island in the world, thirty-six hours from the nearest port and surrounded by sharks. Present this inaccessible treasure to audiences worldwide.

Solutions - IF ACTION team on location, showcase the facts and the mysteries of the ultimate biological "Treasure Island.   Make this available to Living Planet Aquarium visitors and then transfer to Costa Rica to make this interactive display available to all Costa Rican citizens.

"Cutting-edge" technology to demonstrate ecology and experience of Cocos

Provide reasons that Cocos should be important to average Costa Ricans in addition to other countries

Perception is that the 12-mile zone is being honored, but still have no protection for corridor to Galapagos

"Year at Cocos" overall theme

Cocos Island: This tiny plot of land off the western coast of Costa Rica is removed and remote from modern civilization.   Traveling there is like stepping into a time machine.   Cocos Island, like a childhood fantasy, is typically surrounded by sharks and is the largest uninhabited island in the world; lying approximately 350 miles from the nearest point of land.   The topography includes mountainous terrain with sheer cliffs that drop off into the nearby deep ocean, lush, dense tropical forest, and numerous waterfalls. It even has its own localized weather system.

Because this exotic destination is so inaccessible by most people, including the general citizens of Costa Rica, they will never get to experience first-hand this biological treasure.   Even today, the only reliable method to reach the island is by a long, and frequently very rough, boat ride.

The Imaging Foundation's "Cocos Island Exhibit" project is using cutting-edge, high-definition media, and hands-on exhibits to allow many more people to get a glimpse into this remote world who wouldn't otherwise be able to experience it.   From this kind of educational experience comes a respect and desire to help protect the island and its unique inhabitants.