We are a Costa Rican non profit organization focused on conserving the natural ecosystems of the country, its keystone species and integrity of communities that live in interaction with them.

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About Us

We develop ecological research to provide a base line to take conservation actions for species and ecosystems along side with human development projects.

We focus on local people and communities to empower them, because:


«We will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught.” -Baba Dioum.

OUR MISION
Contribute to the conservation of carnivores, their prey species and their ecosystems in Costa Rica, through the development of research and collaboration with national and international allies, providing valuable information for conservation decisions at local and national levels.
OUR VISION
To be a leader organization in research and conservation of carnivores, their prey and ecosystems in Costa Rica, recognized for being interdisciplinary and inclusive with communities and different stakeholders in the processes of conservation of biological diversity and strengthening human capital with a focus on local to global scale.

Our Team

Our Team is composed of renown researchers, professionals and entrepreneurs with a long career in Biological Research, Ecotourism, Wildlife Photography and Education, all of them with a strong commitment for the conservation of key stone species and their ecosystems in Costa Rica.

Our Team

Our Team is composed of renown researchers, professionals and entrepreneurs with a long career in Biological Research, Ecotourism, Wildlife Photography and Education, all of them with a strong commitment for the conservation of key stone species and their ecosystems in Costa Rica.
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Andrea Cartín
ANDREA CARTÍN
Bachelor of Public Relations and specialty in Communication and Marketing with Master of Social Responsibility and Sustainability. More than two decades of working experience focusing her knowledge on her great passion for sustainability, seeking alternatives that do not compromise the natural resources of future generations. Passionate about nature and its protection, she actively participates in environmental care and education projects, fostering alliances and joint work to achieve common goals among all.
Carolina Bolaños
CAROLINA SAENZ BOLAÑOS
Forest Engineer and Master in Conservation and Wildlife Management from National University of Costa Rica. Carnivore specialist with more than 10 years of experience in research and conservation of felines in the Caribbean slope, focused on human-feline conflict and perception of wildlife in indigenous communities. Currently researcher from ICOMVIS-National University of Costa Rica.
Fernando Madrigal
FERNANDO MADRIGAL
Industrial Engineer with Master in Business Management. President of the Costa Rican National Chamber of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism (CANAECO) and member of the Verification Council for Sustainability Tourism Certification from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). Owner and Manager of 'Sensoria' Theme Park in Rincón de la Vieja dedicated to eco-touristic and sustainable activities.
Eduardo Carrillo
EDUARDO CARRILLO
Forest Engineer and Master in Conservation and Wildlife Management from National University of Costa Rica. PhD in Conservation and Wildlife Management by the University of Massachusetts. Through more than 35 years of experience in the conservation field he has contributed with IUCN Central America, Wildlife Conservation Society for Mesoamerica. Currently he is professor of both the National University of Costa Rica and Associate Professor of the Environmental Conservation Department of the University of Massachusetts.
Giovanni Miranda
GIOVANNI MIRANDA
Commercial and Logistics Director of Salazar Comunicación S.A., experts in Trade Marketing and BTL with 27 years of experience in Costa Rica.
Grace Wong
GRACE WONG REYES
Bachelor in Forest Engineering and specialty in Forest Sciences with emphasis in Wildlife Management, Master in Conservation and Management of Wildlife at the National University of Costa Rica. She did her doctoral studies in Wildlife Conservation at the University of Massachusetts. She has worked in primate ecology and conservation, environmental education, human-wildlife interaction, conservation of medium and large mammals, protected areas, and the human dimension of wildlife.
Isabel Hagnauer
ISABEL HAGNAUER
Veterinary from the National University of Costa Rica. She has great experience in management of wildlife species, specially mammals. Founder of Hagnauer Foundation, has contributed with several wildlife research projects from the ICOMVIS-UNA, and various activities related to academia of National University of Costa Rica. Currently she is the head Veterinarian of ZooAve Rescue Center.
Jose Manzanila
JESUS JIMÉNEZ
Environmental Engineer with knowledge in sustainability strategies, certifications and adaptation to climate change. Worked at Grupo Britt for more than 3 years, developed alliances for the conservation of the biodiversity of Costa Rica. Currently Environmental Consultant.
Jose Manzanila
JOSE MANZANILLA
Wildlife photographer and conservationist. Always felt the irresistible temptation to capture these landscapes and share them with everyone. The greatest challenge is not only to achieve the moment of perfect light or to reflect the life of extraordinary marvels, but to experiment with the technical resources to be able to transmit to other people the same details and forms that astonish those who watch them live.
Juan Carlos Cruz
JUAN CARLOS CRUZ
Biologist and Master in Conservation and Wildlife Management from the National University of Costa Rica. Researcher from "Programa Jaguar"-UNA. Carnivore specialist with more than 10 years of experience in research and conservation of felines in the Osa Peninsula, focused on abundance, Jaguar-White-lipped peccary interaction and community based monitoring programs for wildlife.
Laura Porras
LAURA PORRAS
Biologist and Master in Conservation and Wildlife Management from the National University of Costa Rica, with a PhD in Ecology and Sustainable Development from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in Mexico. She has also worked on issues of ecology and conservation of medium and large mammals and interactions between humans and some species of wildlife. Member of the IUCN Group of Crocodile Specialists since 2005 and an Academic of the National University since 2010.
Manuel Sanchez
MANUEL SANCHEZ
Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer. He has contributed with several sea turtle conservation projects, bird, reptile and amphibian ecological research in Costa Rica and the United States. Founder and coordinator of Sea Turtle Conservation Program "Tortugas Preciosas de Osa" which focuses on active conservation, and environmental education in the Osa Peninsula.
Max Villalobos
MAX VILLALOBOS
Bachelor in Natural Resources Management with a broad expertise in biodiversity conservation, agroforestry and ecosystems restoration developed over seventeen years working in Central America with communities, farmers and indigenous people. He has contributed with Conservation International, the Tropical Science Center (CCT), the Nature Conservancy (TNC), Humane Society International and local NGOs in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.
Priscilla Murillo
PRISCILA MURILLO
Tourism Management and Digital Marketing specialist. Worked in the tourism industry since 2005, specialized in sustainable tourism development and community projects like "Certificado de Sostenibilidad Turística (CST)" and Bandera Azul Ecológica. Currently leads Costa Rica and Panama teams for Overseas Adventure Travel.
Victor Montalvo
VICTOR MONTALVO
Forest Engineer and Master in Conservation and Wildlife Management from National University of Costa Rica. Has worked for 10 years in the "Programa Jaguar" of the National University in conservation of wild felines and their prey species. Currently coordinates the conservation project of felines and their prey in the Guanacaste Conservation Area as a researcher from ICOMVIS-National University of Costa Rica.